Older photo devices: Four possible ways in case of an issue

There is a problem with my old camera: Repair, shortcut, workshop or doing nothing?


Let me briefly go over the four options that can be used if an older camera/photo device has an issue.

I am referring to older devices that are no longer supported by the manufacturer.

1. The correct approach is always to repair. This means fixing the problem directly and without detours, in a targeted and sustainable manner. To do this, you mostly need to open the device and dismantle it as far as necessary and then reassemble it later. There is always a risk of damaging something or doing something wrong.
2. The alternative approach is the shortcut, which is to try to solve the problem from the outside without dismantling or only with little disassembly. The disadvantage of this is that you are working more or less without visibility. For example in the case of stiffness of the mechanism, you cannot place solvents/lubricants precisely in the right places. The bigger problem is oil, which can break free in excess and end up in places where it doesn't belong. It is therefore helpful to go through the process beforehand on an abandoned example that you have dismantled, also to see how the planned measures can affect the inside of the device.
3. The third option is to take the device to a workshop for repair. To do this, however, you first have to find a workshop that will accept the device. And then you have to be prepared to bear the - usually considerable - costs without knowing in detail how the workshop went about the repair. This usually remains a trade secret. It is therefore unclear whether the problem has been solved permanently. So it remains a matter of trust, although recommendations from others and an open discussion with the workshop beforehand can help with the decision. Ideally, the device will be repaired according to the original factory standards, including using original spare parts.
4. The last option is to do nothing and use the device with limited functionality if that is reasonably possible.

For a current example of case 2 see



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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.

In some situations, and for some people, Option 3 is the best approach. With a good repair shop trust is not a problem. If this was my list, 1 and 2 would be merged as the best options based on the speciic camera, problem, and person involved, and 2 and 4 being not worth consideration for a serious user versus a repair challenge.

This appears to be your personal list of priorities so I understand the potentially limited intent your post.

For someone like me who has limited (but improving) camera repair skills, often I take time to decide which options to go. I read, research and analyze the problems until I have a rough idea of what a repair might entail. Even we all want to rush to solve the problem, it definitely pays to be patient and deliberate. Then

1) If the camera is mostly functional (like >70=80%, e.g. only slow speeds are sluggish or not working), I would go "option 4" do nothing and keep using the camera until the fault is not tolerable anymore.

2) If the problem prevents me from using the camera effectively, AND the fix seems to be reasonably within my capability, plus the monetary/sentimental value of camera is not that high, I will go for "option 1" and try to fix it properly myself.

3) If the camera's monetary/sentimental value is quite high and the potential fix is beyond my pay grade, I will pick "option 3" and seek the appropriate repair expert. I will gladly pay the money that will get me a perfectly working camera.

I hardly ever do "option 2" or shortcut, since several experience told me it could do more harm than good. Except maybe for really disposable cameras and for practicing.

Agree on the slow/deliberate/analytic approach, especially with limited camera repair skill/knowledge. That perfectly describes me, also.

My decision process is very situational, too:
- If camera I need to be reliable: option 3, even if it's just for a routine overhaul to ensure reliability.
- If it's a camera/problem which is within my current skill set: option 1, or option 3 if it can be done without threat of unintended consequences.
- if it's a camera I'm just playing with: option 4 or option 2.

I use all 4 options, with additional toss and replace. If the camera is expensive and parts are still available (Not often) then Minolta 9, Nikon F4 or 5, send to a camera repair shop for servicing. If the camera is a rather simple mechanical model like a Argus C3 I can fix most of what does wrong in terms of stip down, clean lube and to some extent adjust the shutter. Some cameras like the entry level Pentax AF models with nylon gears, just toss and replace. Of course each year that goes by and cameras are getting older and older, fewer and fewer parts, keeping vintage to what could be considered antiques become harder and harder to keep in usable condition.