Services

I have soft focus issues with my camera

Camera Clinic receives many inquires regarding focus issues. These issues can relate to the camera, lenses or user.

This is a common issue customers have with their equipment causing major problems.

There are many variables to focus and resolution:

Edge to edge to sharpness

Back focusing

Forward focusing

Resolution

User movement

Overall softness

Customers expectations of their equipment

Using older - non digital lenses on digital cameras

Using non genuine lenses on your camera

Using new cameas with older lenses

Customers sample images are most helpful.

The process of testing and calibration is:

Camera Body:

We test the focus of the body using our factory calibrated test lens and specific test targets. If calibration is required to the camera body, then we use the camera's specific service software to perform the necessary adjustments.

Once we have adjusted the focus under "lab" conditions, we then take several shots in normal shooting environments to confirm the adjustments.

Lens:

We test each lens across the full focal range as there can be focal variations, Eg: 24-70 - the 24 mm end may be sharp and 70 mm end the focus is out.

We test for edge to edge resolution, focus point (back/forward focus), and we also check for dust, fungus etc.

To test the focus point, we once again use factory specified targets and in most cases we use the lens service software to perform any necessary adjustments.

To test the resolution we use a projection system which projects a resolution chart through the lens optics onto a 4m wall. This enables us to easily check edge to edge resolution across the full focal range.

Camera Clinic's focal/resolution testing.

The general turn around 3 to 5 days however it can be subject to change.

To apply focal adjustments we need to have the calibration software for the camera and/or lens. Please phone or email us for conformation for your equipment.

If you choose to bring the camera and lenses in please email or phone ahead and we may be able to pre-book in your focal calibration adjustment.

I have trouble down loading images to my PC via the camera software

My advise would be to use a card reader, this allows you to copy the images direct to your computer hard drive then you can use your choice photo editing software to apply any changes.

Transferring images from the camera using a USB lead can cause movement of the camera USB socket, if this socket fails generally it comes as part of the main printed circuit board.

If you purchase a card reader purchase a multi purpose card reader, this will allow you to use many different cards. Make sure the card reader has the capability to read large cards.

Try removing the camera software and reinstalling.

How often should I get my camera service?

We use our digital equipment up to 5 to 10 times more than our film cameras, we have the facility of view and delete. When we had a roll of 36 film we were careful what we took images of and as a consumer the roll would last for at least three birthday parties.

Today with our digital cameras we take up to 100 or more images at the one birthday party. This creates wear on the unit.

Professionally used equipment

Should be cleaned, serviced and maintained every year. They are tools of your trade and they do need to be serviced and maintained to prevent break downs.

Consumer units

Depending on the usage. General recommendation is every second to third year. If you are a high usage consumer perhaps every one to two years.

SRT

Shutter release time. Most cameras have a shutter counter in them. Each time the shutter unit is fired the camera keeps count. This is a good indication of the type of service your equipment will require. If the camera has a high SRT (100,000 or above) the unit may require a full clean and service. The technician will inspect the cameras major moving parts for wear. If these parts show sighs of wear we will recommend their replacement.

A low shutter release count the equipment may require a basic clean and service and preventative maintenance.

A high shutter release count the equipment may require the major moving parts to be replaced.

Camera	Shutter
Camera	Aperture
Lens	Diaphragm
Lens	Silent wave motor
Lens	Ultrasonic motor
Flash	Tube

How often should I get my CCD/Sensor filter cleaned?

If you have intrusive dots on your images and it’s annoying or it’s an effort to edit out the dots this is time to get the filter cleaned.

Most dots will show up in a low contrast image.

To test the camera for dust take a picture of a white wall or a blue sky. If there is dust on the filter it will show up with less contrast images and a small aperture

Small aperture, stop down the lens to the highest number on the aperture ring ie: F22.

CCD/Filter cleaning

Before clean After clean

How much will it cost for a quote/inspection?

Quote - Inspection fees

Quote fee is $49.50 one piece of equipment

Combination special: Camera and lens (only) the quote fee will be split between the two units. Each unit will be $24.75. The quote fee comes off the cost of the repair.

Additional piece of equipment is $49.50.

We do not quote under $150.00 per item. If the repair cost is under $150.00 the repair will be carried out and the quote fee will come off the cost of the repair. Film units are the exception.

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