Nikon F3 - problem with low ISO settings

coolzizi · Feb 1, 2023

Hi Everyone,
I just bought a nice f3 - "fully functional" - on ebay.
Unfortunately it shows -8 on meter, when I check all ISO settings, but only between around 15-18 - 51 ISO.
It can be cracked FRE resistor?
Or maybe just my f3 need a CLA, and clean ISO dial?
I can return camera to seller - what do You adivse?
Thanks
Adam

gone · Feb 1, 2023

I would try turning the ISO dial back and forth a bunch of times to see if it might just be a contact issue from the camera sitting up for a while. I assume you've already checked the battery voltage and made sure those contacts are clean. Just in case.

Huss · Feb 1, 2023

Bought a camera, not as described, can return it? Return it.

BrianShaw · Feb 1, 2023

Was the frame counter at 1 or more?

Sirius Glass · Feb 1, 2023

coolzizi said:
Hi Everyone,
I just bought a nice f3 - "fully functional" - on ebay.
Unfortunately it shows -8 on meter, when I check all ISO settings, but only between around 15-18 - 51 ISO.
It can be cracked FRE resistor?
Or maybe just my f3 need a CLA, and clean ISO dial?
I can return camera to seller - what do You adivse?
Thanks
Adam

Choices:

Return it as not fully functional
Have the light meter calibrated
Do not shoot low ISO film

Welcome to ~~APUG~~ Photrio!!

BradS · Feb 1, 2023

coolzizi said:
....
I can return camera to seller - what do You advise?

Yes, YES! Return it!

Good working Nikon F3 are not rare or unique. Return it and get a good one.

Huss · Feb 1, 2023

Exactly. The camera is already not as described. Why deal with it? Who knows what else a tech finds wrong with it? Plus techs aren't cheap - and nor should they be.

neilt3 · Feb 2, 2023

coolzizi said:
Hi Everyone,
I just bought a nice f3 - "fully functional" - on ebay.
Unfortunately it shows -8 on meter, when I check all ISO settings, but only between around 15-18 - 51 ISO.
It can be cracked FRE resistor?
Or maybe just my f3 need a CLA, and clean ISO dial?
I can return camera to seller - what do You adivse?
Thanks
Adam

It took me three attempts to buy an F3 that works correctly.
The first two were jammed up , wouldn't wind on and wouldn't fire .
They both went back for a full refund despite the BS the sellers tried to give .

The third worked great . I don't know how much you paid for it , but mine cost £120 approximately.
I suspect that a full service and repair , as yours needs , would cost close to that .

So unless you got it for free , you should send it back and buy one that works 100% to start with .

SteveInConverse · Feb 4, 2023

neilt3 said:
It took me three attempts to buy an F3 that works correctly.
The first two were jammed up , wouldn't wind on and wouldn't fire .
They both went back for a full refund despite the BS the sellers tried to give .

The third worked great . I don't know how much you paid for it , but mine cost £120 approximately.
I suspect that a full service and repair , as yours needs , would cost close to that .

So unless you got it for free , you should send it back and buy one that works 100% to start with .

I guess I got lucky...my first and only F3 so far works great. Every feature functions and even the seals are good. I love it. Looked at about 50 or so on Fleabay before settling in this one. I want to say it was a bit north of $300USD when all was said and done. I actually paid less for my F4 in really good condition.

BrianShaw · Feb 4, 2023

SteveInConverse said:
I guess I got lucky...my first and only F3 so far works great. Every feature functions and even the seals are good. I love it.

Me too. I’d rather not look at what I paid in 1980 or 81… it was a LOT of money. Two overhauls since then. Still performing like it was new, even after as much travel and film that it’s been through.

Nikon F3 - problem with low ISO settings

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