Current Nikon F5 Repair facility?

Kino · Apr 3, 2023

My F5 just borked and refuses to function after I rewound a roll of film and reloaded it. It advanced to the first frame and started showing the low battery signal.

I have tried both new and fully recharges Lithium sets and it acts like they are depleted as well. The low battery icon flashes and while the viewfinder illuminates and changes with varying light conditions, it won't allow me to change modes, load film ( I took out the new roll) or activate auto focus via the shutter release.

Any suggestions for a repair shop that might take this one on?

Maybe this is the Universe telling me to get my SRT 101 out more often...

Thanks in advance.

Huss · Apr 3, 2023

Not being familiar with the F5, but have u tried stuff like removing the prism, cleaning the contacts, reattaching etc?

Kino · Apr 3, 2023

Huss said:
Not being familiar with the F5, but have u tried stuff like removing the prism, cleaning the contacts, reattaching etc?

Yes, I did all of the above; no change.

I have a couple of additional non-functional bodies I picked up cheap a long time ago for this possibility, but it's a bit beyond my capabilities I am afraid.

Christiaan Phleger · Apr 3, 2023

Mmm that sounds like a voltage issue, I seem to recall the early F5's had this issue and there was a Nikon recall.
What is the serial number range and did you only try one type of batteries?

Overrank · Apr 3, 2023

I tried to get my F5 fixed a few years ago and sent it to an approved Nikon repairer in the UK (not Nikon). They returned it, saying that there were no longer any spare parts. I’ve not tried since with any completely independents (it works enough for me).

I had issues with a Nikon F100 with lithium batteries - worked OK with Alkaline batteries, or with rechargeables in a grip, just not with rechargables in the body.

Kino · Apr 3, 2023

Christiaan Phleger said:
Mmm that sounds like a voltage issue, I seem to recall the early F5's had this issue and there was a Nikon recall.
What is the serial number range and did you only try one type of batteries?

3082312 It was purchased used and has had obvious hard use from the wear on the paint. There was a bit of corrosion in the battery area when I purchased it, which cleaned-up pretty good (I thought). Have shot multiple rolls over the last two years, but sometimes corrosion continues out of sight. As for the batteries, see below.

Overrank said:
I tried to get my F5 fixed a few years ago and sent it to an approved Nikon repairer in the UK (not Nikon). They returned it, saying that there were no longer any spare parts. I’ve not tried since with any completely independents (it works enough for me).

I had issues with a Nikon F100 with lithium batteries - worked OK with Alkaline batteries, or with rechargeables in a grip, just not with rechargables in the body.

Yes I tried Duracell Alkaline and Duracell Lithium Rechargeables; both fresh and fully charged.

I suspect a power wire has corroded and several strands have parted, only allowing partial voltage to the camera proper.

Have the service manual; I might just have to suck it up and give it a go...

MarkS · Apr 3, 2023

Nippon Photo Clinic in NYC.

Kino · Apr 3, 2023

MarkS said:
Nippon Photo Clinic in NYC.

Thanks!

MultiFormat Shooter · Apr 4, 2023

Kino said:
My F5 just borked and refuses to function....

Any suggestions for a repair shop that might take this one on?

I had my F5 worked-on by Camera Service Company, in Atlanta, Georgia, a couple years back. They did a good job, and the turnaround was fairly quick.

Kino · Apr 4, 2023

MultiFormat Shooter said:
I had my F5 worked-on by Camera Service Company, in Atlanta, Georgia, a couple years back. They did a good job, and the turnaround was fairly quick.

Many thanks for another resource!

Rolleiflexible · Apr 4, 2023

MarkS said:
Nippon Photo Clinic in NYC.

The best repair shop in business. Their work is the best, and they are incredibly scrupulous as well. I‘ve used them for twenty years and I trust them in all respects.

rcphoto · Apr 4, 2023

Unless yours has sentimental value or is mint, there are really nice examples available for purchase under $400 online. I cant imagine getting it fixed for less than that.

beemermark · Apr 4, 2023

rcphoto said:
Unless yours has sentimental value or is mint, there are really nice examples available for purchase under $400 online. I cant imagine getting it fixed for less than that.

Great way to buy another old camera that will need service. Lot's of Nikon repair facilities that will give you a 2023 working camera.

mshchem · Apr 5, 2023

I love the F5. I would find a mint condition one from a Japan seller with lots of 100% ratings and buy another. Keep the defective one for parts.

Kino · Apr 5, 2023

Thanks for the opinions everyone. I have at least 2 "spare parts" bodies in addition to this one, so I need to start repairing them now while I can still find repair shops that will work on them.

When it gets too expensive, then I get out the can opener and try myself.

Current Nikon F5 Repair facility?

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