Problems with camera electronics often seem difficult or impossible to solve. But that is often not the case.
„Electronics fault!“
the cry of horror of every camera owner who needs batteries for their device.
Because if the electronics don't work anymore, what can you do? As if a mechanical problem with the camera were a more merciful fate.
And so many cameras with an electronics problem end up in the cupboard forever or in the garbage can. Just don't be reminded of this pain and disappointment.
But that doesn't have to be the case
in many cases you can get an electronically sick camera back to work.
I've had a number of electronic cameras on my workbench over the last two years.
Devices from the 1970s to the 1990s, i.e. from the „cult generation“ that is still well known today and is highly regarded by users and collectors.
Nikon F3 and F4, Canon T90, Minolta X, plus winders and motor drives and the associated lenses, including autofocus.
Simply cleaning electronic contacts can be the solution to the problem.
Mostly repairable electronic faults
When one of these devices stopped working, in most cases I've had it was due to an electronic fault that was repairable:
- oxidation and corrosion of contacts due to leaking battery acid and electrolyte,
- leaking electrolytic capacitors,
- dirty contacts and contact tracks,
- contaminated contacts on electromagnets,
- interrupted conductor tracks,
- brittle solder joints (usually in connection with leaked battery acid or electrolyte),
- defective LCDs including control electronics,
- stop dampers in electronic controlled shutters that have become sticky,
- lack of lubrication of moving electromechanical parts, etc.
Electrolytic capacitors: Often the culprit and cheaper than their shipping costs
The most recent example for me is the Minolta Autowinder G for the Minolta X cameras, whose electrolytic capacitors fail over time.
Defective electrolytic capacitors are often the culprits behind strange electronic malfunctions or failures. They are available new and are significantly cheaper than their shipping costs.
I have researched this problem extensively on the web and have only found the usual - good - advice to try and solve it, i.e. insert new batteries, clean the battery contacts and clean/lubricate the mechanics.
But nothing about the electronic circuit and its components, that is probably the most unpopular part.
Therefore, these winders are usually sold cheaply because they have a reputation for being unreliable and stubborn.
In reality, they are solid electromechanical devices in which nothing can actually break on its own except their electrolytic capacitors.
Replacing the capacitors is possible and costs next to nothing in terms of materials. And you have a device that will probably work for further decades.
No hesitation when it comes to electronic problems
I would therefore like to encourage anyone who repairs such cameras and accessories to get to grips with practical electronics.
This increases the chance of devices that have already been abandoned being able to work again.
In my experience, serious electronic faults are rare, and even these can be addressed if you have electronic components from abandoned cameras as replacements.
The limit here is your own assembly and soldering skills, and with newer electronic cameras also software and adjustment options that are reserved for the camera manufacturer.
Unfortunately, this is why you hardly read anything about repairs to EOS, Nikon F5, F90, etc.
So let's not give up too soon
the majority of all electronic problems of our ageing darlings should be solvable!
And never forget:
„Repair is noble“ (iFixit)
A word of caution- Be careful with high voltage
- Electronic flash units and cameras with built-in flash units have high voltage in their circuits that can be life-threatening.
- In particular with newer electronic cameras and accessoires, it is also possible that higher voltages than the battery voltage are present in the circuit. If in doubt, you should find out in advance what to expect (service documents).
- Electrolytic capacitors can explode if they are connected incorrectly.
- Short circuits can cause high currents to flow and the components can overheat.
- Without sufficient electronic knowledge, it makes no sense to try to repair an electronic circuit.
- So if you don't know exactly what you're doing, keep your hands off and don't open electronic devices.
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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
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