I would like to briefly summarize my previous expeditions into the SLR world of the 1980s:
Problems are mostly contact problems. Either oxidation or corrosion by battery acid or electrolyte (leaking electrolytic capacitors), which can go as far as destroying conductor tracks, soldering points, soldering pads, switches and metal contacts. The latter a process over decades.
Fixing these problems is basically easy - if you can open and close the camera without further damage. A certain skill is also required when soldering and working on small, built-in or flexible circuit boards.
Spare parts are either new (electrolytic capacitors) or can be obtained from cameras given up.
This means that - extrapolated - the majority of defective cameras that would otherwise be abandoned could be repaired.
These are also pieces to which the heart is attached or to which memories are connected.
Such repairs are - in my experience (Austria) - only reluctantly accepted by workshops. Obviously too much effort that doesn't pay off. "No spare parts" is what it says then.
Conclusion: Help yourself - if you want to help yourself
Problems are mostly contact problems. Either oxidation or corrosion by battery acid or electrolyte (leaking electrolytic capacitors), which can go as far as destroying conductor tracks, soldering points, soldering pads, switches and metal contacts. The latter a process over decades.
Fixing these problems is basically easy - if you can open and close the camera without further damage. A certain skill is also required when soldering and working on small, built-in or flexible circuit boards.
Spare parts are either new (electrolytic capacitors) or can be obtained from cameras given up.
This means that - extrapolated - the majority of defective cameras that would otherwise be abandoned could be repaired.
These are also pieces to which the heart is attached or to which memories are connected.
Such repairs are - in my experience (Austria) - only reluctantly accepted by workshops. Obviously too much effort that doesn't pay off. "No spare parts" is what it says then.
Conclusion: Help yourself - if you want to help yourself