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Course Outline

Lesson 1
Camera Operation & Design

Definition of a camera
Camera Categories
Viewing and Focusing Systems
Lenses
Shutters
Lightmetering
Metering Methods
Exposure Calculations
Exposure Control
Displays
Electronic Flash
Film Transport
Digital Image Storage
Recording the Image on Film
Recording the Image Digitally
Cleaning the Image Sensor
The Low Pass Filter
Digital Infrared Conversions

Lesson Goal: This lesson offers you an overview of camera construction and the various systems used to build a working camera. When you complete this lesson you should be able to define a camera�s operating systems and have a general understanding of their function.

BONUS:
Operating Your Camera Repair Business

see the outline at the end of this section


Typical Time Required: 9 hours

Updated 2010

Lesson 11
Servicing Single Lens Reflex Cameras
Getting Started


Hands On Experience:
Disassembly / Reassembly
Using Repair Information
Soldering
General Techniques

Lesson Goal: This is a hands on lab lesson. It is the precursor to working on digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. In this lesson you will disassembly, assemble and possibly repair a Single Lens reflex film camera. This is a very good lesson for applying earlier lessons and a great hands on experience. When you complete this lesson you should have experience in disassemble and reassemble of a Single Lens Reflex camera. As an added bonus, we still repair and refurbish many film SLR cameras.

Hands On Lab
SLR Camera, disassembly
(Digital / film SLR relationship)

Training DVD
DVD, CD, or Service Manual

Typical Time Required: 20 hours


Updated 2007






Lesson 2
Soldering Techniques and Tools

Basic Soldering Techniques
Tools
Magnifiers & Parts Tray
Manuals
Tools after Graduation
Update to Tools
Oscilloscopes in 30 minutes
Digital White Lightboxes
Digital Focus Tools
Depth of Focus Jig
Optical Bench
Other Cool Tools
Micro Brushes
CF Straightening Tool
Digital Vernier Caliper
Advanced Board Level Repairs on Digital Cameras
Replacing Fuses
Replacing CF Pins
Shot Gunning PCBs
Soldering Tips


Lesson Goal: This lesson teaches you how to solder both standard size components and SMD (surface mount devices) micro components. Great soldering skills have always been important in the CR field, which is even truer in digital cameras. This can be a challenging lab, even for those with prior soldering experience. Soldering is a skill that when done right is quick, easy and painless. We teach you how to do it right!

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to handle most soldering situations, even the tricky ones. As you continue through the course your skill will improve because of your solid foundation. As an added bonus, this lesson also shows you how to use an oscilloscope for troubleshooting, as wells the secrets of building a light White Box using a Color Meter and a Nomograph. There is a lot of punch packed into this small lesson.


Hands On Lab
Flex circuit for soldering a 10 ohm,
1K ohm, and Flash Discharge resistors

Tool Kit for the course

Training DVD
Soldering

Typical Time Required: 6 hours

Updated 2009














Lesson 12
Exposure Control Systems
Mechanical Exposure Control
Electronic Exposure Control
Electronic Timing Circuits
Lens Shutter Exposure Control
Programmed Lens Shutters
Integration
Troubleshooting Analog Shutter Circuits
Digital Lens Shutter Control
Binary Comparators
Shutter Control
Stepping Motor Control
Memory
Troubleshooting Digital P/S Circuits
Other Shutter Drivers
SLR Exposure Control
Analog Exposure Control
Electronic Memory Switches
Digital Memories
Troubleshooting SLR Memories
Electronic Aperture Control
Interface and Feedback for Aperture
Aperture Control Interfaces
Summary
Troubleshooting Automatic Apertures
Aperture Troubleshooting Table
SLR Electronic Shutter Control
Types of Focal Plane Shutters
Troubleshooting Focal Plane Shutters
Exposure Control for Digital Cameras
ISO
Digital P/S Exposure Control
Digital Exposure Control
Diaphragms
Shutters
CCD Image Sensors
CMOS Image Sensors
Adjusting Digital SLR Exposure using Software
Lightmeter Adjustment
AE Sensor Output Adjustment
AE Basic Adjustment
AE Shift Adjustment
Shutter Adjustment


Lesson Goal: This lesson concentrates your attention on the cameras exposure control systems and requires you to be able to apply the knowledge you gain to the labs in other lessons. You will get a background in shutters and diaphragms. You will learn how they work, what goes wrong, why it goes wrong and how to troubleshoot and repair them. It�s also about feedback. How does the computer �know� the position of the shutter and diaphragm, what�s the logic? You also learn about error codes, those distress signals the computer sends out when things go wrong.

