Need a new (to me) Nikon F4, a few questions

brian steinberger · Jul 26, 2020

So my Nikon F4s is finally a paper weight. It won’t turn on and I’ve tried everything to revive it and was on the verge of pursuing a potential repair until I looked at some prices on eBay for these camera bodies. Holy cow! Average price was $200 for a very nice condition body. Some were near mint. All of these were in Japan. This brings me to my questions.

Should I be concerned about buying a camera that was possibly not used much in the last 25 years? Every though the listing states it works perfectly and looks great. I’m looking at as late model F4 and I can find. Serial number near 260xxx.

I know many of you have had great experiences with buying from Japan. Are there any sellers in particular on eBay anyone would recommend?

Any other suggestions welcome. Thanks!

Paul Manuell · Jul 26, 2020

Not in your country and waaaaay more than you're looking to pay, but just cos it's interesting, Grays of Westminster are selling a brand new one for £2250!!!!!!!

brian steinberger · Jul 26, 2020

Paul that’s crazy! I saw one on eBay that was new in box and they were asking something like $1100. I like the idea of getting a “new” F4 but is sitting that long not being used really a good thing for a camera??

shutterfinger · Jul 26, 2020

brian steinberger said:
It won’t turn on and I’ve tried everything to revive it

What is "everything"?
The problem is likely the MD21. The grip section has a LR6-NiCad switch, have you tried both positions?
Have you cleaned the contacts? Have you installed the grip section applying force to seat it?
The battery check switch is a joke on the F4s. Use fresh batteries, Duracell or Energizer.
Some stores may sell new name brand batteries that are Chinese copies that appear to be the name brand.

brian steinberger · Jul 27, 2020

shutterfinger said:
What is "everything"?
The problem is likely the MD21. The grip section has a LR6-NiCad switch, have you tried both positions?

Yes

Have you cleaned the contacts?

Yes with alcohol.

Have you installed the grip section applying force to seat it?

not so much but I can try that.

The battery check switch is a joke on the F4s. Use fresh batteries, Duracell or Energizer.
Some stores may sell new name brand batteries that are Chinese copies that appear to be the name brand.

I have tried fresh Duracell batteries.

Another problem is that the mirror is stuck up. I have had this happen before and a fresh set of batteries fixed it. This time the camera will not even turn on. The AF motor has also been dead for years so I figured another body might not be a bad idea.

Paul Manuell · Jul 27, 2020

brian steinberger said:
Paul that’s crazy! I saw one on eBay that was new in box and they were asking something like $1100. I like the idea of getting a “new” F4 but is sitting that long not being used really a good thing for a camera??

Yes, I've read that the lubricants can solidify in cameras that are left standing for years on end, though I assume the one that Gray's have for sale would come with a full guarantee seeing as it's brand new.

ic-racer · Jul 27, 2020

I bought a brand new Rolleiflex 3003 in 1997 for $1800. The camera was about ten years out of production at the time and had been sitting un-used. It is one of my few functioning electronic Rolleiflex cameras to this day. In general I have way more problems with used gear from ebay than a brand new camera that is un-used. Gummed up new camera?? Seems like an urban legend to me.

Anyway, I'm reading this thread because some day I'd like an F4. Let us know if you get yours working again or get another camera.

Henning Serger · Jul 27, 2020

brian steinberger said:
Another problem is that the mirror is stuck up. I have had this happen before and a fresh set of batteries fixed it. This time the camera will not even turn on. The AF motor has also been dead for years so I figured another body might not be a bad idea.

Brian, at first look it seems indeed that there are more severe issues with your F4. Nevertheless I suggest that you let examine an experienced Nikon repair technician your camera. Because often minor failures in easy to fix / replaceable parts cause bigger "camera shutdowns".
In another thread here recently someone recommended a very good Nikon repair expert for the US.
If the camera repairman then says that it isn't possible or much too expensive, you can look for a new used one on the market. But in general I think we all should keep as much older cameras in operation by repairing as possible.

Good luck and best regards,
Henning

shutterfinger · Jul 27, 2020

Factory service manual available at http://arcticwolfs.net/ and https://learncamerarepair.com/productlist.php?category=2&secondary=8
+ a good digital VOM and have some fun.

