F2A Strange problem

[David Lingham]

I've owned a F2A for 25+yrs and it has been trouble free for all that time. Except recently it has started to produce a fault. Only when it is used on a tripod with a cable release (nikon). Then I get I thin line ( about .25mm) of overexposure on the far left edge of the frame. This is when viewed from the emulsion side. I've tried the cable release on a FM and that is fine. It is annoying becuase I like to print fullframe with a thin keyline masked down from the rebate. Any thoughts?

Dave L

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Dave, from your description, the shutter may be dragging. It is probably time for a Professional CLA (Clean, Lubricate and Adjust).

 

[John Koehrer]

Shutter bounce will also cause overexposure on one edge.
There's an internal brake mechanism that is supposed to keep the shutter from bouncing back like that. It should be done as part of a CLA, but when you take it in BRING A NEGATIVE TO SHOW THE PROBLEM.

 

[David Lingham]

Thanks to both John and Tom. I did describe the problem to my local repair shop and they couldn't understand why it only happened with the cable release and not when being handheld. looks like a CLA is the way to go. Thanks again.

Dave L

 

[gnashings]

I am just theorizing, but this tri-pod specific problem may have to do with a shutter speed that you are more likely to use while mounted rather than handheld? I also have had a cable release that "stuck" in some cameras but not in others, but it was hardly a high qaulity item - not the case here.
Just thinking out loud - hope you get this licked soon!

Peter.

 

[PhotoJim]

Good theory about the shutter speed.

Sounds like a CLA is in order. Mechanical cameras need them occasionally. The F2A is a good enough camera that it's worth the cost, and you'll be able to use the camera for many more years without worry.

 

[David Lingham]

Thanks to Jim and Pete. Good theory about the longer exposures when on the tripod.

Dave L

 

[snegron]

Dave, from your description, the shutter may be dragging. It is probably time for a Professional CLA (Clean, Lubricate and Adjust).

Where would be a good place to get a CLA done on an F2? I have heard that Nikon no longer services older film cameras. Are there any trustworthy places out there?

 

[elekm]

KEH does repairs. They seem to be reputable.

 

[gnashings]

Where would be a good place to get a CLA done on an F2? I have heard that Nikon no longer services older film cameras. Are there any trustworthy places out there?

OK, Nikonphiles, come out of the shadows! I recall a thread here that was pretty much this exact question - I did a search, but can't find it! There was a slew of shops and individuals in there that had enough credentials and reccomendations to do open heart surgery blind folded! And all over the continent(s).
Anyone recall where/what it was?
Sorry, wish I could help more!

Peter.

 

[Jerevan]

If I had a Nikon F2 that needed repairs or CLA I send it right off to Sover Wong. He's got my recommendations: fair prices, knows what he's talking about and can give you good advice when he gets your camera. He also provided some photos of the stripped-down camera, results from the check on my shutter speeds and gave me a 12 month warranty on the job.

He uses the Nikon factory repair manuals and calibrates your camera down to 1/4 of a stop (better than Nikons own specs). His site is sometimes down due to high traffic but don't worry, just check in a bit later. He also works on the meters. He did my Nikon F2 and the Photomic I have. Works like a charm.

He's based in Nottingham, UK, by the way.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I'll vouch for Sover Wong as well, he did my F2A and it is so sweet now, and decent prices considering what he does and the peace of mind knowing that the work was done right by someone who really knows and cares about these cameras.

 

[John Koehrer]

Just realized, If the strip only appears with long exposures the camera has probably lost some tension on the closing curtain. It is a very simple adjustment. What happens is the CC doesn't have enough velocity to complete it's travel

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Someone in another post just mentioned this place for exclusive Nikon repair:

http://www.authorizedphoto.com/

Seems like they do old cameras too and they stock 100% Nikon parts. I recently took 2 Nikons to a local shop and I regret it. Not too many people seem to use genuine Nikon parts.
Ara

 

[Tammyk]

I have recently noticed the same problem with my F2a. Only, I know that it happens with shutter speeds of >1/1000. So far I haven't noticed it at all if I keep the shutter speeds slower. At first I wasn't sure what was going on, but figured that the curtain is out of sync somehow at higher speeds.

I am interested in having it repaired as well, but a little edgy about shipping it to UK, though that sounds like a good bet.

 

[David Lingham]

If I had a Nikon F2 that needed repairs or CLA I send it right off to [URL=http://www.geocities.com/sover_wong/

Thanks Jerevan. Sounds good.

Dave L