Career Overview
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Also Known As
- Camera Repair Technician
- Camera Repairman
- Camera Technician
- Repair Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic
- Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer
- Camera Machinist
- Camera Mechanic
- Camera Prototyping Engineer
- Camera Repair Specialist
- Camera Repair Technician
- Camera Repairer
- Camera Repairman
- Camera Technician
- Camera Tuning Engineer
- Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
- Digital Camera Technician
- Digital Service Engineer
- Digital X-Ray Service Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Adjust or repair cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools.
- Repair and calibrate drone cameras and equipment for aerial photography and videography.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Finger Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Written Comprehension
- Manual Dexterity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Aperture testers
- Battery cover removal tools
- Bench lathes
- Cleaning scrapers
- Dial indicators
- Dial vernier calipers
- Digital light meters
- Digital multimeters
- Electric soldering irons
- Eyepiece tools
- Filter ring removers
- Flexi clamp wrenches
- Focus testers
- Head loupes
- Lens filter ring vises
Work Environment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,020 |
| Median | $49,300 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $76,550 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,010
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,100
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,040
Motion Picture Projectionists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,180
Lighting Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $60,560
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.