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Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

People classed as Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (6.9 of 7), then Conventional (4.8) and Investigative, which gives it the code RCI. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to troubleshooting, repairing, and critical thinking as the ones to build. Expect to adjust cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking leading, persuading and making business decisions.

What they do

Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.

Main tasks

  • Adjust cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools.
  • Disassemble equipment to gain access to defect, using hand tools.
  • Test equipment performance, focus of lens system, diaphragm alignment, lens mounts, or film transport, using precision gauges.
  • Clean and lubricate cameras and polish camera lenses, using cleaning materials and work aids.
  • Requisition parts or materials.
  • Calibrate and verify accuracy of light meters, shutter diaphragm operation, or lens carriers, using timing instruments.

Skills

  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on troubleshooting and repairing.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Camera Repair Technician
  • Camera Repairman
  • Camera Technician
  • Photo Equipment Technician
  • Photo Technologist

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.