Learning Camera Repair

[johnf04]

For storing parts as I dismantle a camera, I use a multipart plastic box, with a hinged lid, as you can see in the photo here



The box, the camera body, top and bottom plates etc all go into one of my developing trays.

Good magnifying spectacles, and a good light, are also needed.

 

[dxq.canada]

I just started with a bunch of broken discarded cameras ... then worked on trying to get them working ... lots of Googling ... discussions with others ... more cheap stuff ... keep on doing it ... eventually you figure out what works and what does not ... oh, and keep discussing ... there are many "old timers" that have the knowledge and are happy to explain.

 

[dxq.canada]

Oh, and make friends with a machinist ... they like making metal parts !!!

 

[johnf04]

If you find cameras that aren't worth repairing, dismantle them for parts. They are full of handy screws, odd pieces like rewind knobs, rangefinder and viewfinder parts. Lens shutters have escapements and delayed action parts that are often generic. A supply of SLR pentaprisms is also useful. Remove the leatherette - you can use it, recut, on other cameras.

 

[nzhang]

Some people are mechanical smart, please give a try to see if you are such kind of person. I'd suggest to start with a folder or simple box camera. For SLR, Exakta is a good camera to start with.

 

[farlymac]

I got started in repair because I kept getting all these cameras that had some serious issues. ShopGoodwill.com is a place where you can get cameras by the pound to play around with (usually from the Tucson store), and see if you can make them functional again.

PF

 

[oftheherd]

I'm a nowhere guy on repair; something about having 10 thumbs. 😛 But I like to try.

I refuse to work with the repair experts as they are all snooty, refusing to work on cameras I gave a good honest try on even when I can assure them I can send them most of the parts in plastic bags. Whew!

And have you seen the prices they charge? They act like they are the only ones who know how to work on old cameras. At least the few I have been able to find and ask their prices.

And I have heard of a guy who only works on one brand of camera, and still has a long waiting list, like years. What's up with that? I have read some that say he is the best but you sure have to be patient to find out. Who wants to wait that long when you can just start tearing things down and learn on your own?

Seriously, as the number of qualified repair(wo)men continues to dwindle, some ability to fix at least simple things is a worthwhile talent. I really have tried to fix things, some times with more or less success.

I don't know the books mentioned above, but see them mentioned from time to time. If you are a mechanical klutz like me, you might find the Ed Romney books worth getting to start. He shows some of the older shutters and how to make your own tools if needed.

It is also worth knowing that the Japanese have their own standards in small screwdriver sizes. That doesn't mean you can't adapt others, but having them can sometimes made a job easier.

 

[johannielscom]

TIPS:

• For rangefinder and Leica repairs, look for seller nobbysparrow on eBay. He sells parts, including shutter cloth, shutter ribbon and halfway mirrors for Barnacks. But also carries instruction booklets on Barnack repair and servicing the Elmar, Summar and Summaron lenses IIRC.
  
• Also, get a few syringes with various diameter hypodermic needles to apply watchmakers oil, Loc-Tite, naphtha and lithium grease.
  
• And a sheet of felt to work on, to make sure your bouncy camera parts stay put once they drop. And get a good light and magnifying glasses or a lamp loupe.
  
  
• There's a good Facebook group on Vintage Camera Repair.

REQUEST:
Need a good (eBay) seller for precision screwdriver sets. I need Phillips, JIS (That's Japanese Phillips and yes it's different) and slotted. Don't care for the sets with one holder and umpteen thousand bits much😀... EU seller preferred but not required.

 

[KoNickon]

Johan, I assume you have checked Micro-Tools? I think they have a non-North America site as well as North American.

Does Wiha sell directly? They are German-based.

 

[unixrevolution]

Replies 🙂 I have snipped the original quotes to keep my post short. Of course, you can click the quotes to see the full originals.

A good set of....

Thanks for the advice, especially the felt. And the newer ones are definitely more disposable, but i won't promise I won't try to fix them.

I’m not a repairman. I tinker with...

Thanks for the reccomendations!

Not that many toes left to step on....

I still want to be mindful and curteous. I will give it my best shot!

FSU like Zorki and Fed's....

Good to know!

Also, for FSU, Maizenberg book is pretty useful. Look for it on internet or PM.

Regards.

Marcelo

I'll let you know if I can't find it.

I thought someone should point out that you'll be 84 by then...! 🙂

84 is the new 65 😀

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/servicemanuals.htm

That is VERY Helpful!

Just a thought....

It's a *good* thought, and I'll reach out and see if anyone's willing to help me learn. I don't live geographically close to any of the camera repair people I know of, though.

Start by making...

Good advice!

Definitely want to hear how this turns out....

I will keep you updated, and believe me...with as much as I've spent on camera repairs and as many cameras as i've seen go cheap because of one issue, I am definitely thinking this is worthwhile.

That sounds like a really nice gig...

That's a good idea, and thanks for the well wishes and good luck!

For decades THE place to learn mechanical camera repair was a mail order school in Colorado, National Camera Repair....

I will definitely look for their course materials.

I started with tinkering FSU cameras. I found most of the tutorial on the Internet...

Tinkering is fun, and I've tinkered a little, but internet tutorials only go so far, and I want to be able to fix the major issues or even rebuild a dead camera completely; A full CLA, not just fix an obvious problem. But thank you for sharing your experience 🙂

And I will agree, tinkering can be just as much fun. I love tinkering on my cars.

Subscribed...

I feel honored 🙂 And I love tinkering myself.

This is a good point. I picked up several issues...

Something else I'll have to look for.

There is a youtube channel with videos of repairs...

Wow, helpful! Thank you!

That's a nice channel...

Always good to hear testimonials.

I've disassembled a number of cameras....

Thanks for the advice!

Also, be sure to buy the right tool for the screws...

Good advice, and I will. I am a "right tool for the job" person, not a "Jam something in there" person.

For storing parts as I dismantle a camera, I use a multipart plastic box...

I need to invest in some then, and I"ve already learned the developing tray trick, I have a half-dismantled XA in one. I have some good mag-specs, need to work on the light though.

I just started with a bunch of broken discarded cameras...

That would definitely be a way to do it, but I don't want to rely entirely on the patience of others. Still, anywhere you can get advice, take it.

Oh, and make friends with a machinist ... they like making metal parts !!!

I will try!

If you find cameras that aren't worth repairing....

Yay! I get to start a junkyard 😀

Some people are mechanical smart...

I tend to be very smart with mechanicals. As stated above, I'm a total DIY car mechanic and I made a career of fixing computers. I do OK with cameras, but it's a matter of the right tools and practice, and knowing what to do.

I got started in repair because I kept getting all these cameras that had some serious issues...

I'll keep that in mind as a source.

I'm a nowhere guy on repair; something about having 10 thumbs. 😛 But I like to try....

Very funny reply, and very good advice and information. Thank you!

Johan, I assume you have checked Micro-Tools? I think they have a non-North America site as well as North American.

Does Wiha sell directly? They are German-based.

This is the micro-tools US Site: http://www.micro-tools.com/

and Wiha's direct sales in the US: https://www.wihatools.com/