Nikon F2A - film speed dial locked to 200 ASA

cmo · Jan 9, 2012

In general I understand how to change film speed on a DP-11 finder: lift the ring, turn it, let it snap back. On my DP-11 finder I lift the ring and can't turn it. If I take the finder off the camera I can lift the ring but when I turn it it turns the exposure time ring, too.

Is this a stupid handling error or a defect?

Please, tell me that I am stupid, that will hurt my pride but it costs less than getting the finder repaired...

Clay2 · Jan 9, 2012

I have the F2AS (DP-12). There is a small pin in centre of dial you have to depress to turn speed selector ring. It froze up on
me once, but a drop of Zippo lighter fluid fixed it.
Best regards,
/Clay

Aja B · Jan 9, 2012

I can't offer anything specific except to say something must be gummed-up inside the dial as you're doing the proper thing to change the film speed: lift and turn. And a point of clarification: the F2A (DP-11 prism) does not have a button in the center of the dial ('Shutter-speed Dial Lock') as found on the F2AS (DP-12 prism) mentioned by Clay.

Les Sarile · Jan 9, 2012

Verified on my F2A and I am afraid something is wrong with your DP-11 as the ASA should turn freely when lifted up. Easier to do when installed and indexed on the the body, as there is nothing to stop it when not on the body unless you hold it.

cmo · Jan 10, 2012

Dammit... it needs a cure...

cmo · Mar 5, 2012

Any suggestions how I can fix that by myself?

John_Nikon_F · Mar 7, 2012

Could try some Hexane. That's what the guy who works on my gear used on an FTn finder I had a while back. Ring cleaned up enough that it was movable. One that I wish I still had, since the meter worked properly on it with no CdS metering cell issues. Ugly as sin, worked perfectly.

If that doesn't work, then it may be time to send it to Sover Wong, or to buy a finder from him to replace yours with. Maybe a DP-12.

-J

cmo · Mar 7, 2012

Pardon, what exactly is Hexane?

John_Nikon_F · Mar 8, 2012

Hexane is a chemical that is frequently used by camera shops to clean sticky goo from parts on cameras. Case in point, I also had an FM2n where the shutter release felt sticky. They disassembled the release button, and cleaned the goo off the button, then reassembled it. Everything worked fine afterward.

-J

Nikon F2A - film speed dial locked to 200 ASA

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