Should I exercise a new Hexar RF ?

[gliderbee]

Well, the title says it all: I have a NIB Hexar RF set (the "normal" set, not the limited edition).

I bought it as a spare for my "everyday" Hexar RF, but that one keeps working, so: should I put batteries in the "NIB" one to have the shutter moving from time to time (say: every three months ? Other delays ?) ? Or can I just let it rest in peace until it's needed or until I "RIP" ?

Stefan.

 

[FrankHarries]

Good question! Don't really know - but I think there are parts which are lubricated. And even if the lubrications don't stiffen that fast as they used to, the moving parts won't mind to do at least a few times a year what they are made to do!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yes. Use it. Or at least exercise it. 'FrankHarries' is right.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ruby.monkey]

So let me get this straight - there are cameras out there that are left unused, and *not* because they're "projects" that "I'll get round to finishing any day now"? Weird.

 

[Steve M.]

I agree w/ all of the above. Any mechanical or electrical device should be used, and used regularly if possible. They develop all sorts of odd problems if you don't.

 

[gliderbee]

So let me get this straight - there are cameras out there that are left unused, and *not* because they're "projects" that "I'll get round to finishing any day now"? Weird.

I understand it sounded like that, but it's a bit different:

I just bought a NIB set (body, M-Hexanon 50/2.0, flash, etc ..) about a month ago, from a Canadian store, and I bought it as a spare to my every-day (or mostly, in light of "a few more" cameras I own) Hexar RF.

A spare was "needed" because rumour has it these are unrepairable (although there seems to be a "Hexar Kameraklinik" in Germany: http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170360409077&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2066wt_939) and I like it alot, so just in case ..

My main doubt now is whether I have to keep the set complete (one never knows that I might want to sell it again some day) or just keep the body ?


I'll exercise it about every four months, removing the batteries in between.

BTW, I think there are indeed a lot of cameras left unused, as collectables. After all, why not, if you have another camera (or more) working to your full satisfaction 🙂 ?
I still have two of the Bessa 250th Anniversary sets unused (R2M silver and R3M black), and still agonizing about selling them or braking them apart (I would like to use the silver 50/2 heliar of the R2M-set on my "other" silver camera, but I already have a black 50/2 heliar in use; life can be hard 🙄).

Thanks,
Stefan.

 

[FrankHarries]

Well - besides the original question - you seem to have some luxury problems 😀

 

[viramati]

sorry but what does NIB mean?

 

[Loman]

NIB= New In Box

 

[mpve]

My view is that a camera should be used. Every camera contains mechanical parts that will stop working correctly if not used regularly. Besides that: It is such a pity to leave a beautiful and fantastic camera unused.

I would recommend to use both your Hexars alternately. If one breaks because of use (no they will not in the coming ten years unless you abuse them) then buy a Zeiss Ikon as replacement.

 

[gliderbee]

Ok, I took the new one out of the box, batteries in, and I have tried all speeds in manual mode. Works fine !

I don't know when the last one was produced, hence how long at least this one was in the box (in case it would be the last one produced), but I guess it should be a few years, so apperently, they can hold out for a while.

If one breaks because of use (no they will not in the coming ten years unless you abuse them) then buy a Zeiss Ikon as replacement.

Hm, dare I say it ... I already have a Zeiss Ikon (S/H of course; great camera 🙂) ...😱

Stefan.