The story of eifelcam – Astrocameras by thedolphin.shop

I am Jan Bubela – entrepreneurial in IT and camera technology for over 42 years.

What began as a passion has become my profession: the modification and repair of cameras for astrophotography.

Nearly a thousand enthusiastic customers – from the Eifel region to observatories in Tenerife – trust in my modified astro cameras.

🛠️ From Computer Pioneer to Camera Specialist

My technical journey began in 1985: together with Günther Jilg, I developed the floppyspeeder DolphinDOS for the Commodore C64 – a milestone in home computing history that shaped my path.

With the rise of the IT industry, I moved into the international distribution of UPS systems for data centers. Manual work took a back seat – until the turn of the millennium.

In the year 2000, I held my first digital camera in my hands in New York: a Minolta DIMAGE E201. Later came an Olympus SP500UZ and, in 2008, my first DSLR – the silver Canon 400D, followed by a Canon 60D. But my true return to hands-on work came in 2012 – during my parental leave.

🔧 The Rebirth of an Idea

Back then, I bought a completely disassembled Canon 300D on eBay – for 25 euros. My goal: to bring it back to life. After several attempts, I succeeded. The moment it saved its first image was magical – a key experience.

From then on, I started seeking out defective or inexpensive cameras that I restored with growing expertise – with a success rate of around 90%. What began as a hobby turned into a small eBay shop: eifelcam was born.

🌌 A Step into Astrophotography

In 2013, astrophotographer Michael Auster visited my workshop. He brought along a Canon 300D modified for H-alpha and asked me to convert a Canon 1000D with LiveView for more precise focusing. The result was convincing – and his testimonial opened new doors for me.

Since then, I have specialized in astro modifications for Canon cameras – for ambitious beginners and seasoned astrophotographers alike.

⚙️ Technology with Soul

What fascinates me is the combination of mechanics, electronics, optics, and software. When the manufacturer no longer provides support, reverse engineering begins – a playground for tinkerers like me.

And every camera tells its own story: sometimes I find fine Saharan sand inside the housing, sometimes salt traces from Caribbean nights. Occasionally, customers share stories about special moments captured with their camera.

🌱 Sustainability by Conviction

Repairing cameras also means taking responsibility. Every device contains resources, often extracted under questionable conditions. So why throw it away if a DSLR that’s five or ten years old can still produce brilliant images?

I often ask children and parents: “Did you know that many hours of child labor go into every one of your devices – for example, to mine rare earths?” The answer: appreciate instead of discard.

❤️ Cameras with a Past – for a Future Among the Stars

During the pandemic, it was the stories behind the cameras that gave me strength: memories, places, images. Every camera I repair gets a second chance – and maybe its best photo is still ahead of it.

✨ Looking Ahead – Community Under the Stars

Regular astro meetups will soon take place in the Eifel – led by my next generation and supported by close astro friends who have accompanied me for many years.
Our goal: to share knowledge, observe together, test cameras, and experience the fascination of the starry sky.

With its dark skies, the Eifel offers ideal conditions to give both beginners and experienced astrophotographers unforgettable nights. Whether you’re taking your first steps in deep-sky photography or refining your setup, these gatherings are meant to be a place for exchange, inspiration, and friendship.

🌟 Stay tuned – and bring your cameras!