How to take care of your camera

1.STORAGE

a)The instrument, when not in use, should be protected from dampness and dust. Preferably, it should be kept in its case and, as an additional precaution, inserted into a polyethylene bag.

b)Care should be taken to see that the camera is not kept in abnormally high or low temperatures - normal room temperature is best.

c)Take the precaution of removing any batteries since, no matter how well made these may be, there is always the risk of deterioration and corrosion.

2.EXERCISE

All mechanical instruments need to be exercised regularly to keep them in good condition. Cameras are no exception to this rule. If you put your car in storage for the winter, the first thing a prudent owner does in the spring is to have it serviced before putting it back on the road. There is not quite the same parallel between a motor car and a camera, nevertheless, you should store your camera where you can get to it easily and put it through its normal operations at least once per month. i.e.

a)Set the shutter release and fire.

b)Turn to a slow shutter speed and again set the shutter release and fire. Also operate delayed action device (self-timer).

c)Examine the exposure meter for correct operation.

d)Check film transport

e)Check the range finder or pentaprism viewfinder.

These actions will keep the mechanism in good order, retaining the natural qualities of the lubricant - thus ensuring the camera is ready for instant use when required.

Reproduced for Historical & Reference purposes by Paul M. Provencher -

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Pentax Spotmatic II manual Storage, Exercise