Re: Camera winding: before shooting

[P3D Michael Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> 2.  The Realist should not have the shutter cocked after a shot, because the
> shutter setting should not be changed (for new shot) after cocking.
>      And the Kodak?  It should be treated with the respect it deserves.  

Although not related to the comment above, it reminds me of something I've
wanted to know:

Has anyone actually seen a Kodak with broken plastic?  Kodak seems to
always be lambasted for using plastic rather than cast-metal, but in
the many Kodak's that I've seen (including many broken ones at shows) I don't
recall seeing the plastic cracked.  Mostly sticky shutters and/or broken
ratchets (whatever it's called) on the film take-up.  Neither due to the
plastic construction, I believe.  I've kind of always wondered about this.
They don't seem to get case-cracks like plastic viewers of the time seem
to get. What, practically, was wrong with Kodak's choice of plastic?  Are there
subtle problems that I don't realize are due to the plastic?  Or does it
just seem "out of place" for the general tank sort of construction used in
the 50's ?  Or do sellers just not put out ones with cracked plastic (although
that's hard to believe with the filth of some Kodak's I've seen at "antique"
dealer displays)?

> 3.  Pre-winding may not seriously damage it beyond use.  Why take a chance,
> if in the long run it could lead to inaccurate shutter timing?  Avoiding
> camera repairs and adjustments is a time-saving and money-saving
> consideration.

I understand how the David White Company recommends not to pre-cock the
shutter and how not to adjust the shutter setting while cocked.  I understand
that leaving the shutter cocked puts constant stress on the springs and that
it's better not to do that in the long run.

A question I have is whether these recommendations are universal or
camera specific?  Might other designs (particularly those with auto-cocking)
have taken these things into account with either suitable springs or perhaps
a design that uses less tension?  In other words, are these 
recommendations applicable to other cameras where the manufacturer may not
have made the same recommendations?  I don't mean whether or not 
it's prudent to follow those rules "anyway" (undoubtedly true), but I wonder
if one may be taking on a problem needlessly?  An  inquiring mind 
wants to know!

Mike K.

P.S. - As might be inferred, if at all possible, I prefer to have my camera
       ready to take advantage of "instananeous" shot opportunities.  
       Pre-advanced, pre-cocked, pre-focused, and exposure preset to the 
       prevailing light condition.  On a Realist, I leave the cocking until 
       the end, but not on other cameras that come to mind (like the FED, 
       Kodak, and Realist 45 which all "auto-cock").  But I don't want to 
       damage the cameras either.  I want to have my cake and eat it too!
       Can I?



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