"exercising" the shutter

[ymc226]

I have about 10 M's that are in pristine condition (M2's, M3, M4, M7's, MP's), 4 SWC (SWC/Ms, 903 SWC, 905 SWC), 203FE's, 205FCC also all in pristine conditon that I might not use for a while. . . just discovered 6x7 and 6x9 (using Mamiya 7II and Fuji GSW690III/GW690III) and love the larger negative.

I want to keep all of these cameras that I won't be using in good mechanical shape. Is there a general rule of thumb in terms of exercisng the shutters?

?monthly enough
?how many shutter clicks at each speed setting?

I also have a Nikon F6 which is electronic as is the M7, do the same rules apply?

 

[gliderbee]

I have about 10 M's that are in pristine condition (M2's, M3, M4, M7's, MP's), 4 SWC (SWC/Ms, 903 SWC, 905 SWC), 203FE's, 205FCC also all in pristine conditon that I might not use for a while. . . just discovered 6x7 and 6x9 (using Mamiya 7II and Fuji GSW690III/GW690III) and love the larger negative.

I want to keep all of these cameras that I won't be using in good mechanical shape. Is there a general rule of thumb in terms of exercisng the shutters?

?monthly enough
?how many shutter clicks at each speed setting?

I also have a Nikon F6 which is electronic as is the M7, do the same rules apply?

I think the slowest setting is enough to exercise, and I do it about every three months (start of each season, easy to remember) ... but if you don't have an M5, what's the point 😉😀 ?

Stefan.

 

[_goodtimez]

I have around 10 M's and 40 various other cameras mostly Nikons and Canons and I exercise them on a regular basis, like every other month.
Last Sunday the sun was shining and my daughters just came over for sun bathing and I just ruined their Sunday afternoon outside with about 500 actuations in total. Hey, I know what torture means 🙂
I just do it at every speed.
All members of my familly can tell what a 1/8th is and what 1/60th is just by hearing at the shutter...
I apply the same rule to electronic cameras as well but always put them back to sleep without the battery.
Have fun.

 

[Brian Legge]

I have 0 Ms. I would like to keep them all in good condition. 😉

...okay, I have way too many fixed lens rangefinders. I really need to spend a rainy day getting more of these cameras on ebay soon. I don't need 3 Canonet 17 GIIIs. 😉

 

[Fraser]

I think if a camera is going to stop working it will no matter what.

 

[robklurfield]

Buy film. Make images. Problem solved.

All mechanical devices -- watches, cars, cameras -- work best when used regularly. Lubricants dry out, get sticky and lose their effectiveness when they're not flowing around the pivots they lubricate.

Use it or lose it is true. So, use 'em, sell 'em or run the risk that they get sticky. Personally, I'd start shooting more often. Use each camera for couple of rolls each quarter. Rotate them. Have fun and post your images here on RFF.

Life is too short to spend it collecting dust.

 

[Gumby]

All mechanical devices -- watches, cars, cameras -- work best when used regularly.

They also work best when properly maintained. The need to "exercise a shutter" is sometimes confused with the need to have the shutter properly cleaned and re-lubricated.

Keeping a shutter (or watch or car) moving, is part of proper maintenance... but not a replacement for a proper cleaning/lubing when that is indicated by decreased performance or extended time between servicing.

 

[robklurfield]

Gumby is right.

If you owned a car for 10 years and drove it daily, but never changed the oil, imagine the result. Same for a camera. Friction on a dry pivot point while destroy the pivot. With things as miniaturized as they are on cameras and other fine instruments, the pressures involved can be enormous and the tolerances microscopic. It doesn't take much rubbing to ruin the works.

Exercise AND routine maintenance. (Also, a humidity-controlled environment to prevent mold and fungus.)

They also work best when properly maintained. The need to "exercise a shutter" is sometimes confused with the need to have the shutter properly cleaned and re-lubricated.

