Possible Rust?
Got hold of a Pentax P30 for virtually nothing. It seems to be working - the test film I put through it is yet to be processed,
However, the condition of part of the film compartment looks like it has better days.
I’m unsure if it is rust - and it has been more than a few years since I last used a 35mm film camera, but has anyone seen this before? (Hopefully the photo is visible)
Could this a sign of a bigger problem or easily ignored?
It looks as if some kind of plating has been applied and has worn away, presumably by the film passing over it.
If you're happy with the way that the camera works, I'd leave it
If you're happy with the way that the camera works, I'd leave it
There is a good chance that in trying to remove it you may well get bits in the shutter blind and thats a real problem.
If it leaves bits of metal on the film the velvet jaws of the cassette may deal with it. When it happened with one of my film cameras I always checked for loose bits before loading..... film rewind took its chances as it will only damage the sprocket area unless bits fall off in the cassette jaws.
You could check if its magnetic by picking a bit off and testing it with a small magnet and that would lessen the risk when scraping off the rest of the loose bits.
If it leaves bits of metal on the film the velvet jaws of the cassette may deal with it. When it happened with one of my film cameras I always checked for loose bits before loading..... film rewind took its chances as it will only damage the sprocket area unless bits fall off in the cassette jaws.
You could check if its magnetic by picking a bit off and testing it with a small magnet and that would lessen the risk when scraping off the rest of the loose bits.
This black discolouration occurs in many older film cameras. It usually is not actually rough and in any case will not scratch the image part of the film.
Run a fingernail over it and you will probably find that it is smooth..
Most 35mm camera bodies are made of a light alloy so it is not rust.
Run a fingernail over it and you will probably find that it is smooth..
Most 35mm camera bodies are made of a light alloy so it is not rust.
Quote:
Got hold of a Pentax P30 for virtually nothing. It seems to be working - the test film I put through it is yet to be processed,
A you got the camera for virtually nothing I wait for the film to be processed.
The top and bottom rails are raised somewhat to keep the film running parallel to the intended direction, and in principle are a bit like lane markings on a motorway.
The inner rails are raised slightly keep the film in the film plane. The sprocket holes in the film pass over them. They cannot scratch the film.
When your first film has been developed you will know if the rest of the camera is working to a reasonable standard.
