Repair Terms and Conditions
The Film Wave Repair Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 5/11/2026
These Repair Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) govern all inspection, repair, restoration, cleaning, servicing, testing, and related work performed by The Film Wave (“The Film Wave,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) on cameras, lenses, and related photographic equipment submitted by a customer (“Customer,” “you,” or “your”).
By submitting a repair request, delivering or shipping equipment to The Film Wave, approving an estimate, paying an invoice, or otherwise engaging The Film Wave for repair-related services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
These Terms supplement The Film Wave’s general Terms of Service, Shipping Policy, and Warranty & Return Policy. To the extent there is any conflict between these Repair Terms and any general website policy, these Repair Terms shall control only with respect to repair, inspection, restoration, servicing, cleaning, testing, and related repair services.
1. Repair Services Separate from Product Sales
Repair services are separate from product purchases, retail returns, product exchanges, rentals, and sales warranties unless expressly stated in writing by The Film Wave.
Any product return policy, product exchange policy, or product functional warranty listed elsewhere on The Film Wave’s website applies only to eligible product purchases and does not apply to repair labor, inspection services, rush service charges, repair invoices, parts installed during service, or shipping charges associated with repairs, unless expressly stated in writing.
2. Scope of Services
The Film Wave provides inspection, repair, refurbishment, cleaning, testing, adjustment, calibration, collimation, parts replacement, and other related services for select vintage film cameras, lenses, and photographic equipment.
The Film Wave reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept, decline, suspend, or discontinue service on any item for any reason, including but not limited to unsupported models, unavailable parts, excessive corrosion, severe damage, unsafe conditions, prior repair attempts, or circumstances that make repair impractical.
3. Repair Request and Authorization
All equipment submitted for service must be accompanied by a completed repair request or other written authorization accepted by The Film Wave.
By submitting equipment to The Film Wave, you authorize us to inspect, handle, test, partially disassemble, diagnose, clean, and evaluate the equipment as reasonably necessary to determine condition, repairability, and estimated service requirements.
You represent that you are the lawful owner of the equipment or are otherwise authorized to submit the equipment for inspection and service.
4. Initial Inspection
The Film Wave may provide an initial inspection for the cost of return shipping, unless otherwise stated in writing. An initial inspection is a preliminary evaluation only. It is not a guarantee that all defects, damage, or future failures will be identified. Certain issues may only become apparent after further disassembly, testing, cleaning, repair work, or extended use.
5. Estimates
Any estimate provided by The Film Wave is based on the condition of the equipment and information reasonably available at the time of evaluation.
Estimates are not binding final prices unless expressly stated in writing. Because vintage equipment may contain hidden damage, worn components, corrosion, electrical faults, optical defects, prior repair issues, or other concealed conditions, the final cost of service may change.
Repair estimates are valid for sixty (60) days from the date issued unless otherwise stated in writing. After that period, The Film Wave may revise, withdraw, or reissue the estimate based on parts availability, repair volume, equipment condition, or other relevant factors.
If a customer does not approve or decline an estimate within sixty (60) days, the estimate may expire and The Film Wave may, at its discretion, return the equipment at the customer’s expense or handle the equipment in accordance with the unclaimed equipment provisions of these Terms and applicable law.
The Film Wave will seek customer approval before performing additional paid work that materially increases the approved estimate.
6. Repair Pricing, Invoices, Payment, and Approval
All repairs begin at $149.00 unless otherwise stated in writing by The Film Wave.
Final pricing may vary based on the model, parts required, labor required, complexity of service, condition of the equipment, and any additional services requested or required.
No paid repair work will begin without customer approval of an estimate or written authorization to proceed. Approval may be provided by email, online form, written message, payment of an invoice, deposit, or other method accepted by The Film Wave.
A repair is considered approved upon payment of the repair invoice, deposit, or other service charge issued by The Film Wave.
Payment in full is required before equipment is added to The Film Wave’s repair queue and before any repair work is carried out, unless otherwise agreed in writing. All estimated turnaround times begin from the date payment is received, not from the date the repair request is submitted, the estimate is issued, or the equipment is received.