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to understand how exposure control works, how to troubleshoot these systems and be able to apply the information when repairing cameras.


Hands On Lab
Camera Modules, exposure systems

Typical Time Required: 10 hours

Updated May 2009

Lesson 3
Analog Electronic Circuits
Electricity
Analogies
The Components
Semiconductors
Transistors
Integrated Circuits
Operational Amplifiers
Comparators
Analog Electronics in Digital Cameras
MD FPC
Flash PCB
DC/DC Converter
Fuses


Lesson Goal: In this lesson we want to get you thinking in an electronic way. We don�t want you to memorize the math of electronics, our approach is different. We want you to be able to �see� electronics working inside your head, that is the moment when you suddenly gain understanding and it�s all simple. We recognize that moment; we have seen it many times.

Camera repair is both left and right brained; some problems can be seen and measured while others have to be visualized. To a great extent electronic problems are deduced, visualized. We use instruments to make measurements but our determination of the problem is based on our understanding of basic electronics.

Analog electronic training is also necessary for troubleshooting Digital cameras since many of the circuits are analog or use analog components. When you complete this lesson you will have a basic understanding of analog electronics and be able to use a DVM. Your light bulb moment should happen in latter in the course.

For 2009 we have added a bug to the lightmeter circuit on our lab breadboard, it will jump-start your thinking.


Hands On Lab
Analog Breadboard
(transistors, lightmeter op amp circuits)

Training DVD
Using Camera Test Equipment

Typical Time Required: 12 hours

Updated 2009



Lesson 13
Servicing Shutters
Lens Shutters
Exposure Time
Multi-Blade Shutters
Lens Shutter Speed Control
Program Shutters
Other Program Shutters
Lens Shutter Troubleshooting and Service
Lens Shutter Service
Cleaning
Focal Plane Shutters
Focal Plane Shutter Design
Focal Plane Speed Control
Focal Plane Flash Sync
Other Speed Controls
Electronic Speed Control
Curtain Travel Times
Vertical Shutters
Horizontal vs. Vertical Shutters
Troubleshooting Film Focal Plane Shutters
Shutter Speed Table
Typical Curtain Travel Times
Shutters in Digital Cameras
CCD vs. CMOS Imagers
Troubleshooting Digital Camera Shutters
Shutter Switch Innovation
Ware inside the Shutter Mechanism
Damage to the Low Pass Filter
Light Streak on Image.
Shutter Speed Adjustment
Test New Replacement Shutters


Lesson Goal: This lesson contains detailed descriptions of various shutter designs, where you will find them and how to service them. We emphasize the design and troubleshooting of digital SLR shutters since they are such a large part of the repair market. During the lab portion of this lesson you will get hands on experience servicing a focal plane shutter. When you complete this lesson you should be able to service shutters as well as troubleshoot and repair cameras with shutter problems.

Hands On Lab
Disassemble / Repair a Focal Plane Shutter

Typical Time Required: 8 hours


Updated 2009

Lesson 4
Digital Electronic Circuits

Binary Systems
Transistors and Binary Codes
Binary Numbers
Binary Coded Decimals
Binary Arithmetic
Digital Building Blocks
Gates
Truth Tables
Logic Networks
The Clock
Binary Adders
Combinational & Sequential Logic
Encoders
Multiplexers
Memory Registers
Processors
Some History
Why They Work
Communication
Loose Ends
Code Generators
Position Counts
Displays
Shutter Speed Control
Practical Notes on Logic

Lesson Goal: This lesson will acquaint you with digital components, designs and circuits. Repairing digital cameras does not require you to become a digital engineer. But having a working knowledge of how these circuits work will make troubleshooting and repairing of digital cameras much easier. When you complete this lesson you will have a working knowledge of binary arithmetic and logic, you will understand how simple switching transistors are combined with other components to execute calculations. You will also understand binary control circuits and how cameras use them.

