cursed nikon FE

[shutterfinger]

I deep cleaned with alcol the battery compartment, the contacts and the batteries, as suggested by BobD.

This is likely what fixed it.
My Nikon problems:
MD-15 for FA - had to replace the battery holder to get the motor drive to work. The bad holder checked good on both Voltage and Ohms with a meter.
F4s - long pause before advancing film - weak batteries that lit both battery check lights via the battery check button and meter turn off timer was correct. Shutter speeds were ok also.

Conclusion: the FE seems to be back to me. I put a film roll and start shooting again (around the house, stay safe in these days!!!)

My age and health suggest I will not survive if I contract Covid 19 virus and I'm now living in the county with the highest number of cases in California.

Be well.

 

[flavio81]

I had a similar problem with a 'near mint' Pentax MX. The camera wasn't used very often and the contacts on the shutter speed dial had become oxidized and presented a very high resistance to the shutter speed electronics resulting in very long shutter speeds. I exercised the shutter speed dial approximately 50x (gently back and forth) and it began working properly.

I think you mean Pentax ME. The MX is fully mechanical except for the meter.

 

[flavio81]

Hi all, new member from Italy here.

A month ago I purchased a nice and nearly mint condition Nikon FE. I had just to put new light seals and mirror damper (I used the ol' cotton rope&felt pad method).
I took the camera with me around Rome, where I live, and I fed it some films. All good and cool, nice camera, nice lens, fantastic feeling.

BUT life is strange sometimes, and now the dream become a nightmare.

My Nikon FE does not behave good anymore. The problem is this, I will write it down in points.
Conditions:
-brand new batteries
-lightmeter and battery-check light work
-working perfectly in M90 and Bulb settings.
Problem:
-when not in M90 or Bulb settings and I take the shot, the shutter stays open and the mirror stays up. To get both in the resting position I have to 'turn off' the camera (putting the leverage in zero position) or getting to M90 or Bulb settings.

Solutions tried (not working)
-changing batteries
-taking a huge amount of shots without the film at any speed

Has anyone a solution to this problem?
Don't tell me to go to the camera repairing shop, we are all in quarantine at home and can't move.

Cheers!

When it is on the mood for failing, does the galvanometer (meter needle) move and work normally?

Sounds like the circuitry is simply not getting enough power.

Another culprit could be dirt in shutter magnets.

If it's not those, then maybe the switches for shutter timing should be cleaned/checked.