A film camera can survive decades of use and still be damaged by one badly packed parcel. Safe shipping is less about filling a box with random material and more about stopping movement, protecting controls and making the parcel identifiable if the outer label is damaged.

Berlin Photo Studio accepts cameras by drop-off or shipment for the Camera Cleaning Service. Shipping to the studio and return shipping are not included in the service price.

1. Place the service order first

Select Basic Cleaning & Check, Advanced Camera Cleaning or Advanced Cleaning with Light Seal Replacement before shipping. The order number connects the physical camera with your contact and selected service.

If the camera is not working, has liquid or impact damage, severe corrosion, fungus, a shutter fault or an electronic problem, contact the studio first. The fixed-price cleaning packages are not repair packages.

2. Photograph the camera before packing

Make a quick record of the body, top plate, base, back, lens and any existing damage. Photograph the serial number separately. This helps identify the equipment and records its condition before transport.

3. Remove what is not needed

• Remove all film.
• Remove straps, cases, filters and loose accessories unless they are part of the reported problem.
• Remove batteries unless they are necessary to demonstrate an intermittent electrical fault and have been agreed in advance.
• Fit a body cap and rear lens cap when shipping body and lens separately.
• Use the lens cap if the lens remains attached.

Do not place loose batteries or metal accessories beside the camera. They can move through padding and damage the body.

4. Protect the camera from moisture and abrasion

Place the camera in a clean plastic bag or protective wrap before adding impact protection. This prevents packaging fibres from entering the camera and offers a small barrier if the parcel becomes wet.

Do not put adhesive tape directly on the camera, leatherette, lens caps or painted surfaces.

5. Cushion every side

Wrap the camera with several layers of bubble wrap or equivalent protective material. Pay attention to protruding controls, prism housings and attached lenses. The camera should have roughly five centimetres of cushioning between it and every wall of the box.

If multiple items are shipped, wrap them separately. They must never collide inside the parcel.

6. Use a strong outer box

Choose a rigid corrugated box with enough space for protection but not so much empty volume that everything can shift. Original display boxes are useful for organisation but are often not strong enough as the only shipping container.

Fill all remaining voids. Close the box and shake it gently. If you hear or feel movement, reopen and add protection.

7. Put identification inside the parcel

Include a sheet containing:

• Full name
• Email address and telephone number
• Return address
• Order number
• Camera brand, model and serial number
• Short description of any concern

This internal information matters if the external label is torn or the camera becomes separated from the packing slip.

8. Use tracked and adequately insured shipping

Choose tracking and insurance appropriate to the replacement value of the camera. Keep the receipt and tracking number until the completed camera has returned. Insurance conditions vary, so photograph the packing process if the camera has meaningful value.

Shipping address

Berlin Photo Studio
Nazarethkirchstraße 41
13347 Berlin
Germany

Write your order number in the address reference or on the internal note. Shipping to the studio and return shipping are paid separately from the cleaning service.

Dropping off in Berlin

If you are nearby, you can bring the camera directly to the studio in Berlin-Wedding. Place the order online first or bring your name, email address, telephone number and order number with the camera.

FAQ

Should I ship the lens with the camera?

Only when it is needed for the requested check or you want its accessible exterior included. Internal lens cleaning is not part of the service.

Should I leave film inside?

No. Remove all film before shipping.

Is return shipping included?

No. Shipping to Berlin Photo Studio and return shipping are separate from the service price.

Can I send batteries?

Normally remove them. If a battery is necessary to demonstrate a fault, contact the studio first and follow the carrier’s rules.

What if the camera needs repair rather than cleaning?

The studio will contact you if the selected service is unsuitable. Cleaning, CLA and repair are different services.