The lab portion of this lesson features a great hands on experience with a binary / alphanumeric counter. You will also control a simple memory circuit.



<>Hands On Lab
Digital Breadboard

Typical Time Required: 12 hours

Updated 2002
Lesson 14
In Camera Electronic Flash
Light Spectrum
Xenon lamps
DC / DC Converters
Automatic Charging Control
SCR Triggering
Flash Exposure Control
Automatic Exposure Control
Automatic Aperture Control
SLR Flash Aperture Control
SLR Flash Dedication
Adjustment
Troubleshooting
Tool and Techniques
Solving Problems
Test, Techniques
Common Problems
Flash Synchronization
Accessory Flash Units
Camera Sync Circuits
Flash and Digital Cameras
White Balance
Summary

Lesson Goal: In this lesson you will learn how DC Converters power flashes, how flash exposure is controlled and why white balance is an issue with digital cameras. When you complete this lesson you should be able to troubleshoot and repair in camera flash circuits.

The lab section of the course will give you experience with a simple flash circuit.


Hands On Lab
Testing Camera Flash System
Flash Modules, flash systems

Typical Time Required: 10 hours

Updated 2007

Lesson 5
Power Supply Systems
Battery Types and Applications
Testing Batteries
Mercury Battery Substitution
Testing Lithium Ion Batteries
Problems from the Bench
Power Circuits
On/Off
Pre-Release
Power Components
Power Latches
Clocks
Voltage Regulators
Battery Check Circuits
Voltage Regulators
Backup Power
Applying What You Have Learned to Digital Cameras
Troubleshooting Power Circuit Problems
Test the Battery First
No Functions
Camera won�t Turn Off
Camera won�t go into Pre-Release
Troubleshooting Battery Drain
Open Circuits
DC/DC Converters
DC/DC Converter Troubleshooting
DC Power Supplies
How they work
Using Power Supplies
Measuring Current


Lesson Goal: This lesson starts with batteries, a quick progression from single cell to Lithium Ion. We explain the proper way to test batteries and the evolution of power circuits from simple On / Off switches to DC/DC Converters. Our emphasis is on explanation and troubleshooting. In digital cameras, power circuit repair is all about DC/DC Converters, fuses and batteries and that�s where we take you. Our latest updates include some very difficult to define power problems happening to digital cameras today, information directly from the bench. When you complete this lesson you should understand how to test batteries, troubleshoot power problems and have an understanding of current digital camera problems.

The lab for this lesson involves measuring and testing a DC/DC Converter in a film SLR. Testing a DC/DC Converter in a film camera allows you to do more tests and measurements then a digital model would. Troubleshooting power problems in digital cameras revolves around fuses and deductive troubleshooting. Deductive troubleshooting relies heavily on applying experience gained from working on earlier power circuits. That is what this lab attempts to give you.

Hands On Lab
SLR Camera, test a DC/DC power circuit


Training DVD
Electronic Camera Systems

Typical Time Required: 9 hours

Updated 2009















Lesson 15
Film Transport, Image Storage & Digital SLR Charges Systems

Film Wind Cycle
Film Transport Interlocks
Film Transport
Manual Drives
Motor Drives
Motor Control
Motor Basics
Motor Control and Electronic Switches
Motor Functions
Film Metering
Electronic Exposure Counters
Rewind
CAS Frame Count
APS systems
Transport Motor Drive Examples
Troubleshooting Film Transport
Digital Image Storage
Memory Card Problems
Digital SLR Charge Systems
Reveiw of Digital Release Cycle
The Digital Charge Cycle
Troubleshooting Digital SLR Charge Systems


Lesson Goal: At first glance film transport does not seem related to digital cameras. But the motor drive and shutter charge systems developed for film transport have been incorporated into Digital SLR cameras. This lesson teaches you about motor circuits, logic, feedback and troubleshooting. When you understand those you will understand 90% of the mirror and shutter charge systems used by Digital SLRs. There are differences, and improvements but we also teach that 10% as well. Understanding past technologies makes learning current technologies a breeze, they are stepping-stones. Learning film transport is your bonus, we still repair and refurbish film SLRs that may become part of a nitch business for you.

