Camera Maintenance & Repair, Book 1: Fundamental Techniques: A Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Guide (Bk. 1) [Paperback]

Thomas Tomosy (Author)

Book Description

Series: Camera Maintenance & Repair | Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Guiding both novice and professional photographers through every phase of camera repair and maintenance for both electronic and mechanical model, this manual features basics such as how to get started, camera repair shortcuts, important do's and don'ts, cleaning techniques, general disassembly, and repair methods. Also explained are specialized repair techniques for hundreds of cameras and accessories, how to build test instruments, where to find parts and supplies, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Both these books offer a good overview of camera maintenance and repair, particularly for amateur and professional photographers who wish to undertake cleaning, basic maintenance, and minor repairs of their own cameras. Though most photographers may still find extensive repairs beyond their interest and ability, these books can help owners save money on costly maintenance and will teach them more about their cameras. Neither book is comprehensive, which would be impossible given the abundance and variety of cameras manufactured over the past 150 years. Tomosy tends to emphasize more popular 35mm cameras and does not even include information about view cameras. Romney arranged his book more logically by camera parts (e.g., leaf shutters, lenses, and exposure meters) as well as by type of camera and camera system, including view cameras. Readers will find the indexes and illustrations (both photos and diagrams) in both books to be very useful. If one can afford only one title, Tomosy's will appeal to those most interested in cleaning and maintenance of new 35mm cameras. Romney's will be appreciated by those interested in cameras as precise instruments, including collectors of antique cameras. Both books are recommended for all public libraries and academic libraries with photography collections.
- Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, Ill.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Thomas Tomosy is a European-trained camera technician, teacher, and writer. He is the author of Restoring the Great Classic and Collectible Cameras, Restoring the Great Collectible Cameras (1945–70), and Camera Maintenance and Repair, Book 2. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.; Revised edition edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936262869
• ISBN-13: 978-0936262864
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,049,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book for what it intends to do., April 26, 2001

By 

Henry Taber (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Camera Maintenance & Repair, Book 1: Fundamental Techniques: A Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Guide (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

And what it intends to do is get one started in camera repair. It does this very well. It shows the necessary tools, gives precautions and explains the sequence of mechanical/electrical events between clicking the shutter button and winding for the next frame. All the basic stuff.

Since every camera is different, it cannot hope to be comprehensive on every make and model but it gives enough theory that one can fix most simple things.

My favorite part of the book is the hints and tips section in the back where it mentions many common camera problems and tricky disassembly points. This section has saved me much time.

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good basic stuff -- recommended., August 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Camera Maintenance & Repair (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

If you're staring at a busted or rusted camera and can't imagine any alternative to junking it, take heart. This terse, somewhat scattered guide will get you started, and if you have any talent for precision machinery, it's all the start you need. Not a lot of hand-holding and no fix-it recipes, but lots of good solid information.Let me add: clean clouded lenses with a q-tip and 50/50 ammonia and hydrogen peroxide

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for Beginners, November 1, 2005

By 

R. Harrs (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Camera Maintenance & Repair, Book 1: Fundamental Techniques: A Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Guide (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

This book might be useful to someone experienced in camera repair but not to a beginner as I am. All good technical documentation should define terms. Easiest way is to have a photo or line drawing with labels. This book lacks any such help. Also, photos without labels. For example, it mentions "rack and pinion" but doesn't show an example. On the other hand it shows a lock-needle automatic unit but without labels to point out what I should be seeing. It should at least show specific steps for a generic SLR and a Range Finder. Then it could continue the way it does. It should show one how to use the tools -- at least one picture. I'm afraid this book has failed me miserably.