Almost 30 years ago, within a matter of month, two trade associations began in our industry. A group of about a dozen major camera repair shops in the United States formed an organization called the National Association of Photo Equipment Technician (NAPET). The individual members, compelled by innovation, sought to improve the relationship between repair shops and the industry in general, and in particular, with manufacturers and importers. Among the founders was an energetic organizer and proponent of the concept, Georg LaCroix.
The organization was designed for all repairman and particular individuals working either for themselves or in shops. Since I originally conceived and developed the Society of Photo-Technologists (SPT), it was highly logical that the first members of SPT were graduates of National Camera Technical Training. The basic concept of SPT was to provide the continuing framework for improving professionalism and disseminating knowledge in the repair industry beyond the basic training that was provided at that time.
Over the years, the two organizations have grown. NAPET has become a part of PMA, Photo Marketing Association, and today has about fifty member organization. Among them are of the larger shops in the United States. SPT has grown to include 1000 or more independent technicians, some running their own shops, some free lance or part time, and some employed by larger shops.
Both organizations have advanced their goal and developed admirably. NAPET enjoys wide respect among dealers and manufacturers. SPT publishes excellent technical materials and maintain liaison and information exchange among camera shops everywhere.
SPT was long considered a part of National Camera and irretrievably connected. Strings are hard to cut in any event, and the SPT and NAPET didn't reach any level of aesthetic altruism until long after they began. However, when they began to communicate, it was evident that both were honestly seeking to improve the industry, despite early faltering steps and misconceptions. When NAPET joined PMA, it achieved certain input and guidance which produced considerable benefits for the industry as a whole.
Among the many interest areas shared by the two organizations, about which all repairman should be concerned, are improved relationships among manufacturers, repair shops, technician, dealers and consumers. Improved education and communication along all the links in the chain permits better understanding of testing procedures and equipment to strengthen the understanding between those links. These improved educational approaches are proof of the honest efforts of these organizations to attain laudable goals.
Perhaps the most important point that I would like to make is that both SPT and NAPET deserve the support of every repair technician and shop anywhere. NAPET provides a forum for even the one-person repair shop. At the same time, SPT is a tremendous asset to all shops and individual repairman.
In short, every camera repairman should be a member of SPT and every operating repair shop should belong to NAPET. Lets continue to strengthen the camera service industry to gain the recognition that it deserves and continue to improve our professional, ethical and organizational standards through these worthwhile trade associations.
This article has been written by Samuel L.Love
published in the "Camera Craftsman" May-June 1978
