I was recently asked how to become a successful camera repairer.
At first, I didn't know the answer.
What does „successful“ mean?
Being able to solve any problem quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably? Having a thorough understanding of the technical aspects and the necessary skills for repairs?
I've accumulated enough experience as a DIY enthusiast to realize that this isn't realistic.
„It can't be repaired“
And I remembered my experiences with long-serving professional camera repairers who often said, „It can't be repaired; it's just electronics damage“ or „no spare parts“ etc.
And when professionals with decades of practice and experience refuse to undertake repairs, there's probably something to it, even if it's just because of the cost-benefit ratio.
So I think success should be defined more precisely than „problem solved“ at least in the DIY area we're talking about here.
Success is already partial success
In short, if I manage to get one of five defective SLRs working again, that's a success. After all, one of them can be used again, even if four are left damaged. This way, the photo trip is secured without having to invest money in a sixth - functioning - SLR.
It is also a success if I can repair a non-functional SLR to the point where it is suitable for taking photos, even if the exposure compensation or self-timer no longer work.
And if I set out to clean the dirty mirror of an SLR, that is a success, even if a few small scratches remain that are irrelevant to its function.
Personal characteristics help, but they primarily apply to repair work
But it is certainly true that certain personal qualities increase the chances of a successful repair:
But one should ask oneself whether these qualities are also helpful in the rest of life, for example in social situations, where it is sometimes just the opposite, in order to live together fruitfully. Here it is more about balance and tolerance, and less about imposing one's will
When in doubt, listen to others who have achieved what you want to achieve
An example from my personal experience.
I considered the Minolta 9000 AF unrepairable.
What I'd read online about it was discouraging in terms of problems and repair prospects. Only a few gifted - unknown - individuals, who were trained by Minolta, are successful with repairs.
And this was confirmed by my unsuccessful attempt to disassemble this SLR so that I could remove the mirror box without destroying it. I wanted to take a look at the infamous aperture magnets.
Feeling defeated, I dismissed the 9000 AF chapter until I read @ogtronix post here in the forum, who had already accomplished what I wanted to achieve. He referred me to the service manual, which clearly shows all the steps and which I hadn't even considered.
And then I managed to remove and reinstall the mirror box without ruining the camera.
Before I achieved to have a working 9000 AF with a cleaned shutter, I had to disassemble and reassemble the 9000 four times.
The personal qualities mentioned above helped.
But for other tasks, away from SLR repairs, they may be more of a hindrance. For example, in social situations as said
Therefore, I can answer the initial question for myself as follows
Define „success“ for yourself, be clear about your personal characteristics, check whether you can use them effectively for your repair work, and train them.
And don't listen to yourself when you claim this or that is impossible.
It's better to listen to others who have achieved what you want to achieve.
At first, I didn't know the answer.
What does „successful“ mean?
Being able to solve any problem quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably? Having a thorough understanding of the technical aspects and the necessary skills for repairs?
I've accumulated enough experience as a DIY enthusiast to realize that this isn't realistic.
„It can't be repaired“
And I remembered my experiences with long-serving professional camera repairers who often said, „It can't be repaired; it's just electronics damage“ or „no spare parts“ etc.
And when professionals with decades of practice and experience refuse to undertake repairs, there's probably something to it, even if it's just because of the cost-benefit ratio.
So I think success should be defined more precisely than „problem solved“ at least in the DIY area we're talking about here.
Success is already partial success
In short, if I manage to get one of five defective SLRs working again, that's a success. After all, one of them can be used again, even if four are left damaged. This way, the photo trip is secured without having to invest money in a sixth - functioning - SLR.
It is also a success if I can repair a non-functional SLR to the point where it is suitable for taking photos, even if the exposure compensation or self-timer no longer work.
And if I set out to clean the dirty mirror of an SLR, that is a success, even if a few small scratches remain that are irrelevant to its function.
Personal characteristics help, but they primarily apply to repair work
But it is certainly true that certain personal qualities increase the chances of a successful repair:
- interest,
- patience (especially with oneself),
- perseverance,
- discipline,
- willingness to spend hours in tiny worlds,
- a steady hand,
- the ability to concentrate, the attitude of never giving up as long as it makes sense,
- willingness to acknowledge that you don't understand 99 percent of the SLR and
- respect and fascination for the engineering achievement you are attempting as a DIYer.
But one should ask oneself whether these qualities are also helpful in the rest of life, for example in social situations, where it is sometimes just the opposite, in order to live together fruitfully. Here it is more about balance and tolerance, and less about imposing one's will
When in doubt, listen to others who have achieved what you want to achieve
An example from my personal experience.
I considered the Minolta 9000 AF unrepairable.
What I'd read online about it was discouraging in terms of problems and repair prospects. Only a few gifted - unknown - individuals, who were trained by Minolta, are successful with repairs.
And this was confirmed by my unsuccessful attempt to disassemble this SLR so that I could remove the mirror box without destroying it. I wanted to take a look at the infamous aperture magnets.
Feeling defeated, I dismissed the 9000 AF chapter until I read @ogtronix post here in the forum, who had already accomplished what I wanted to achieve. He referred me to the service manual, which clearly shows all the steps and which I hadn't even considered.
And then I managed to remove and reinstall the mirror box without ruining the camera.
Before I achieved to have a working 9000 AF with a cleaned shutter, I had to disassemble and reassemble the 9000 four times.
The personal qualities mentioned above helped.
But for other tasks, away from SLR repairs, they may be more of a hindrance. For example, in social situations as said
Therefore, I can answer the initial question for myself as follows
Define „success“ for yourself, be clear about your personal characteristics, check whether you can use them effectively for your repair work, and train them.
And don't listen to yourself when you claim this or that is impossible.
It's better to listen to others who have achieved what you want to achieve.
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