Invoice payment deadlines may vary depending on the customer’s requested timeframe, whether rush service has been requested or approved, parts availability, and the terms stated on the invoice. The Film Wave reserves the right to revise or cancel an unpaid invoice if the invoice is not paid within the applicable timeframe.
Once a repair has been approved and work has begun, labor charges may be non-refundable, even if the customer later declines additional work or the equipment is ultimately determined to be unrepairable.
Repaired equipment will not be released, shipped, or returned until all repair charges, shipping charges, inspection charges, and related fees have been paid in full.
Accepted payment methods: [Insert Accepted Payment Methods]
7. Turnaround Times
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of repair, condition of the equipment, parts availability, current repair volume, customer response time, shipping delays, hidden damage, testing requirements, and complexity of service.
Any turnaround time provided by The Film Wave is an estimate only, is not a firm deadline, and is subject to change. Vintage equipment can be unpredictable, and additional issues may be discovered during inspection, disassembly, cleaning, testing, or repair that may extend the estimated turnaround time.
The Film Wave is not liable for delays, missed deadlines, missed events, production delays, travel changes, rental costs, lost opportunities, lost film, financial losses, monetary losses, or any other direct or indirect costs, losses, or damages arising from a turnaround time that changes or extends beyond an initial estimate.
8. Need-By Dates and Rush Requests
Customer may provide a requested need-by date when submitting equipment for service. The Film Wave will make reasonable efforts to consider requested need-by dates; however, any requested need-by date is not guaranteed unless expressly accepted in writing by The Film Wave.
Customer acknowledges that vintage equipment and vintage repair work are inherently unpredictable. Even if The Film Wave accepts a requested need-by date in writing, The Film Wave does not guarantee completion by that date and shall not be responsible or liable if the deadline cannot be met due to hidden damage, parts issues, failed components, additional testing needs, shipping delays, repair complications, or other circumstances that arise during service.
Rush service may be available on a limited basis and is dependent upon The Film Wave’s availability, parts availability, current order volume, the requested timeframe, and the nature of the repair. The Film Wave accepts a limited number of rush repairs, and rush service is not guaranteed.
Rush service begins at $149.00 and is a separate charge from repair, parts, shipping, and other service charges. Rush charges may be invoiced separately or included on the same invoice as other approved charges.
If The Film Wave accepts a rush request and the accepted need-by date cannot be met, the customer’s sole remedy for the rush portion of the service is limited to a refund of the rush service charge paid, less any expedited shipping label, carrier, or third-party costs already purchased, used, or incurred by The Film Wave. No refund of a rush charge shall exceed the amount of the rush service charge actually paid by the customer.
The Film Wave reserves the right to decline a requested need-by date or rush service request, recommend limited service based on the available timeframe, or require additional rush, expedited service, or expedited shipping fees where applicable.
Customer acknowledges and agrees that The Film Wave is not liable for missed deadlines, missed events, production delays, travel changes, rental costs, lost opportunities, lost film, shipping delays, damage occurring during inbound or return shipping, or other damages arising from an unmet requested need-by date, even if the need-by date was previously accepted in writing, except where prohibited by applicable law.
Customers should not submit equipment for time-sensitive use unless they understand and accept the risks associated with vintage equipment service.
9. Parts Availability
Replacement parts for vintage equipment are limited and may not be available. The Film Wave may use new, used, refurbished, donor, compatible, or custom parts when appropriate.
The Film Wave does not guarantee the availability of any specific part. If a required part is unavailable, service may be delayed, limited, modified, or declined.
Parts removed from equipment during service may be discarded, retained, recycled, or used for parts unless the customer requests their return in writing before service begins. Additional shipping or handling charges may apply for the return of removed parts.
10. Vintage Equipment Acknowledgment
Customer acknowledges that vintage photographic equipment is often decades old and may contain fragile, worn, deteriorated, obsolete, or previously damaged components.
