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 ThinkingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementActive Listening
Knowledge areas
MechanicalComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Electronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative 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.Examine cameras, equipment, processed film, or laboratory reports to diagnose malfunction, using work aids and specifications.Read and interpret engineering drawings, diagrams, instructions, or specifications to determine needed repairs, fabrication method, and operation sequence.Measure parts to verify specified dimensions or settings, such as camera shutter speed or light meter reading accuracy, using measuring instruments.Fabricate or modify defective electronic, electrical, or mechanical components, using bench lathe, milling machine, shaper, grinder, or precision hand tools, according to specifications.Install electrical assemblies and wiring in aircraft camera housings and memory cards or film in cameras, following blueprints and using hand tools and soldering equipment.Assemble aircraft cameras, still or motion picture cameras, photographic equipment, or frames, using diagrams, blueprints, bench machines, hand tools, or power tools.Record test data and document fabrication techniques on reports.Lay out reference points and dimensions on parts or metal stock to be machined, using precision measuring instruments.Recommend design changes or upgrades of microfilming, film-developing, or photographic equipment.
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
88 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force 4N031F)Aircraft Photographic Equipment MechanicField-Service EngineerCamera MechanicDigital Service EngineerAerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force 4N051G)Photo Equipment TechnicianAerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force 4N071B)Photo TechnologistAerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force 4N031C)Photographic Technician (Photo Tech)Photographic Equipment Maintenance TechnicianVisual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer (Army 46T)Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force 4N011B)Aerospace Medical Service Helper, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force 4N011H)Surveillance Camera TechnicianAerospace Medical Service Helper, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force 4N011F)Camera RepairerHealth Services Management Superintendent (Air Force 4A091)Repair TechnicianCamera TechnicianCamera RepairmanMotion Picture Equipment MachinistInformation System Technician (Coast Guard IT)Photographic Equipment Repair TechnicianHealth Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force 4A071S)Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force 4N071F)Communication Strategy and Operations Chief (Marine Corps 4591)Camera Repair SpecialistAircraft Photographic Equipment RepairerComputerized Photofinishing Equipment Service TechnicianRepairmanAerospace Medical Service Helper (Air Force 4N011)Combat Videographer (Marine Corps 4571)Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force 4N071H)Equipment Installation ProfessionalHealth Services Management Helper (Air Force 4A011)Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force 4N051B)Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force 4N011C)Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force 4N031G)