More repair posts on PHOTRIO? Please provide feedback.

[Andreas Thaler]

I'm currently looking through my previous posts and considering whether and how I want to continue here after the summer break.

I still have plenty of topics on electronic SLRs and photographic equipment from the 1980s.
But I'm also very interested in the electronic Canon A series, namely the Canon AE-1, AE-1P, AV, and A-1, which partly justifies an expansion to the 1970s.

I'm motivated, but would like to gauge interest here.

Even though the views (including external accesses) are encouraging, I don't want to overlook my readers. And discussions on my topics also help me to continue learning and get ideas for contributions.

I therefore ask you to participate in the survey here.

Thank you.

 

[Don_ih]

would like to gauge interest here

Interest is likely greater than what is apparent. Keep in mind that, if you detail repairs here now, those details are available in the future. I think there is a lot of value in your posts.

 

[koraks]

Interest is likely greater than what is apparent. Keep in mind that, if you detail repairs here now, those details are available in the future. I think there is a lot of value in your posts.

Well said.
I'd also add: if you feel compelled to write, then write. Regardless of what the rest of the world says or doesn't say about it.

 

[Don_ih]

if you feel compelled to write, then write.

Yes. At the very least, it can serve as a journal of your work for yourself.

 

[Ian C]

Your articles are a unique and valuable resource. The more details, the better. If collected, edited, and well-organized, it could be made into a successful book.

 

[mshchem]

If someone is interested in attempting any sort of repair this information is very important. Even if someone like me is probably not going to attempt a complicated electronic repair, maybe just seeing how to get the base plate off etc can be very helpful.

This site has a lot of viewers.

 

[grahamp]

I have no particular interest in Canon A series 35mm cameras - BUT, I do appreciate the insights into how the equipment is built and their repair. While I may never need the specific information, the principles and process of the repair goes to inform my own approach to my own projects. I hope I am never too old to learn.

 

[AnselMortensen]

I read most, if not all, of your repair posts and find them to be an excellent resource.
I will probably never attempt repairs at the level you are doing, but it is encouraging to know that such information is being made available.
Thank you!

 

[4season]

This might have particular value if edited into camera-specific repair guides or collections of similar models, possibly as print-on-demand publications.

But *what* you choose to repair matters too! It's possible that you will help to popularize cameras like the Canon T90, but there are no guarantees. Canon AE-1 and related Canon models ought to be a more popular choice.

 

[Truzi]

Just because I haven't used your information doesn't mean stop. By all means, keep going.

Years ago I bought a service manual for my Grandfather's Sears KS2 (Ricoh XR7). I have never used. I'm happy I've not needed to use the manual, but even more happy that I have it.

Perhaps, in the future, I will have equipment you cover and will look up your resources. Perhaps not. It's nice to know the information is posted and available. Either way, it is valuable. Even if I never have reason to view it, someone will, and that's what is important.

I have read a few of your guides, but quickly realized they are not pertinent to me at this point in time. That's not bad, just not applicable for me. Your tutorials are very good, but not on anything related to what I need to do, so I don't really leave any feedback. I imagine many act similarly.

Also, those types of posts do not really invite much in the way of feedback - they are not meant to. They are more like manuals, which by their nature are not interactive.

Lack of feedback does not mean disinterest.

 

[Minolta93]

I read your threads but don't comment very often. I don't recall if you've done one with the Minolta X-570 but that is one I am interested in. Despite my interest I haven't tried any repairs yet because I think it'll be a difficult diagnosis and repair, and I don't have the right tools yet. (I have a working X-570 except it won't fire an external flash, so I need to figure out what the cause is and the official service manual wasn't very helpful. Maybe the SPT journals have something useful).

 

[bernard_L]

Very good reports. But I’m more into mechanical cameras of pre-1975 (approx) era.

 

[Dan Daniel]

I've posted minor repair reports and had little response. Which I take to mean that no one needed that particular 'lesson,' that's all.

All of these kinds of records and reports and lessons have importance, I think. Both specific to that model, and in general illustration of principles, engineering, etc.

I'd keep going if you are up for it. It will be helpful.

I'd also think about a more structured way to present these reports? I don't know if this site is the place to do it. Maybe there is a repair web site that would give you a place? It's be great if your audience was wider. Not because there are hundreds waiting to do what you do, but because that one person needing that one photo might not find you here.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Thank you very much for your feedback!

I appreciate each contribution.

It continues

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I've posted minor repair reports and had little response. Which I take to mean that no one needed that particular 'lesson,' that's all.

I think feedback is important, even if it's not always pleasant.

The cause for little or no feedback on posts could be that the reader isn't being reached; there are many reasons for that. And then it's pointless.

What I'm aiming to do again is to write it in such a way that anyone who's interested can follow.

It would also be important for me to get feedback because I can always be wrong, draw the wrong conclusions, or not take the most sensible approach. At least I'm a pathfinder when it comes to some topics. And hopefully also an encourager of getting active with DIY.

I'd also think about a more structured way to present these reports? I don't know if this site is the place to do it. Maybe there is a repair web site that would give you a place? It's be great if your audience was wider. Not because there are hundreds waiting to do what you do, but because that one person needing that one photo might not find you here.

