re:I need help

[P3D Grant Campos <gc6094@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The only Things I do before buying expensive cameras is:
(I usually am lazy though and only do 1-7 and not 8)

1. Bring a piece of ground glass or frosted tape, and some lens cleaner with
   you, and maybe a junk roll of film.
2. Open the camera up and set the camera to T, cock the shutter 
   and open the shutter.
3. Carefully clean the lens if necessary, and make sure the lens is crystal 
   clear with no mold, foggyness, or scratches, etc.
4. Put your tape in the film plane and focus the camera on something
   outside if you can. Then compare the distance reading with the 
   viewfinder and the image on the tape. The viewfinder can be adjusted
   relatively easily.  Do this with both lenses.
5. While you have the back open, and the shutter open, make sure the f/stops
   work properly.
5. Then check the shutter speeds.  Put it on the one second and count 
   "one thousand one, one thousand two". (I tap my foot as i count and check
   the half second by pushing the shutter release on the down tap and hear 
   the shutter close on the up beat). The faster ones are a matter of guess.
6. Check to see if the back fits securely.
7. Make sure it winds properly. Loading in a junk roll of film can help.

8. If you really want to be sure.  Take a roll of film, using all f/stops,
   and shutter speeds with equal exposures (1/150 sec at f/4, then 1/00
   at f/8, then 1/50 at f/16, then 1/25 at f/22) and have it processed,
   before you buy.

Hope this helps,

Grant Campos


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