Maintainig film camera

[Rider]

What do you do to maintain a film camera that you're not using a lot (in this case, a Nikon F100 and an old, manual focus Russian rangefinder).

 

[Ektagraphic]

Have a CLA done (Clean, Lubricate, and Adjust). The F100 should be okay since it is not very old (unless you know of problems) and the old manual focus russian may need some help....

 

[Rider]

What do you do on a regular basis while it's not being used?

 

[Ektagraphic]

From my own experience so far, nothing. Old cameras (40,50 years) usually need service to have correct shutter speeds ect.

 

[MattKing]

What do you do on a regular basis while it's not being used?

Cameras are like people - they need exercise! On a regular basis, the shutters should be released and controls and settings should be adjusted.

Cameras with batteries should have the batteries removed if they are not going to be used for a time.

You need to make sure that they are kept in a place with reasonable levels of humidity, at reasonable temperatures.

Cameras and lenses should be checked for fungus growth or infestation (not too likely with an F100).

If a camera is left unused for a very long period of time, a CLA before use would be a good idea.

The camera repair people on APUG can no doubt add even better info.

Matt

 

[Excalibur2]

What do you do to maintain a film camera that you're not using a lot (in this case, a Nikon F100 and an old, manual focus Russian rangefinder).

You could just keep it a dry place and once a month fire the shutter a few times.

 

[John Koehrer]

I think Matt has the right idea re:storage, dry, low humidity, remove batteries. I would also add some packets or can of Silica to absorb moisture just as a second front against fungus.
You have to remember that when new, you got them after being stored for some time.