Found old camera
Dec 26, 2018 09:59:45 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Grumpy 1 wrote:
I just found a 1970 era pentax 35mm camera.Would it be worth taking it to a camera store to clean and check out?
I would first check the battery compartment. If it is not messed up, put a set of new batteries in it, and see if the meter works. Then, open the back of the camera and looking at the focal plane take a shot so you can determine if the curtain is working. Then, load with film and try it out. This would be the cheapest way. Most of today's camera store employees would not be able to check it out because they lack experience with it. YOU DO IT.
Dec 26, 2018 10:08:02 #
Bigmike1 wrote:
A little WD 40 won't hurt it if the shutter sticks. The WD 40 will eventually evaporate anyway. A little on a rag will also work wonders cleaning it.
As a former clock repairman, I shudder when I heard the amount a other people using wd40 on clocks. When I hear people telling you to use it on a camera is just plain ridiculous!
That stuff acts like a magnet for dust particles!
Bigmike, if you keep telling people to use it or similar lubes on cameras, you will be put on my "naughty list" and labeled as a troll!
Dec 26, 2018 10:19:32 #
gmango85 wrote:
Never use wd 40 on your camera!
Right - and newer buy a camera from Big Mike that he tells you he has just serviced
Dec 26, 2018 10:34:25 #
DON'T USE WD 40 ON A CAMERA. Go on line to find the manual. Put a roll of film in the camera to see if works ok. Can't tell you the market value of the camera.
Dec 26, 2018 10:41:16 #
I have found than 3 in 1 oil, or sewing machine oil is better than WD-40, use very little 1 small drop. Sheets of neoprene or felt cost less than $2, great for replacing seals. Gel adhesive, never any type of super glue. Take your time, clean constantly,while doing maintenance, use rubbing alcohol on metal, mild glass cleaner on all plastic or glass. That 50 year old camera could last another 50.
Thrash50
Thrash50
Dec 26, 2018 10:41:50 #
clean it yourself , use a vacuum cleaner hose end for dust , and wipe body with damp cloth , see if shutter work , it may stick at higher speed . WD40 is a good cleaner , use a Q tip , dont spray inside body .windex on mirror .
Dec 26, 2018 10:45:45 #
better than WD40, just take off the lens, open the back, and duck-tape the Pentax to the outside of your car. Drive to your friendly neighborhood car wash and...
Dec 26, 2018 10:47:15 #
Grumpy 1 wrote:
I just found a 1970 era pentax 35mm camera.Would it be worth taking it to a camera store to clean and check out?
Try cleaning etc as much as you can, should be external anyway that needs cleaning.
See if it operates, sometimes it needs to be exercised.
If all else fails get and estimate to CLA it and if reasonable to you then absolutely do it.
Dec 26, 2018 10:56:33 #
Dec 26, 2018 11:44:26 #
Who were the company owners of the Pentax brand going back into the 50's as I recall Honeywell was involved.
Dec 26, 2018 11:59:08 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Clean it yourself, put film in it, and start shooting. If it doesn't work, a repair would cost more than you paid for the camera.
No, there are things one should examine before inserting any film and begin shooting. For example, if the shutter even works.
Dec 26, 2018 12:05:46 #
WD40 is great for destroying cameras. Only an idiot would tell you to use it on photo equipment.
Dec 26, 2018 12:21:54 #
Bigmike1
Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.
Well, maybe I was wrong about WD 40. Thanks for the correction.
Dec 26, 2018 12:27:22 #
gmango85 wrote:
Never use wd 40 on your camera!
Never, never use WD 40 on a camera. Terrible advice.
Dec 26, 2018 12:41:46 #
Bigmike1 wrote:
A little WD 40 won't hurt it if the shutter sticks. The WD 40 will eventually evaporate anyway. A little on a rag will also work wonders cleaning it.
Don't use WD-40 on anything with plastic parts! WD-40 is part drycleaning fluid which can deteriorate plastics. And no it doesn't evaporate, at least the oil part. If you read the fine print on your drycleaning receipt it says not responsible for damage to any clothing plastics.
If the shutter sticks cleaning with contact cleaner is much better, which leaves no residue.
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