cleaning film rails

[brucemuir]

Fabrizio.
The seller is being agreeable discussing options.
It just struck me as odd because he did describe another tiny flaw that would hardly be noticeable.
He seems not to be a typical "vintage" camera seller in this regard.

I will give it some more thought before I even try to remove it myself.
I may just return it because the shutter curtains are starting to bug me even though I do have another F that has a small crinkle in the foil but works fine...

[CGW]

Fabrizio.
The seller is being agreeable discussing options.
It just struck me as odd because he did describe another tiny flaw that would hardly be noticeable.
He seems not to be a typical "vintage" camera seller in this regard.

I will give it some more thought before I even try to remove it myself.
I may just return it because the shutter curtains are starting to bug me even though I do have another F that has a small crinkle in the foil but works fine...

With respect, I'd just send it back. Though cosmetically pretty--which matters to me, too--it's not free of functional issues. That's a deal breaker for me.

[Worker 11811]

If your trap rails are smooth and dimensionally correct with no pitting, etc. I wouldn't worry about it.

Film has to move across the trap of a movie projector 86,400 times per hour and it has to do that 12 hours per day, 7 days per week for years on end. A still camera does not need to withstand that kind of abuse. A little discoloration on the rails of a movie projector is common and, if it is minor, will not hurt. I can't imagine how a little discoloration like that would affect a still camera in the least. Again, this assumes that there is no pitting, nicks or other damage.

Would you send the camera in for CLA anyway? You could ask the seller to pay for part of the cost.

I've seen cameras and movie projectors that look worse and still produce good images.

[richard ide]

Try putting a strip of rolled up TP dipped in water on the affected section of rail and let it sit for a half hour or so. Then take a piece of plastic (i.e. credit card) and scrape the rail. Probably best if you cut a strip of thin cardboard to tightly fit between the rails to cover the shutter opening.

[vpwphoto]

Windex on a q-tip. NEVER scrape. If it doesn't go away with a few attempt just leave it, it might be tarnish of some sort or wear...

[Worker 11811]

I use a guitar pick to scrape the crud out of projector traps.