After you have exposed all frames, depress the
rewind button (normally at the bottom of the camera)
and slowly rewind the film. Rewinding too quickly,
especially in cold weather, could crack the film or cause
static electricity that will damage the film. When the
film is completely rewound, you will no longer feel
tension on the rewind knob.
Store the exposed film in a dry, dark container (such
as a photo bag) or in its original canister until it is ready
for developing. If your assignment requires you to shoot
more than one roll of film, number the rolls directly on
the canister using a china marker or laundry marking
pen.
INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING
THE CAMERA
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the correct
method of inspecting and maintaining the
35mm single-lens reflex camera.
The importance of caring for your camera cannot be
overstated. The old saying, “Take care of your
equipment, and it will take care of you,” certainly holds
true when it comes to photography. In the following text
you will learn the basics of periodic camera inspection
and maintenance, to include the lens, camera body and
camera optics.
NOTE: You may be held liable for any damages
while the camera is in your custody!
THE LENS
Remove the lens from the camera according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect the lens and check
it for dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratches. Remove
dirt with a blower brush; eliminate smudges and
fingerprints by gently wiping the glass with
lens-cleaning tissue moistened with a few drops of
lens-cleaning solution. Be careful not to oversaturate the
tissue — one or two drops should be enough.
Minor scratches may not alter the performance of
the lens, but you should bring them to the attention of
your LPO or LCPO. However, deep scratches will
probably affect the performance of your lens. In this
instance, notify your supervisor and obtain a
replacement lens. If you are not sure about the severity
of a scratch, reattach the lens to the camera body, look
through the viewfinder and focus on a subject. If any
part of the field of view appears blurred or obscured,
replace the lens.
Next, check the aperture control ring. The ring
should click firmly into each position. Examine the
focus ring. It should move smoothly, without
interruption. Check the lens exterior for dents and other
damage.
Finally, make sure the lens is mounted with an
ultraviolet, haze or skylight filter to protect the front
glass surface and its delicate antireflective coating.
THE CAMERA BODY
Inspect the camera body for dirt and defects. Use a
blower brush to remove light dust and dirt; stubborn dirt
can be removed with a silicon cloth or a soft chamois.
Do not use liquids to clean the camera body. Liquid
cleaners, including water, can damage the camera.
Check the back of the camera body and make sure
it is lighttight. While the back of the camera is open,
conduct a shutter speed test to determine whether the
camera has maintained its calibration. You do this by
opening the shutter at the varying speeds from one
second to 1/1000" (or faster). There should be noticeable
differences at the slower speeds (1/1", 1/2", 1/8", 1/15",
1/30" and 1/60"). Inspect the back of the outer film
carriage of the camera for nicks and warps. Examine the
door hinge for looseness.
THE CAMERA OPTICS
Look through the viewfinder of the camera and
focus on an object. If the field of view is blurred or
obscured and you know your lens is in good condition,
you may have a dirty viewfinder.
If the mirror is dirty, clean it carefully, using a
blower brush. Do not use lens-cleaning tissue or fluid
on the mirror. If smudges remain on the mirror, consult
your supervisor before taking the camera body to an
authorized dealer or repair shop for professional
cleaning.
OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS
Check the camera battery/internal light meter. A
weak battery can affect your light meter reading, and
ultimately, your photographs. Consult your instruction
manual for further instructions.
Open the camera back and inspect the film chamber,
rails, pressure plates, shutter curtain and take-up spool
for dirt, film debris and other foreign matter. Use a
blower brush to clean this area. Be careful not to press
on the shutter curtain.
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