Photo equipment from the 1980s: Repair projects and recommendations

[Andreas Thaler]

Update #11


Canon

Canon T90: release magnet, EEE/HELP/bc, mirror shock absorbers and cover, front flex connector acting crazy/alternative?, victory, shutter magnets

Having suffered setbacks with my recent T90 projects, my pride was bruised 🤨 So I made another attempt and pulled the next T90 out of the repair box. Today I had to succeed! ⚔️ Both mirror shock absorbers are missing along with their mountings, the cover is no longer where it should be...

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Canon T90: Service and repair using practical examples

I have gained enough experience in my recent projects to be able to offer a tutorial on standard service for the Canon T90 here on PHOTRIO. The work I recommend for every T90 (depending on the available equipment) is: cleaning the exterior, cleaning the contacts of the command wheel, cleaning...

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Technique/Know-how

Repair projects: Organizing information and considerations

Currently, I'm dealing with a Canon T90 that only closes its aperture to f/8. Reviewing the existing repair documentation suggests a mechanical problem. Various observations, test results, and thoughts on the cause and solution of the problem need to be noted down before I forget them or get...

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[Andreas Thaler]

Update #12


Canon

Canon T90: Solution found for the stubborn front flex connector, service and repairs on the T90 are no longer a gamble

It's happened to me several times now that I've serviced a T90, only to find the work was in vain because of unsolvable contact problems in the front flex connector. The front flex connector is located on the front release side, where the red self-timer LED is located. Three flexible circuit...

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Canon T90: Final summary on DIY service and repair

I've spent several weeks working intensively on the Canon T90 and have written a few articles here. Sufficient to summarize what I have learned so far. Findings, observations, insights The main cause of the common problems are dirty magnets and contacts. Cleaning fixes this. The EEE/HELP...

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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Update #13

Getting started with DIY repairing electronic SLRs: a suggested route

Inspired by https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/electronic-slrs-why-are-there-so-few-repair-reports-on-the-web.214243/ I would like to ask if there is any interest in a tutorial on the topic mentioned. It is about the basic approach to repairing and servicing an electronic SLR for which...

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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

This series of posts is complete.

Thank you for your interest and good luck with your DIY repair work!

Photo equipment from the 1980s. Repair projects and recommendations: Mission completed

Dear colleagues, I've taken a look at what I've contributed to the topic over the past two years and believe that I've said enough. I'm pleased that, for the first time, web-based service and repair tutorials for electronic SLRs like the Minolta 9000, 7000, 7000i, and especially the Canon T90...

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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Update #14

How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs (eight parts)​

How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: How do I get started with DIY? (part 1/8)

Over the past few months, I’ve been active online with the goal of making DIY service/repairs for electromechanical SLRs accessible to a wider audience. The aim is to help preserve these beautiful and ingeniously designed SLRs from Japan dating from the 1970s and 1980s. This is because repair...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: What knowledge do I need? (part 2/8)

This question probably deters many people from repairing SLRs and lenses themselves. Because the answer might not be encouraging. It is assumed that you need long, arduous technical training, with lots of theory and, of course, mathematics. And there is no training program or course that you...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: What tools are required? (part 3/8)

Since we work on SLRs with small and tiny parts, loosen and tighten screws, solder and desolder, we need tools. In most cases, our fingers would also be too big and clumsy to use them. The tools form the connecting link. The good news first most of the tools, equipment, and materials we need...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: What can I repair myself, and what can't I? (part 4/8)

The answer is simple for electromechanical SLRs: Anything that I can disassemble without damaging it and reassemble safely can be repaired. This also applies to obtaining Spare parts which I usually remove from SLRs of the same type that serve as spare parts donors. New and used spare parts...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: Where can I find information on repairing specific cameras? (part 5/8)

Excerpt from an issue of the SPT Journal. Fortunately, all the information we need for servicing and repairing our electromechanical SLRs is available on the web. Some of it is free, some of it is paid. The first port of call for information is learncamerarepair.com (LCR) Many issues of the...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: How do I work with technical documentation? (part 6/8)

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...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLR cameras: How do I go about troubleshooting? (part 7/8)

I'll keep this brief: Information on finding and fixing mechanical and electronic faults can be found in the technical documentation already mentioned (see part 5 of our series „Where can I find information on repairing specific cameras?“). These are primarily SPT Journal, manufacturers'...

