Older single-lens reflex cameras may develop faults over time, faults that may make it difficult to use your much-loved equipment. Especially with all-mechanical cameras, you can fix some parts yourself. These include the back film door, the lens, the shutter curtain and other parts. Not everything is do-it-yourself, but much of it is. Here are some tips for getting started.
Basics
Dirt and dust are usually the biggest problems with older cameras. So, if your reflex mirror or shutter sticks or you get spots on your images, cleaning may take care of a lot of problems. You need lens tissue, Q-tips, rubbing alcohol, WD-40 and Dust-Off. The mirror can get sticky, so take the lens off the camera body and open the back of the camera. Use the "B" setting to open the shutter curtain. From behind, start with Dust-Off, blowing away dust and dirt from the hinges and springs. A tiny bit of WD-40 here also may make the mirror work like new. While you have the back open, clean the shutter curtain, but be very gentle with this is sensitive item. Clean the lens with lens tissue on both ends and look through it to see if there are dust particles. If not, start using an ultraviolet or haze filter on the front to keep dust out. Always keep a UV or haze filter on the lens. For the rear element, keep a rear lens cap on it when not attached to the camera.
The Lens
If there are dust motes inside the lens, or if the aperture doesn't work properly, take the lens apart, clean the elements and reassemble it. This is somewhat tedious work, so if you aren't good at delicate work, take it to a repair shop. If it is a newer camera with autofocus and auto exposure, another place that might be causing difficulties is the contacts between the lens and camera body. Clean these with Q-tips and alcohol, both on the lens and on the camera.
Light
If your flash doesn't work or sync properly from the hotshoe, again cleaning may be your solution. Alcohol and Q-tips work best. Clean both the flash and the hotshoe itself. Another problem that may develop over time is a light leak on film cameras. One solution to this is to tighten the back film door. If you still get streaks on your images, try replacing the door. There are parts for most cameras available online or, if you have one of the long-time leading cameras such as Nikon, Pentax or Canon, you may be able to get the parts at your local photo store.
Tags: lens camera, shutter curtain, back film, back film door, camera body, doesn work