Scott Micciche · Jul 27, 2020

Many times, it's just the power switch or light corrosion on the battery contacts. My F4 had its AE lock stuck on until I used some Deoxit5 spray on a cotton bud and let it drop around the AE lock button overnight. The next day, and 3 years later, it's stellar. It's worth a try to work some deoxit into the rotating power switch, the battery contacts.

brian steinberger · Jul 28, 2020

shutterfinger said:
Factory service manual available at http://arcticwolfs.net/ and https://learncamerarepair.com/productlist.php?category=2&secondary=8
+ a good digital VOM and have some fun.

Maybe someday. The idea does intrigue me and scares me at the same time!

brian steinberger · Jul 28, 2020

I have reached out to a few Nikon service repair shops to get an idea of how much repairs would be. I will keep everyone updated with where this goes. Thanks again guys!

Craig · Aug 5, 2020

I've bought things from Japan and I've found the descriptions were very accurate and the sellers honest. Generally, Japan is my go-to place to buy used gear, I much prefer it to USA sellers who I have found to be more "economical with the truth". I've never been burned by a Japanese seller so far. Look at the ebay feedback and go with one that has a good rating. I suspect it's probably cheaper to by another body than to fix your existing one.

The only major common problem as the F4 ages in LCD bleed, so get one with a good LCD's.

JWMster · Aug 5, 2020

FWIW, just received a new-to-me F4 from KEH without the LCD bleed. They do exist! You may have to wait and they run a C-note more than the others, but it's worth it. I may add an extra DP-20 for backup but am resisting for now. Nice camera! Ran a roll of FP4 this evening and can't wait to see the results. Of course, it's the C41 that's next up in the JOBO, so might wait a week.

So join me and spring for it. After reading the F100 vs. F5, I decided to go for the F4 (already have an F100) and this F54 is a H-E-A-V-Y... yes, they're right: You can use it to fight of Zombies in the Zombie Apocalypse or to snag toilet paper in aisle two if need be: "Covid II: The Wrath of the Con" (sic). But everything about this camera's lock downs on EVERY control feature is the anti-DSLR menuing software antidote. LOVE it! (yes, I love my DSLR, too... sort of).

shutterfinger · Aug 5, 2020

JWMster said:
and this F54 is a H-E-A-V-Y... yes, they're right:

Did you mean F4s? That weight is an asset in many situations as its more stable, less vibration even with a minor muscle spasm. Excellent body for macro.

JWMster · Aug 6, 2020

No, just F4. But yes, much heavier than my F100 and small FM2n. But I think you're right that even without the additional power units, the weight does help stabilize the camera in your hand. We'll see of course - I've only shot one roll, but it's not as wobbly as an rangefinder or other small camera. And the slap of the shutter doesn't seem to wobble it. Beautiful sound relative to the F100... can't describe exactly how, but there it is. So yes, now I see why folks like the honking bigly F's. MUCH better made.

Oh ...almost forgot: That bit about slow focus? The F4 is plenty fast relative to the F100. Granted I was using an 85mm and not changing from near to far focus at the drop of a hat, but it was certainly a nano second relative to the complaints you read. Of course this means the F5 must have amazing focus (or just never get to take its lens cap off). What the F4 does less precisely is decide WHERE to focus, so unless you put a finger on the AF-L, it can have a tendency to hunt and land in the wrong place(s). This takes about a minute's acclimation to deal with one time, but If you were really working it for sports or family candids with youngsters, I can understand how this could be viewed as a problem. New tech spoils us. But for what I shoot, this isn't going to be an issue 95% of the time if not more. And love the heavy metal, man.

The F4 might be Metallica's camera of choice. If there were a band "Plastica" (other than Lennon's Plastic Ono Band) they might choose differently. All in, very pleased to shoot this thing. Reason to go to the gym? Sure. About the weight of a MF 120 shooter in a 35mm package. LOVE the dials, buttons and locks!!!

