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Repair of camera mechanics and camera electronics

Basically, mechanical parts and functions can be repaired well CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) can be made feasible. It becomes more difficult in the case of real damage to certain components, i.e. when spare parts are required. We produce certain missing parts ourselves - custom-fit camera leather coverings, components, wearing parts, spare parts, e.g. in 3D printing or special screws on the workbench.

 

The most "hopeless" are problems electronic components, many of these electronic defects are now irreparable.

However, there are no rules without exceptions :-)

Some of the typical electronic errors electronic analogue cameras can be repaired by us:

  • Leica Minilux, Leica CM (display error, E02 error, flex strip, lens extension)
  • Contax T2 and Contax T3 (flex band, lens extension, mobility of the automatic lens cover)
  • Contax TVS and Contax TVS II (flex band, lens extension, mobility of the automatic lens cover)
  • Contax G1 and Contax G2 (shutter)
  • Ricoh GR 1 (display error)
  • Yashica T4, Yashica T5 (display error, lens extension, flex strip, workability of the automatic lens cover)
  • Nikon 35Ti (display error,  Nikon Analog Display System (NADS))
  • Hexar RF (error code 10)
  • Hasselblad XPAN (display error 8888, shutter mechanism)
In the past, manufacturers simply replaced entire parts of the electronics when servicing was required. These spare parts are no longer available today and replacement of entire assemblies is no longer possible. 
From today's perspective, the components of microcircuits are so-called "black boxes" whose respective functions and programming remain undocumented or are too complex to be comprehensible. You can't repair anything in these microcircuits anyway, only replace "standardized" components and unsolder and solder an impressive number of pins - if you even manage to find the error in detail.
Nowadays, the limits of what is possible always lie in the willingness of the individual to invest time and effort. Some experts read circuit diagrams like road maps and recognize components by their position. 
 It's just not economical.

Repairs - including the electronics - are basically possible, 
  1. but it depends very much on the exact error
  2. the repair price is relatively high, depending on point 1
  3. the repair time is currently very long (up to approx. 3 months)
  4. Some repairs are "experimental" and no promise of repair can be given in advance

The “experimental” repair
In some cases, a defective camera will remain defective even after an attempt to repair it, and perhaps even become a little more "broken." Why is that? If, contrary to expectations, camera electronics cannot be repaired, there will be no costs for the repair (exception: cost estimate). However, the camera is then no longer laboriously restored to its “original state” “screw by screw,” “soldering point by soldering point.” However, if you expressly request this, the full repair price must also be charged. Otherwise, you will receive the camera back unrepaired and only rudimentarily reassembled at the price quoted.

Repair of a Leica Minilux with an E02 error

Just having a spare part is not enough :-)

Um the broken (or cracked) conductor tape inside the camera the Minilux has to be pretty much "disassembled" to replace it. Here you can see on the left, the ladder strip to be replaced and the complexity such a Leica Minilux repair. We have from decades Workshop experience (still) the devices from the analog "old" time and also the mechanic to be able to continue repairing cameras.

Fazit:

Anyone who wants to purchase a classic (partially) electronic camera - or wants to take photos with it again from the stock - must "love this camera very much" in order to justify the risk of failure, including possible repairs and the associated costs. The effort is high, experienced staff are rare and the hourly wages are high. The current value of many cameras is therefore lower than the costs for maintenance and repairs.

When it comes to purchasing classic analog cameras, the basic rule is to opt for as few electronics as possible, as these components are most likely to fail. With an increase in electronic functions, the risk of a possible defect increases, which explains, for example, the low prices for a Rolleiflex 6006 or a Hasselblad 500 ELM with a motorized elevator and film transport. If in doubt, such cameras can no longer be repaired. 

Compact cameras with electronically extendable lenses, such as the Leica Minilux, often fail (the flex band breaks). Corrosion of the electronic components is often found on a Leica CL, and the light meter is also a weak point.

Even such a high-quality Leica M7 is affected by electronic problems at an above-average rate. The perfectly manufactured housings and solid mechanics outlive the electronics for decades, but who benefits?