Shutter speed mechanisms

[centurion_sg]

Was wondering how are shutter speeds set on film cameras. How does the mechanism work in terms of counting down the time? And if the shutter is cocked, will it matter to leave it unfired for a long time or should it be fired off as soon as possible? I can't seem to find the information on Internet

[alternatve]

I usually leave my cameras with the shutter released if I'm going to store it for a while. This is because if it is kept tensioned for a long time, the internal parts might get used to the tension and thus screw up the shutter speeds.

[juggler]

Talking about that, does it also matter if the camera is set at any shutter speed but with the shutter released?

[clubgrit]

Information is here (at least for a Leica) :

http://nemeng.com/leica/006b.shtml

It says Leica's shutter is always in tension, so it doesn't matter.

This is a good question. It has also been asked for the Hasselblad lenses (leaf shutter), for example. Debated on for many years, but Hasselblad suggests that cameras and lenses be stored in the wound position (cocked).

Originally Posted by centurion_sg Was wondering how are shutter speeds set on film cameras. How does the mechanism work in terms of counting down the time? And if the shutter is cocked, will it matter to leave it unfired for a long time or should it be fired off as soon as possible? I can't seem to find the information on Internet

[centurion_sg]

Thanks. I found more information using the key word "oscillator" and reading about shutter failure sounds scary

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/mechanical.html

Oh well, take pictures first

Originally Posted by clubgrit Information is here : http://nemeng.com/leica/006b.shtml It says Leica's shutter is always in tension, so it doesn't matter. This is a good question. It has also been asked for the Hasselblad lenses (leaf shutter), for example. Debated on for many years, but Hasselblad suggests that cameras and lenses be stored in the wound position (cocked).

[clubgrit]

Nothing scary really, it's natural, and there are some cameras out there over 40 years old and still working. As you said, just keep on shooting, and if the shutter fails, change it and enjoy more years of shooting. It's like a car, got to change the tires once in a while ...

Here is another article on shutter robustness, Leica as an example:

http://nemeng.com/leica/007b.shtml

What's more of an issue to me is that the shutter speeds should not be off (unless I bought it for collecting). So, ideally, a CLA is really the first port of call when buying well-used older cameras, assuming not yet CLA'ed recently.

Of course, buy a film camera that will have good support, either from the company or from 3rd party ones. A Leica M camera is an example, if it fails, there is always someone somewhere who specializes in repairing it, besides Leica themselves.



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Originally Posted by centurion_sg Thanks. I found more information using the key word "oscillator" and reading about shutter failure sounds scary http://www.dantestella.com/technical/mechanical.html Oh well, take pictures first

[alternatve]

Oh, I see. My misconception, sorry.

[clubgrit]

Well, it is a valid concern and logical approach. And my example was only for a Leica, I don't know about the rest.


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