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How-to guide DIY service/repair for electromechanical SLRs: Summary (part 8/8)

In our how-to guide, we looked at how to get started with DIY repairs of electromechanical SLRs, what you need to know, what tools and equipment you need, where the limits of DIY lie, where to find information, how to use it and how to approach troubleshooting The most important insight I...

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A word of caution

Please 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.

Acknowledgments

Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.

The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.

We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Update #15

Canon​

Canon T90

Canon T90: Guide for service and repair work

After four years of intensive service and repair of SLRs from the 1980s, I'd like to summarize my experiences with the Canon T90. The T90 was released in 1986 and is considered arguably the most powerful manual focus 35mm camera ever produced. Canon no longer offers service and repairs; in my...

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Canon T90: Aperture function restored by replacing the aperture control (AE unit)

In the previous repair project, I cleaned the aperture magnet, among other things, to fix a problem with the aperture. That didn't completely resolve the issue, so I tackled the problem again. What was the issue with the aperture? The aperture didn't close evenly. Here, aperture priority...

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Canon T90: No automatic film feed, problem solved by systematic troubleshooting

My T90, on which I was able to restore the aperture function, also exhibited a second error: no automatic film feed. So I took a closer look at this the next day. I went through the repair process again to see where I might have made a mistake, for example when soldering. Additionally, I...

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Canon T50

Canon T50: A closer look at service and technology

The Canon T50 with FD lens mount was launched in 1983 as the first model in the T-series. Designed for beginners, it offers program automatic mode with manual focus and motorized film transport. After exposure, the film is rewound into the cartridge manually using a crank. It has a built-in...

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Canon T50: Beyond repair - the revenge of forgotten batteries

I still had a Canon T50 in my box of repair projects. On the outside, it didn’t look too bad. A peek into the battery compartment gave me a bad feeling, even though there wasn’t anything dramatic to see there either. Dried battery electrolyte in the plastic housing and a greenish...

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Electronically controlled vertical focal-plane shutter: sample service information based on the Canon T50

Service and technical information regarding electronically controlled vertical focal-plane shutters in SLRs is scarce. In manufacturers’ repair manuals, they are often treated as black boxes, with no detailed information on their technology or servicing. Presumably, this was because the...

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Canon A-1 and AE-1 (Program)

Canon A-1: A closer look at service and technology

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canon_A-1_(26329506138).jpg#mw-jump-to-license After the Canon AE-1, which we have looked at in detail here, its direct successor - the Canon A-1 - will now be explored and examined for service options. Several A-1 in unknown condition are available...

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Canon A-1: Troubleshooting with an Oscilloscope (Fehlersuche mit dem Oszilloskop), by IumoStoria

A colleague of mine published an excellent post in the German APHOG forum on the Canon A-1's electronics and troubleshooting with an oscilloscope. I'm not aware of anything comparable. The post is in German and can be translated into English using DeepL or Google Translate, for example: Canon...

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Canon AE-1: A closer look at service and technology

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canon_AE-1_with_50mm_f1.8_S.C._II.jpg I’m preparing for my next service and repair project and am researching the Canon AE-1, the first in the Canon Series A line and predecessor of the Canon T90. Fortunately there are more articles and videos available...

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Canon AE-1 Program: A problem that isn't fully visible from the outside

This AE-1 Program is in excellent cosmetic condition. No signs of wear; clearly a Category A. There are just a few whitish deposits visible on the back, along the edge of the bottom plate. That should be easy to clean off. A beautiful piece When I removed the handgrip to check the...

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Minolta​

Minolta (Maxxum, Alpha) 9000 AF: Recommendations for service and repair work

After four years of intensive service and repair of SLRs from the 1980s, I'd like to summarize my experiences with the Minolta 9000 AF. The Minolta (Maxxum, Alpha) 9000 AF was introduced in 1985 and was the first and last autofocus camera with manual film winding. It was the professional...

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Minolta (Maxxum, Alpha) 7000 AF: Recommendations for service and repair work

After four years of intensive service and repair of SLRs from the 1980s, I'd like to summarize my experiences with the Minolta 7000 AF. The Minolta (Maxxum, Alpha) 7000 AF was introduced in 1985 and was ... the first camera to feature both integrated autofocus (AF) and motorised film advance...

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Nikon​

Nikon F4

Nikon F4: Documents for service/repair; limits for DIY

For my current F4 service/repair projects, I have gained an overview of the information resources available (see links below). Overall, it's a very encouraging situation: everything you need for DIY service/repair in terms of instructions/information is available. Limits With the F4, there...

