The story of eifelcam – Astrocameras by thedolphin.shop

I am Jan Bubela – and I have been self-employed in IT and camera technology for over 40 years.

What began as a passion has become my profession: modifying and repairing cameras for astrophotography.

Nearly 4,000 photographers, including more than 1,000 astrophotographers – from Germany's Eifel region to the observatories of Tenerife – trust my modified astro cameras.

🛠️ From Computer Pioneer to Camera Specialist

My technical journey began in 1985. Together with Günther Jilg, I developed the DolphinDOS floppy disk accelerator for the Commodore C64 – a milestone in home computing history that shaped my career.

As the IT industry expanded, I moved into the sales of UPS systems for data centers. Hands-on engineering gradually took a back seat – until the turn of the millennium.

In 2000, while in New York, I held my first digital camera: 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 technology came in 2012, during my parental leave.

🔧 The Rebirth of an Idea

At that time, I bought a completely dismantled Canon 300D on eBay for just €25. My goal was simple: bring it back to life. After several attempts, I succeeded. The moment it saved its first image was magical – a defining experience.

From then on, I deliberately searched for defective or inexpensive cameras, restoring them with increasing experience and achieving a success rate of around 90%. What started as a hobby soon became a small eBay shop: eifelcam was born.

🌌 The Step into Astrophotography

In 2013, astrophotographer Michael Auster visited my workshop. He brought along a Canon 300D modified for H-alpha imaging and asked me to convert a Canon 1000D with Live View for more precise focusing. The result exceeded expectations, and his field report opened entirely new doors for me.

Since then, I have specialized in astrophotography modifications for Canon cameras – serving both ambitious beginners and experienced astrophotographers.

⚙️ Technology with a Soul

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

And every camera tells its own story. Sometimes I find fine Sahara sand inside the body; other times, traces of salt from Caribbean nights. Many customers also share the special moments they captured with their cameras.

🌱 Sustainability by Conviction

For me, repairing cameras also means taking responsibility. Every electronic device contains valuable resources, many of them extracted under questionable conditions. So why throw away a DSLR that is five or ten years old when it is still capable of producing outstanding images?

Especially when talking to children and parents, I often ask: "Did you know that every one of your electronic devices contains materials that may have involved many hours of child labor, for example in the mining of rare earth elements?" My conclusion is simple: Value things instead of throwing them away.

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

During the COVID pandemic, it was the stories behind the cameras that gave me hope: memories, places, and photographs. Every camera I repair gets a second chance – and perhaps its most beautiful photograph is still waiting to be taken.

✨ Looking Ahead – A Community Under the Stars

Soon, regular astrophotography meetups will take place in Germany's Eifel region, supported by close friends from the astronomy community who have accompanied me for many years.

Our goal is to share knowledge, observe the night sky together, test cameras, and inspire others with the fascination of the stars.

With its exceptionally dark skies, the Eifel offers ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers to enjoy unforgettable nights. Whether you want to take your first steps into deep-sky photography or fine-tune your existing setup, these gatherings are intended to become a place of learning, inspiration, and friendship.

🌟 Stay tuned – and don't forget to bring your camera!