Description
Service, calibrate, and repair motion picture camera lenses, ensuring top optical performance, precise mechanics, and compatibility with professional cinema camera systems.
- • Collimate lenses and set flange focal distance/back focus using collimators, lens projectors, and test charts.
- • Disassemble lens assemblies to access defective elements, helicoids, or iris/zoom modules using precision hand tools.
- • Adjust focus, zoom, and iris mechanisms; set hard stops, scale alignment, and smooth torque.
- • Clean optical elements and front/rear glass; remove dust, fungus, or haze using approved methods.
- • Lubricate focus and zoom helicoids and bearings with specified greases in dust-controlled conditions.
- • Measure element spacing, cam travel, runout, and mount tolerances with micrometers and dial indicators.
- • Test MTF, resolution, parfocality, tracking, breathing, image circle, and color matching on an optical bench.
- • Diagnose optical and mechanical faults by inspecting lenses, test footage, and QC reports.
- • Requisition replacement elements, shims, bearings, seals, and electronic components.
- • Read and interpret lens schematics, assembly drawings, service bulletins, and specifications.
- • Fabricate or fit shims, bushings, or custom gear rings; chase threads and dress housings as required.
- • Assemble and align element groups, iris units, and mounts; set witness marks and engrave or paint scales.
- • Record calibration data, test results, parts usage, and service notes in work orders and databases.
- • Verify mount interfaces (PL, LPL, EF, E, etc.) and install or repair contacts or encoders; update lens firmware when applicable.
- • Set up and calibrate lens motors and metadata protocols (e.g., /i, XD) with camera and FIZ systems.
- • Recommend modifications or upgrades such as de-clicked apertures, weather seals, or rehousing.
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Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