When you complete this lesson you should understand and be able to troubleshoot motor drive systems. You should also have an understanding of digital image storage systems and be able to troubleshoot them.


Hands On Lab
SLR Camera, test film transport


Training DVD

DVD, CD, or Service Manual

Typical Time Required: 15 hours

Updated 2009

Lesson 6
Camera Metering Circuits
Digital Cameras
Digital Electronics / Digital Cameras
Measuring Light
Photovoltaic Cells
CdS Cells
Photodiodes
Matrix Cells
Photodector Locations
Lens Shutter Compact Cameras
Troubleshooting and Testing Photo detectors
Testing CdS cells
Testing Photodiodes
Testing Matrix Metering Systems

Film & Digital Sensitivity
Converting ISO into an Electronic Property
Digital Sensor ISO
Film CAS
Understand CAS Codes
Digital Exposure Calculations
Other A/D Methods
Digital Metering Circuits
Binary Code Generators
Metering Circuit Calculations
Troubleshooting Metering Circuits
Light Circuit
ISO Circuits
CAS Codes
Aperture and Shutter Dial Inputs
Avo
Apex Tables

Testing and Adjusting D SLRs using Software:

Calibration Probems, Failure Problems, Checking the AE Sensor, Adjusting the AE Sensor, Check and Adjust AE Temperature, Calibrating the AE Sensor, Adjusting AE Shift


Lesson Goal: AI Lightemeters systems have been the unsung advancement in digital cameras. This lesson starts you at the beginning but in one page we advance you to the start of modern metering, the photodiode (SPD) coupled with Op Amps. You�ll recognize this metering system from your lab in Lesson 3. We take you through the gauntlet of encoders, calculations, A/D converters and troubleshooting all the way to current Matrix metering.

When you complete this lesson you should understand lightmeter systems, how calculations are done and how to troubleshoot and repair metering systems.


Hands On Lab
SLR Camera, test the Lightmeter Circuit

Typical Time Required: 15 hours

Updated 2010












<>Lesson 16
Troubleshooting & Repair

Troubleshooting Sequence
Examples of External Troubleshooting
Component Testing
Battery Drain
Troubleshooting & Reapir by Era
Troubleshooting
The Secret of Switches
Repairing Water Damage
Board Level Repair in Digital Cameras
Repairs Unique to Digital
Cracked Connection FPCs
Defective Switches
Image Recovery
Firmware Updates
Image Sensor Problems
Digital SLR External Tests


Lesson Goal: Troubleshooting for a technician is what a fast draw is to a gun fighter; if you want to survive and prosper you have to become both fast and accurate. That takes a combination of knowledge and experience. This lesson will give you a working knowledge of different methods used when troubleshooting cameras.

When you complete this lesson you will understand troubleshooting, error codes, how to test components, trace battery drains, use schematics, switch logic and much more. You will be in the field a long time before you master all the methods covered in this lesson. This is a reference lesson; use it to develop your troubleshooting skills.

Training DVD
Troubleshooting

Typical Time Required: 10 hours

Updated 2009

Lesson 7
Release Systems
Point & Shoot Release Systems���
Digital Point & Shoot Release Systems�� �
Troubleshooting & Repair

Single Lens Reflex Release Systems�� �


Digital Single Lens Reflex Release Systems�
The Circuits
The Mirror Box
Logic / Interlocks
Mirror Logic
Shutter Logic
Release Error Codes
Troubleshooting & Repair�� �
Repair Styles
Testing Release Components
Release Problems without Error Codes
Release Problems with Error Codes

Lesson Goal: Release is the cycle between depressing the release button fully and return to the ready position. While seemingly near instantaneous, technicians see this as a discernable sequence of events. This lesson teaches you that sequence, how various cameras go about achieving and controlling the sequence, feedback systems, troubleshooting and repair.

When you complete this lesson you should understand release systems, release logic and how to troubleshoot and repair cameras with release problems.


