Storing a Canon F1 for longer periods

[medform-norm]

Hi,
would anyone know the best way to properly store a Canon F1 SLR? We don't use this camera that much, but want to keep it in good order. Now what would be the best way to store it? Of course not wound up, dark, dry, dust free and a balanced temperature....but what about the shutter speed setting? The reason I am asking is this.
We once stored the camera for half a year on a setting I don't remember and afterwards the 1/2000 and the 1/1000 did not work properly anymore. Then I put it away for another couple of months on the 1/2000 setting and now the shutter speeds not only work again, but are also nearly accurate. Now the question is: can I infer from this experience that the optimal storage setting for the Canon is a 1/2000 rather than a 1/100? Or was it pure luck that those shutter speeds went back to work?
Thanks in advance for your words,
Norm

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

There have been a few times when I haven't shot my "New" F-1 for extended periods, and I think the lubricants would just gum up or maybe some electrical contacts became oxidized and the film might not advance reliably using the motor drive or power winder. Just using it regularly or sending it for a CLA would get it all back to normal. I don't know that it matters what shutter speed you leave it on, but I would take it out once a month or so and fire the shutter a few times, just to keep things moving.

 

[SonicME64]

I've never heard of that happening with any of the Canon SLR's I own (an AE-1, A-1, and original F-1). Before I received my AE-1 (from my father), it had been in storage for nearly 3 years, and fires fine and accurate to this day.

I know the AE-1 and A-1 will not shoot without a battery, the F-1 on the other hand will. I agree with David that you should probably take it out every once and a while and fire it to keep everything lubed. Sending it out for CLA after long storage is a sure way to prevent problems as well.