Keeping a shutter (or watch or car) moving, is part of proper maintenance... but not a replacement for a proper cleaning/lubing when that is indicated by decreased performance or extended time between servicing.

 

[robklurfield]

the maintenance is good for keeping your favorite service guy or gal in shape. the exercise is good for keeping your own trigger finger, eyeball, brain combination in working order. posting your results is good for keeping your RFF friends up to date on your latest creative endeavors. we all benefit.

 

[ymc226]

I will use them again, eventually. Now, I am on a 6x7 and 6x9 kick so the other cameras have to wait.

If I understand from Stefan, I only need to actuate at the slowests speed? Is there agreement on this or do I need to actuate at all of the speeds? BTW, the cameras are placed on a shelf in my library which has lots of windows so I don't think fungus or humidity will be an issue.

 

[John Elder]

Send me the M3 and the M4 and i will exercise them for a very nominal fee, at least twice a week. I live in Pa so they won't be far away.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I'm also next door in Pennsylvania and will be happy to exercise your shutters FOR FREE, leaving you that much more time during the month to concentrate on shooting medium format.

Phil Forrest

 

[David Hughes]

A minor point but...

If you do give them a work out make it a part of the routine to press the shutter button after putting the thing back on display, in its box or where ever you store it. It's very easy to leave them cocked after a work-out.

I left a camera out of the routine once as it was stored away from the others and can say (a great personal expense) that a regular work out its a good thing for them.

Regards, David

 

[Richard G]

I don't agree with slow speed only. Just selecting the other speeds with the shutter speed dial is important. Between 1/60 and 1/30 the movement can be quite stiff on an M6 and firing the shutter with the engagement of different gearing mechanisms at the various speed ranges must be important. Use the self-timer a few times too, if it has one. This is how you get 1 second with an M5 and it's a long 1 sec if the self-timer mechanism doesn't run perfectly.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I don't agree with slow speed only. Just selecting the other speeds with the shutter speed dial is important. Between 1/60 and 1/30 the movement can be quite stiff on an M6 and firing the shutter with the engagement of different gearing mechanisms at the various speed ranges must be important. Use the self-timer a few times too, if it has one. This is how you get 1 second with an M5 and it's a long 1 sec if the self-timer mechanism doesn't run perfectly.

Agree. Up and down the speeds and use the self timers EXCEPT on Compur shutters on folders. I run mine monthly if not used.

 

[oftheherd]

I'm embarassed by all the self-serving offers to exercise the shutters on your cameras for you. Sorry.

However, when you get tired of the MF and go back to the M's, I am available for assistance. PM me ...

😀 😀

 

[blindlemon]

I use a Nikon S and Contax lla , every three or four films I exercise the shutters on the slower speeds before reloading , also I always press the shutter before putting a camera back in its case so the camera is not left for any period of time with the shutter cocked, even if this means wasting a frame.

 

[Gumby]

... self timers EXCEPT on Compur shutters ...

A Compur self-timer will jam under two conditions (exceptions may exist butthis is generally true):

1. needs a proper cleaning and re-lube.
2. is forced by trying to set without cocking the shutter first.

If it is properly maintained and the operator knows what he/she is doing, there is no problem with a Compur self-timer and no need to fear it.

 

[Rui Morais de Sousa]

Every now and then, I exercise my M's at ALL speeds, say 5 or 10 times each speed, plus self-timer if there is one. Plus frame selector, plus focusing, plus aperture ring. Simply everything that moves! We also wish to have our lenses working smoothly, or?
But one point got me now confused on some of your comments: I think that Leitz/Leica states that it doesn't matter if you leave the shutter (their shutters, not other makes) cocked or uncocked... Am I wrong?
Any expert advise out there?
Thank you.
Rui
P.S.: It is maybe wise to exercise your cameras when you are alone, so that your company doesn't get nerved... Or put some music on (you still feel the proper working of your camera on your hands...)
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