Frequently Asked Questions

Factory Cameras is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Factory Cameras is insured against loss or damage to our customer's photographic equipment while it is in our possession. 

We always recommend our customers buy shipping insurance when using a third-party service to send their cameras and equipment to us. 

Factory Cameras was started with the idea that “conserving” vintage film cameras was a vitally important undertaking. We treat every camera we restore or repair as though it’s the last of its kind. We mean that.

Our approach isn’t that much different than that of conservators who restore fine art, or peoples who are dedicated to restoring automobiles.

If a camera can be repaired, we’ll find a way to do it. Properly. We love photography, and we love film. Our work shows it.

Give us chance to work on your camera. 

Every camera repaired, restored, or sold by Factory Cameras is reconditioned or overhauled to original factory standards (or as close as technically possible).

Guided by original manufacturer specifications, each camera is tested, cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted for precision performance.

Unlike most dealers, Factory Cameras guarantees the functional integrity of its products (see FAQ: Does Factory guarantee its cameras?). Factory performs calibration using a custom computer laser measurement system.

If a camera can’t be restored to factory specs, we won’t sell it.

Yes.

We're always looking for vintage camera equipment. We specialize in bringing older film cameras back to perfect working condition. If you have one to sell, please contact us and we'll have a look.

Even if a camera seems like junk, it can still be used as a source for parts to repair and restore other cameras. We'll happily take your broken gear.

We hope that never happens because our aim is just the opposite—to make you extremely happy.

But if something hasn’t met your standards in some way, give us a chance to make it right. There is always the chance something might not go smoothly, but in almost all cases, there’s a way to rectify it. 

Just send us a note, or give us a call, and we’ll work with you to ensure you’re pleased with how we’ve served you.

Factory Cameras will help customers no matter where they live. If you can ship your camera to us for repair, we'll fix it.

Factory Cameras has an industrial-strength guarantee . 

If you buy a camera from us, it comes with a guarantee to ensure your confidence. Read about it.

If you just aren’t happy with the camera at some point in the first year you own it, we’ll refund you the full amount. All you need to do is return the camera (undamaged) to us and you’ll get your money back.

Factory Cameras will offer refunds on sales for 90 days from the time it’s received if the item is faulty or defective. 

To be eligible for a refund, the item must be returned in the same condition it was received.

Refunds will not be granted under the following conditions:

• an item is found to be damaged through neglect or misuse, or if it is missing parts that were included on the camera at the time of sale.

Forgive us, but we can't offer a refund if you dropped your camera in the water, or ran over it with your car.

Once the returned item is received and inspected, we will send you a notification that we have received the item and assessed its condition. If the camera is deemed to be in the same condition it was sent (damage during shipping aside), then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment.

Once a returned item has been received and inspected, we’ll notify you of your refund and process the return of funds. 

Sometimes credit card companies and financial organizations take several days to process refunds. We can’t control this. If it has been several days since we initiated your refund and you still haven’t seen a credit applied to your statement or account, please email us and we’ll follow up for you.

Customers are responsible for paying shipping costs for returned items.

Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund if it is sent to be “paid by receiver.”

Consider using a shipping service that offers tracking and purchasing shipping insurance. Factory Cameras can’t guarantee we will receive your returned item otherwise.

If your purchase arrived damaged, we will offer a refund if, and only if, you can demonstrate that the packaging was damaged. You will need to provide photo evidence of the product and packaging and detailed information about the problem.

Email me at kevin@factorycameras.com with the information outlined above.

We are always aiming for a problem-free delivery, but can’t always guarantee it when using third-party shipping services.

Yes.

We guarantee our repairs for 90 days from the time you get your camera back. If the problem repaired recurs within that time, we’ll fix it again no charge. We’ll even cover the cost of shipping if you need to send it back for a second look. 

If you live in Metro Vancouver, you can bring your camera to us direct. If you live further away, you can ship it to our designated shipping depot (we'll send the address on request). In either case, our booking system will give you the information you need depending on how your gear is getting here.

If you’re shipping your camera, be sure to read our shipping guidelines for advice on how best to pack your equipment.

In rare cases, we can make arrangements for local pick-up. Just let us know when you book if you need our help.

We repair 35mm and medium format film cameras. That includes SLRs, TLRs (twin-lens reflex cameras), and range-finders.

If you’re wondering what brands we service, have a look at our partial list in the question immediately following this one.

Factory Cameras repairs most brands—if your camera comes from one of these makers, we’ll fix it for you.

• Canon
• Pentax
• Olympus
• Nikon
• Leica
• Kodak
• Fujica
• Yashica/Contax (some models excluded)
• Mamiya
• Konica
• Hasselblad
• Minolta (some models excluded)
• Zeiss

Please inquire if you don't see your brand on this list.

That depends what needs to be done. Please check our Service Pricing page for general costs.

When you request a repair, we’ll ask for your best guess about what’s wrong. Once we receive the item and determine the issue, we’ll get in touch and let you know how much it will be to repair. 

No. 

We aren't equipped to handle the complexities of digital camera repair.

If your digital camera needs repair, our recommendation is to look for a certified service centre for your particular brand or send it to the manufacturer.

We’re a new company, so our reputation and track record are being established. That means we're going to work hard to make sure offer our best.

But we got into this business because we love photography in all its forms, even those that many consider to be dying out.

To us, preserving vintage cameras is like conserving art, classic automobiles, or anything else that has cultural significance.

We take immense pride in our work, and we treat every camera like it’s the last of its kind—invaluable.

Please send us your camera; we’ll take great pleasure in restoring it.

Please read our guidelines for detailed tips and advice on how to best pack your camera for shipping.

We recommend buying insurance for your camera equipment. Always.

If the camera worth less than the insurance costs and you don’t care if you ever see it again, then that changes things.

But if you do care, buying insurance is money well spent even if the camera is only worth $100.

Factory Cameras uses a secure shipping depot to receive packages. Your camera will never be left unattended on our doorstep as a target for package pirates. We value your equipment as much as you do.