Nikon F Slow Speed Control Lever

[dw617]

I'm in the process of rehabbing a 1968 F. Seller disclosed that slow speeds were off / hanging, figured it was the escapement. I've ungummed an F escapement in the past and since sold it off. This one continues to give me issues despite cleaning, proper lube, more cleaning, no lube, yadda yadda yadda. Escapement assembly feel good off-camera, hangs at 1, 2 and 4 are ok, 8 hangs, 15 sounds right, etc etc

There is a control level which comes down from the top. Does anyone with more experience than me think this is tweaked somehow - should the fork look like "Y" or more like a "U" ?

Thanks

 

[John Koehrer]

I've adjusted only a couple with slow speed problems. the adjustment is very sensitive to tweaking. If it's a visible movement
of the screwdriver it's probably too much.
I wouldn't go about reforming any thing on the lever.

 

[dw617]

The lever was just a wild thought. I had seen a picture online of an S2 and that lever looked more like a "U".

Progress has been made tonight. I removed the film advance and shutter speed selector assemblies. Everthing got a good C and L while I was in there. Upon re-installation, the 1 second speed is still laggy, but the others - including the 8 which was hanging - sound right. I'm thinking the escapement just need a little more exercise and perhaps a tiny bit of oil on the pivot points.

 

[dw617]

Conclusion :

I removed the escapement again to lightly oil the pivot points - and upon reinstallation I experienced further slow speed inconsistencies. It was then I realized that one of the mounting holes for the escapement was larger in diameter and allowed for some adjustment. A little more trial and error later, and all slow speed issue appear to be resolved. There was a fine balance betwen 1 hanging and 1/4 not retarding. All speeds however, seem a little slower than my F2; hard to tell though. Per the F repair manual, there is an eccentric screw that is responsible for final tweaking of the slow speeds. I turned this a little bit and observed the speeds changing. Once I receive my shutter speed tester, I will make the final adjustments.