Last updated: April 12, 2010
CAMERA SERVICE CENTERS IN JAPAN
To find contact info for camera repair in Japan, click on the links below.
Canon | Casio | Epson | FujiFilm | Kenko-Tokina | Kodak | Konica-Minolta |Kyocera | Mamiya | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic Lumix | Pentax | Polaroid |Ricoh | Sigma | Sony | Tamron | Independent Repair Centers
What is PhotoRepairs?
An English list of camera repair centers in Japan organized according to camera manufacturer. This is where you can find your nearest camera service center in Japan or find out how to send in your camera for repair. In recent years, many manufacturers closed their service centers in regional cities. So now the service centers are concentrated in the largest cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. All camera makers also offer mail-in repair services where you send in your camera for repair.
How can I repair my camera in Japan?
You can either take your camera to the manufacturer’s service center or call a phone number and find out where to send it for repair. It might also be possible for someone to pick it up at your location. Sometimes your camera dealer can accept cameras for repair.
How long does it take to repair a camera?
It usually takes one week for digital cameras. Certain manufacturers offer a quick repair service or same-day service depending on the camera model, the type of repair, how early in the day you bring in your camera, and how busy they are that day. Call to check. If you are a tourist visiting Japan, you will need to make sure whether the camera will be repaired fast enough while you’re here. Call to check.
Also, if you are registered at a pro service center, you can get it back much faster and at cheaper rates. To be eligible to receive services from a pro service center, you must register and show proof that you are a full-time pro photographer.
What about cleaning my D-SLR’s sensor?
You can usually have it cleaned on the same day you take it in. But if they are busy, it may require overnight service. Best to take your camera earlier in the day, by early afternoon so it will be ready the same day. Or you can call them to ask how long it will take. They might charge for cleaning the sensor, especially if the warranty has expired.
Do they speak English?
Staff at camera repair centers in Japan usually don’t speak English, so when you call, try to have someone who can speak Japanese to inquire for you.
How much will it cost to repair my camera?
For expensive SLR equipment, expect to pay an arm or leg or both. Compact digital cameras usually cost around 8,000 to 13,000 yen to repair. Most service centers have a Web page listing their repair prices. You can also ask by phone for an estimate.
Can I pay by credit card?
Note that camera repair centers do not accept credit cards. Prepare to pay in cash. Even when you send in your camera for repair, it will usually be delivered to you C.O.D. so you will have to pay the delivery person in cash upon receiving the repaired camera.
How should I send my camera to a repair center in Japan?
You should ship it via a courier service called takkyubin (宅急便) available at most convenience stores. Or go to a post office and request Yu-Pack. You fill out the address label with the address and stick it on to the box. You will then receive the receipt that has the package tracking No. in case it gets lost. Better to not send anything via parcel post or regular mail.
What are independent camera service centers?
These are companies that are independent from camera manufacturers. They specialize in repairing old (classic) and discontinued cameras and often manufacture their own spare parts after the camera maker runs out of parts to fix your camera.
In other words, if your camera is too old to be repaired by the manufacturer, then you can take it to an independent camera repair center if it’s worth repairing.
I forgot to bring my warranty card!
If your camera is a new model introduced less than a year ago, it will be obvious that it is still under warranty (usually 1 year), so they will likely repair it under the warranty even if you don’t have the warranty card. But try to bring the warranty card just in case, especially if you have an international waranty.