Customer further acknowledges that inspection, testing, cleaning, disassembly, adjustment, or repair may reveal or worsen pre-existing conditions, including but not limited to brittle plastics, deteriorated wiring, seized mechanisms, stripped gears, weakened adhesives, damaged optics, faulty electronics, corrosion, fungus, haze, impact damage, or prior improper repairs.
The Film Wave is not responsible for failure, breakage, deterioration, or damage caused by pre-existing conditions, age-related weakness, hidden defects, corrosion, prior repairs, improper storage, or normal wear.
11. Corrosion, Battery Leakage, and Contamination
Customer acknowledges that corrosion, battery leakage, moisture damage, and contamination may spread beyond visible areas and may affect wiring, contacts, switches, circuit boards, motors, internal mechanisms, optics, and other components.
Corrosion-related damage may be unpredictable and may continue to affect equipment after cleaning or repair. The Film Wave does not guarantee that corrosion, battery leakage, or contamination can be fully removed, neutralized, or prevented from causing future issues.
The Film Wave may decline service or limit warranty coverage on equipment affected by corrosion, battery leakage, moisture damage, or contamination.
12. Optical Services
Lens cleaning, collimation, and other optical services are performed to improve equipment condition and function where reasonably possible.
The Film Wave does not guarantee that optical service will remove or correct all defects. Permanent coating damage, scratches, separation, fungus etching, haze, balsam separation, internal damage, and other optical defects may remain after service.
13. No Guarantee of Restoration
The Film Wave will make reasonable efforts to perform approved services in a professional manner. However, The Film Wave does not guarantee that any equipment can be restored to factory-new condition, original specifications, full functionality, cosmetic perfection, or long-term reliability.
Unless expressly stated in writing, all services are intended to improve function, repair identified issues, or perform specific approved work, not to provide a complete restoration of the entire item.
14. Testing and Results
The Film Wave may test equipment using methods it determines appropriate for the item and service performed.
Successful testing by The Film Wave does not guarantee specific photographic results. Film results may be affected by factors outside The Film Wave’s control, including but not limited to film stock, batteries, processing, scanning, lighting, user operation, camera settings, storage conditions, environmental conditions, third-party lab work, shipping conditions, or damage occurring during inbound or return shipping.
Customer acknowledges that vintage equipment may be affected by movement, impact, vibration, temperature changes, handling, carrier delays, or other conditions during shipping, and that such conditions may affect camera performance, alignment, calibration, optical condition, or final film results after the equipment has left The Film Wave’s possession.
15. Shipping to The Film Wave
Customer is solely responsible for properly packaging, shipping, insuring, and tracking all equipment sent to The Film Wave.
The Film Wave is not responsible for loss, theft, delay, misdelivery, or damage occurring before equipment is received by The Film Wave.
Customer must remove all film, batteries, straps, cases, filters, manuals, boxes, personal accessories, and other items before shipping equipment unless The Film Wave specifically requests that such items be included.
The Film Wave is not responsible for unrequested items included with repair shipments, including but not limited to exposed or unexposed film, lost images, leaking batteries, straps, cases, filters, manuals, boxes, or personal accessories.
16. Return Shipping
Customer is responsible for all return shipping charges unless otherwise stated in writing.
Shipping fees are non-refundable once a shipping label has been purchased or the package is in transit, except where otherwise required by applicable law or expressly stated in writing by The Film Wave.
The Film Wave will ship equipment to the return address provided by the customer. Customer is responsible for ensuring that all contact and shipping information is accurate and current.
The Film Wave is not responsible for loss, theft, delay, misdelivery, or damage after equipment has been transferred to a shipping carrier. This includes damage occurring during return shipping, whether or not a requested need-by date, rush service, or estimated delivery timeframe was accepted.
Customer must inspect returned equipment promptly upon delivery. Any claim related to shipping damage, missing items, or concerns with the returned equipment must be reported to The Film Wave in writing within seven (7) days of delivery. Failure to report such concerns within seven (7) days may limit or waive the customer’s ability to make a claim related to the returned shipment, except where prohibited by applicable law.
