Nikkormat EL Mirror Problem

[dynachrome]

I took delivery today of a Nikkormat EL. The shutter fires but every few frames, the mirror hangs up just under the bottom of the focusing screen. If I just push it up the rest of the way, it comes back down. Is this a mechanical problem, an electronic problem or maybe a battery problem? The meter works and the shutter speeds seem right so I would like to get the camera functioning. My first Nikkormat EL has a split image screen with a microprism collar. The one that arrived today has a microprism in the center. I didn't know they were also made with the microprism in the center.

 

[250swb]

All I can suggest is to check if the foam cushion for the mirror is in good condition, if it's degraded or even missing the mirror can go slightly over centre and lock instead of bouncing back, or if the foam is degraded and sticky the mirror will stick.

 

[benjiboy]

As for as I recall the battery compartment is under the mirror in the EL, the first thing I would do is install a new battery because it could be that it's so flat it won't operate the mirror.

 

[BobD]

Some ELs have split image focus aid and some don't. The ones with it have a green "A" sticker on the wind lever cap (which may have worn off).

 

[dynachrome]

I think I solved the problem. When I looked through the front of the camera I saw what looked like a black piece of dust or maybe mirror foam at the back. I blew it out and shook the camera. The mirror now goes up all the way without getting stuck. I will run some test film through it to see if the seals are still light tight and eventually have the seals replaced. Thanks for tge replies.

 

[gone]

Congratulations on getting it going again. The ELs are wonderful cameras, they have some pretty amazing technology for the time within an almost indestructible camera. I've owned a few, the exposures were always perfect, felt sort of like shooting a Leicaflex. Some of them have a 'ping!' when the shutter fires, it comes from somewhere in the mirror box. I just got used to it, but it sounded different than my FT2 for sure.