If a camera or lens is not working, there are two main ways you can go to repair it.
You should be clear about this beforehand, because both ways are mutually exclusive:
The desire to disassemble
a technical system down to the last detail, to understand it, to maintain it and then to reassemble it completely is at the beginning of many careers as a DIY repairer.
The thirst for knowledge and ambition is great, the self-confidence has not yet experienced failure and the new tool wants to be used.
A nice goal, perhaps the wish of most DIY repairers, no matter how much experience they have already gained.
In reality, such an ambitious goal often at the beginning ends with a partially disassembled camera or lens. Everything turned out to be more complicated than expected, the fault was not fixed, others came along and the assembly does not work. The disappointment is great.
An impressive and positive example of this approach is Richard Haw's report on the successful complete disassembly of a complex Nikkor zoom with service and subsequent reassembly:
richardhaw.com
The procedure is different
if you try to limit the repair to what is absolutely necessary so that the device works again.
This requires self-discipline, good preparation, experience and following a plan.
There are no voyages of discovery into the interior of the repair candidate, nor is the frequently requested CLA, which is supposed to bring a camera or lens back into shape after decades of use.
But this approach does not always lead to success either, it just might take less time.
Here is an example from my practice where I concentrated exclusively on fixing an electronic fault and refrained from further service work on two Minolta winders:
www.photrio.com
So neither path is easy. How should you start?
I propose a third path
that sooner or later leads to the two paths mentioned.
Divide the photo equipment you want to repair into three categories:
You won't overwhelm yourself, you'll learn step by step and keep an eye on your repair projects.
And most importantly
you will maintain and perhaps increase your motivation.
Because this three-color system should apply to a lifelong career as a DIY repairman. Everyone is always at the beginning, no matter how much they know and skilled they are
+++
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
You should be clear about this beforehand, because both ways are mutually exclusive:
- Disassemble, understand, service everything and reassemble.
- Only do what is absolutely necessary and disturb the system as little as possible
The desire to disassemble
a technical system down to the last detail, to understand it, to maintain it and then to reassemble it completely is at the beginning of many careers as a DIY repairer.
The thirst for knowledge and ambition is great, the self-confidence has not yet experienced failure and the new tool wants to be used.
A nice goal, perhaps the wish of most DIY repairers, no matter how much experience they have already gained.
In reality, such an ambitious goal often at the beginning ends with a partially disassembled camera or lens. Everything turned out to be more complicated than expected, the fault was not fixed, others came along and the assembly does not work. The disappointment is great.
An impressive and positive example of this approach is Richard Haw's report on the successful complete disassembly of a complex Nikkor zoom with service and subsequent reassembly:
Repair: Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Ai-S
Hello, everybody! I went to the $1 shop to buy some supplies. It’s incredible what you could buy for just $1, it’s surely helpful for my savings. What can you buy for $1? Not much, a bu…
richardhaw.com
The procedure is different
if you try to limit the repair to what is absolutely necessary so that the device works again.
This requires self-discipline, good preparation, experience and following a plan.
There are no voyages of discovery into the interior of the repair candidate, nor is the frequently requested CLA, which is supposed to bring a camera or lens back into shape after decades of use.
But this approach does not always lead to success either, it just might take less time.
Here is an example from my practice where I concentrated exclusively on fixing an electronic fault and refrained from further service work on two Minolta winders:
Minolta Auto Winder G: Service and repair
My next main project will be service and repair for the Minolta Autowinder D and G as well as the Minolta Motor Drive MD-1. The topic follows on from my previous work and articles on Minolta X here. The D Version is for Minolta XD, the G version for Minolta X/XG and the MD-1 for Minolta...
www.photrio.com
So neither path is easy. How should you start?
I propose a third path
that sooner or later leads to the two paths mentioned.
Divide the photo equipment you want to repair into three categories:
- GREEN: simple repairs, little disassembly required, low risk that the repair attempt will cause additional damage or faults. E.g. cleaning battery contacts, removing the base plate of a camera and checking for mechanical problems, cleaning lenses and aperture blades without disassembly, simple repair work according to a given tutorial.
- YELLOW: removing the top cover, working on the electronics and mechanics as far as the areas are accessible. Removing inner lenses for cleaning, disassembly of the lens bayonett to investigate mechanical problems. More technically demanding work according to a tutorial.
- RED: deep disassembly, working on the shutter and mirror box, replacing electronic components or circuit boards, dismantling lenses for service, working without instructions.
You won't overwhelm yourself, you'll learn step by step and keep an eye on your repair projects.
And most importantly
you will maintain and perhaps increase your motivation.
Because this three-color system should apply to a lifelong career as a DIY repairman. Everyone is always at the beginning, no matter how much they know and skilled they are
+++
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
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