Why do you do your own repair?

campy51 · Mar 16, 2024

There are many threads about problems with cameras and there are as many who say send it in for a cla or to a professional no matter how small the problem may be. I'm curious as to why some send it out for repair and why some do their own repair. I have been fixing copiers for over 50 years and have met many customers who complain about the smallest problems and call for service. A common problem is lines when making a copy or scanning and when I try to help them fix it over the phone some insist I come out to check it. Of course if they don't have a service agreement and I'm charging them $155 to clean the glass that I told them over the phone to do to get rid of the line and they still want me to come out, that's fine with me. I myself starting doing my own repairs out of not having the disposable cash to purchase a fully working camera or the $300-400 to have something fixed, especially for something that's only a hobby for me. It started with small things like shutter speeds off on tlr's or other leaf shutters and then oil on aperture blades on lenses. Over many years I have bought many cameras at a discount because they have problems that I may or may not be able to fix, but always bought at a price I could get all or nearly all my money back if I had to sell it as is. I recently bought a Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 for $30 because it had a loose front ring. I remember watching a video on that same problem and had it fixed in about 5 minutes. I never wanted to spend the money for a wide zoom because I generally don't shoot wide, but for $30 I have it in my bag if needed. So my story is about the cost and I assume for some the cost of buying a near perfectly running camera or spending the money to have something fixed is not a problem. I also do it because I like to tinker and am curious how things work. Although my confidence has been shaken recently over not being able to fix a Contax or 2 Zorkis so they are usable. The Contax is almost there, but the Zorkis and I are in a cold war.

Truzi · Mar 16, 2024

Money, for the most part, at least until I was "hooked."

It started with not being able to afford to have my car fixed when I was in high school. I learned how to do it myself. Plus my father and both grandfathers were always fixing things around the house that other families would contract out. So I also adopted the attitude that if I could do it myself, I probably should.

Then I grew to like it. There is a sense of accomplishment, and also that attitude that I should do things myself if I am able.

Still, when I needed my first camera repair, I thought it would be too complex, so took it to a camera shop that advertised film camera repair - and they didn't get it right (even after 3 attempts).
At that point I decided to learn to do it myself, or at least give it an initial attempt. It is disconcerting when a company lets you down and you have to be self-sufficient.

There are things I'm not equipped to do on cars, so I still go to a trusted mechanic for some things.
I've not done many camera repairs, and there are a few things I'll still take to the pros (different pros than the one who couldn't fix it).

There are also "odd" non-standard repairs I'll do myself. Things a repair tech normally wouldn't do for the public. The flash for my Bronica GS-1, for example, broke at the mount; fatigued plastic. I got another one, but will attempt to fix the old one. Why toss a perfectly working unit?

titrisol · Mar 16, 2024

Because I needed a hobby away from a computer

Chan Tran · Mar 16, 2024

I will fix my camera or throw it away. Having someone doing the good service would cost more than a replacement camera. For the people who pay you big buck to fix minor problem with their copiers because they don't own the copiers nor really pay your fee out of their pocket. If they try to fix it and in the process break it they would be in big problem. If the copier isn't working correctly just call service and the company will pay for it. The boss can't say why don't you try to fix it? Because they are not copier service techs.

campy51 · Mar 16, 2024

Chan Tran said:
I will fix my camera or throw it away. Having someone doing the good service would cost more than a replacement camera. For the people who pay you big buck to fix minor problem with their copiers because they don't own the copiers nor really pay your fee out of their pocket. If they try to fix it and in the process break it they would be in big problem. If the copier isn't working correctly just call service and the company will pay for it. The boss can't say why don't you try to fix it? Because they are not copier service techs.

So true about it not being their money. It is especially true with the government, I remember a state agency called to have an inexpensive brother printer repaired and after telling them it will be cheaper to buy a new one they said they can't without jumping through hoops to get it approved, so they spent about $200 to fix a $250 printer. I was told that they have the money to fix things but not buy.

Sirius Glass · Mar 16, 2024

I used to worry about the cost of fixing things, but at this point in my life I would rather have it fixed and be able to use it, rather than have the camera or anything else sit and be unused. Beside with camera repair people retiring and becoming harder to find, someone must help keep them busy and interested in their work.

To paraphrase Warren A. Miller, ski movie creator, "If I do not do it now, I will be a year older when I do."

Andreas Thaler · Mar 16, 2024

Technical interest, the challenge, independence from workshops that I often don't trust, saving money and enjoying reporting about my projects and discussing in the forum here

Andreas Thaler · Mar 16, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
Technical interest, the challenge, independence from workshops that I often don't trust, saving money and enjoying reporting about my projects and discussing in the forum here

And many repairs that I try would not even be accepted by a workshop. „No spare parts“ is the excuse.