I like staying on PHOTRIO because I value the interaction and the high level of expertise. There's space to document projects in detail, our moderators ensure a pleasant environment, and the system is great for editing.

I had my own website with a blog and photos (not on repair topics) for years, but then gave it up due to legal issues. The EU has drastically tightened regulations for photo and website operation, and I didn't want to be exposed to that anymore.

The only other option that comes to mind is reddit, but it's not designed for longer posts, and unfortunately I can't find anything there for DIY projects for my topics other than the usual fixes.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I read your threads but don't comment very often. I don't recall if you've done one with the Minolta X-570 but that is one I am interested in. Despite my interest I haven't tried any repairs yet because I think it'll be a difficult diagnosis and repair, and I don't have the right tools yet. (I have a working X-570 except it won't fire an external flash, so I need to figure out what the cause is and the official service manual wasn't very helpful. Maybe the SPT journals have something useful).

The three X Minoltas (700/500/300 in Europe) are covered in the SPT Journal.

There is also a C & C Guide for the X-700 and a detailed troubleshooting table in the Minolta Service Manual.

All three are similar in design. I still have a few Xs in my repair box waiting for repair attempts.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Very good reports. But I’m more into mechanical cameras of pre-1975 (approx) era.

Thanks!

I find mechanical cameras more challenging for DIY than electronic ones, as they perform all their processes as complex machines. To achieve anything here, you need solid precision mechanical knowledge and skills.

I'd rather stick with the comparatively simple soldering iron and electrons

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Also, those types of posts do not really invite much in the way of feedback - they are not meant to. They are more like manuals, which by their nature are not interactive.

Thanks, that's an important point.

In my opinion, DIY project reports should also encourage people to get involved themselves. Otherwise, they're just lectures that might put people off or reinforce the old – false – stereotype that they can't do it themselves. It's the author's responsibility and duty to avoid that.

 

[bernard_L]

IMO the scarcity of feedback does not imply lack of interest. When you post a nice repair of, say, a Nikon F4, the likelihood that someone is just about to attempt a repair is… small. But maybe five years from now someone will be happy to find such a lifeboat.
At least that is how I interact with repair reports: when needed, the search engine will find (or not) the relevant past reports.
Or if you want feedback, start a thread about Zone System versus ISO film speed.
Edit — @Truzi already stated the same a few posts back.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

This might have particular value if edited into camera-specific repair guides or collections of similar models, possibly as print-on-demand publications.

This would make sense as a collaborative effort, e.g. with an electronics engineer, to raise the standard and the usefulness.

But *what* you choose to repair matters too! It's possible that you will help to popularize cameras like the Canon T90, but there are no guarantees. Canon AE-1 and related Canon models ought to be a more popular choice.

I think you can only be motivated to work where you're emotionally connected.

The T90 is my favorite, and precisely because it's showing signs of age, it's a rewarding area for repair attempts as these sufferings are curable

It's the most advanced FD camera and perhaps the most advanced MF 35mm camera of all time, if you rank it by features.

It's worth it

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I read most, if not all, of your repair posts and find them to be an excellent resource.
I will probably never attempt repairs at the level you are doing, but it is encouraging to know that such information is being made available.
Thank you!

Thanks!

Unfortunately, you often have to delve deeper to get to the root of the problem. This almost always means extensively disassembling an electronic SLR, usually including removing the mirror box.

With good instructions, such as those found in the SPT Journal, the C & C guides, or (some) manufacturer's service manuals, you have a good chance of succeeding.

Anyone who can do it without these instructions is a remarkable DIY repairer. I don't know of anyone who can do that.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I have no particular interest in Canon A series 35mm cameras - BUT, I do appreciate the insights into how the equipment is built and their repair. While I may never need the specific information, the principles and process of the repair goes to inform my own approach to my own projects. I hope I am never too old to learn.

It's reassuring to know that there aren't endless ways to construct an SLR, and that's why there are similarities between the different models.

Vertical focal plane shutters, for example, are often comparable, and once you understand how A works, you can work out B.

The electronic controls will likely remain largely unknown, but there are often block diagrams of the circuits that show the basic relationships.

Electronic troubleshooting requires instructions, which can be found in the sources mentioned here.

And the usual suspects are always the magnets and contacts, which can become dirty and then no longer function (reliably). You just have to find your way to them, and the documentation will help with that.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

If someone is interested in attempting any sort of repair this information is very important. Even if someone like me is probably not going to attempt a complicated electronic repair, maybe just seeing how to get the base plate off etc can be very helpful.

This is a good tip for photo documentation of projects.

Thanks!

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Your articles are a unique and valuable resource. The more details, the better. If collected, edited, and well-organized, it could be made into a successful book.

Thanks!

For this, it would be beneficial to cooperate with an experienced repairer and/or electronics technician. This would provide a solid foundation.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Yes. At the very least, it can serve as a journal of your work for yourself.

Working alone for my own makes little sense to me. If the work is useful, it should benefit others, ideally, and be further developed together. Therefore, a forum is a good place for this.

I also keep a repair journal; here's the current status, and the colors are revealing

Orange: failed
Red: in progress
Green: success