Huss · Aug 10, 2020

JWMster said:
..What the F4 does less precisely is decide WHERE to focus, so unless you put a finger on the AF-L, it can have a tendency to hunt and land in the wrong place(s). This takes about a minute's acclimation to deal with one time, but If you were really working it for sports or family candids with youngsters, I can understand how this could be viewed as a problem. New tech spoils us. But for what I shoot, this isn't going to be an issue 95% of the time if not more. ..

It has only one focus point. Not sure how it lands in the wrong place unless you point it at the wrong place!
I love my F4. And I agree with you - I have no issues with AF speed at all. Even comparing it to my F6.
Love this camera, the looks, the feels, the dials, the no menus...

JWMster · Aug 10, 2020

Huss: Yes, either my eye struggles to find the focus point and aim it rightly; I wiggle; or something can throw it off. The thing is MEANT to be sensitive. That's a good thing.
The more I shoot it, the more I love it. Someone here put it right: It's almost as if you're meant to not let it hang around your neck but have it in your hand. May have to switch the neck strap for my wrist strap. But one very sweet camera! Sound of the shutter is pure German car door... a rich "thunk" rather than a "click". Well made; well engineered, and a bargain at today's used camera prices.

Huss · Aug 10, 2020

Enjoy it Skip! It is an insane bargain. And price no object I'd still love it. My favorite Nikon.

Wolfram 1 · Oct 13, 2020

brian steinberger said:
I have reached out to a few Nikon service repair shops to get an idea of how much repairs would be. I will keep everyone updated with where this goes. Thanks again guys!

how did it go? i seem to have a similar issue except there is some corrosion in the MB-20 pack.

brian steinberger · Oct 13, 2020

Wolfram 1 said:
how did it go? i seem to have a similar issue except there is some corrosion in the MB-20 pack.

Its ironic that you asked this question. Tomorrow I am actually sending the camera to Camera Service Pro in Atlanta. I emailed a few places back over the summer and they came highly recommended and said they could repair my camera. I got side tracked since then and am just now getting around to sending the camera in. I will keep everyone updated once I hear from them.

COMETGUY · Oct 20, 2020

Craig said:
I've bought things from Japan and I've found the descriptions were very accurate and the sellers honest. Generally, Japan is my go-to place to buy used gear, I much prefer it to USA sellers who I have found to be more "economical with the truth". I've never been burned by a Japanese seller so far. Look at the ebay feedback and go with one that has a good rating. I suspect it's probably cheaper to by another body than to fix your existing one.

The only major common problem as the F4 ages in LCD bleed, so get one with a good LCD's.

I absolutely concur with these remarks about Japanese vs. USA sellers on Ebay. I have bought three non-new digital SLR cameras from Japan -- all advertised as "Mint" and all like new when they arrived (one was a K-3 II that was essentially a demo model with under 300 shots on the shutter, and my D800 had only about 1400 shots on it). You don't get the USA warranty, but then the cameras I'm buying are out of warranty anyway and I'll probably go for another used one if they ever break because they are so much cheaper than buying a good pro-level DSLR today (and no film or digital SLR camera has ever stopped working on me or become defective in four decades of Pentax and Nikon experience, other than for dead batteries) rather than try to fix them. I've also gotten seven or eight used SLR lenses from Japan that have all been superb without exception. You'd think from the Japanese equipment vs. USA equipment for sale that USA photographers are just not as careful with their photographic equipment as are Japanese photographers, and that alone makes me want to only buy used from Japan whenever possible.

As for "LCD bleed", I'm not familiar with that, so I guess I've been lucky with my F4 (which is still in mint used condition, after I bought it as such a couple of decades ago)...

vlasta · Oct 23, 2020

> As for "LCD bleed", I'm not familiar with that, ...

Man in Nikon service told me it happens only as result of pressure on display.

Huss · Oct 24, 2020

vlasta said:
> As for "LCD bleed", I'm not familiar with that, ...

Man in Nikon service told me it happens only as result of pressure on display.

I have an F4 and do not see how I can apply pressure to the display.

CMoore · Oct 25, 2020

When it came out, what were some of the big selling points of the 4 over the 3.?
Was AF a big deal at that point.?
Thank You

Need a new (to me) Nikon F4, a few questions

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