Old slr camera- how to test it still works?

Question

I've just inherited an old SLR camera from the 80's and wondered whether there's anyway to test it still works, without putting a film through it?
The camera itself and the lenses seem fine...the only worry I have is that the shutter only releases and shuts for a millisecond - surely for longer exposures it should stay open for longer? (I have very little knowledge about cameras though so this might be normal, I don't know)

Any help would be brilliant

thanks

Answer 1

You can change the length of time the shutter stays open. What kind of camera do you have?

The lens aperture must be pretty wide if the shutter is so fast.

They work together -- large lens opening lets in more light so the shutter doesn't need to stay open very long. It's a tradeoff. Smaller lens opening = more depth of field but requires more light (longer time for shutter to stay open - increases need for tripod). and on and on and on. Why don't you google the manufacturer and see if they have some kind of online manual.



http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Camera-Shutter-Speeds-explained

Answer 2

whilst dirt could desire to be prevented in all cameras, it extremely isn't any longer as numerous an argument in SLRs - because of the fact it gets a clean physique of action picture with each shot. In DSLRs the sensor remains in place and could assemble dirt over the years. Bringing action picture won't do something that should assist you to be sure if a SLR works - you will could desire to advance it to work out if e.g. the focusing demonstrate screen is wisely aligned and if the easy meter labored nicely (selenium easy meters grow to be erroneous with age). you may desire to convey batteries and a minimum of attempt if the shutter works - for which you do no longer desire action picture.

Answer 3

It should be fine. Check out the camera and you should be able to adjust the shutter speed in increments. Follow Fhotoace's suggestions but if you are still not sure bring it into a camera shop. They will check it out for you and sell you the film.

Answer 4

I would suggest that the first thing to do is go out and get fresh batteries for the camera. Weak batteries might give you false indications weather the camera is working correctly. Second if your knowledge of cameras is lacking, find someone you trust who has more knowledge of cameras to check it out for you,or take it to a camera repair shop for cleaning, and maintenance. They can guide you in how well the camera still operates.

Answer 5

Any camera more than 20 years old should go to a repair shop for a clean, lubricate and adjust (CLA).



Photography is expensive -- there's no way around it.



HTH

V