Hands On Lab
Software Troubleshooting a D SLR Release Problem

* Requires PC with XP or XP on Segmented Drive


Typical Time Required: 9 hours

Major Updated 2010

 

Lesson 17
Repairing Digital Point & Shoot Cameras
Troubleshooting Digital P/S Cameras
Existing Problems
Introduced Problems
General Strategy
Tips
Static .. Hidden enemy!
True Stories
What Techs know about Digital P/S Repair
Typical Repairs
Zoom Lens Failures
Dead Cameras
Memory Card Unit Failures

Flash Failures
TFT Repair
Board Level Repair
Connectors
The Business of Digital P/S Repair

Lesson Goal: This is primarily a hands on lab lesson. This lesson will give you experience in disassembling, repairing and reassembling a Digital Point and Shoot Camera. In this lesson you will be required to apply many of the skills you gained in earlier lessons. When you complete this lesson you should have confidence in your ability to disassemble and reassemble any Digital Point and Shoot camera.

Hands On Lab
Digital P/S Camera, troubleshoot & repair

Training DVD
DVD, CD, or Service Manual

Typical Time Required: 20 hours

Updated 2009

Lesson 8
Servicing SLR Lens
Lens Service
Glass and Coatings
Diaphragms
Focus Mounts
Lubrication
Adjustments
Focal Length and Maximum Aperture
Service
Servicing Autofocus Lens
Disassembly / Reassembly
F/min
Lens ROM
Lens ROM Compatibility
Lens Drive
Analog Motors
Digital Motors
Digital Lens
Factors
Construction Quality
AF Defocus Compensation

Lesson Goal: This is primarily a hands on lab lesson. This lesson will give you experience in disassembling, repairing and reassembling a lens. As in other lab lessons you will be required to apply many of the skills you gained in earlier lessons. When you complete this lesson you should have confidence in your ability to disassemble and reassemble any lens.

The lens selected for this lab is more difficult to disassemble and reassemble then most designs. There is a reason for this. Typically when repairing lens, technicians have only a minimal amount of information, usually the manual is little more then a parts list. Technicians working on lens have to rely heavily on the experience and ingenuity.


Hands On Lab
Disassemble a Manual Focus Lens
Disassemble an Autofocus Lens, optional

Training DVD
Servicing Lens
AF/EF Lens (made for Canon Inc.)

Typical Time Required: 20 hours

Updated 2006

Lesson 18
Repairing Single Lens Reflex Cameras
Troubleshooting SLR Cameras
Existing Problems
Introduced Problems
General Strategy
Tips
Static .. Hidden enemy!
True Stories
What Techs know about SLR Repair
Typical Repairs
Dead Cameras
Short Battery Life
Lightmeter Problems
Autofocus Problems
Release Problems
Diaphragm Failures
Shutter Failures
Flash Failures
Film Transport Failures


Lesson Goal: This is a hands on lab lesson. This lesson is another precursor for working on Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. In this lesson you will disassembly, assemble and repair a Single Lens reflex film camera. This is a very good lesson for reinforcing your skills and a great experience builder.

When you complete this lesson you should have confidence in your ability to completely disassemble and reassemble any Single Lens Reflex camera and be ready to tackle Digital SLR cameras. An added bonus is that we still repair and refurbish many film SLR cameras.


Hands On Lab
SLR Camera, troubleshoot & repair

Training DVD
DVD, CD, or Service Manual

Typical Time Required: 20 hours

Updated 2005


<>Lesson 9
Autofocus Systems
Point & Shoot Autofocus
How Rangefinder Work
AF Rangefinders
P/S AF Lens Mounts
Focus Zones
Autofocus & Flash
Troubleshooting
SLR Autofocus
History
Systems
Highlights
Interfaces
Troubleshooting
Common AF Malfunctions
Testing and Adjusting AF SLR Cameras
I3A/ISO Resolution Chart
Testing Digital Focus
Testing Parameters
Focus System
Sensor
Screen
Autofocus
Tools
Aligning the Camera with the Focus Plane
Fuji Test Station
Check for a Flat Plane of Focus
Check the Degree of Focus / Focus Shift
Checking the Mirror and Sub Mirror
Checking Image Sensor Resolution
Measuring Lens Flange Focal Distance
Lens Flange Distance / Canon 1Ds Mark II
Autofocus Lens Odds and Ends

