Without claiming any sort of expert knowledge, as an ex-collector I
´ve faced the same problem for years.... My solution is to keep the
equipment in boxes in a closed, but not airtight, cupboard (moisture
isn´t a big problem where I live, nor is excessive heat).
Of course no batteries of any kind in the cameras (weren´t any in my
collectibles anyway), and ABSOLUTELY no leather cases in contact with
the equipment - it will cause severe corrosion!
Although there is some dispute about the necessity, I was careful
always to store cameras with the shutters uncocked. Also, to keep
them from gumming up, I took them out every three months or so (a few
at a time) and exercised the shutters a bit, at all time settings (a
nice, relaxed task when watching TV; also something that was sure to
bug my wife no end).
I never had anything actually deteriorating while following this
procedure. A few shutters did gum up, but they were probably well on
their way when I acquired them.
Still, quite honestly: If you can find somebody who is actually
going to use these things for photography, and is ready to pay
decently for them, let him (her) take over! They will be a lot
happier doing serious work than hanging around in a retired state.
Remember: a Stradivarius should be played upon by someone who can
appreciate it, not sitting in a glass case or bank vault...
But, of course, there is the nostalgia factor (I do hang on to 2
Leicas and a Rolleiflex myself...).
Good luck!
Per Öfverbeck
http://ofverbeck.se
"In a world without walls or fences, who needs Windows or Gates?"
14 nov 2005 kl. 20.07 skrev Joseph Chamberlain, DDS:
Dear list members:
Since I have now moved entirely to digital I am left with film
equipment
that is still in excellent condition and very dear to me. I don't
anticipate
using film again any time soon. So this raises the question: What
is the
best way to store this film equipment for an extended period of time,
avoiding premature deterioration due to moisture and other
environmental
conditions ?
