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Should I learn to repair cameras?
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Feb 18, 2021 13:23:42   #
fotoman150
 
What’s your opinion? Is there money to be made in this? Or are people throwing cameras away and getting new ones when they malfunction?

I think I would enjoy repairing cameras and learning exactly how they work and everything about them. But I don’t wanna waste my money on a course only to find out no one pays to have cameras repaired.

Do most professional photographers replace their shutters? Or do they just buy another camera?

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Feb 18, 2021 13:30:48   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
You're asking a business question. Apply your business sense to this: if a shutter costs between $300 and $500 to replace from say Canon, how does that repair cost compare to buying a replacement to the broken camera? How much equipment do you need to purchase to be able to replace a shutter, including being able to purchase standalone the replacement shutter? Could you do one cheaper than Canon? How many repairs is your breakeven? What level of warranty will you provide? Nikon doesn't sell parts to independent shops, so you won't be able to work on their equipment.

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Feb 18, 2021 13:32:47   #
saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon
 
Most camera's that need repair show up as eBay items. I think this is how repair people find camera's to repair. Any time you look at a camera, look at listings showing (for parts or repair)

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Feb 18, 2021 13:44:48   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
fotoman150 wrote:
What’s your opinion? Is there money to be made in this? Or are people throwing cameras away and getting new ones when they malfunction?

I think I would enjoy repairing cameras and learning exactly how they work and everything about them. But I don’t wanna waste my money on a course only to find out no one pays to have cameras repaired.

Do most professional photographers replace their shutters? Or do they just buy another camera?


AT one point not too long ago Nikon was outsourcing a lot of repairs, because they didn't have enough room in their own facilities, at least in Melville. Now they do everything in house. As camera sales decrease, so is the need for repairs. Another consideration is that the more electronics replace moving parts there will, or should, be fewer repairs.

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Feb 18, 2021 13:45:12   #
revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson
 
Most manufacturers have their own repair shops and they usually are pretty good and responsible. You'd be going up against the big boys. But, "One never knows, do one?" (Fats Waller)

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Feb 18, 2021 13:47:06   #
WCS
 
Yes, eBay lists those 'repair only' cameras/lenses and I have been shocked at the asking prices!
You'd have to be a good negotiator too!

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Feb 18, 2021 13:47:53   #
WCS
 
Good analysis CHG_CANNON !!!

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Feb 18, 2021 13:56:02   #
fotoman150
 
saichiez wrote:
Most camera's that need repair show up as eBay items. I think this is how repair people find camera's to repair. Any time you look at a camera, look at listings showing (for parts or repair)


Oh that’s where I can get Canon parts.

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Feb 18, 2021 13:57:55   #
fotoman150
 
I know one person who does camera repair in my area. He’s been doing it for 20 years.

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Feb 18, 2021 14:01:28   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
fotoman150 wrote:
I know one person who does camera repair in my area. He’s been doing it for 20 years.


Have you talked to him about it? Maybe he could use an apprentice.

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Feb 18, 2021 14:04:35   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
fotoman150 wrote:
I know one person who does camera repair in my area. He’s been doing it for 20 years.


Why not see if the person would let you act as a helper for a while, for free? Learn things, see what is involved in terms of tools and effort. Find out if it is something you enjoy. He / She would benefit because there are likely a variety of tasks you could perform from the start so more work would get done and paid for.

Edit: Too quick for me, Bill!

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Feb 18, 2021 15:27:27   #
DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
 
Can you get parts to repair cameras? I was led to believe that Nikon will not sell parts unless you're an authorized repair facility. That, of course, means new parts. Ebay is probably only a source of used parts.

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Feb 18, 2021 15:30:11   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Your customers are going to love knowing they had their dead shutter replaced with one from another used camera. The cost had better be very cheap, further driving down your breakeven point to ever making a profit from this business.

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Feb 18, 2021 15:32:36   #
BebuLamar
 
Personally I doubt that you can make a living fixing camera. Cameras are very difficult to disassemble and reassemble and it takes a long time. Consider you must charge something like $100 an hour to make a living and I don't think most people would be willing to pay that. Besides with modern cameras besides parts you need tools like software tools and I don't know about Canon but Nikon would not sell them to you.

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Feb 18, 2021 17:23:46   #
User ID
 
fotoman150 wrote:
What’s your opinion? Is there money to be made in this? Or are people throwing cameras away and getting new ones when they malfunction?

I think I would enjoy repairing cameras and learning exactly how they work and everything about them. But I don’t wanna waste my money on a course only to find out no one pays to have cameras repaired.

Do most professional photographers replace their shutters? Or do they just buy another camera?


Don’t do it. Leave it to the appropriate individuals. Don’t go looking for trouble.

Right off the bat you go barking up the wrong tree by asking about what “most professional photographers do”.

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