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Nikon F4: Servicing and fixing the aperture control; adjusting/replacing the shutter

In this project, we will examine how to disassemble the Nikon F4 for aperture control service. For background information, see here. A common issue with the F4 is that the aperture control lacks oil, which prevents the smaller apertures in particular from forming correctly. Master Larry...

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Nikon F4: Information about the common issue with the aperture control

This is what the smallest aperture on a Nikkor AF 35/2.0 D should look like. If the Nikon F4 has the common aperture control problem, the aperture closes with a delay or not completely. This can result in exposure issues. The Nikon F4, Nikon's fourth generation of top-of-the-line SLRs...

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Nikon F4: Mission Aperture Lever - Aperture control service successful even after two years

If the aperture control on the Nikon F4 is working correctly, the aperture lever in the mirror box moves all the way to the stop when the camera is triggered. Good news about a project I completed on March 27, 2024 🙂 A common problem with the Nikon F4 is that the aperture control no longer...

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Nikon F4: Replacement of the smaller LCD, guide rails for the DP-20 viewfinder lubricated, aperture control function assessed

I considered the best approach for turning two defective Nikon F4 into one working camera. The decision depended on the condition of both SLRs and is based on a check. The shutter of F4 #1 did not work properly. The shortest exposure time of 1/8000 second could not be measured on the...

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Nikon F4: Procedure for deviating shortest shutter speeds (experimental approach)

The following article reflects my current experiences with the topic and may be updated in the future. Errors are possible. With the Nikon F4, it may happen that the shortest shutter speeds (1/8000, 1/4000, 1/2000 second) are not set or are set incorrectly. The cause for this is obviously...

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Nikon F4: Aperture Base Plate Overhaul Tutorial by Vladislav Stanimirović

A tutorial on the aperture control problem with the Nikon F4 has been published on Learn Camera Repair. In this case the aperture on the F4 no longer works properly. Author Vladislav Stanimirović goes much further in troubleshooting the problem, servicing the removed aperture control and also...

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Nikon F4: Overview modifications

The Nikon F4 underwent several modifications during its production period. Here is an overview: Nikon F4 Modification This information is helpful when searching for suitable replacement parts and assessing compatibility. See also the January/February 1993 issue of SPT Journal on the Nikon F4.

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LCD and Aperture Direct Readout (ADR) illumination in the Nikon F4

The Nikon F4's two LCDs and Aperture Direct Readout (ADR) can be backlit. For those wondering what creates the bright green-turquoise backlight, here's the answer: The smaller LCD, displaying exposure compensation and frame counter, is illuminated by an LED encased in a greenish material as...

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Mechanics and electronics working together: Cable pulls in the Nikon F4 and other electromechanical SLRs

Did you know that the computer-controlled Nikon F4 from 1988 still has a mechanical cable pull? It is used to transmit the aperture manually set on the lens. Contacts (sliders) are moved via the cable pull along a ring-shaped resistance track on the rewind side of the mirror box. Depending on...

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Nikon F3 and accessoires

Nikon F3AF: All electronics replaced

A few years ago, I took over a Nikon F3AF from an English photographer who had never used the camera. It had been stored in its original packaging in a closet ever since he bought it new in the 80s. Unfortunately, the LCD went crazy, as I already owned the F3AF. Since then, I've done everything...

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Nikon F3: Service and repair recommendations

Nikon F3 with motor drive MD-4. The Nikon F3, introduced in 1980, is considered one of the great SLR classics. Built to the highest standards, durable, reliable, almost entirely made of metal, embedded in arguably the largest system program for an SLR, and produced for 21 years. So it's not...

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Nikon F3: Interrupted power supply - an easy repair

An F3 worked on the MD-4 Motor Drive. But it could not be triggered at its own with the electronic shutter release. Anyway it but could be triggered with the mechanical reserve shutter release. The LCD did not show anything in the viewfinder. Clearly a problem with the power supply. The error...

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Nikon F3/T: Clean, lube, adjust (CLA)

Following on from my post on the Nikon FA, let's take a look at the service (clean, lube, adjust - CLA) for a Nikon F3/T. The F3/T and F3 should have some technical similarities with the FA, as they were only three years apart (1980 - 1983). However, the two concepts differ significantly. The...

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Working with a camera tester and a depth micrometer: Checking and adjusting a Nikon F3/T

There are two ways to test an electromechanical SLR for correct functioning: Expose a test film with different settings and evaluate the result visually. If the result is satisfactory, the SLR can be used for photography. Whether the camera is correctly adjusted is irrelevant. The second option...

