I used to laugh at the idea of using a toothpick for shutter tension, but not anymore.

Watching a seasoned tech adjust a delicate spring with one changed my whole view on simple tools.

3 comments

3 Comments

Old camera repair guides often mention using a burnt matchstick for spring adjustment. Toothpicks can splinter and leave fibers in the mechanism. I learned this after a dry toothpick snapped on a lens spring. Now I prefer using rounded bamboo picks for this kind of fine work.

ellis.leo2d ago

Glad we moved past the burnt matchstick era, @michael_jenkins39.

the_emery2d ago

Honestly Ellis, why are we writing off burnt matchsticks so fast? I get that new tools like bamboo picks are cleaner, but a properly charred match has a give to it that plastic or wood just can't match. Tbh, that carbon tip is perfect for nudging small springs without scratching anything. I've tried the fancy picks and always come back to a simple match for the really finicky bits.