Table of Contents

• Light Seals
• Viewfinder
• Light Meter
• Shutter
• Shutter Speeds
• Film Advance Mechanism
• Film Pressure Plate
• Electronics

Light Seals

Light seals prevent light leaks inside the film compartment and cushion the mirror on SLR cameras.

They are easy to find and replace with a bit of patience and dexterity.

Viewfinder

Dust or deteriorated foam particles can end up inside the viewfinder system.

Unless it really bothers you, it is usually harmless and can be left as is.

You can also check focusing accuracy with a lens attached. The distance indicated on the lens barrel should match the actual distance to the subject you are focusing on.

Light Meter

While it is always possible to shoot without a light meter, you can check its readings (or confirm that it is not working) by comparing it with another camera.

Shutter

The shutter is a fragile component, avoid touching it.

Visually inspect the shutter curtains to make sure they are in good condition. If the camera uses cloth curtains, check that both curtains are fully light-tight.

Check that the shutter opens properly by firing the camera with the back open. At the same time, make sure the mirror rises and returns correctly if it is an SLR camera.

Shutter Speeds

Go further by testing the slower shutter speeds. If 1/15 second actually takes 2 seconds, you should start asking questions.

Fast shutter speeds can work perfectly while slow speeds do not, and vice versa.

If you want to accurately test your camera’s shutter speeds, you can read the dedicated article.

Film Advance Mechanism

Potential issues are often accompanied by an inability to fire the shutter.

Be especially careful with cameras featuring automatic film advance: the film may advance normally, but problems can appear during rewinding, for example.

Film Pressure Plate

This part of the camera keeps the film flat and positioned at the correct distance.

If you notice that it is bent or uneven, expect sharpness issues when shooting wide open.

In most cases, a camera back can be replaced, but finding spare parts may be difficult.

Electronics

Insert batteries and check that everything works properly with a lens attached. If you see an “EE” message or another warning, start by reading the manual to make sure you are operating the camera correctly.