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Nikon MK-1 Firing rate converter (for Nikon F3): A look inside and cleaning the switch contacts

Two flagships and rivals of the 1980s: Canon New F-1 with Motor Drive FN and Nikon F3 with MD-4 and MK-1, which is mounted below the motor drive. The Nikon F3 and its exclusive motor drive MD-4 are a perfectly matched pair. The MD-4 not only cocks the shutter and transports the film, but...

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Nikon Motor Drive MD-4 (for Nikon F3): Heavily used, corroded battery contacts cleaned, damaged clutch unit replaced, serviced

Motors and winders for electromechanical SLRs are an interesting area for DIY service and repair. Here, electronics and mechanics come together to form powerful units that, using just a few AA batteries, cock shutters and mirrors, advance film, and—as in the case of this Nikon MD-4—also...

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Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive (for Nikon F3): Electromechanics with digital control center. Thoughts on DIY repair practice

While one might understand the mechanics of an electronic camera or a motor by observing the processes, this is not possible with electronics. One only knows that current flows through the components of the circuit and sees the actions this triggers, for example the raising of the camera mirror...

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Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive (for Nikon F3): Finding and fixing electronic faults, lessons learned

The question with electronic faults is always how to deal with them. The MD-4 is largely built with discrete (individual) components, with an IC providing central control (ASIC - application-specific integrated circuit, documentation not available). The IC must therefore be treated as a...

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Nikon FA and FG

Nikon FA: A closer look at service and technology; repair and dissection

The Nikon FA from 1983 is often discussed online, but mostly from a user’s perspective. I searched in vain for a post about service or repairs, or even a look inside the camera. That’s why I was very happy to get my hands on two FA cameras with issues, so I could do some pioneering work here...

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Nikon FG: A closer look at service and technology

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NikonFGblkfrt50f18.jpg#mw-jump-to-license The Nikon FG, produced from 1982 to 1986, continues our series on servicing electromechanical SLRs. The FG was the successor to the Nikon EM camera of 1979 and the predecessor of the Nikon FG-20 of 1984. These...

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Education/reflections/discussions

Why studying math can also help with repairs

Screenshot from the Canon A-1 Repair Guide Math, no matter at what level, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Dry, abstract, and seemingly irrelevant to everyday life—for many, their last serious encounter with fractions, square roots, and logarithms was in school. And they’re glad it’s over. But...

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Machine Elements and Precision Mechanics: General Knowledge of Mechanics in Cameras

Every film camera relies on mechanics, regardless of whether it has electronics on board or not. For example, the shutter, mirror, aperture, or film are tensioned and transported using the force of the thumb or motors. This transmits and converts rotational force in such a way that the desired...

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Does Engineering Mechanics provide insights that are helpful for DIY service and repair?

Screenshot from a Wikipedia article on the topic of impulse (physics). After reading quite a bit on the subject, my answer to this question is yes. However, there is one caveat Engineering Mechanics describes processes theoretically based on physics; its language is mathematics, and its...

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Understanding the mechanical part of SLRs: my experiences researching the topic

Figure: From the Nikon Repair Manual for the F3 Since I deal with mechanical components in SLRs during every service and repair project, I set out to find more knowledge on the subject. Simply identifying that this was a gear and that was a lever wasn’t enough for me. Since I have no...

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Understanding electronic circuits in electromechanical SLRs: Both a challenge and a source of fascination

Anyone interested in electromechanical SLRs cannot accept the prejudice that „the electronics“ are complicated, that there is little information available, and that they are impossible to understand anyway. Unless, that is, you have a degree in electrical engineering and computer science, as...

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The use of AI in the repair and study of SLRs

Better late than never, I’ve started looking into AI. Specifically, how it can help me with servicing and repairing SLRs, with technical understanding, and with researching repair manuals. To do this, I used the AI feature on Google Search, which is publicly accessible via a web browser. I...

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Adjusting electromechanical SLRs: A camera tester is not the solution to problems, but rather a starting point

One reason why many DIY enthusiasts shy away from servicing and repairing electromechanical SLRs is the necessary purchase of a camera tester. This involves costs as well as dealing with complex technical areas. That's true but on the other hand, a camera tester allows you to check the...