Of course it can be done, but it takes time, interest and persistence. For example, replacing the LCDs on the Nikon F3 and F4, or replacing the main display on the Canon T90.

Workshops are not interested in such orders, it is not profitable or they cannot do it

ic-racer · Mar 16, 2024

I repair my own equipment,
process my own film,
print my own pictures,
compose my own images
press the button myself.

Otherwise why not just do computer digital graphics? All you would need is a mouse, track pad, cellphone camera and a desire to sit in front of a computer screen.

Felix Georg · Mar 16, 2024

I try to differentiate between commercial equipment and my personal stuff.
If equipment breaks down that I rely on, I try to find someone who fixes things so I can continue working and earning money.
Most of time I try to fix things on my own, but if I don't find a solution in reasonable time, I give it away and continue my normal work.
I started fixing my cars, because I like it. But sometimes I don't have time, the right weather or proper equipment to fix it or just want to rely on things to work without the interest of knowing how it works.
I agree with @Andreas Thaler 's experience that some repairs wont't be done by workshops anymore and I have to find a solution on my own. Then I take the opportunity to do so.

Chan Tran · Mar 16, 2024

campy51 said:
So true about it not being their money. It is especially true with the government, I remember a state agency called to have an inexpensive brother printer repaired and after telling them it will be cheaper to bYuy a new one they said they can't without jumping through hoops to get it approved, so they spent about $200 to fix a $250 printer. I was told that they have the money to fix things but not buy.

Yes and the accountant like it better because if it costs $200 for repair that is the expense. I you buy for $250 you have to estimate the residue value of the printer after the tax year.

Laurent · Mar 16, 2024

Fun mostly, I could well have less cameras and get them CLA'd when needed. I started by buying a "parts" F1 to fix my F1's damaged top cover.

Then I got hooked and started looking at other cameras I had and needed service, then bought some cameras with the clear intent of fixing non working ones.

kl122002 · Mar 16, 2024

Several reasons:

1. Others can't fix it well. I have sent a Kodak Retina iiic for repair because of oily blades, and in return the aperture is not working and charged me $100. I took of the speed ring and just found out they haven't put the aperture setting ring into right position. Before this, the technician told me it was a common problem in this camera

2. Others don't know how to fix. Pentacon Six, Reflex Korelle, cameras that too old and unusual, they just don't want to spend hours on it .

3. Too cheap, time consuming, not worth to do and so others asked me to get another, e.g. Minolta SRT 101, Canon Ftb , Pentax S /H/ Spotmatic,Tamron lens.

4. Money. Damm, I have time and don't mind even just nickels and dime. . When I feel my workplace is crowded with too many gears I would ask shop to help me do consignments and sell them away in low price.

5. Just want to be alone. Seriously. When I want to be away from annoying social parties, unwanted news, being alone and meditate.

MattKing · Mar 16, 2024

campy51 said:
So true about it not being their money. It is especially true with the government, I remember a state agency called to have an inexpensive brother printer repaired and after telling them it will be cheaper to buy a new one they said they can't without jumping through hoops to get it approved, so they spent about $200 to fix a $250 printer. I was told that they have the money to fix things but not buy.

That is basically a remnant from the time when one couldn't buy anything that made any sense for a high volume commercial or industrial or institutional workplace for anything close to the price one would pay for something suitable for a home office.
I once moved over to a law firm that had relatively recently replaced a $100,000.00 + copier and printer setup to several smaller copiers and printers that together cost much less than $100,000.00, and individually cost not a large amount more than your $250 Brother printer.
The former large machine was the sort of equipment that the institutional systems were set up for - including the budgeting and expense systems. In big, institutional setups there is always a lag between the time when systems like that become outdated and when they are replaced with something more appropriate - although with something like a state agency it may make more sense to enter into rental and maintenance agreements for small printers than to actually purchase them.

lejaune · Mar 16, 2024

I fix my cars, watches, lawn mowers, appliances, computers, and of course cameras. The service and repair professionals have time constraints. I am sure they can't afford to spend decent amount of time to repair anything, and some are not very smart and they may even ruin things. Besides, I enjoy fixing my own stuff. Nowadays, you can find how to do almost anything on Youtube and other sites.

Bruce Butterfield · Mar 17, 2024

I have to say that it is extremely satisfying to fix my own cameras. I speak as someone who is not very mechanically adept but I muddle through somehow. With the help of Chris Sherlock’s YouTube channel I just fixed the film counter/advance mechanism on my Perkeo II so now I have a very nice, tiny, working 6x6 travel camera. Yay!

Andreas Thaler · Mar 17, 2024

kl122002 said:
Several reasons:

1. Others can't fix it well. I have sent a Kodak Retina iiic for repair because of oily blades, and in return the aperture is not working and charged me $100. I took of the speed ring and just found out they haven't put the aperture setting ring into right position. Before this, the technician told me it was a common problem in this camera

2. Others don't know how to fix. Pentacon Six, Reflex Korelle, cameras that too old and unusual, they just don't want to spend hours on it .

