Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I have a few old and even older cameras.
There are times a few times a week, especially in cold weather that I sit and "Dry Fire" them, play with the lens on them.
Does anyone enjoy just hearing the operation of these older mechanical cameras with no purpose outside of making them function?

BebuLamar

I do! I dry fire my film cameras often not so much on the digitals.

utahpete

Let’s see some of them!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Very Wise Architect1776...
Yes I am also especially keen on working the aperture blades on all my vintage Nikkors.

BTW: The initial versions of Nikon's AF-S focus motors are notorious for developing a squeak if left unused and then ultimately failing. The AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D is a well know problem child as is the epic AF-S 300mm f/4D IF ED however since Nikon is still producing the AF-S 300mm f/4D IF ED I believe at least it can be serviced (not so with the AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 to the best of my knowledge i.e. no parts available).

I run the "rack" of optics and bodies at every change of season (4 times a year).
To date I've only had an AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (first version) develop the dreaded squeak... but it lasted 10 years of heavy service. That said I have 40 year old Ai and 35 year old Ai-S Nikkor lenses that are still silky smooth to focus and have a HUGE focus throw (like way over 180 degrees).

Oh, I try to always have NC (or similar) Filters on my lenses whenever I'm out on assignment
However not in my studio. Also use Lens Hoods which afford significant impact protection...
Love my vintage Nikkors with retractable hoods... such a brilliant idea and sad that they are no longer available.

Many thanks for bringing this to the attention of fellow UHH members... Great maintenance procedures!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Definitely yes. I play with old nearly antique ones and change lenses and fire off with no film cameras that I do still use from time to time. I do use some of my "film" camera lenses on my DLSRs. I even occassionally set up one of my two 4x5" cameras with no film in the film holders, just to set the stops and trip the shutters.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have sold all of my film equipment back in the early 2000's once I knew digital was for real. Hasselblad sold around the world on Ebay, Europe embraced my old film Hasses. The Nikon gear went mostly to the USA and Israel surprisingly.
I saw the way things were going and sold them while they retained some value.
I am currently preparing to sell all of my current DSLR digital equipment now as I go mirrorless.
I learned a long time ago to go with the solid trends. I use the same sense when investing. It has served me well.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

Yes, I have a collection of old film cameras from the 1920's to 1980's, and I take a few out and handle them from time to time just enjoying their feel.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

I do it to see if I can still manually focus given how big and clear their viewfinders are, and to appreciate the shutter designs that shake the camera when they close rather than when they open.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Yes, I have a collection of about 30 old film cameras. I haven't taken any of them out and dry fired them in quite a while but I guess I should begin doing that.

WarpedWeaver

I still have my first "real" camera, a Nikkormat N and I load it up a few times a year and have fun. I also have my father's old Leika camera but keep it more for the sentiment rather than use.

Bill 45

I have 22 film cameras with lenses all work. I always check them out looking for any problem with any one of them. Have not put any film in the cameras for some time. Reason could not get any film, but now I seeing film showing up. I will be put an order to get some film.

sgt hop Loc: baltimore md,now in salisbury md

i take my olds out and dry fire them.....

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Yes, I have a Nikon FA, a Nikon EM and a Nikkormat that I have on display just so that I can feel and listen to them. I get the same amount of pleasure listening to a good ole American V-8 engine.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I don't dry fire it but I do miss "fiddling" with my 4x5 field camera. If I just had a digital back for it ... 🤔