Excerpt from an issue of the SPT Journal.
This is probably a topic that many people find difficult at the beginning. But as soon as you start dealing with it in practice, everything becomes clearer.
Take your time with this part. It is the key to the success of your repair work.
- The first port of call for service/repairs on a specific electromecanical SLR is the SPT Journal. It contains all the information you need about the camera's technology, disassembly and reassembly, operating, adjustment, and troubleshooting. The articles on the individual SLRs usually appeared after a certain amount of time had passed. This allowed revisions by the manufacturer (e.g., revised components) and repair experiences to be included.
- The manufacturer's repair manual is the second source of information. It contains exploded drawings, descriptions and lists of components, technical explanations, diagrams, adjustment instructions, service notes, and troubleshooting instructions. The repair manuals are intended for trained camera technicians and are kept concise. Only in exceptional cases do they contain generally understandable descriptions (e.g., the repair manual for the Canon A-1).
- If available for the respective SLR, the C & C Associates Troubleshooting Guide provides instructions for finding and fixing electronic faults. Here, too, existing repair experience has been incorporated over time. To be able to work with it, you need a basic knowledge of electronics, see part 2 of our series „What knowledge do I need?“.
- Information on SLRs up to 1980 can also be found in The Camera Craftsman. The style is generally understandable, and the detailed articles on the Canon AE-1 and Minolta XD11 (XD7, XD) there by Master Larry Lyells are classics. I recommend them to anyone interested in the basic function of an electromechanical SLR.
The structure of the content of these technical documents is always similar. You don't have to understand every piece of information; you can just look up what you need.
To get started working with technical documents
I recommend the SPT Journal on the SLR, which you will take apart for practice and study purposes (see part 1 of our series "How do I get started with DIY?").
- Familiarize yourself with the structure and content, and don't be discouraged if you don't understand much at first. It is technical language, kept concise, and information is only given once. This is for clarity.
- Start your work with "Disassembly highlights" and follow the instructions. Compare the text and illustrations with your SLR and take your time. Only when you have fully understood what each step involves should you carry it out on your SLR.
- Resist the urge to start working on your own. The sequence is important because each step builds on the other. As soon as you start dealing with it in practice, everything becomes clearer.
- This way, you can disassemble your SLR down to the shutter and gain access to the areas where problems may be located.
- Reassemble your SLR in reverse order and follow the instructions under "reassembly highlights."
- You will learn and practice working techniques. Find additional information or ask questions here. I will answer everything to the best of my ability and will also accompany this how-to guide later on. Practical examples of work, tools, and techniques can also be found in my project reports, using PHOTRIO's search function.
Good luck!
Keep at it!
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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.
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