Beginner Film Photography E6 - Checking your Rangefinder / SLR / Lens

Welcome to episode 6 of Midlifer's Ultimate How-to Beginner guide to film photography. In this episode, we discuss the basic things you should check in a point-and-shoot film camera before purchasing it.
Before checking a camera you should prepare yourself with the following things
- A coin (some cameras need a coin to twist open the battery compartment door)
- Download and read the manual for the camera you are about to check or have it saved on your phone so you know how to operate the basics of the camera
- Get a new battery that your camera requires to test it out (look inside the downloaded manual to see which specific battery you need)
Basically, these are the few things you should minimally check for (CAREFULLY):
- Cosmetics of the body of the camera (vintage stuff is bound to have some imperfections)
- Check the viewfinder and lens visually for balsam separation, haze, fungus or deep/large scratches
- Make sure any displays or frame lines in the viewfinder are clear
- Check that the lens barrel/dials move smoothly, and the aperture blades aren't stuck
- Check the mirror or rangefinder mechanism works
- Check that the shutter curtains and film doors are not damaged
- Run through the different shutter speeds and listen to make sure they are working and sound about right
- Check that the flash to see if it works
- Check any LCD panel to see if it is faded, leaking or damaged
- Function check by shooting the camera and seeing whether the aperture moves and the flash fires when switched on and remains off when switched off
- Listen for the sound of the motor, it should sound smooth and not be struggling
- Check any built in lightmeter to confirm that its working and is accurate (you can compare it to an app in your phone)
- Battery contacts are free of corrosion or any rust
Lastly,
- Put a cheap film roll from a reputable seller such as Kodak Colorplus through the camera to confirm operations when in use
- DO NOT use expired film or damaged poorly stored film as we need to remove the possibility of any of the problems in your camera having been caused by faults of the film
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