lightyear

[quote=Many ( if not most) pros are members of the camera company ( Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc) professional participants group, and use only that company's cameras. Membership gives them priority repairs, special pricing on repairs, and often use of loaners when repairs are delayed. I live in the SF Bay area ( about 8 million people) and there is no complete camera repair shop I know of. The few camera shops send their cameras directly to the factory ( Nikon, Canon, etc.) repair facilities in the USA. On my one visit to the Nikon repair facility in Los Angeles, the electronic and optical testing equipment ( not the parts) was easily worth in excess of $200,000. I was told that whenever a product was added to the Nikon line, new software and parts came in. I don't think you can compete with that.

Stan

Bill_de Loc: US

This guy is a member here:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-profile?usernum=66407

www.discountcamerarepair.com


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Leitz Loc: Solms

If you have to ask such a question here, the answer is NO!

littlebug Loc: woburn ma

Great advice !

Old Dutch

In another forum is a discussion of "film being dead", to which I said nonsense. A good repairman who can properly repair older film camera's can make a decent living. Modern digitals are more like TV repair, requiring sensitive electronics, only to try and find the correct "module" to plug in. In short, not much fun, really. May as well get into computer repair; same difference. Component level repairs on a modern digital are daunting indeed and should not be attempted unless you are VERY good, and work in a warranty repair shop. It is nearly all modular now, and plug and play. The mechanicals of film camera's, are, in contrast, of exquisite complexity, especially those who meld electro and mechanical components. There IS a demand for repairmen who know their stuff, and the "big guys" do not bother with them. But the road to certainty and knowledge is a long one. Good luck.

RRiggins Loc: Colorado Springs

[quote=lightyear][quote=Many ( if not most) pros are members of the camera company ( Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc) professional participants group, and use only that company's cameras. Membership gives them priority repairs, special pricing on repairs, and often use of loaners when repairs are delayed. I live in the SF Bay area ( about 8 million people) and there is no complete camera repair shop I know of. The few camera shops send their cameras directly to the factory ( Nikon, Canon, etc.) repair facilities in the USA. On my one visit to the Nikon repair facility in Los Angeles, the electronic and optical testing equipment ( not the parts) was easily worth in excess of $200,000. I was told that whenever a product was added to the Nikon line, new software and parts came in. I don't think you can compete with that.

Stan[/quote]

Not entirely true. While many photographers prefer to use factory services, many still prefer to use local services as opposed to sending their money out of town.

My first business was based almost entirely on professional photographers. But then, Nikon was a reputable product and Canon had some new and inovative ideas.

Dannj

What’s your main goal? You stated two: learning how cameras work and making money. If it’s the former I say go for it.

RRiggins Loc: Colorado Springs

If you are really interested, check out this website, http://www.SPT.Info.

Comphoto

From what I understand anything over 10 years ; they are not making parts. There use to be a camera correspondence repair course but don't see it advertised any more

Comphoto

Most professional photographers have exclusive repair plans with their manufacturer . Cannon has a plan that states ( depending on cost) qualifies for professional service

Comphoto

Where are you going to get educated . No more correspondence schools maybe you might find a community college with courses but I really doubt it. Quit trying to pee into the wind

fotoman150

There is a correspondence school.

Comphoto

I looked at the prices for courses. All I can say is a fool and his money. Also you wear glasses. What happens when you have Eye trouble. Cataract, detached retina , etc. I have been a combat and freelance photographer . After those surgery my eyesight is not what it use to be

Comphoto

You asked for an opinion ; the hogs gave you their best

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Yeah ... ummm ... no.
Nikon did the shutter replacement thing on my D600.
They took it all apart. replaced the shutter.
Fixed/adjusted any thing and every thing else.
Gave me a full like new guarantee.
Could you do that?

I see ads for "refurbed". Hard drives. Cameras. Memory sticks.
Really? What did you actually do besides wipe it off, "yup it works", format and repackage?
And a 30 day "you got what you bought" guarantee.

IFF you really want to do this, try for non digital cameras.
I have a D200. Lerv the results. If/when it finally goes, no question. Box it and donate to a shop.
Film cameras are easy. Check youtube for "How to fix a (insert digital camera)" That looks like a nope.
If my eyes were younger, and my left hand didn't constantly wave at people, I still might do folders.
i recently replaced the shutter curtain on my Fed2. A real PITA. Satisfying, tho.
That new fangled turn of the century electrical digital stuff? Still a big ol nope.