Nikon F3 aperture coupling issue

[nomadhacker]

I bought this beautiful Nikon F3 on ebay, and everything else, ironically all the electronics and shutter, even the LCD and LED work like out of the box perfect. The only problem is the aperture coupling ring thing on the camera body seems sluggish to respond when the lens aperture ring moves. Is this a sign of an immenent mechanical failure? or just something that needs a simple cleaning?

I’m within the 30 days return policy of the seller, but I’d hate to return such a pristine model if I don’t need to.

 

[Chan Tran]

Some cleaning would fix it.

 

[mshchem]

Yeah, I suspect that it may need a tiny cleaning with a cotton swab, with a very tiny amount of lighter flub applied to the swab. Hopefully you are using a Nikon brand lens.

 

[nomadhacker]

Thanks for your assessments everybody. I was worried it might be the internal pulley or something. Based on your feedback I ended up using a tiny bit of iso alcohol to clean it and now it moves smoothly.

 

[250swb]

Maybe it was cleaned a little too enthusiastically before you got it, some cleaning products can turn gummy when they dry unless they are thoroughly polished out. Glad the alcohol worked.

 

[beemermark]

Is that a non-AI lens or AI?

 

[nomadhacker]

That’s the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 lens. It’s made to the AI-S spec and also includes a chip for modern cameras.

 

[skyline07]

I am facing the exactly same issue with my F3...how did you clean the lever? do i need remove the screws on the mount?

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I am facing the exactly same issue with my F3...how did you clean the lever? do i need remove the screws on the mount?

Yes, that will be necessary.

If you'd like, I can demonstrate it on an F3 from my spare parts stash.

I haven't done it yet, but I assume you have to be careful with the spring tensioner that tensions the aperture clutch.

I'll report tomorrow (CET) with some photos.