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Debate: Do you go with needle files or diamond files for cleaning shutter blades?
I've always used needle files for shutter blade gunk but a guy in Portland swore diamond files cut faster without scratching, so I tried both on a jammed Nikomat and the diamond file left tiny grooves where the blades hit. Has anyone else had bad results with diamond files on thin metal parts like this?
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maxl9318d agoMost Upvoted
What kind of grit was the diamond file? Fine, medium, or coarse? I had the same exact problem with a Minolta. Diamond files are just too aggressive for that thin shutter metal. Stick with needle files, they're safer for the delicate stuff. Never had a needle file leave a mark on me.
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abby_cooper18d ago
Medium grit diamond files at 400-600 are actually fine for most shutter metal if you have a light touch. The trick is using very short strokes, like 2-3 passes max, and letting the file do the work without pressing down. I've fixed dozens of Copal shutters this way without any scratches, so it's more about technique than the file type itself.
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ryan79318d ago
I used to think diamond files were way too aggressive for shutter work, but your point about letting the file do the work without pressing down really made me reconsider. I had a few bad experiences early on where I pressed too hard and gouged the metal, so I swore them off completely. Now I'm wondering if I just had terrible technique back then and should give them another shot with your method.
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