17. International Repairs
The Film Wave may accept international repairs on a case-by-case basis. International service is not guaranteed and may be declined at The Film Wave’s discretion based on destination country, shipping limitations, customs requirements, insurance availability, parts availability, carrier restrictions, or other service-related concerns.
Customer is responsible for all international shipping charges, customs duties, taxes, VAT, tariffs, brokerage fees, import fees, export fees, carrier fees, and any other charges imposed by a government authority, customs agency, postal service, or shipping carrier.
Customer is responsible for complying with all applicable import, export, customs, and shipping laws when sending equipment to The Film Wave. The Film Wave is not responsible for packages delayed, returned, seized, rejected, assessed fees, or otherwise affected by customs, import/export restrictions, inaccurate declarations, unpaid duties or taxes, or carrier requirements.
International customers are responsible for providing accurate recipient contact information, including a valid phone number with country code and email address, and for promptly responding to any customs office, postal service, or shipping carrier communication regarding delivery, duties, taxes, pick-up, redelivery, or customs clearance.
If an international shipment is delayed, returned, refused, rejected, or held because of customer non-response, unpaid duties or taxes, inaccurate contact information, customs restrictions, or carrier requirements, customer is responsible for any return shipping, redelivery, reshipment, handling, customs, carrier, or related costs.
The Film Wave will complete return customs documentation accurately and lawfully. The Film Wave will not mark repaired equipment as a gift, undervalue equipment, misrepresent the contents, or falsify customs documentation.
International turnaround times are estimates only and may be affected by customs processing, shipping delays, carrier availability, parts availability, repair complexity, and other circumstances beyond The Film Wave’s control. The Film Wave does not guarantee international shipping timelines, delivery dates, customs processing times, or carrier transit times.
International customers must follow all packaging, battery, film, and accessory removal requirements listed in these Terms. The Film Wave is not responsible for unrequested items, exposed or unexposed film, lost images, leaking batteries, or items prohibited or restricted by international shipping regulations.
18. Risk of Loss
Risk of loss remains with the customer while equipment is in transit to or from The Film Wave.
While equipment is physically in The Film Wave’s possession, The Film Wave will use reasonable care in handling customer property. The Film Wave’s liability for any loss or damage while equipment is in its possession shall not exceed the fair market value of the equipment in its condition at the time received, and in no event shall exceed the amount recoverable under any applicable insurance coverage or the amount paid by the customer for the specific service at issue, whichever is greater, except where prohibited by applicable law.
19. Declined, Suspended, or Unrepairable Services
If customer declines an estimate, fails to approve additional required work, or if The Film Wave determines that repair is not possible or practical, the equipment may be returned at the customer’s expense.
The Film Wave will make reasonable efforts to return equipment in the condition received. However, customer acknowledges that equipment may be partially disassembled or may not be capable of safe or complete reassembly due to its condition, damage, missing parts, corrosion, breakage, or other pre-existing issues.
Inspection fees, shipping fees, and labor charges may be non-refundable.
20. Limited Repair Warranty
The Film Wave provides a limited sixty (60) day functional warranty on approved and paid repair work from the date the equipment is delivered to the customer.
This limited warranty applies only to the specific repairs and services agreed upon in the stated invoice and paid by the customer. No warranty claims are accepted outside of the sixty (60) day warranty period.
The repair warranty covers labor only. Customer is responsible for shipping costs and any additional parts required for warranty evaluation or repair, unless otherwise stated in writing by The Film Wave.
This limited warranty does not apply to unrelated issues, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic condition, normal wear and tear, user error, misuse, neglect, water or moisture damage, exposure to extreme weather, drops or impacts, improper voltage, improper batteries, battery leakage, corrosion, improper storage, customer disassembly, third-party repair attempts, shipping damage, or new failures occurring after service.