Adjusting Digital SLR Autofocus Using Software
Autofocus Overview
The Test Lens
Averaging Differences
Optimum Manual Focus
Calibration of the Body
AF Shift
Macro Test Lens Notes
Lens AF Shift

Lesson Goal:This lesson teaches various auto-focus methods used by cameras. The primary focus, pun intended, is AF CCDs used in film and digital cameras. Autofocus systems used by digital camera are basically an improved version of the same CCD technology used by film SLRs. Mostly the improvements are technological and have not changed our repair and adjustment procedure significantly.

When you complete this lesson you should be able to troubleshoot and service Autofocus problems on most cameras. You will also be required to perform addition lab exercises on SLR cameras provided in latter lessons.


Hands On Lab
P/S Camera, test the AF system
SLR Camera, test the AF system


Estimated Time: 12 hours

Typical Time Required: 12 hours

Updated May 2009








Lesson 10
Servicing Point & Shoot Zoom Lenses
Getting Started
Hands On Experience:
Disassembly / Reassembly
Using Repair Information
Soldering
General Techniques

Lesson Goal: This is a hands on lab lesson. A common problem with Digital Point and Shoot cameras is Zoom Lens failure due to impact or gear failure. Field repairs usually involve repairing the Zoom Lens when possible, success runs about 80%. However, Zoom Lens breakdowns seldom are part of any repair manual. Technicians must relay on earlier experience with film P/S Zoom tubes, which are slightly larger versions of the same designs. This lesson will help you gain experience in disassembly and reassembly of a P/S Zoom Tube.

When you complete this lesson you should have some experience in disassembling, reassembling and repairing P/S Zoom Lens. You should also be able to apply this training to Digital Point and Shoot cameras.

This lesson is the precursor to working on digital Point and Shoot cameras.


Hands On Lab
Lens Shutter Camera, zoom tube disassembly
(Digital / film P/S relationship)

Training DVD
DVD, CD, or Service Manual

Typical Time Required: 20 hours

Updated 2006




















<>Lesson 19
Digital Single Lens Reflex Repair
Digital SLR Systems
Power
Batteries
DC/DC Converter
Logic
Repairs
Lightmeter
Repairs
Autofocus
Repairs
Release
Repairs
Logic is about switches
Diaphragm
Repairs
Shutter
Repairs
In Body Image Stabilization
Image Sensors
Repairs
TFT LCD
Repairs
Flash
Image System
Image Compression Board
Image Sensor
TFT Driver Board
TFT LCD
Memory Unit
More Cleaning Image CCD Tips
Quick Tips
Tools
Testing
Charges
Stereo Microscopes
File Formats
The simple story
JPEG
RAW / NEF
EXIF
TIFF
DCS
A word about File Sizes
Computer Files
GIF
PICT
EPS
FPX, Photo CD, APS

Transferring the Image
Port Type / Cable
Drivers
Graphic Software
Transfer Problems
File Resolution
Printing
Scanning
Printing Methods
Color Inkjet
Laser
Dye Sublimation
Light Jet
Photo Lab
Digital Color Management Tips
Digital Calibration
White Balance and Color
Test Equipment
Test Cards
Test Readers
Software
Computer

Test Charts
Test Equipment
Adjustments
Most repairs do not require adjustments

Digital Calibration
Main Menu
Temperature Adjustment
Exposure Adjustment
S1 LED Adjustment
Autofocus Adjustments
AF Positioning
AF Basic
AF Output Check / AF Shift
AF Lens Adjustments
Waves and Numbers
Defocus Check
Flash Adjustments
Self Check
LCD Check
Shot Count
Error Codes
Flash Inhibit
Generating Standard Data
AF Standard Data
Image Standard Data
Image Check
Digital Data Transfer


Digital SLR Disassembly
Body Design
Lead Free Solder
FPC Connectors
Lens Flange Focal Distance
Troubleshooting Digital SLR Cameras

General Strategy
Important Tips
What Techs know about Digital SLR Repair
Typical Repairs
Shutter Failures
Dead Cameras
Memory Card Unit Failures
Release Failures
Flash Failures

Lesson Goal: This lesson reviews the camera systems you have already studied but applies them specifically to Digital SLR cameras. This lesson also explains the Image system used by Digital SLR cameras. We cover several different models to give you a specific understanding of all Digital SLR cameras. As always our focus is on troubleshooting, service and repair.

