How often and where should I get my EOS serviced?

How often and where should I get my EOS serviced? What needs to be done, and why? What are the pros/cons of using Canon vs. and independent shop?

I am in the habit of taking my EOS 1n to a local Canon authorized

service center (Camtronics, in Columbus, OH) once a year (usually in

February, when I'm not using the camera much) to be inspected,

cleaned, and to have shutter speeds, etc. checked for accuracy. This

costs about $70.00, and IMO is money well spent. Camtronics

recommends more extensive disassembly, lubrication, cleaning etc.

(~$150.00), only if the less invasive inspection and cleaning

process uncovers problems that warrant it. Personally, I would never

use a service that was not Canon authorized, especially since I always

purchase the extended warranties.

It depends on how much you use it. Personally, I've never had any of

my EOS bodies serviced and none of them have ever failed or gone out

of spec as far as I can tell. If I had one body which I used heavily,

banged around and dropped, I might get it serviced more regularly!

 

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I think modern cameras with electronic shutter timing and electronic

lens connections (like EOS) probably need a lot less servicing than

earlier bodies with mechanical shutter timing and mechanical lens

linkages.