You Get Royal Service at Digi Tech Camera Repair in Monrovia

By Terry Miller

Published: Monday, December 7th, 2009

I find it hard to believe it’s taken me three years to write about a great little camera repair specialist right here in Monrovia!

In fact, he was showcased in a recent Los Angeles Magazine article naming his the Best Camera Repair in LA. High praise indeed and I can see why!

The owner of DigiTech camera repair, John Berberian, offers a distinct point of view on cameras and their repair.
In a fast-paced world, John Berberian takes time to discuss the problem with his customers – often the problem could be a simple “now, why didn’t I think of that!”….but the point is, you didn’t- John did!

Berberian has a beguiling background: Both his father and grandfather were the official Royal Photographers for King Hussein and King Abdullah of Jordan respectively. King Abdullah bestowed upon John’s grandfather, the highest honor of medals for photographic service to the Royal Family. Both traveled extensively with the Royal Family and on occasion John would accompany his father to the Palace. However, he preferred being in the background. However this rich history has no doubt become part of his mantra. Digi Tech truly does offer Royal service to which his many loyal customers will attest.

I asked John Berberian why, with the multihued history of photographers in his immediate family, why he chose to be the other side of the viewfinder …” I’ve always preferred electronics and this is why I studied camera repair in the United States.” In 1982 he attended the National Camera Repair course (one of the very best in the US) in Denver.

John with years of technical experience under his belt, decided to open his own store in Monrovia a few years ago in Monrovia. His wife, a MAFA artist, has decorated the store with some of her amazing paintings. We’ll profile her another time!

I’ve been shooting pictures professionally for over 27 years and have more than my fair share of camera disaster stories and repair nightmares. But what struck me about John Berberian was how thoughtful he was when I took my Nikon in for what I thought was a serious exposure problem, one I thought might involve major surgery.

Now having said that, I say I’ve been shooting for many years, but still I’m relatively new to digital intricacies of pro DSLR’s. When I took the Nikon in, John knew immediately that my problem was a simple setting issue on the camera’s menu and voila, problem solved. All is not what it appears, apparently. I was very impressed and John immediately garnered my utmost respect and confidence.

I make no apologies; my equipment is used every day and is prone to undue and sometimes unique punishment from an over-zealous photojournalist who wants to get the best shot possible at any given situation. This often involves unintentional banging and the occasional fall in which a prime lens or body can suffer the consequences.

On my next visit to John, I KNEW I needed a full repair. A rather expensive and heavy Nikkor 300mm 2. 8 lens (purchased from a colleague) was in need of a full breakdown repair to get the thing off life support. Now I was prepared for sticker shock! (It was one of the last pro 300 2.8′s made in Japan).

With the same calm and professional attitude, John told me what was involved and gave me what I thought was a very fair estimate for such a complex job.

Most digital cameras purchased within the last few years can be repaired and probably economically! The nice thing about DigiTech is that they’re honest and will not do repairs unless you approve the estimate.

One thing to remember about digital cameras, perhaps more important than anything, is that the sensor HAS to be clean and spotless. DigiTech has possibly the lowest price anywhere on this essential service. And, they do it right, the first time.

One thing that struck me, perhaps more than anything, is how clean the work area and shop is. Camera repair is very complex and it would seem to me that the area around these precision instruments be spotless and dust free. This IS the case at DigiTech.

What a difference a few years make. If you’d have told me 6 years ago that I’d be using a laptop instead of a darkroom I’d have said you were a candidate for the funny farm!

Well low and behold; I’m there along with countless photographers around the globe who shoot nothing but digital images now.

As a professional, I used to belong to a Nikon organization call NPS which gives priority to members repair orders. However, those repairs were always done elsewhere and via UPS. I never once got to speak to the tech who actually worked on the lenses. That’s okay and the system works but I prefer one on one business relationships.

Occasionally, as with film cameras, things can go and will go wrong. It’s good to know a technician like John Berberian at Digi-Tech with whom you can not only trust with your valuable gear, but also have a conversation with about the issues facing the camera or lens in question. It’s great to know there is such a place in Monrovia…I couldn’t recommend Digi Tech highly enough for any photographic repairs whether it’s a 35mm or a camcorder! Simply put, they know what they are doing, their prices very reasonable and they treat customers with respect!
Quite a winning combination.
DigiTech is located at 447 West Foothill Blvd, Monrovia . The cross street is Mayflower. Call (626) 359-0429 for more information.

Posted by Terry Miller on Dec 7th, 2009 and filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response by filling following comment form or trackback to this entry from your site

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