Camera Repair Course

Lesson 1 • Film Camera Mechanical Systems

Details film transport, focal-plane shutters, and rangefinder coupling. Provides context for servicing legacy equipment alongside modern cameras.

Lesson 2 • DSLR Body Structure and Layout

Examines mirror box, pentaprism, shutter assembly, and body chassis. Builds foundational spatial awareness needed for safe disassembly, while highlighting key alignment points and component interdependencies for troubleshooting.

Lesson 3 • Mirrorless Camera Internal Architecture

Covers sensor-forward design, electronic shutter, and IBIS units. Contrasts mirrorless layout with DSLR to highlight repair differences, emphasizing compact board placement, heat management, and the impact on service procedures.

Lesson 4 • Lens Mount Systems and Bayonet Types

Identifies mount flanges, electrical contacts, and locking mechanisms across major systems. Enables correct adapter and replacement part selection.

Lesson 1 • Chemical Safety and Solvent Handling

Reviews isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and flux fumes with ventilation requirements. Safe chemical use protects technician health and camera coatings.

Lesson 2 • Optical Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

Introduces sensor swabs, eclipse fluid, blowers, and loupe magnifiers. Proper supply selection avoids scratching coatings and leaving residue.

Lesson 3 • Essential Hand Tools for Camera Repair

Covers JIS screwdrivers, spanner wrenches, and rubber-tipped forceps. Correct tool selection prevents stripped screws and cosmetic damage, and ensures precise torque application across delicate camera components.

Lesson 4 • Workspace Organisation and Documentation

Covers screw trays, magnetic mats, and photo-documentation workflows. Organised documentation reduces reassembly errors and lost hardware, while streamlining troubleshooting reference archives.

Lesson 1 • Camera Body Disassembly Sequence

Walks through top cover, bottom plate, and rear panel removal in correct order. Sequence adherence prevents broken clips and torn flex cables.

Lesson 2 • Lens Barrel Disassembly Methods

Covers helicoid separation, aperture blade removal, and element group extraction. Lens disassembly requires tracking rotation marks and element order.

Lesson 3 • Reading Service Manuals and Exploded Diagrams

Teaches interpretation of OEM exploded views, torque specs, and part codes. Accurate manual reading is the foundation of every structured repair.

Lesson 4 • Reassembly Verification and Function Check

Establishes post-reassembly checklists covering shutter, AF, and exposure. Systematic verification catches errors before the camera reaches the customer.

Lesson 1 • Dust and Contamination Identification

Uses test shots and loupe inspection to locate dust, oil, and fungus. Accurate contamination mapping guides the correct cleaning method, allowing targeted dry or wet techniques as needed.

Lesson 2 • Lens Element and Filter Cleaning

Addresses front and rear element cleaning, coating-safe solvents, and filter glass care. Improper technique permanently damages multi-coating layers.

Lesson 3 • Viewfinder and Mirror Cleaning

Covers focusing screen removal, mirror surface care, and eyepiece lens cleaning. These surfaces affect framing accuracy and must be handled delicately.

Lesson 4 • Wet Sensor Cleaning Procedures

Details swab preparation, single-stroke technique, and fluid quantity control. Wet cleaning removes oil and stubborn particles without streaking.

Lesson 1 • Leaf Shutter Service and Lubrication

Details blade cleaning, pivot lubrication, and synchronisation contact service. Leaf shutters in medium-format and compact cameras require unique techniques.

Lesson 2 • Focal-Plane Shutter Blade Replacement

Covers curtain removal, blade material selection, and tension spring reinstallation. Blade replacement restores light-tight travel and eliminates banding.

Lesson 3 • Electronic Shutter Diagnostics

Identifies rolling shutter artefacts, banding, and sensor readout faults. Electronic shutter issues often trace to firmware or sensor board connections.

Lesson 4 • Shutter Speed Measurement and Testing

Uses optical tachometers and shutter analysers to measure curtain timing. Baseline measurement before repair defines the scope of calibration needed.

Lesson 1 • Metering Sensor Diagnosis and Replacement

Tests metering accuracy with grey cards and replaces faulty metering cells. Accurate metering is essential for correct auto-exposure in all modes.

Lesson 2 • Phase-Detect Module Replacement

Covers mirror box removal, AF sensor alignment, and calibration after swap. Misaligned AF modules cause consistent front or back focus across all lenses.

Lesson 3 • AF Calibration and Micro-Adjustment

Uses focus charts and live-view confirmation to set AF fine-tune values. Calibration corrects front and back focus without hardware replacement.

Lesson 4 • AF System Architecture and Fault Types

Maps phase-detect module, AF motor types, and common failure modes. Understanding architecture directs diagnosis to the correct subsystem quickly.

Lesson 1 • Flex Cable Repair and Replacement

Covers flex trace repair with conductive ink, connector replacement, and routing. Flex repair extends camera life when OEM replacements are unavailable.

Lesson 2 • Soldering Station Setup and Technique

Covers iron temperature, tip selection, and solder alloy for camera PCBs. Correct technique prevents cold joints and heat damage to adjacent components.

Lesson 3 • SMD Component Identification and Replacement

Identifies resistors, capacitors, and ICs by package code and reads circuit diagrams. SMD replacement restores function without full board swap.

Lesson 4 • Multimeter and Oscilloscope Diagnostics

Uses continuity, voltage, and waveform tests to isolate faults on camera boards. Instrument-based diagnosis replaces guesswork with measurable evidence.

Lesson 1 • Final Functional and Cosmetic Inspection

Executes a structured checklist covering all controls, ports, and optical surfaces. Inspection catches overlooked faults before camera is returned to owner.

Lesson 2 • Factory Service Mode and Calibration Tools

Accesses hidden service menus to reset counters, adjust parameters, and run diagnostics. Service mode enables calibrations impossible through user menus.

Lesson 3 • Repair Documentation and Customer Handoff

Produces repair reports, warranty statements, and usage guidance for customers. Professional documentation builds trust and reduces repeat-visit disputes.

Lesson 4 • Sensor Calibration and Pixel Mapping

Runs pixel remapping routines to eliminate hot pixels after sensor cleaning or swap. Pixel mapping restores clean image output at all ISO settings.