PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 265 Interest Area 5-D 1995
TRENDS
Cameras and associated photographic equipment have become easier to use in recent years thanks to electronically driven shutters, lenses and other mechanisms within still cameras, movie and television cameras and camcorders. As the task of taking pictures has been greatly simplified, the internal workings of even simple cameras have grown increasingly complex with electronic circuitry and precision mechanical parts.
Cameras, especially those for 35 millimeter or larger film formats, are using electronic features such as sophisticated automatic light and flash metering, motor-driven film advances, electronic focusing, and automated aperture and shutter adjustments.
THE JOB
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS keep cameras, lenses, projectors, and other photographic equipment in good repair. Employed by independent repair shops, equipment manufacturers, or retailers, they dismantle cameras and clean, adjust, and repair all types of photographic equipment.
In small shops, workers usually repair a variety of equipment. In larger shops and those located in a manufacturing facility work may be more specialized according to the type and make of equipment to be serviced.
Technicians first determine the nature and extent of damage to the equipment. This involves reviewing the service work order which contains a description of the apparent problem, performing an inspection to identify the specific damage, and taking the item apart to look for broken or damaged parts.
After repairs have been made, the equipment is reassembled, synchronized, adjusted, and tested to meet manufacturer specifications.
Repair tools include small hand tools such as jewelers' screw drivers, files, wrenches, soldering instruments, microscopes and micrometers, precision testing instruments and gauges. Testing instruments such as digital voltmeters, optical measuring devices, electronic timers and mechanical testing devices are used by technicians in checking cameras of all types.
Many shops will also repair and service movie and slide projectors, video cameras, electronic flash units, and other types of photographic and audiovisual equipment. However, more complex repair problems will usually mean shipping the defective item to the manufacturer or a regional service center which is more likely to have the proper equipment and parts to complete the repair work.
In laboratories and other scientific and engineering facilities, technicians modify and service photographic equipment that is used for special purposes. They modify or redesign equipment using machine tools such as the drill press, grinder, and gear cutters in addition to standard photographic testing instruments and tools.
These workers are also employed by camera manufacturers, colleges and universities, school districts, research laboratories, medical centers, and other organizations that use photographic equipment.
Those who service video and motion picture cameras and equipment are employed by motion picture studios, independent producers, television stations and networks, manufacturers, and equipment sales and rental companies. Technicians are often responsible for explaining repair work to customers. In many shops they must be able to discuss repair cost estimates and explain the proper use of the equipment. They may also be responsible for maintaining parts inventories by ordering parts and supplies from manufacturers and wholesalers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most repair work is conducted in shops located in and around large metropolitan areas. Some camera stores in outlying communities maintain small repair staffs, sending more difficult work to manufacturer service centers or to larger repair shops. Most repair shops are small; a repair staff of ten is considered large. Shops are neat and orderly with good lighting and ventilation, well-spaced workbenches and conveniently located testing devices and power equipment. Because of the delicate nature of the equipment, shops should be free of dust and other airborne materials.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Skilled technicians with three to five years of experience make from $9.00 to $17.00 per hour. Some technicians are paid by the work completed rather than on an hourly rate. Others may be paid a certain percentage of the shop rate, for example, from 40 percent to 50 percent of the rate charged to the customer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers in photographic equipment and supplies earned an average of $14.66 an hour in 1993.
Some repairers receive vacation and health benefits, but usually these are employees of manufacturers or larger repair shops. A 40-hour workweek is normal, although some overtime may be required. In some shops, the workweek may extend into some evening and Saturday work.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information if from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These figures represent the broad occupational group Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers which includes Photographic Equipment Technicians.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 540 Estimated number of workers in 2005 750 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 39% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 210
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
A projected increase of over 200 new jobs combined with the estimated 210 workers leaving the work force will result in nearly 400 net job openings in California by the year 2005 in the same occupational group.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Employers prefer to hire fully qualified technicians who have from three to five years of experience. Applicants without experience must have training in photographic equipment repair or have a strong background in high school physical sciences and electronics theory. While knowledge of electronics is important, mechanical aptitude and the ability to comprehend technical manuals and blueprints, as well as the temperament to do precision hand work, are musts.
Trainees should be patient and persistent workers to do this meticulous indoor work. They must also be able to communicate well and get along with customers. They should also be able to write legibly. There are private vocational schools which teach photographic equipment repair and courses which may be available in some community colleges.
Training in the armed forces is another avenue into this occupation; however, some general civilian experience or training may be necessary since military photographic work may specialize on specific types of equipment. Another way technicians can learn their skills is with on-the-job training. Some courses are also available from correspondence schools, but the value of training may be limited because of the lack of actual equipment on which to practice.
ADVANCEMENT
Technicians working for manufacturers or who are employed in large shops may become supervisors or managers. Some may promote to jobs involving the servicing of larger or more complex equipment. Few locally-owned repair shops are large enough to require supervisory help; therefore, increasing skill in this craft is recognized by raises in salaries rather than promotion.
Photographic Equipment Technicians can sometimes improve their salaries by changing to jobs of greater scope in related fields such as instrument design and testing, video service and installation, and audio-visual equipment design in industry and government. Making this type of job change would require additional training necessary to learn the new skills. Repairers may also go into business for themselves, but the startup costs for equipment may range as high as $15,000.
FINDING THE JOB
Recruitment of experienced workers and trainees usually results from referrals from employees, other employers, or equipment dealers. Job seekers should apply directly to employers, contact the placement centers maintained by technical schools and colleges, research the classified section of local and financial newspapers, or register with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Association of Photo Equipment Technicians 3000 Picture Place Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 788-8100
Society of Photo-Technologists 6535 S. Dayton, Suite 2000 Englewood, Co. 80111 (303) 799-0678
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
PHOTOGRAPHERS No. 51 Optical Laboratory Technician/ Optical No. 97 Dispensing Optician No. 167 Photofinishing Occupations No. 245 Instrumentation Technicians No. 485
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Photographic Equipment Technician 714.281 022
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics)System Camera & Photographic Equipment Repairers 859140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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