Precision Camera Repair, Inc. Sent Canon Rebel XT SLR for repair; returned as unrepairable and further physically damaged El Paso, Texas

Sent the camera in to Precision Camera after paying a flat rate in advance of about $130.  I knew ahead of time that if they could not fix the camera I would be out my $130.  That is not the issue of this ripoff report.  The original symptoms and the rapidity in which the camera failed suggested a repairable electronic problem, or I would not have taken the chance.

Camera arrived with the following short statement:

"Unfortunately, we must return your equipment unrepaired as it is beyond economical repair (BER) due to extensive internal corrosion damage found upon examination.  In our opinion a reliable repair is not possible to your equipment due to this damage."

The first thing I noticed is the camera body had an internal rattle that was absolutely not present when I mailed it.  I also noticed the pop-out flash had been damaged as if the camera had been dropped.  This damage was absolutely not present when I mailed it in to them.

I myself am an electronics tech, very familiar with electronic circuitry and surface mount components.  I figured I had nothing to lose, since the symptoms were actually a lot worse than before I sent the camera.  So I pulled off the outer case completely and did a very careful inspection of my own.  I know what corrosion looks like on miniature ribbon connectors, leaking/defective surface mount components, and metal surfaces.  As far as I could tell there was absolutely NO corrosion of any kind anywhere inside the camera....much less the "extensive internal corrosion" claimed by Precision Camera.

I say again - there is absolutely no evidence I can see anywhere of corrosion of any type whatsoever.  The camera exhibits physical damage in at least the two areas outlined above, and the display symptoms are worse than when I sent it in.

You can draw your own conclusions on this.  Personally, I will never do business with Precision Camera again, and you can bet I'll relate my experience to all my photographer friends, most of whom are professionals.

Since I suspect many camera shops use Precision Camera for repairs, you would do well to check with them beforehand on any of your repairs.