Shutter cocked or uncocked

[Jan Van Laethem]

In the S and S2 instruction manuals (not sure about the other Nikon RF cameras), it is recommended not to store a camera with the shutter cocked for an extended period of time, as this could weaken the spring.

However, in Kenneth S. Tydings "The Nikon Guide" I read: "The camera may be put away with the shutter set or unset. The differences in tension either way are negligible. If your shutter is wound, there is no need to release it. You can pick up your Nikon at any time if it has been previously wound and use it inmediately without worry."

What is the general consensus on this? Do you store your cameras wound for a longer period of time?

Thanks

 

[furcafe]

My understanding is that, as w/Leica shutters, there is marginally more tension when the Nikon RF shutter is cocked, but it's not enough to make a real difference unless you're going to be storing the camera for a really, really long time (like years).

In the S and S2 instruction manuals (not sure about the other Nikon RF cameras), it is recommended not to store a camera with the shutter cocked for an extended period of time, as this could weaken the spring.

However, in Kenneth S. Tydings "The Nikon Guide" I read: "The camera may be put away with the shutter set or unset. The differences in tension either way are negligible. If your shutter is wound, there is no need to release it. You can pick up your Nikon at any time if it has been previously wound and use it inmediately without worry."

What is the general consensus on this? Do you store your cameras wound for a longer period of time?

Thanks

 

[Jan Van Laethem]

it's not enough to make a real difference unless you're going to be storing the camera for a really, really long time (like years).

Thanks, nothing to worry about then. If I had a camera that I didn't use for years, I would have sold it long ago. 😀

 

[ZeissFan]

There are a small number of cameras required you to tension the shutter -- the Rollei 35 series being among that group. I think some of Rollei's other cameras might also tension the shutters automatically when you close them.

And, of course, many of us with Rolleiflexes wind to the next frame after taking a photo, and that tensions the shutter.

 

[ZeissFan]

And as I think about this more, cameras with motor drives (either built in or accessories) always tension the shutters. This covers nearly all P&S models, as well as SLRs with add-on drives, as well as the later autowind models.

That said, I generally keep my other cameras with the shutters untensioned.

 

[marlowe]

I've bought a couple of Prakticas online, they were unwound, the shock of posting trips the wind-lock, jamming it. They are very cheap, and it is a simple fix. Of course when it's fixed, you still have a Praktica.