New to me Fujifilm GF670W Film Rail Corrosion?

[Pete B]

I've just received a GF670W. They are like hen's teeth and expensive. It is in perfect condition except for some patches of corrosion along the film guides that run above and below the image area of the negative. I've loaded a roll of Acros and intend to develop it and examine the negative for scratches. If there's no sign of any scratches, all is good, but what if there are scratches?
Pete

 

[Nitroplait]

Are you specifically talking about scratches caused by the corrosion on the rails? If so, it wouldn't matter as it is outside the frame.

 

[Pete B]

Are you specifically talking about scratches caused by the corrosion on the rails? If so, it wouldn't matter as it is outside the frame.

Yes I am. I just wondered if there is potential for dust to be produced which might become an issue for the camera itself. I'm perhaps over-thinking things as the camera cost an arm and a leg. It's a camera I've wanted since I got the standard GF670 which is superb. Suddenly, I found I'd had a couple of whiskys, on ebay, saw the camera in the UK and, well, you know the rest 😀
I'm really chuffed with the purchase, it's just this one niggle in my mind but hopefully it will be a non issue.
Pete

 

[Nitroplait]

I had something like it in some Nikon bodies without issues. But maybe a photo would help understand the possible severity?

 

[keytarjunkie]

If the corrosion is deep enough or continues to worsen, it could definitely affect the film flatness. If you’re worried about dust I’d take some blank film or 120 paper in daylight and see if it is flaking off as you move it across. It’s really important to have clean and flat rails, so for whatever you’re paying for this camera it might not be a good investment.

 

[Dan Daniel]

xxxxxxxxxx

 

[Out to Lunch]

Even though I have lusted after the GF670 for many years, I did not buy it fearing the effects of a subtropical climate on the bellows. I never thought humidity would affect other parts of the camera.

 

[Pete B]

I've just put a roll of Acros through and developed it. It's drying in the shower. I had a quick glance but can't see any problem on the film.
I'll try to attach photos
Pete

 

[Pete B]

The top

 

[Pete B]

The negatives seem unmarked.
Pete

 

[f.hayek]

Did you buy it from someone in a tropical clime?

 

[Archlich]

Did you buy it from someone in a tropical clime?

Or salt.

Personally I don't think it's "tropical climate" working here since Japan itself can get very humid during summer.

 

[Pete B]

Did you buy it from someone in a tropical clime?

He's in London. I think, but I suspect he bought it used so it's anyone's guess. I wonder what causes that sort of effect. The negatives are great. I will scan them tomorrow to check focus. I think I'm now only concerned about the resale value, but then I think if I stop using film it will be too expensive for the vast majority of people so no cameras will have a resale value. If it was any other camera I would send it back but as it's rarely available in the UK and certainly not at the price I paid (although still expensive) I'm thinking I'll keep it.
Pete

 

[Retro-Grouch]

My experience is that this sort of corrosion is caused by high humidity. When I purchased my Zeiss Ikon new several years ago, I found corrosion on the rails within three months; a couple of Nikons, also new, developed the same issue. Of course, I lived 200 yards away from the ocean, and fog rolled in regularly, so I wasn't surprised. It seems to be a surface discoloration on the unprotected, polished aluminum surface, and has never caused problems with scratches on the film. Purely cosmetic, in my opinion. In any case, wherever you live, silica gel is your friend!

 

[Pete B]

My experience is that this sort of corrosion is caused by high humidity. When I purchased my Zeiss Ikon new several years ago, I found corrosion on the rails within three months; a couple of Nikons, also new, developed the same issue. Of course, I lived 200 yards away from the ocean, and fog rolled in regularly, so I wasn't surprised. It seems to be a surface discoloration on the unprotected, polished aluminum surface, and has never caused problems with scratches on the film. Purely cosmetic, in my opinion. In any case, wherever you live, silica gel is your friend!

That's kinda reassuring. It sounds like it won't be progressive living where I do. It's a beautiful camera, otherwise. I'll keep it and not worry about resale value.

Pete

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Great decision, Pete. Those big Fuji RFs are a treat to use, and handy to bludgeon attackers...

 

[Pete B]

I blew off a film in the church yard where I got married 14 years ago.
Acros, DD-X, Plustek 120.

St Margaret's Church by Pete, on Flickr
Pete