Have you ever opened an old cupboard and found your grandfather’s camera, only to realize the lens looks "foggy" or the leather feels sticky? You aren't alone. In our museum, we care for thousands of pieces of history, and we know that the greatest enemy of a vintage camera isn't time—it’s neglect.

If you have a vintage gem at home, here is our expert guide to ensuring it survives for another hundred years.

1. The Humidity Battle (Especially in Chennai!)

If you live in a coastal or humid area, humidity is your number one enemy. It leads to lens fungus—a web-like growth that eats away at the delicate glass coatings.

• The Golden Rule: Never store cameras in sealed leather cases or plastic bags for long periods. These trap moisture.

• The Solution: Use an airtight plastic box with a few packets of silica gel (those little "Do Not Eat" packets). Better yet, keep your gear in a well-ventilated area with indirect light. Fungus hates light and moving air!

2. Cleaning: The "Less is More" Approach

When you find an old camera, the urge is to start scrubbing. Stop! Vintage materials are fragile.

• The Lens: Use a soft bulb blower to puff away dust. Never use your breath (it contains moisture and acids) or a T-shirt (which can scratch the glass). A clean microfiber cloth is your best friend.

• The Body: For metal and leatherette, a slightly damp (not wet!) cloth is usually enough. For genuine leather, a tiny amount of high-quality leather conditioner can prevent cracking—but keep it far away from the lens and viewfinder!

3. Exercise the Mechanics

Like a vintage car, a camera needs to "run" to stay healthy.

• The Shutter: Every few months, take your camera out and fire the shutter a few times at different speeds. This keeps the internal lubricants from gumming up and prevents the "sticky shutter" syndrome.

• The Battery: If you aren't using the camera, remove the battery immediately. Old batteries leak acid, which can destroy the internal circuitry of a classic camera beyond repair.

4. Decoding the History

Every vintage camera has a story hidden in its serial number. These are usually found on the bottom plate or tucked inside the film chamber.

• Research: Websites like Camera-Wiki or manufacturer archives can help you find exactly which year your camera was made.

• Our Expert Tip: If you can’t find the number or want to know the history of a specific model, bring a photo of it when you visit the museum! Our team loves helping visitors identify their family heirlooms.