I read that "newer photo devices" as digital cameras and lenses with elecronics in it, and so I quoted "yes".
Minolta 9000
Even having an Electrical Engineering MS cannot overcome the absence of the listed items.
Of course I was thinking of my 80s cameras
But repairing even newer cameras?
Of course I was thinking of my 80s cameras
But repairing even newer cameras?
In various posts here I complain about the limited options for carrying out repairs to the electronics of photo equipment yourself.
It always comes down to the fact that the circuit is too complex to be understood and manageable.
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Electronics in newer photo devices: too complex for DIY repairs?
The available circuit diagrams are of little use, as voltage values for measurements are usually not specified.
The troubleshooting chapters in repair manuals do not include errors that only become apparent decades later.
There are also limits to replacing electronic components because either it is only possible with a deep = risky disassembly of the device or it is not possible to do so using available soldering technology.
Also, the success of many electronic repairs can only be verified when the device is completely reassembled, which usually involves some effort.
Obtaining spare parts is also difficult, as there are usually several versions of the circuits and it is not always clear whether, for example, the available replacement IC from a discontinued camera is the right one.
However, since the majority of malfunctions in more or less modern photo devices involve the electronics, this means that the chances of repair are significantly limited.
I would be interested to know how you deal with the issue and what strategies you use for troubleshooting.
Where do you see opportunities and where are limitations?
The more you know theoretically, the more difficult it becomes to repair things in practice
That is so true and the more experience one has the harder it is to start the task.
Darrel P. Kaiser: Basic Electrical Troubleshooting for EveryoneI am not suggesting that learning and understanding the electronic formulas is not important. I am saying that while all that detailed level of knowledge is necessary to correctly design electronics; it is not required to be able to logically and efficiently troubleshoot electrical circuits. I am not saying that the added knowledge would not be helpful; I am just saying that it is not a required prerequisite for success.
For myself it's a no. I can fix electrical issues like broken wires, bad contacts, but I think that's it.
I may stretch it to changing a cap that's obviously bad.
You'll never fully understand the circuits on newer devices because they use custom digital silicon - e.g. Nikon Exceed electronics. This isn't like the analog stuff of old where fairly basic components were used and could be replaced.
The other issue is that the mechanical support for these parts is highly customized and often includes bespoke flex PC and surface mount electronics. That's why it took years for Phototech to come up with a way to fix old Fuji 645Zi and their notorious back panel LCD issues.
I've also restored old computers, and there, electromechanical devices such as floppy and hard drives are major points of failure, along with our old friends, electrolytic capacitors, which sometimes leak their corrosive contents.
But I've dealt with corroded computer motherboards which I could not restore, and in those instances, I think corrosion may have penetrated into the encapsulated inner workings of the semiconductor devices. It's never a good sign when solder appears crumbly, or the legs of ICs are discolored, even green with corrosion.
Too, battery electrolyte can travel a surprising distance, traveling through wiring like molten wax through a candle wick.
The stuff is evil, but at least people recognize the problem and can do something about it.
Although I have the impression that current AA and AAA batteries also leak, but they no longer attack metal.
Cameras from the 1980s and 1990s e.g. the Canon EOS 1N, Nikon F3, FE2, FM and many others ... they may look "simple" to repair, but underneath is a revelation that has struck fear into the most ardent DIYer. I surmise that DIY repair is a firm 'maybe' if one knows what the problem is and where, he has the temperament of a jeweller and the precision of a surgeon together with the refined skills of electronic and mechanical assembly. Without these assets, I wouldn't go near them, and even if I did have time and skill, there is much more involved to simply repairing — calibration, being one thing.
Digital cameras — no, not an option.
F5 and 5, EOS 1V, Minolta 9, are they as complicated as the 9000? Maybe more functions on chip, less complicated wiring?
… and the more experience one has the harder it is to start the task.
I wonder how the production of these cameras was organized, it must have been mostly manual work with all the soldered cables and discrete components.
A veritable rolling assembly line, with many people responsible for specific tasks and sections of the camera, all culminating in a critical eye who inspected each step, ultimately going on to the final QC, at which time a Pass meant the camera was cleaned, wrapped, boxed and prepared for despatch.
Although I have the impression that current AA and AAA batteries also leak, but they no longer attack metal.
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