Exercise Your Cameras Often

The affordability of film cameras in the digital age has allowed many of us to enjoy the adventures of gear acquisition syndrome (GAS). I stopped keeping track of exactly how many cameras I own as the number changes each month. As soon as I sell or give away a few, one or more find their way back into my life.

One of the things I have tried to do regularly, on the recommendation of several trusted cameras techs, is to exercise my cameras. Even if I don’t have time to go out and shoot a camera with film in it, I will take it out and run it through all of the available shutter speeds. Most of the cameras I own are mechanical and machines need regular use to stay healthy. Without use, parts don’t get lubricated properly and those lubricants can dry out and gum up the works.

This is true for lenses too.

It’s certainly more fun to take a camera out and shoot up some film, but if you can’t—make sure you exercise your camera regularly so it’s ready for action when inspiration strikes.