Cameras, for all their modern advances, essentially are the same basic setup as they always have been: lens, shutter, viewfinder, and light meter. This means that whether you need to fix an old camera or a new one, the same techniques apply. This changes a bit when you get to the computer brain of digital cameras, but the basic mechanical parts are the same.
Instructions
1. Determine what part of the camera is causing the problem. For example, spots on an image could be caused by dirt or chips on the lens or from a light leak in the camera. Take the lens off the camera and hold it up to a not-too-bright light source. If you can see specks on the lens, clean the external elements. If there still are spots on the glass, you can take the lens apart and clean each internal element.
2. Check the camera with another lens for specks. If there are no spots with the other lens, the first lens is at fault. If there still are spots, it is possible you have a light leak. This could be caused by the back camera door not fitting properly, a hole somewhere in the camera back or by the lens not being attached properly. If the door does not fit properly, try to adjust it with a screwdriver. If there's a hole, you can patch it, but you may need to replace the door. If there is a light leak at the point where the lens joins the body, you can replace the lens mount.
3. Check the camera's light meter against a handheld light meter. If your exposures are off, the built-in light meter may be malfunctioning. If the readings from the hand-held meter differ greatly from the internal one, you can open the camera and replace the meter if you are adept at electronics. If not, you will need to take it to a camera repair pro.
4. Check the sprockets and transport system of the camera if you are getting overlapping exposures. The most common cause of this problem is a malfunctioning transport system or broken sprockets. Broken sprockets will mean you need to replace the sprocket wheel. For a transportation problem, you will need to take that part of the camera apart and either tighten the transport mechanism or replace it.
5. Check to see if the mirror returns properly if you are getting a black or darker view through the viewfinder. The mirror in a single-lens reflex camera lifts out of the way when the shutter button is pressed and is supposed to flip back into place immediately after the shutter curtain closes. If it does not come all the way back down or is slow to do so, the spring may need lubrication or a replacement. This generally can be done through the lens mount opening.
Tags: light meter, light leak, Check camera, could caused, lens mount, need replace, need take
