New how-to book from Japan Hobby Tool

[4season]

I got to thinking how odd it was that I had never encountered a Japanese camera repair book aimed at the general enthusiast wishing to learn about repairing cameras, when I happened upon Michio Ozeki's English-language Let's Try: Repair and Maintenance of Cameras, published in 2022 by Japan Hobby Tool (I just ordered a print copy for myself!):

 

[Mick Fagan]

That looks interesting.

Will certainly be interested in what you think of it.

 

[xkaes]

I got to thinking how odd it was that I had never encountered a Japanese camera repair book aimed at the general enthusiast wishing to learn about repairing cameras

I'm not sure if you are wondering about a camera repair book from Japan, or a repair book for Japanese cameras. If it's the latter, there are several, although they are not exclusive to Japanese cameras. But the tools and methods for repairing NON-Japanese cameras are often the same as for repairing Japanese cameras.

• Ed Romney, Basic Training in Camera Repair -- It covers Compur, Copal and most other leaf shutters, cloth and metal focal plane shutters, rangefinders, autofocus systems, meters, mirrors, lenses, wind systems, testing, cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. It uses a systems approach so you can fix most cameras. Easy to understand. No higher math.
• Thomas Tomosy, Camera Maintenance and Repair, 1993 -- Good book to help you keep that old clunker going and avoid costly repairs. Also helps with diagnosing problems. Covers the basics of repairs, though you still need to be brave. You can often find "dead" subminis at "give-away" prices to experiement with.
• Thomas Tomosy, Camera Maintenance and Repair Book 2, 1997 -- If you've read the first book, this one will take you to the next level. It covers many camera models not addressed in Book 1, as well as advanced repair techniques, such as repairing broken, irreplaceable parts. It also covers repairs to the more modern, electronic cameras.
• Thomas Tomosy, Restoring Classic and Collectible Cameras -- A must for camera buffs and collectors. Clear step-by-step instructions show how to restore a classic or vintage camera. Work on leather, brass and wood to restore your valuable collectibles. 128 pages with photos and illustrations.
• Thomas Tomosy, Restoring the Great Collectible Cameras (1945-1970), 1998 -- Covers rangefinders, SLRs, focal plane shutters, medium format cameras -- regarding cleaning, disassembly, lubrication, making new parts, making tools and testing your gear.

 

[4season]

I'm not sure if you are wondering about a camera repair book from Japan, or a repair book for Japanese cameras. If it's the latter, there are several, although they are not exclusive to Japanese cameras. But the tools and methods for repairing NON-Japanese cameras are often the same as for repairing Japanese cameras.

I purchased Thomas Tomosy's original camera repair book many years ago, and a number of techniques that I use today came from his book. But the "problem" is that the original was packed with so much good information, that his sequels differed mostly in his camera-specific notes.

My interest in Japanese publications in particular is because production values can be top-notch, and translator apps mean that language need not be the barrier it once was. Whether I'd gain any additional insights from them, I don't know, but they ought to provide me with some entertainment too.

I have since discovered more Japanese-language titles:


(See also the related items, though two of them appear to be the same book by Mr. Ozeki).

 

[xkaes]

My interest in Japanese publications in particular is because production values can be top-notch, and translator apps mean that language need not be the barrier it once was. Whether I'd gain any additional insights from them, I don't know, but they ought to provide me with some entertainment too.

I recently picked up a 400+ page book on Chinese cameras. TONS of great color photos with specifics on each camera. I can't read any of it, but it is entertaining.

Good luck. For repair work, there is also the LEARN CAMERA REPAIR website -- in English, and much of it is free.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

For repair work, there is also the LEARN CAMERA REPAIR website -- in English, and much of it is free.

Unfortunately not anymore, USD 1,- per download.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I purchased Thomas Tomosy's original camera repair book many years ago, and a number of techniques that I use today came from his book. But the "problem" is that the original was packed with so much good information, that his sequels differed mostly in his camera-specific notes.

My interest in Japanese publications in particular is because production values can be top-notch, and translator apps mean that language need not be the barrier it once was. Whether I'd gain any additional insights from them, I don't know, but they ought to provide me with some entertainment too.

I have since discovered more Japanese-language titles:


(See also the related items, though two of them appear to be the same book by Mr. Ozeki).

The link to Amazon does not work?

 

[xkaes]

Unfortunately not anymore, USD 1,- per download.

That's still pretty cheap -- especially if they have what you want.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

That's still pretty cheap -- especially if they have what you want.

I fully agree.

 

[Sharktooth]

The link doesn't seem to be working in the original posting, so here it is.

https://japanhobbytool.com/blogs/news/lets-try-repair-and-maintenance-of-cameras

 

[Neofito]

Someone already have it and can tell us if is worth it?

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Someone already have it and can tell us if is worth it?

Yes, this is a highly recommended book, it mainly discusses mechanical viewfinder cameras but also some SLRs.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

With the few books available on the subject, you should buy everything you can get.

 

[4season]

I have the Ozeki / Japan Hobby Tool book on order, and perhaps will have more to say about it when it arrives.

