If you take reasonable care of your camera you can look forward to many trouble – free years of use. Remember the following rules :-
1. Dust, grease and finger prints are the principle enemies.
2. In dusty, sandy or wet conditions carry your camera in a clean plastic bag, and replace it in the plastic bag after use.
3. If your camera gets wet, wipe it dry immediately with a soft cloth. Sea water is very harmful, so be careful when at the beach.
4. Store your camera in a dry, cool place at home and if not using it for some time, remove the batteries.
5. Never leave your camera on the back window shelf or in the glove box of a car. The camera and film will become very hot and this could affect the film emulsion.
6. Dust can be removed from the lens with a blower brush, and then the lens can be wiped with a clean lens cloth or lens tissue.
Never touch the interior of the camera. If shutter jams or if you have any other problems, take the camera to a recommended camera mechanic.
Common mistakes and what to do
Mistake - The film has not been loaded correctly onto the take-up spool, so the film has not moved at all
How to Fix - happens to everyone at least once! Kick yourself-then load the film correctly and start all over again. You should always check that film has been loaded. Correctly by gently turning the re-wind knob (do not touch the re-wind button). If you meet with resistance then the film has been loaded correctly.
Mistake - Blank transport negatives with no detail of film.
How to Fix - Forgot to remove lens cap; or mixed up used and unused film and sent unused film for processing; or camera shutter jammed. You can check this by opening the back of the empty camera and checking whether the shutter opens and closes when you pres the release button. If the shutter stays closed, do not try to release it. Take the camera to be repaired.
