My camera would cost more to have fixed than to buy a new one, so I had nothing to lose. I repair stuff everyday, and get tasked with some of the most unusual and varied stuff. I was tearing into stuff and fixing things since I was a kid. It has served me well over the years. Even to this day, when I buy something cool, I cant resist the urge to have a peek inside, even if it risks voiding warrantees and other such minor details.

Such self sufficiency is something that I think more people should practice. I'm not saying everyone should tear into their gear, but instead, try their hand at fixing some minor problems instead of automatically throwing stuff away. The learning process is worth it in itself, even if you dont succeed in repairing whatever it is.