Topic: Camera repair book(s)

[cs1]

Seeing the rising prices for cameras these days (either because the amount of working film cameras on the market is declining or because the demand went up) makes me wonder what to do in case one or both of my two main cameras (Canon F-1 and Bronica SQ-A) develop a problem. There also aren't many professional experts in my area who can repair / maintain my gear. It's not only that I don't want to spend tons of money, I'd really like to be able to properly CLA my own gear. That being said, I'm 100% sure that it's quite difficult to simply "do it" on your own. When looking at a service and repair manual for the F-1, I feel rather helpless because, though I may understand where the parts are and have a basic idea what they do, I wouldn't be able to do any adjustments by myself because I lack the knowledge what exactly the shutter of the F-1 does. I have a "feeling" what the 2nd curtain is etc. but I'd really like to learn more. This lengthy intro leads me to my main question: can you recommend camera repair books that cover the many basics of a classic SLR? I've heard good things about Thomas Tomosy's books but I don't know if they actually are what I'm looking for. Any advice is highly appreciated. If you have useful links, I'd appreciate those as well. Cheers!

[Francois]

I'm not much help on this one since I usually do things by trial and error and the internet...

[Pete_R]

Yes, Thomas Tomosy's books are a good place to start. His book 1 and 2 cover a lot of general information that can be applied to many cameras. He has a couple of pages on the F-1 in book 2 so that would be particularly useful but I would suggest getting both.

Repair manuals often assume a certain amount of knowledge and, if you don't have that, it is possible to struggle. But there's tons of information around the net and the chances are that someone has done what you need to do and has written it up.

[cs1]

I've had Tomosy's books on my wishlist for a long time. Thanks for your encouragement, Peter. I think I'll try to get the books to familiarise myself with the subject.

[Pete_R]

Problem is, they're getting difficult to find at sensible prices. A quick search at www.usedbooksearch.co.uk turned up several copies but cheapest was around 17 UK pounds.

[cs1]

The prices are absurd. But I ordered both books anyhow. Got the second one for ~20 €, the first one for bloody 60 €. There actually is a much cheaper Kindle version of the first book but I wouldn't want to use a repair book with illustrations on a kindle. I'm looking forward to the books.

[cs1]

The books have arrived. I've read the introductory part and it seems brilliant. It shows that the author has a lot of experience and he shares handy "dos" and "don'ts". I'm going to read them back to back and let you know what I think.

[Kai-san]

This thread is very useful, I've ordered both books + a Nikon repair book from the same author. Quite a variation in prices, I got the first for $8 and the second for $50.
Thanks Peter for the heads up on Tomosy!

[Pete_R]

Thanks Peter for the heads up on Tomosy!

No problem.

The only down side of books 1 and 2 (besides the price) is most people will outgrow them pretty quickly if they start doing regular repairs. But they are a good place to start.

His books that specialise on certain types obviously go into more detail. I have the Leica one though I've never yet fixed a Leica. Maybe I'll sell that one.

[Francois]

Does it contain only the recent Leica or is there information on the older screw mount ones?

[Pete_R]

Does it contain only the recent Leica or is there information on the older screw mount ones?

Yes, it includes the screw mount types. Anything particular you were after?

[Francois]

My grandpa's 1C

[Pete_R]

My grandpa's 1C

Nothing specific about the 1c but it says the 1c is the same as the E. Here's some scans.

Let me know if you need larger scans though these should be readable.

(Suggest you take copies as these images may disappear).

Edit: they did...

[Francois]

Thanks!
I'm going to print those out and put it in my file for when I have enough guts to actually work on this... it's always terrifying to try and repair a family heirloom by yourself...