how does lens repair people get educated?

slip · 11-07-2012, 11:30 AM

just wondering how people who repair lenses for a living learn this skill. is there online education courses?
sounds like it could be something good to know

thanks

randy

Adam · 11-07-2012, 11:59 AM

You generally receive training by the manufacturer, also having some background in something like optics, physics, or mechanical engineering wouldn't hurt!

Dunno about you, but I find online courses to be completely useless and non-motivating. It's either in-person or nothing for me!

slip · 11-07-2012, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You generally receive training by the manufacturer, also having some background in something like optics, physics, or mechanical engineering wouldn't hurt!

Dunno about you, but I find online courses to be completely useless and non-motivating. It's either in-person or nothing for me!

thanks again, Adam
I doubt my Tool and Die background from years back will do me any good

sounds like someone has to get a bunch of broken lenses and take them apart to see how they function... and darn those screws take a long time to find when they drop on the floor

randy

Na Horuk · 11-07-2012, 03:18 PM

Maybe you can get an aprenticeship with someone who already does this or get hired by a lens repair place. I think that would be hte best way, because anything else would require you study a lot of diagrams, buy a lot of tools, and work on a lot of lenses (many of which you will ruin)

Arjay Bee · 11-07-2012, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Maybe you can get an aprenticeship with someone who already does this or get hired by a lens repair place

I have a handful of vintage lenses for CLA/Repair with a lens technician in Sydney who has links to a store that specialises in professional photography and gear. The four lenses have been checked out; two will be CLA'd but the other two have been determined as not worth doing

.
I was then asked whether I was happy to let the apprentice operate at no charge as the technician is passing on his skills. YES to that as an apprentice under the tutelage of a very experienced repairer has to be a better deal than me opening up the lenses with less than optimum gear, eye sight and nil experience.

**TomB_tx** · 11-07-2012, 07:41 PM

Good general training materials:
National Camera Books & Supplies

11-07-2012, 11:30 AM	#1
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	how does lens repair people get educated? just wondering how people who repair lenses for a living learn this skill. is there online education courses? sounds like it could be something good to know thanks randy

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11-07-2012, 11:59 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	You generally receive training by the manufacturer, also having some background in something like optics, physics, or mechanical engineering wouldn't hurt! Dunno about you, but I find online courses to be completely useless and non-motivating. It's either in-person or nothing for me!

11-07-2012, 01:19 PM	#3
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam You generally receive training by the manufacturer, also having some background in something like optics, physics, or mechanical engineering wouldn't hurt! Dunno about you, but I find online courses to be completely useless and non-motivating. It's either in-person or nothing for me! thanks again, Adam I doubt my Tool and Die background from years back will do me any good sounds like someone has to get a bunch of broken lenses and take them apart to see how they function... and darn those screws take a long time to find when they drop on the floor randy

11-07-2012, 03:18 PM	#4
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Maybe you can get an aprenticeship with someone who already does this or get hired by a lens repair place. I think that would be hte best way, because anything else would require you study a lot of diagrams, buy a lot of tools, and work on a lot of lenses (many of which you will ruin)

11-07-2012, 03:57 PM	#5
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Horn Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,715	Originally posted by Na Horuk Maybe you can get an aprenticeship with someone who already does this or get hired by a lens repair place I have a handful of vintage lenses for CLA/Repair with a lens technician in Sydney who has links to a store that specialises in professional photography and gear. The four lenses have been checked out; two will be CLA'd but the other two have been determined as not worth doing . I was then asked whether I was happy to let the apprentice operate at no charge as the technician is passing on his skills. YES to that as an apprentice under the tutelage of a very experienced repairer has to be a better deal than me opening up the lenses with less than optimum gear, eye sight and nil experience.

11-07-2012, 07:41 PM	#6
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Good general training materials: National Camera Books & Supplies