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There's always a chance: Troubleshooting electronic faults in electromechanical SLRs and accessoires

SLRs such as the Canon T90, Minolta (Maxxum/Alpha) 9000 AF, or Nikon F3 with their flexible circuit boards that run through the camera body in several layers. Peppered with ICs and tiny electronic components. How can faults in electronics be found and repaired? As always professional guidance...

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Electronics basics through experiments and simulation: Essential knowledge for DIY repairs

Before I take a day off—which is hard for me to do 😉 - I’d like to highlight a project I carried out a few years ago with Burkhard Kainka, a leading electronics expert and author in Germany. To learn about electronics, I recreated basic electronic circuits from a learning kit by Burkhard...

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Electromechanical SLRs: Base plate, top cover, mirror box - what needs to be removed for servicing/repairs

For some repairs and servicing on electromechanical SLRs, removing the bottom plate or the top cover is sufficient. Bottom plate Depending on the SLR, you can clear blockages in the film advance mechanism, clean solenoids, or replace electrolytic capacitors. The curtains travel times of...

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The future of camera repair: Do we have a duty to pass on our knowledge?

Whether it’s SLRs, medium- and large-format cameras, or lens repairs—a wealth of knowledge has been accumulated here on PHOTRIO over the years. It’s no coincidence that PHOTRIO is cited as an excellent, publicly accessible international source for questions and answers. As far as I know...

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Recommendations

Clean, Lube, Adjust (CLA): When does my electromechanical SLR need servicing?

Since I’m planning to post a few articles here on PHOTRIO in 2026 about the overhaul of electromechanical SLRs, I’m sharing an article on the topic. It’s not always clear what CLA (clean, lube, adjust) actually means. The following is my personal take on the matter. When does my...

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Tips for buying used electromechanical SLRs

In a recent article on camera testers, the question arose as to whether such devices are absolutely necessary for checking the functionality of an electromechanical SLR. The answer is yes, if you want the most accurate results. For camera repairers, this is a prerequisite for adjusting an SLR...

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Tips for buying used lenses

Here are a few tips for buying used lenses, in no particular order and not exhaustive. Feel free to add to the list, or I will expand it if I think of anything else. As with purchasing electromechanical SLRs, you should rely on your intuition in addition to a quick inspection. There should be...

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Cameras and lenses with minor flaws: nothing is perfect

We like to talk about service and repair for photographic equipment, checking and adjusting SLRs and lenses, repair shops, and how you can do it yourself. There's nothing wrong with that Seriously defective cameras and lenses will rarely deliver technically flawless photos—and that's what...

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Repairs and Service of electromechanical SLRs: Who should I listen to when I want to solve a problem with an SLR?

When my electromechanical SLR stops working, I want to fix the problem. Preferably immediately and with as little effort as possible. Ideally, it shouldn’t cost anything either. Since I’m interested in DIY, I’m also willing to pick up a tool myself and try to repair it. There is always a...

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Decisions regarding camera repairs: Sometimes you have to make sacrifices

Recently, I was once again faced with one of those decisions that no one wants to make, because it inevitably involves making a sacrifice. The shutter on a Nikon F4 needs to be adjusted because the shutter curtains run at different speeds. The difference is only 90 microseconds, or 0.00009...

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Measuring/Adjusting

Measurements on camera circuitry: using a multimeter

A multimeter can be used to measure the three basic electrical quantities: voltage (volts, yellow arrow), resistance (ohms, cyan), current (amperes, magenta) as well as continuity (ohms, white). When it comes to electronics and measurements, the term "multimeter" quickly comes up. What is...

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The correct flange focal distance: A prerequisite for the correct adjustment of a lens to infinity

In the article Reveni Labs Autocollimator: Lens adjustment in the DIY workshop. An Olympus Zuiko 65-200/4 auto zoom is set to infinity, we looked at the use of an autocollimator to adjust the infinity setting of a lens. To do this, we mounted the lens on an SLR, checked it with the...

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Olympus OM-4: Measuring the flange focal distance with a depth gauge

In The correct flange focal distance: a prerequisite for the correct adjustment of a lens to infinity, we saw that The flange focal distance is the distance between the contact surface of the lens—the lens mount on the SLR—and the film plane. This distance is precisely specified for each...

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Reveni Labs Autocollimator: Olympus OM Zuiko 65-200/4 auto zoom set to infinity

This report covers the first project using the brand new Reveni Labs Autocollimator, which arrived at my home in Vienna in early 2026. Originally, I wanted to set up a Minolta wide-angle lens for the premiere. However, I then decided on the Olympus OM Zuiko 65-200/4 auto zoom, as I am...