Warranty coverage is void if the equipment is opened, altered, repaired, modified, damaged, misused, improperly stored, or serviced by anyone other than The Film Wave after return to the customer.
The customer is responsible for contacting The Film Wave and receiving written authorization before returning any item for warranty evaluation. Unauthorized returns may be refused or returned at the customer’s expense.
Customer is responsible for all shipping charges associated with warranty evaluation, including shipping the equipment to The Film Wave and return shipping back to the customer, unless otherwise stated in writing by The Film Wave.
21. Warranty Remedy
If The Film Wave determines, in its sole reasonable judgment, that a covered repair has failed within the warranty period, The Film Wave’s sole obligation and the customer’s exclusive remedy shall be, at The Film Wave’s option, re-performance or adjustment of the covered labor, or refund of the labor portion paid for the specific repair service at issue.
The Film Wave shall not be responsible for parts, film costs, processing costs, scanning costs, lost images, lost profits, travel costs, production costs, replacement equipment, rental equipment, incidental damages, consequential damages, or any other indirect losses.
22. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Film Wave shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to inspection, repair, service, delay, shipping, equipment failure, loss of use, lost film, lost images, lost income, or customer reliance on repaired equipment.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Film Wave’s total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to services performed shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
23. No Other Warranties
Except for the limited repair warranty expressly stated in these Terms, The Film Wave disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, performance, reliability, or suitability for professional use, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
No employee, representative, technician, contractor, or agent of The Film Wave is authorized to make any warranty or promise not expressly stated in these Terms unless confirmed in writing by an authorized representative of The Film Wave.
24. Customer Communication
Customer is responsible for providing accurate contact information and responding to communications from The Film Wave in a timely manner.
The Film Wave may contact customer by email, phone, text message, invoice, website form, or other contact method provided by the customer.
Delays in customer response may delay inspection, repair, invoicing, or return shipping.
25. Abandoned or Unclaimed Equipment
Equipment may be considered unclaimed if the customer fails to respond to communications, approve or decline an estimate, pay an invoice, provide return shipping information, or otherwise claim the equipment for more than ninety (90) days after The Film Wave has made reasonable attempts to contact the customer.
Once equipment is considered unclaimed, The Film Wave may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, pursue any available lawful remedy, including return of the equipment at the customer’s expense, continued retention where permitted, lien-related remedies, lawful disposition, recycling, retention, sale, donation, or use for parts, subject to any notice, timing, court, lien, or other legal requirements that may apply.
Customer remains responsible for any unpaid charges, including inspection, repair, labor, and shipping fees, to the extent permitted by law.
26. Cancellation
Customer may request cancellation of service before repair work begins.
If cancellation is requested after inspection, disassembly, diagnosis, parts ordering, cleaning, repair, or other labor has begun, customer may be responsible for labor, parts, inspection, shipping, and related charges incurred before cancellation.
Special-order parts, custom parts, and completed labor may be non-refundable.
27. Customer Representations
Customer represents and warrants that all information provided to The Film Wave is accurate to the best of customer’s knowledge, including description of issues, prior repair history, known damage, battery leakage, moisture exposure, and return shipping information.
Customer agrees not to submit equipment containing hazardous materials, leaking batteries, active mold contamination, pests, biohazards, or unsafe substances without prior written disclosure to The Film Wave.
28. Force Majeure
The Film Wave shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, fire, flood, theft, labor disruptions, supplier delays, parts shortages, carrier delays, government actions, power outages, internet outages, illness, or other circumstances beyond The Film Wave’s control.
29. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or services provided by The Film Wave shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in St. Johns County, Florida, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
30. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
31. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with any written estimate, invoice, repair approval, or service-specific written agreement issued by The Film Wave, constitute the entire agreement between The Film Wave and the customer regarding the submitted equipment and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, understandings, or representations relating to the same subject matter.
32. Changes to Terms
The Film Wave reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. The Terms in effect at the time a repair request is submitted will apply to that repair unless otherwise agreed in writing.
33. Contact
Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to The Film Wave through the contact form or email address listed on our website