Meanwhile, I have found other titles on Amazon Japan which may be of interest, but I have not seen them in person:

From left to right:

The ABC Book of Camera Repair ("English version" ..?)
2009
Kazunori Naka
ISBN 240 pages

Classic Nikon Complete Repair Handbook
2007
ISBN 4883932281

I Love Classic Camera: First Film Camera Repair
2015
Serie Ikuo
ISBN 4774173975

Familiar Camera Modifications and Repairs - Camera GET!
2004
ISBN 4056033897

 

[4season]

From left to right:

In Depth: Camera Modification and Repair (Gakken Camera Super Mook)
2005
ISBN 4056038619

Challenge Yourself to Disassemble and Assemble a Junk Camera!
Suikodo Junk Camera Laboratory
2005
ISBN 4774125628

More Challenge Disassembling and Assembling Junk Cameras!
Suikodo Junk Camera Laboratory
2007
ISBN 4774130680

Challenge Yourself to Disassemble and Assemble Junk Digi Cameras!
Suikodo Junk Camera Laboratory
2020
ISBN 4297112477

 

[4season]

Even camera repair-themed comics!

The Mystery of Yanaka Retro Camera Shop (series)
2016-2020
Sanaka Hiiragi

ASIN B08JCPP5F4 Book 1
ASIN B08JCMTYWY (this book)
ASIN B08JCMJ5K5 Book 3

 

[Andreas Thaler]

@4season

Thanks that opens up new worlds for me!

 

[kl122002]

There were many Japanese repair books in the past. They had some societies that published these books and some are more about specific models as well.

The only problemn is all books are in Japanese, one has to be a member to get, and so it is rare to see in public. Before pandemic I have seen a pile of these in a used book store.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

More Challenge Disassembling and Assembling Junk Cameras!
Suikodo Junk Camera Laboratory
2007
ISBN 4774130680

Currently available at

Junk Camera Disassembly and Assembly, More Challenge. https://a.co/d/3Q0pwzK


Google Translator for iPhone includes Google Lens which directly translate text using the smartphones camera. This works well.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

@4season

Thanks that opens up new worlds for me!

How to enter these new worlds

Google Translate, German to Japanese:

„repair the camera yourself“

Copy/paste Google, search pictures

Choose a page

Paste link into Google Translate

 

[Andreas Thaler]

And so, with our first attempt, we found a list of Japanese publications on the subject of camera repairs:

Google Translate, Japanese to English:

壊れたカメラを自分で直したい！カメラの修理＆メンテナンスの参考本 | 関西写真部SHARE

ジャンクカメラやクラシックカメラの修理、現在使用しているカメラのメンテナンスを自分で行いたいという方に、カメラの修理＆メンテナンスの参考本をご紹介します。自宅でカメラの修理ができるようになることで、カメラの構造を知ることができたり、急なトラブルにも対応できるようになります。

share--photography-com.translate.goog

 

[4season]

And so, with our first attempt, we found a list of Japanese publications on the subject of camera repairs:

Google Translate, Japanese to English:

壊れたカメラを自分で直したい！カメラの修理＆メンテナンスの参考本 | 関西写真部SHARE

ジャンクカメラやクラシックカメラの修理、現在使用しているカメラのメンテナンスを自分で行いたいという方に、カメラの修理＆メンテナンスの参考本をご紹介します。自宅でカメラの修理ができるようになることで、カメラの構造を知ることができたり、急なトラブルにも対応できるようになります。

share--photography-com.translate.goog

I laughed when I saw reference to "Malt Plane", but it's actually a decent phonetic interpretation of "Moltopren", which is the popular Japanese term for foam used as mirror cushion and as light trap material.

 

[Flighter]

I laughed when I saw reference to "Malt Plane", but it's actually a decent phonetic interpretation of "Moltopren", which is the popular Japanese term for foam used as mirror cushion and as light trap material.

Thank you!

I've come across some Japanese sites with detailed articles on disassembly of particular Pentax models I'm interested in and for which I've used Google Translate to translate the text and at first wondered what all the references to 'malt' were, eventually realised it was a reference to foam cushions or light seals, and then wondered why it was translated as 'malt'. Now I know!

 

[4season]

My JHT book has arrived! Initial impressions:

The English text is a bit opaque, and I wonder if a machine translator was used for the bulk of the translation. For example:

When explanation for overhauling a camera is to be given for respective models, the volumes of books will become enormous and impracticable.

Which I would interpret as "This is not a step-by-step guide for servicing specific models of cameras, that would require a crazy-big book. But you should be able to figure stuff out from the included examples of similar cameras which are illustrated in the second half of the book"

The author recommends benzine (C6H6) for some jobs, but that hasn't been readily available in the USA for many years. I think naptha (cigarette lighter fuel) may be a safer alternative.

Who is the intended audience? Beginners / hobbyists who may have been given an older camera.

What sorts of cameras are discussed: Popular mechanical models of the 1960s and 70s which may be still available cheaply, including "trapped-needle" automatic exposure types, which were once super common.

What's not covered: Higher-end cameras including Leica, as well as electronic types such as Canon's AE1. But author does cover Nikon S and F and FM! I regard Nikon F as a happy coincidence of a high-quality product which can still be had at bargain prices today, and which is relatively easy to service. Hence, it's inclusion in the book makes sense.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I think we have to be grateful for every new publication on camera repairs. Here are reviews of other books for comparison:

DIY Camera Maintenance/Repair Resources - Part I | Brett Rogers | Film Shooters Collective

Here's the first of four parts in this comprehensive list of resources for DIY camera maintenance/repair projects. If you're the kind of person who likes getting your hands dirty, you can't miss on this series of articles by Brett Rogers.

www.filmshooterscollective.com

Review on Camera Repair and Restoration Books

Revised Basic Training in Camera Repair (Photocopy) by Edward H. Romney If I could only keep one repair manual, this is the one I’d keep. As King Solomon said, “With all your getting, g…

tlrgraphy.com