PATB Posted March 26, 2012 Share #1 Posted March 26, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I stopped using my MP for about three years when the local public darkroom closed. But, fortunately, I just found another one! So the MP will be put to use again. One drawback is this public darkroom I recently discovered does not have an archival washer. So I guess I will have to print on RC paper, which is fine with me. I took test shots with the MP just to make sure it still works; mostly using the 15 sec and up exposure time. I haven't had the chance to develop the roll, as I thought my chemicals are probably expired. I need to order some developer and fixer. I am thinking my hypo and photo flo are still good, despite taking a 3 year hiatus. And since I haven't been to the darkroom in quite a while, I thought developing a test roll would be a good idea. Which brings me to the question: do you periodically test your film Leica? I never did prior to taking the break. And I brought it with me to various vacations -- I just assumed the MP will always work. I guess one advantage of a digital camera is you can check the back and see it it still takes pictures! Also, when do you send your Leica for CLA? Thanks much for any information. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 Hi PATB, Take a look here Do you ever periodically test your film Leica?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted March 26, 2012 Share #2 Posted March 26, 2012 I work all my film Leicas through every speed once a week. The MP is used regularly anyway, but it will not harm the M2 or IIIf to have each speed used. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 26, 2012 Share #3 Posted March 26, 2012 It's a good idea to exercise the shutter from time to time if the camera isn't in regular use. Your MP is probably fine. Shoot a test roll as you say, if anything is amiss it should be obvious. I would only CLA if it needs a repair of some sort, otherwise just use it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobbylon Posted March 26, 2012 Share #4 Posted March 26, 2012 I run through the speed ranges on all my film cameras about once a month, anymore than that is probably overkill but it's not going to harm them. An MP is too young to have problems after such a short spell. 10 years sat doing nothing and maybe it might have a timing issue but even then I doubt it. Modern lubes are different to those used in the 50's to 80's and don't need so much attention. I picked up an M6 a couple of years ago that hadn't been used in 8 years and it was spot on so I wouldn't give it a thought. I only get CLA's done if there is a definite problem with a camera or I feel like bringing back to spec like my Nikon F. Bought in 1973, never serviced for 38 years and still worked fine. Sover Wong did the work and remarked that although there was a bit of sand in it and the seals had seen better days that it was still in perfectly usable condition. Too many cameras are sent for CLA's for no good reason other than to rest the mind of a new owner. Enjoy your MP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messsucherkamera Posted March 27, 2012 Share #5 Posted March 27, 2012 If you shoot a roll of film once a week, you will have some fun and address the issue of this thread. Just a suggestion... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted March 27, 2012 Share #6 Posted March 27, 2012 When I got my M2 it had been lying unused for ca. 15 years. Still worked fine, althought the long exposure times were a bit off. Minor CLA and all was well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATB Posted March 27, 2012 Author Share #7 Posted March 27, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks all. I will keep in mind shooting a roll once a week;) I used to shoot film a lot more, but the lack of darkroom and my lack of skill in scanning made me abandon film for a while. No longer! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NB23 Posted March 27, 2012 Share #8 Posted March 27, 2012 My cameras are not unused. I cycle hundreds of films through them periodically. I just purchased ten 100' rolls of kodak color c-41 film for that purpose. I keep on shooting like crazy, piling the films in the fridge. I figure I'll develop them one day down the road. My sons will be older by then. The memories will be worth even more. Imagine, 1000 rolls of undeveloped c41 film Developed 10-15 years from now, half of them fogged. The real life! Real life, real tears! To Hell with instant gratification. My films, like good wine, are getting better and better by the year. To hell with instant gratification. Instant fartification. Imagine the fun, a few years down the road; the grown kids, the new wife (joke) and all that Jazz The morale? Just shoot. About the darkroom not having an archival washer, that's the least of the problems: print and develop in the darkroom and wash at home in your own archival washer. Easy turnaround. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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