About us
RetroCameraFix restores and sells vintage 35mm film cameras, mainly to people using vintage cameras for the first time. We're a small workshop in Camberwell of only a few people, a lot of cameras, and a genuinely calm place to work.
The role
Our current repair technician is leaving in mid-September to travel. We're looking for the person who takes over their bench.
You don't need to have repaired a camera before. What matters is that you're good with your hands on small, precise work, you learn quickly and are technically competent. We want you confident in basic Olympus Trip 35 repairs by the end of Autumn.
What you'll be doing
Starting out:
- Unpacking, inspecting and assessing incoming cameras
- Cleaning, prepping, and replacing light seals
- Testing shutter speeds, light meters, and focus
- Final quality checks and packing finished cameras
Within a couple of months, working from our written procedures and training videos:
- Full servicing and repair of our core camera (the Olympus Trip 35): disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, calibration
- Diagnosing faults and deciding what's economic to fix
- Helping us document and improve how repairs get done
Who we're looking for
Four things matter most:
- Meticulous, careful work. These are 50-year-old cameras with small parts and very limited spares. We'd rather one camera done properly than two done quickly.
- Organised, punctual and reliable. We're a small team, cameras are often sold to customers giving presents, and there's nobody to cover a bench that's empty. If turning up on time and keeping track of your own work sounds like a chore, this isn't the job.
- Technically competent with your hands. Comfortable with tools, processes, and working out how a mechanism fits together.
- A real interest in film photography or vintage cameras. Strongly preferred. The people who do well here are the ones who intrinsically care about what happens to the camera after it leaves.
Hands-on precision experience of any kind is useful (but not absolutely necessary) even if it has nothing to do with cameras. For example:
- Watch or clock repair, jewellery, electronics or soldering
- Bike, car or motorbike mechanics
- Model-making, 3D printing, prop-making
- Any trade or craft involving small tolerances and patience
No formal qualifications needed. Full training provided.
What you get
- Paid, hands-on training in a real repair skill that very few people have
- Flexible hours, Monday to Friday
- Yearly bonus
- Staff discount on cameras, and 35mm film at cost price
- A quiet, supportive workshop
- Podcasts and music at the bench, once you're comfortable and confident with the repair processes
- Room to grow into a full camera repair technician role as we expand
How to apply
Apply through Indeed and answer the few quick questions on the application form.
Everyone who meets the basics is then sent a short application form of our own. It takes about 10 minutes - we only invite people who complete it.
From there, shortlisted applicants come in for a paid trial day. That's the interview: you'll do real work, we'll see how you take to it, and you'll see whether you like it.
Pay: £10.85-£12.71 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Camberwell SE5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
