Read this before sending your camera for repair!

[Sambo]

Recently my A700 started to show a “camera error� message when I tried to take a photo. The only time it would operate was when the lens aperture was set to the widest opening. That lent me to believe that the aperture unit had failed. Through a forum on the Minolta/Sony site, I asked for advice. One response was from Mark at Precision Camera http://www.precisioncamera.com, and was very helpful in troubleshooting the problem. Based on the advice of some members there, I decided to send the camera out for repair. This was not an easy decision, since I had never done this before. It is not easy sending your rather large investment to a nameless and faceless technician somewhere and trust that the camera will be care for. I contacted Mark from Precision Camera via PM, and he responded immediately. He then sent me a form to fill out that had very clear instructions on how to describe the problem, how to pack the camera, and shipping information. I sent the package out and it arrived at Precision Camera on 2/1/10. Their website is very user friendly and informative. I could track the status of the repair through all steps of the process. Mark stayed in touch the whole time as well. I was informed via email when the camera was finished in repair and shipped. I was provided a tracking number so I could track its journey back to my house. It arrived 2/10/10. So ten days from arrival at the repair facility to arrival to my house. And this was in the middle of some of the worst snow storms on record for the area of the country that Precision Camera is located. I think that is very acceptable for the amount of work that was preformed.

After opening the package, I must say that I am VERY impressed with the repair. I am very particular and picky with my equipment, and I can say that the camera came back meeting my high standards. There were no marks from errant screw drivers, scratches or fingerprints. They actually replaced the mirror box, recalibrated the autofocus, cleaned the sensor, and made sure that the camera had the latest software updates. Quick tests showed that the camera is in PERFECT shape. Just like new! The tech that worked on it gets a gold star in my book.

Precision Camera also gets a double gold star. I even got a courtesy call from them letting me know that the repairs were complete and the camera was on its way home. The process from start to finish exceeded all my expectations (not an easy thing to do). Customer service knows that they actually work for the customer, the web site is very informative and intuitive, and the craftsmanship of the technicians is impeccable and of very high standards.

All said and done, I would HIGHLY recommend Precision Camera for camera repairs. If your camera is broke, or just needs a check-up, do not hesitate giving it to Precision. They will take care of it just like the own it. You will not be disappointed!

[RTaylor]

great review Sam, and so glad things worked out for you :wink:
Thanks for taking the time to let everyone know the good news.
Most times you only see bad news on the internet with repairs, good to hear the good news.

[bdelia]

Thanks for the info... I have sony with a similar problem.