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Checking the focusing system of an Olympus OM-4. Definition of a workflow for checking and adjusting sharpness

In several articles, we have discussed the flange focal distance. the infinity focus of lenses, and the autocollimator. We concluded that the flange focal distance of an SLR must first be verified through measurement. If this is correct, an objective lens on this SLR can be adjusted to infinity...

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DIY

There's something for everyone: DIY service and repair of SLRs, lenses, and accessories on three levels

It may seem that DIY service and repair of photographic equipment always requires extensive equipment and knowledge and skills. This is true for some jobs, but by no means for all. I distinguish between three levels that give everyone the opportunity to do something for their photographic...

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DIY service/repairs: Nearly anything is possible, you just need to be aware of the effort involved beforehand

When an SLR, lens, or accessory isn't working as it should, the question arises as to whether the device can be repaired, by whom, and at what cost. Or whether a repair should be carried out at all. There are no blanket answers to these questions; they arise anew in each case. Let's take a...

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The quality of the work is not the criterion: Differences between DIY and professional camera repair

We often talk about DIY service and repair of electromechanical cameras such as the Nikon F4, Canon T90, or Minolta (Maxxum/Alpha) 9000. This could give the impression that DIY is the key to all problems, provided you are willing to put in the time and effort. So why should I have my camera...

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Start DIY repairs, make the impossible possible: One day is enough to get what you need

Being able to maintain and repair your own SLR, being independent - for some, this is a wonderful idea. But as soon as it comes to putting it into practice, disillusionment sets in. It's complicated, the instructions are incomprehensible, all the parts are tiny, their function is not...

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Technical literature

Written by the masters of their time: Literary classics on SLR repair

The number of books on repairing SLRs published before the year 2000 is fairly limited. Here, I’d like to highlight a few classics that no library should be without. None of these works are available in print anymore; two books by Thomas Tomosy are available on Amazon for Kindle, so you’ll...

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The Camera Craftsman: Timeless expertise for camera repairers

The Camera Craftsman was a periodical trade publication for camera repairers in the US that appeared from 1955 to 1980. It discussed photographic equipment and its service/repair, and featured articles on specialist topics and industry news. It is a rich documentation of camera technology of...

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Electronics: Theory and Practice for Camera Repair Technicians by National Camera

The National Camera Training Program for camera repair technicians had published two self-study guides on electronics. These 46- and 28-page guides cover the basics of analog electronics and their practical application in camera servicing and repair. They provide an ideal introduction to...

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

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...

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The topics covered in the National Camera Repair Course

National Camera in the US provided documents on various topics as part of its self-study course for aspiring camera technicians. These documents are among the best that have been published on the servicing and repair of film photography equipment. They were published in the 1970s and 1980s. My...

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Alphabetical Index to SPT Journal Articles on Learn Camera Repair

The issues of SPT Journal are key to servicing/repairing electromechanical SLRs and, to my knowledge, are only available for purchase on Learn Camera Repair. The index can be used to search for general topics and brand names. Alphabetical Index to SPT Journal Articles

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Mechanical knowledge also for camera repairers: Machinery's Handbook

I have not yet found any reasonably up-to-date reference books on precision mechanics for camera repairers. However, in my opinion, Machinery's Handbook covers much—if not all—of what there is to know about this subject from a basic and general mechanical perspective. Even though camera...

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Miscellaneous

Broken plain bearings: When a zoom lens suddenly stops moving

Zoom lenses with manual settings are adjusted to change their focal length using either a rotating ring or a tube. To allow the lens to extend or retract, the moving parts slide along plain bearings in guide slots. These plain bearings are often made of plastic, which can break after decades...

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Destructive removal of a stuck lens filter; testing for radioactivity

A Vivitar skylight filter was stuck on a Rikenon 55/2.8 lens and wouldn’t budge even with the lens filter wrench. Since the filter was already damaged and had a dent, I didn’t want to waste time trying WD-40 to loosen it. Besides, this presented an opportunity to try out a technique that...

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Saving a Metz mecablitz 32 MZ-3

Metz’s flash units with the SCA adapter system for use with various SLRs are internationally renowned for their high quality. This beautiful 32 MZ-3 was a gift from a friend and is in like-new condition. But as is often the case, the batteries had been left in the unit for years, and the...

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A word of caution

Please 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.

Acknowledgments

Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.

The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.

We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.