ADVICE on CLeaning Film SLR

98olds

I have a Nikon EM Film SLR

It hasnt been used in probably 15 years. I got it from a family member.

I'm looking into using it again. are there anything I should look for when it comes to starting to use a camera this old again? Should i have the lens, and camera cleaned? and if so? How do i go about doing that?

Overfocused

I just blast film bodies with an air compressor (with an in line moisture filter) and that usually does a really good job of particle control (of course while film isn't in it)

If it's grime on the inside, find out if the lens is worth even having it serviced. Some older lenses can be bought in excellent condition for less or close to what it would cost for the labor to have it cleaned out. Its possible to sell a dirty lens and buy the same one back in great condition for not too much extra and offset the cost of it all.

ziggy53

Ideally, you would want to send the camera in to Nikon for a CLS, Clean, Lubricate and Service. What most people do is simply try the camera and observe problems with the critical moving parts like the shutter and mirror mechanisms.

Check flash sync by opening the back of the camera while you trip the shutter and fire the flash at different shutter speeds. Start with slow shutter speeds and then watch to make sure that the shutter clears the image frame during the faster speeds, up to normal sync (1/90th).

Check the battery compartment for leakage and corrosion. Clean if necessary and replace the batteries.

Clean the viewfinder with normal lens cleaning technique and clean the lens itself for dust and fingerprints.

Check the camera back for worn or decomposing seals. Bad seals will cause light leaks but decomposing foam seals need to be removed and cleaned so that the foam-goo, if present, doesn't get on the film or camera interior.

Do not try to lubricate anything yourself. If the camera binds or sticks anywhere it really does need service.

Wil Davis

All of what Ziggy mentions, especially the comment about the light seals. Over time, the foam rubbery stuff which constitutes the light seals will combine with air and become gooey. These seals can be serviced/replaced (check KEH.com) I traded in some Minolta film bodies a couple of years ago, and they'd all suffered from "seal rot" except the Nikonos. Good luck!

- Wil