It may seem that DIY service and repair of photographic equipment always requires extensive equipment and knowledge and skills. This is true for some jobs, but by no means for all.
I distinguish between three levels that give everyone the opportunity to do something for their photographic equipment themselves.
Level 1: External cleaning and identification of faults without disassembly; read the user manual
Photographic equipment is usually used in a variety of environmental conditions. As a result, it becomes dirty, even with the most careful handling. Use can also lead to malfunctions, which affects almost every device and cannot be avoided. The housings of the devices form an effective barrier against dust and dirt, but less so against moisture.
Optical parts
such as eyepieces and lenses should be kept reasonably clean. It is advisable to find a compromise, as any cleaning also carries the risk of scratching. The order is air blower - free from grease brush - soft cloth with some lens cleaning fluid.
Housings
can be cleaned with air blower, a brush, and a slightly damp cloth. Greasy dirt can be removed with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth or cleaning stick.
Compressed air from a can must not be directed at the shutter when the lens is removed and the back cover is open, as it can damage the shutter curtains.
Cleaning foam for plastic can also be used in this way. First, check to make sure the cleaning foam won’t damage the plastic. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth; do not allow any liquid to get inside the housing (risk of short circuits and corrosion).
Caution: When using solvents such as isopropyl alcohol, always test beforehand to ensure that the material will not be damaged, especially plastics.
Careful observation of the equipment
allows faults to be detected early and prevents unsuccessful film exposure.
To do this, you need to be familiar with the normal operating conditions, which are described in the respective
operating instructions
Therefore, you should not operate any device without first reading the user manual. This also helps to avoid incorrect operation.
If you detect a fault
you can take the following two steps, provided you are qualified to do so or find alternatively a repair shop.
If the effort and cost are unacceptable, the device can be sold. Even defective devices are in demand on the market and should not be irrevocably disposed of, as they are no longer in production.
Level 2: Cleaning the battery contacts
Electronic problems are often caused by contact problems. Even slight contamination of contacts by dirt can impede the flow of current and cause malfunctions.
Dirty battery contacts are the usual first suspects. Cleaning with electronic cleaner on cleaning sticks often helps. A soft eraser (such as those used on sharpenable pencils for drawing) can also be tried. No residue should remain on the contacts, as this will make the problem worse. Sticky debris must not enter the housing
Corrosion, such as from leaked battery electrolyte, can be removed with a glass fiber brush. However, this is already a destructive measure, as it attacks the contact.
Leaked battery electrolyte can also damage parts inside the device. You should therefore always ensure that batteries are removed/replaced in good time.
If these cleaning measures do not help, nothing more can be done from the outside.
Level 3: Disassembly, cleaning/lubrication, adjustment
This is where independent service and repair work begins. Once screws are loosened and covers are removed, you are no longer in the area intended for users and described in the operating instructions.
It is important to note the following:
- Trying to troubleshoot with a screwdriver on the off chance and without instructions/qualified knowledge often ends in disaster.
- Quick shortcuts recommended on the web should also be avoided. Spraying oil into SLRs in an uncontrolled manner, placing lenses in the oven, and hitting jammed motor drives on the table does not solve problems, but creates additional ones.
- In the vast majority of cases, a device must be professionally disassembled in order to find faults, clean, lubricate, and adjust it. You can either take it to a repair shop or acquire the necessary skills yourself; see the links below.
A warning 
️ What we as DIY repairers without electronics training should definitely not do is work on devices with high voltage. This includes all electronic flash units, cameras with built-in electronic flash units and devices that are powered by mains voltage. This poses a potential risk to health and life.
Conclusion
There are some things you can do yourself, but you should do the right thing when necessary. This includes knowing your own limits and treating your camera to professional service and repair. The money or time you invest in this will save you money and time in the long run.
See also
Getting started with DIY repairing electromechanical SLRs: A suggested route
Since I am convinced that the reputation of electronics for being complicated deters many DIY enthusiasts from electronic SLR repairs, I would like to keep it simple here. But it doesn’t work without preparation. I recommend approaching it in the following steps: Get repair manuals and...
www.photrio.com
How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: How do I get started with DIY? (part 1/8)
Over the past few months, I’ve been active online with the goal of making DIY service/repairs for electromechanical SLRs accessible to a wider audience. The aim is to help preserve these beautiful and ingeniously designed SLRs from Japan dating from the 1970s and 1980s. This is because repair...
www.photrio.com
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A word of cautionPlease keep in mind that you’ll be using highly flammable solvents for service work, and their fumes are harmful to your health. Soldering also produces fumes that should not be inhaled. Dangerous high voltages can be present when handling electronics, especially in conjunction with electronic flash units and mains. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the safety regulations beforehand and ensure your safety. Depending on the activity, protective gear may be advisable.
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
Acknowledgments
Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.
The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.
We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.
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