How long woulda a new camera and lens last if never used

[leon]

Hi Guys,

Just out of interest, If i bought a brand new camera and lens today and never took it out of the box so to speak, how long would it last before it started to show signs of inactivity

What I am to say is this, could I fire it up in five years and expect it to perform as if i had just bought it yesterday

Can it last indefinitely if it has never been used

Leon

[glend (Glen)]

Yes, within reason. All of these modern cameras require battery power, most come at least partially charged. Some also have internal button batteries which maintain certain memory functions. I would expect battery change would be required, or charging.
If never opened, internal components should be fine if stored in normal household type environments. No extreme temperatures or humidity.

That said, I would not expect it to fire right up after five years in storage. Charge the battery, replace the internal button battery, and it might be just fine.

[Startrek (Martin)]

My wife bought a Canon 600D in 2011 , used it for a few months and ended using an phone instead to take photos ( to much to learn and too cumbersome taking it OS ) It was packed away in the cupboard for 6 years until I took up AP in early 2017. Battery charged up ok after all that time.I bought a direct power supply for it as a part of setting up my original AP rig. These days I now use a 2600MC so the 600D is just used for polar alignment ( love the live view on BYEOS for Star alignment ) and dabbling in some planetary during the winter months. I’ve only cleaned the sensor once in 4 years.
Wouldn’t have a clue what the exposure count is ?
It’s been dropped twice
Great camera , can’t kill it
Cheers
Martin.

[RB (Andrew)]

Leon, *cough*, Houghy, *cough*, would be the best person to ask this question to mate.

[h0ughy (David)]

Mr chickenman would be in a better position to answer. AS he uses his as a doorstop

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

Mr chickenman would be in a better position to answer. AS he uses his as a doorstop

No, you're wrong, the 20Da is a paperweight...

[raymo]

I have an EOS 630 SLR that I bought in the late 80s, used it extensively for about 12 yrs. It still works just fine. A camera stored in a benign environment
will remain as new virtually indefinitely. The same goes for lenses provided
that the humidity is reasonably low in the storage area.
raymo

[LewisM]

My Camera Obscura works just like the day it was made 1000 years ago

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

My Camera Obscura works just like the day it was made 1000 years ago

[leon]

You two guys are so amusing, yea you two, RB and Lewis

Leon

[LewisM]

I took out my first digital cam recently - an old Canon 40D - shutter count has more digits than our national debt after Cov19 - and it works just fine.


I'd say 12 years at least since last use.

[leon]

Thanks Lewis I expect if one bought a new camera, straight of the shelf and never turned it on it would all good in at least 1-2 years

I have a new Canon 6D, not even opened, and I do have another that I use all the time.

It is happy in its box, I looked at it once and it seemed all fine.

Leon

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Subject matter expert = h0ughy

[JA]

A few months ago I woke up a 1980s era Nikon FE2 film camera after about 30 years since its last use to loan to a cousin studying VCE photography. I had to change the 3 volt button cell battery which powers the electronic shutter and metering (There's even a mechanical shutter setting if need be). Anyway, all good... Great camera with a sharp 50mm f/2.... Rip Van Winkled.

Best
JA