Optics: Theory and Practice for Camera Repair Technicians by National Camera and Vivitar

[Andreas Thaler]

Surprisingly, there is little technical information available on photographic optics—the heart of every camera.

This includes details on how a newer camera lens is constructed, and its mechanics; what functions different types of lens elements serve; and how to disassemble and maintain lenses, etc.



Three publications fill this gap, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in the subject.

1. National Camera published two books for its camera technicians training program: „Optics for the Camera Technician“ and
2. “Practical Optics.” The former introduces the basics, while the latter describes practical service work on lenses.
3. “Fundamental Optics for Repair Technicians” by Vivitar is also an excellent introduction, and we’ve already featured it here.

As always, as DIY repairers, we often have to gather information on our own, but it’s worth the effort.