Shutter reliability after some years of non-use

[FanMan]

Since my rangefinder is currently repaired I have to take recourse to one of my Nikon SLRs (FM2 / F3).

Both camera bodies I haven't used during the past years.

From other threads I learned it might occur that a mechanical shutter can make problems after some time of non-use (longer shutter times less exact).

What do you think - when to choose between the FM2 and the F3: shall I take the F3, when I need the maximum reliability (since the F3 has electro-magnetically controlled shutter speeds)?

 

[FanMan]

The F3 worked fine - great camera, indeed.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

The F3 worked fine - great camera, indeed.

I bet the FM2 would have worked fine as well. I have experiences from Nikkormats that were unused for more than a decade and there was no noticeable slowing down of the slow shutter speeds. Most of the Nikon mechanical cameras -- especially the older ones -- are so well made that the only way to ruin their shutters short of dropping them on concrete or burying them in sand is simply to wear them out.

The problem itself is quite common with mechanical shutter cameras. Sometimes it can be fixed just by releasing the shutter for a few dozes times, but more often some CL is needed. Adjusting is not often necessary, if the camera was originally well made.