Occupation · SOC 49-9061
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Median wage
$49,300
$36,020–$76,550
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
2,010
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceTime ManagementReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeakingOperations MonitoringEquipment SelectionActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessWritingLearning StrategiesService OrientationMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesCoordinationTechnology DesignSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisSciencePersuasionOperation and ControlNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations AnalysisInstallationProgrammingInstructing
Knowledge areas
MechanicalComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyAdministrativeEducation and TrainingSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementMathematicsDesignProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaPsychologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentChemistryPhysicsFine ArtsTransportationGeographyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingFood Production
Technology & tools
Email softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordRepairTRAXStatistical process control SPC software
Representative tasks
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeWorking with ComputersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsTraining and Teaching OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCoaching and Developing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and basic disassembly procedures — apply under direct supervision to remove camera housings and access internal components in a repair shop setting.Cleaning materials and lens polishing aids — use to clean camera bodies and polish lenses following established protocols on standard film or digital cameras.Camera components such as shutters and light meters — identify by name and function while shadowing an experienced technician during equipment intake.Defective parts and worn components — recognize common failure patterns under guidance when inspecting cameras returned for repair.Parts requisition forms and inventory systems — complete with supervisor assistance to order replacement components for assigned repair jobs.Engineering diagrams and manufacturer repair manuals — read with guidance to locate component positions and understand basic operation sequences.Precision gauges and basic test instruments — handle and prepare under supervision before conducting standard equipment performance checks.Lubrication schedules and maintenance protocols — follow step-by-step instructions to apply lubricants to camera mechanisms in a bench repair environment.Customer work orders and verbal instructions — receive and clarify under supervision to understand the scope of each assigned repair task.Safety procedures and shop housekeeping standards — observe and comply with consistently to maintain a clean and organized camera repair workspace.
developing
Hand tools including screwdrivers and spanner wrenches — disassemble a variety of camera models independently to gain access to defects in a production repair environment.Range finders, view finders, and lens systems — adjust with reduced oversight using hand tools to restore proper alignment on commonly serviced camera models.Precision gauges and timing instruments — apply routinely to test shutter speeds, diaphragm alignment, and lens mount tolerances against manufacturer specifications.Light meters and shutter diaphragm mechanisms — calibrate and verify accuracy using timing instruments for standard repair orders processed in a shop workflow.Processed film samples and laboratory reports — examine alongside the camera unit to diagnose recurring malfunction patterns and confirm repair hypotheses.Spreadsheet and database software — use to log repair histories, track parts inventory, and document test results for completed camera service orders.Engineering drawings and repair specifications — interpret independently to determine correct fabrication methods and operation sequences for familiar equipment models.Film transport and lens carrier systems — test performance methodically using precision gauges, identifying and correcting misalignment within expected timelines.Parts suppliers and internal procurement systems — interact with to requisition components, confirm availability, and follow up on outstanding orders for active repair jobs.Quality control checklists and performance benchmarks — apply consistently at job completion to verify that repaired equipment meets functional and optical standards.
proficient
Complex or intermittent camera malfunctions — diagnose autonomously by synthesizing examination findings, processed film analysis, and laboratory reports across a full range of equipment types.Lens systems, shutters, and light meters — adjust and fine-tune on non-standard or vintage equipment using hand tools and deep mechanical knowledge without reference to supervision.Precision timing instruments and optical gauges — operate across the full scope of calibration tasks to verify shutter diaphragm operation, lens carriers, and light meter accuracy on diverse equipment.Engineering drawings, technical diagrams, and OEM specifications — interpret for unfamiliar or legacy camera models to determine repair approaches and custom fabrication requirements.Equipment performance testing protocols — design and execute for non-routine cases, including prototype or rare camera systems, ensuring results meet professional-grade standards.Repair estimation and prioritization decisions — exercise sound judgment independently to sequence complex workloads and communicate accurate turnaround timelines to service coordinators.Advanced cleaning, lubrication, and optical polishing techniques — perform on high-value or precision photographic equipment to restore original factory performance specifications.Root-cause analysis methods — apply to systematic or repeat failure patterns across multiple work orders, producing documented findings that inform process or parts improvements.Technical repair documentation and service reports — produce clearly and accurately to support warranty claims, customer communications, and equipment service history records.Electronic mail and office suite software — use proficiently to coordinate with parts vendors, respond to technical inquiries, and maintain professional correspondence in a service department context.
advanced
Shop-wide repair standards and quality benchmarks — establish and communicate to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes across all technicians and equipment categories in the department.Technical training curricula and mentoring plans — develop and deliver to guide emerging and developing technicians through hands-on skill acquisition in camera and photographic equipment repair.Diagnostic decision frameworks and troubleshooting guides — create from accumulated expertise to standardize complex fault-finding procedures for novel or rare camera systems.Departmental workflow and production scheduling systems — design and oversee to optimize technician utilization, parts availability, and customer turnaround commitments at organizational scale.Vendor relationships and parts procurement strategies — manage at a leadership level to negotiate pricing, ensure supply chain reliability, and introduce cost-effective component alternatives.Performance metrics and quality control data — analyze across the full operation to identify systemic trends, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and report findings to senior management.Industry developments in camera technology and repair methods — monitor proactively through active learning and professional networks, integrating new knowledge into organizational practice.Customer escalation and complex service disputes — resolve authoritatively by drawing on deep technical knowledge and judgment to protect the organization's reputation and client relationships.Capital equipment and tooling investment decisions — evaluate and recommend by assessing precision instrument capabilities, cost-benefit tradeoffs, and alignment with evolving service needs.Organizational knowledge management systems — build and maintain by documenting advanced repair procedures, calibration data, and engineering specifications to preserve institutional expertise over time.
Also known as
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Photographic Equipment MechanicAircraft Photographic Equipment RepairerCamera MachinistCamera MechanicCamera Prototyping EngineerCamera Repair SpecialistCamera Repair TechnicianCamera RepairerCamera RepairmanCamera TechnicianCamera Tuning EngineerComputerized Photofinishing Equipment Service TechnicianDigital Camera TechnicianDigital Service EngineerDigital X-Ray Service EngineerEquipment Installation ProfessionalField Service EngineerLathe Machine TechnicianMotion Picture Camera Lens TechnicianMotion Picture Equipment MachinistPhoto Equipment TechnicianPhoto TechnologistPhotographic Equipment Maintenance TechnicianPhotographic Equipment MechanicPhotographic Equipment Repair TechnicianPhotographic Equipment TechnicianPhotographic Technician (Photo Tech)Photographic TechnologistPhotography Equipment TechnicianRepair CameramanRepair TechnicianRepairmanSurveillance Camera Technician