Nikon F3: Film door size different. Door doesn't close properly.

[alinnman]

I just ordered another Nikon F3 body. When trying it out I found that the film door was very difficult to close towards the camera body. I switched the door with a door on another F3 body of mine and experienced similar problems: My old door worked flawlessly with my newly purchased body. My new door had problems on my old body, but I could get it to work after a little extra pressure.

I did a visual examination of the doors and it seems pretty obvious that the new door is slightly larger (0.2 mm?) than the other and this prevents the latch mechanism from working properly. :confused: I have looked for contaminations of seal material, dents etc which could explain this. Found nothing.
Both camera bodys are from the early 80-s, and most likely also my old door. I suspect however that the new door is another animal...

The new camera was ordered through KEH and and I have already written to them. First of all to get info on whether they did switch the door prior to delivery, and also if there are any known differences in door/body size on different F3 serial numbers.
Since the body was bought in EXC grade I really expect to have this resolved.

I have found just one article about this sofar on the net.
Anyone shooting Nikon (F3) out there having (had) similar problems?
I am hesitant to send back the camera to KEH if I can get it working decently since I live on the other side of the world (complicated return-freight procedures..).

 

[Keith Pitman]

I bought an extra back last year and found that the hinge mount was bent. It wasn't obvious until you tried to close the back on the camera. This might be your problem--more likely than a differently sized back.

 

[alinnman]

Thanks Keith. That might be my problem. But I have not seen any indication of it while inspecting... This article however is interesting: http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00SGGw

Keith: Was the extra back you bought a new one or did you buy it used?

 

[BrianShaw]

My experience has been like Keith's.

 

[lxdude]

Yes. Likely the door or hinge has gotten bent. I've had it on cameras other than F3's, too.

 

[trythis]

Had a bent clasp on an FE with the same problem. A bit of plier action and no problem. It may not be possible on an F3, never seen one, but check that the film pressure plate is not on upside down. If it is the door wont close because of a film guide screw.

 

[Keith Pitman]

Used. You're not likely to find a new one these days. If you did, it would be really pricey. If it came from KEH, they should take care of you.

 

[alinnman]

KEH got in touch with me and they decided to send me another back right away. It will arrive here in a week or so. They dont require me sending back the faulty back so I can take a closer look with a loupe later to see what the problem really is.

The strange thing is that the faulty back is in really good cosmetic condition, looks almost new. But accidents happen to new equipment too of course.

 

[BrianShaw]

When the back is open for film changing they are somewhat vulnerable to getting bent if one is clumsy. Glad to hear that KEH is taking care of you.

 

[clayne]

Common with F3s. I have a body that also does it - I just press inwards on the outer edge of the door when closing.