Nikon F100 - Control fell off

[bvy]

Small problem with my new/used Nikon F100. Overall, it's in great shape and works well. While shooting my first roll, the Dynamic AF dial (in the door) basically just fell out. I had been using the control, and it worked fine. Now, if I replace the button, it stays loosely in place but can easily be worked out with a sticky finger or just over time. It moves physically between the two settings, but moves past the left setting when it gets loose. But it won't change the setting no matter how I manipulate it. It's stuck in the multiple sensor mode. It's such a tiny piece, I can't tell if something's broken or it just came unglued. Thoughts?

 

[bvy]

 

[George Mann]

The selector paddle next to it will too!

 

[bvy]

The selector paddle next to it will too!

What? Fall out?

 

[George Mann]

What? Fall out?

The paddle will break off from it's thin brittle plastic shaft.

 

[chip j]

My back broke on mine--a lousy camera.

 

[bvy]

My back broke on mine--a lousy camera.

Terrific.

 

[George Mann]

I now have a well-built, superb performing F90x.

 

[gorbas]

The biggest problem with F100 back are the latches that hold back closed. Because of this problem, is very hard to find spare/replacement back for it. You can always try to find broken camera-for parts with good latches, buttons and joystick. Its 2 second to replace the back.

 

[choiliefan]

The center shaft appears to be broken and jagged. Perhaps you can align the halves and drill/tap the thing as a repair...? Kinda' surprised Nikon used the proven bad plastic latches on the back. I remember when this was a serious problem years before with the N6006.

 

[gorbas]

Yes, from my experience plastic on the cameras does not age well. Whole back body was cast from one piece of plastic. I have 2-F100 and both have latches problem. Was lucky to buy the last spare back from Nikon Canada. Now on one body I have back holding with just one tooth and another with brand new back. Good thing is, gaffer tape can hold quite well back closed if necessary

 

[darkroommike]

The F100 is the most over-hyped prosumer Nikon ever made. Yes lots of very nice features but throughout the camera inferior plastics and poor design abound. It's like the last great prosumer Nikon camera was designed to do just one thing exceptionally well, and that was to breakdown.

 

[Huss]

Whoa whoa whoa! What about all those peeps who say the F100 is the greatest film Nikon ever?

(disclosure - I own an F100 but it's just a camera to me)

 

[msage]

The F100 is the most over-hyped prosumer Nikon ever made. Yes lots of very nice features but throughout the camera inferior plastics and poor design abound. It's like the last great prosumer Nikon camera was designed to do just one thing exceptionally well, and that was to breakdown.

I disagree, we used Nikon F100's for years (before using digital) at work. Never a problem.
One of my favorite cameras!

 

[UK Roger]

My back broke on mine--a lousy camera.

Hmm . . . Strange, have had my F100 for 15 years. No breakages, no probs! Admittedly not as bulletproof as my F4 or F6, but still never had any trouble with the '100.

 

[chip j]

Are you shooting HOT n' HEAVY?

 

[bvy]

Are you shooting HOT n' HEAVY?

Huh?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I disagree, we used Nikon F100's for years (before using digital) at work. Never a problem.
One of my favorite cameras!

Hmm . . . Strange, have had my F100 for 15 years. No breakages, no probs! Admittedly not as bulletproof as my F4 or F6, but still never had any trouble with the '100.

That is my experience too.

 

[gorbas]

F100 is great camera, no doubt!

 

[nbagno]

I have an extra back, let me know what it's worth to you.

 

[Huss]

Obviously the back is an issue as there are an awful lot of broken F100s on ebay with the following description (taken from one listing):
And The Back Film Latch Is Broken So Door Will Not Close.

What is interesting is I have never seen a broken F6.

 

[Huss]

Small problem with my new/used Nikon F100. Overall, it's in great shape and works well. While shooting my first roll, the Dynamic AF dial (in the door) basically just fell out. I had been using the control, and it worked fine. Now, if I replace the button, it stays loosely in place but can easily be worked out with a sticky finger or just over time. It moves physically between the two settings, but moves past the left setting when it gets loose. But it won't change the setting no matter how I manipulate it. It's stuck in the multiple sensor mode. It's such a tiny piece, I can't tell if something's broken or it just came unglued. Thoughts?

I gotta ask, could you have been sold the camera with the back already broken? Seeing this happened on your first roll. Perhaps send it back?

 

[bvy]

I gotta ask, could you have been sold the camera with the back already broken? Seeing this happened on your first roll. Perhaps send it back?

Well, it was a friendly APUG sale. The seller was forthright about its condition, which is otherwise excellent. I did contact him anyway, and he said he was unaware of any trouble with it. It could have been already broken, and the button just sitting tightly in place. I guess I just got unlucky.

 

[Cato]

Obviously the back is an issue as there are an awful lot of broken F100s on ebay with the following description (taken from one listing):
And The Back Film Latch Is Broken So Door Will Not Close.

What is interesting is I have never seen a broken F6.

That's because few of us can afford an F6.

 

[Huss]

That's because few of us can afford an F6.

ebay currently shows;
163 F100s for sale, 12 of them are broken.
70 F6s for sale, 0 are broken.

You can average that out any way you want.