When you complete this lesson you should have a good understanding of Digital SLR cameras and how to service them. If you select the optional lab camera, you will get hands on experience disassembling and reassembling a D SLR.


Hands On Lab
Digital SLR Camera, optional *

Training DVD
C&C and SPT CDs on Digital SLR

Typical Time Required: 20 hours

Updated 2008


Operating Your Camera Repair Business

Starting Up
Starting
History of the Camera Repair Business
Customers and Building the Base
Summing it Up

The Industry
Repairs Then and Now
Repairs Changed
Electronics Create Changes
Repair Dollars
Brands
What Do They Shoot
Digital SLR Sales are Hot
Where You Fit In
New Trends
Emerging Repair Market

The Shop
Retail Location
Home Office
Inside Your Shop
The Chair
The Workbench
Floor Coverings
Storage
Computer Station
Lighting
Test Equipment

Tools & Equipment
The Love of Tools
Tools for Camera Service
Equipment
Absolutely Necessary
Take our Advise
Tools for Digital Cameras

Getting Started
What Do You Want to Fix
A Common Mistake
A Warning
Specializing
Pro vs. Amateurs
Types of Professional Clients
Becoming a Warranty Station
Pricing and Income
What Else Can You Fix
Minimum Charge
Evolving Business Models
Knowing What to Fix
Repair Life
Age & Use
Keeping Current
Geographic Problems
Production Lot Problems
When to Ship it Back
Bailouts
Water Damage

Parts
Important Tips
What You Should Stock
How to Start Ordering Parts
Ordering Tips
When to Order
Storage & Organization
Buy a Body
Costing your Parts
Making a Part
One Last Word

The Business of Business
What's In a Name
Forms and Other Paperwork
Keeping Your Books
Setting Up Your Books
Payroll
Paying Bills
Licenses
Initial Investment
Getting to Know your Banker
Money Going Out
Going After Business
Billing
Pick Up and Delivery
Your Warranty
Re-Repairs
FAX Machines
Email
Web Pages
Computers and your Business

The Day to Day
Shop Hours
Your Personal Schedule
Telephone & Email
How to Fall Asleep at your Bench
Exercise
At the Bench
Time Off
Your Shipping Department

Customer Relations
Things the Cause Hard Feelings
Fighting Over Warranty
Long Repair Times
Changing Estimates
Confidence with Customers
Leaving the Customer Feeling Good
Advice for the Shy Person
The Hostile Customer
Summing it Up

Getting Bigger
Hiring a Counter Person
SOP
Hiring another Tech
What it costs to Hire Someone
Intangible Costs
Can You Manage
Should You Incorporate
Retirement Plans
Extra Money Makers
OSHA

Shop Lore
Adhesives
Solvents and Cleaners
Lubricants
Solders and Soldering Aids
Electronic Components
Tips and Tricks
Liquid Damage
Ways to Lose Money
Ways to Make
Money Sources

Overall Business Strategy
The Business of Business
Marketing
Advertising
Super Size
Evolve your Business Model
Know what sells Repairs
Offer New Services
Get Excited and start shooting
Digital
Offer Training
Business Spotlight


Lesson Goal:This book delves into the business of camera repair. It�s a complete layout from the size of your shop to tools you may need. It can�t make you a businessperson but it can give you insight into this nitch field. We try to answer every possible question in detail using our experience and the experience of many others in this field. We try to let you know what works and what doesn�t. Since most of our students are interested in developing their own business, we try to keep the information in this section real life and current. Only you can determine the direction of your own business but we try to give you the support you need.

Typical Time Required: 13 hours

Updated 2010