3. Too cheap, time consuming, not worth to do and so others asked me to get another, e.g. Minolta SRT 101, Canon Ftb , Pentax S /H/ Spotmatic,Tamron lens.

4. Money. Damm, I have time and don't mind even just nickels and dime. . When I feel my workplace is crowded with too many gears I would ask shop to help me do consignments and sell them away in low price.

5. Just want to be alone. Seriously. When I want to be away from annoying social parties, unwanted news, being alone and meditate.

+1

P C Headland · Mar 17, 2024

Bruce Butterfield said:
I have to say that it is extremely satisfying to fix my own cameras. I speak as someone who is not very mechanically adept but I muddle through somehow. With the help of Chris Sherlock’s YouTube channel I just fixed the film counter/advance mechanism on my Perkeo II so now I have a very nice, tiny, working 6x6 travel camera. Yay!

Chris's videos are really good. I've managed to fix several cameras as a result of watching his videos.

guangong · Mar 17, 2024

Time! While admiring those with the curiosity and willingness of those undertaking their own repairs, I have too many tasks that must be completed. Although I have no ”pre-existing conditions “, one never knows when the clock runs out. So in a way, paying someone to make repairs is a way to buy time. One the other hand, often the time involved getting something serviced takes longer than doing a job oneself, so there is no rigid rule.

BrianShaw · Mar 17, 2024

campy51 said:
So true about it not being their money. It is especially true with the government, I remember a state agency called to have an inexpensive brother printer repaired and after telling them it will be cheaper to buy a new one they said they can't without jumping through hoops to get it approved, so they spent about $200 to fix a $250 printer. I was told that they have the money to fix things but not buy.

The "color of money" (which budget line item the money has been allocated into) is a very real constraint, especially in both commercial and governmentn environments. There is a lot less flexibility in the government budget, as you point out. It often makes little sense, especially at the end of year when there are surplus of capital funds... then some of the weirdest things get bought to burn down that line item before the money disappears. It is common practice to spend the budget wastefully than underspend and have the next year allocation reduced accordingly.

Bill Burk · Mar 17, 2024

While under warranty, I sent original OM-4 to Olympus (twice) for battery drain issue before “the memo” went out. Each time, they smugly told me the batteries were dead.

I had a Dallmeyer Dallon lens polished and coated by Pacific Universal with long lasting results, they couldn’t get out the deepest scratch but it doesn’t affect images (an Olympus Six lens had an oil spot that came back after they polished it, I sold it on eBay disclosing the issue clearly).

While the Littman Single III was under warranty and the self-timer jammed I sent it back to William Littman and it came back as an IV.

After hearing a thwack when tightening the curtains on a Leica M2 I sent it off to Youxin Ye and it came back with M3 shutter.

After ruining the contacts designed like prickly pear spines in the front of an OM-3 I sent it off to John Hermanson with a “parts OM-4” donor and it came back fully working.

John did not want to touch the OM-4 that I had sent to Olympus twice.

That’s my history of professional repairs.

jk0592 · Mar 17, 2024

Learning (slowly) to repair my mechanical cameras for the day, maybe 5 to 10 years from now, when no professional repairmen will do so.

4season · Mar 18, 2024

An unexpected discovery for me was the joy of the camera itself as medium for expression.

It began when I custom-painted a FED-2, and I found the results very satisfying.

Then I realized that pitted metal finishes or cracked plastic housings might be an opportunity to experiment with kintsugi-type repairs, in which the repairs are visible, and can be beautiful features in their own right, with lacquer or epoxy being left in it's natural color, or combined with a decorative element such as powdered gold.

And I might have sought out an exact replacement part for a Pentax with missing plastic trim piece, but I opted to experiment with hand-carving the part from bamboo instead. But if I knew how to work with such substances, it could just as easily have been turquoise or malachite.

Ivo Stunga · Mar 18, 2024

1) Economy
2) Trust issue in modern society
3) Living = learning
4) Ownership issue in modern society being eroded away for a quick and recurrent buck.

With little bit of work you can make your devices last longer and save a considerable amount of money in exchange for learning opportunities that expand one's world view and tends to clear one's perception. Without these skills it'd be prohibitively expensive for me to upkeep my household. With these skills - I can simply afford more and each/every successful repair kicks in a rather massive dose of satisfaction and self-esteem.

You simply cannot buy that.

CrisMar · May 4, 2024

What I love is learning about how very old items were made:
Restoring 130+ year old shutters, troubleshooting missing or broken or worn out parts. Learning old techniques (from working brass to finishes on wood). The stuff I buy is really not in good shape, so when I finish I always feed a little bit proud of having saved an item that otherwise would have been thrown in the bin.

Why do you do your own repair?

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