Nikon F3 shutter curtain scratch and depression, is it OK?

mozi · May 8, 2015

Hi, just bought a Nikon F3 over ebay, really love it, but over carefully inspection found out the shutter curtain has 2 major depression and one scratch, will the camera be regarded damaged? should I keep the camera or should I return it to the seller? thanks in advance.

jochen · May 8, 2015

Hello,
the curtains are made from a very thin titanium foil with a special surface structure. They are very sensitive against damage. Repairing this camera would not be economical. I would return the camera, there are plenty good F 3's on the market for low money.

F4user · May 8, 2015

at some point in time shutter will fail but i cannot predict the moment, maybe after enough shots to enjoy your camera.
if the shutter foil touch the case it will wear. anyway the bend, edge, will crack from metal fatigue.
if own that camera i try to straighten the bend.
if you are not confident with that return to seller.

fstop · May 8, 2015

If they didn't mention the curtain wrinkle, send it back.

mozi · May 8, 2015

Thank you all for the input, I am new to film cameras and really have on confident to keep this one (I really love it anyway)

The damage was not advertised, actually it was described as in Excellent++ condition, and indeed, apart from the shutter damage, the camera is in excellent cosmetic condition, but the seller did not put an image of the damaged part of the shutter on ebay.

[FONT=georgia, arial, sans-serif]I think I will contact the seller and return it.

[/FONT]

Xmas · May 8, 2015

The metal horizontal run shutters of Nikon and Canon cameras are easily crinkled.

But you should not touch. If a ribbon snaps the ribbon can be replaced but you normally get a crinkle.

If it was not sold with crincked as is normal you can ask for money back or return.

If the shutter blinds fail replacement is normally not economic.

mozi · May 8, 2015

Thanks, Xmas. I've asked for return and refund, and will send it back to the seller. It is really a shame, I do love the camera, looking for another one now.

Alex Muir · May 8, 2015

I also bought one recently which has minor shutter damage (also not mentioned in advert). I tested it and decided to keep it. It was not expensive. I would, however, be very careful to check this if buying another. It is a great camera to use, and is my current favourite. I hope you find a good one.
Alex.

bdial · May 8, 2015

The scratch is no real consequence, it's probably from film leader crossing over it during rewind. The crease may not be either, but it's undesirable, and not something that would be acceptable on a camera presented as "Excellent++".

BrianShaw · May 8, 2015

If it works I'd take a chance on it. They are very rugged cameras in all ways, and that one looks like it really hasn't seen much service. Even what we can see of the inspection sticker is in good shape.

bdial · May 8, 2015

I would tend to agree with Brian, if it's working otherwise, and you like the camera, see if the seller will rebate part of the price because of the defect.
Titanium is pretty fatigue resistant, which is why it can be used in a shutter curtain in the first place. If it hasn't caused a problem, likely as not, it won't, at least perhaps not in what would amount to the camera's remaining lifetime.

Kind of depends on your taste for risk, and whether or not you care that the camera is perfect.

ToddB · May 8, 2015

I would stick with KEH or APUG Members to buy gear. I've been getting more leary with Ebay. Never know what your going to get. I've got eye on a travel tripod for my trip on ebay, however it's a off brand.. Not sure what to do.

John Koehrer · May 8, 2015

Consider the price of another one. Peanuts!
Return it, don't accept a partial refund.

mozi · May 9, 2015

Many thanks for all of your input, really appreciated. I have returned the camera back to the seller today and waiting for the refund and at the mean time looking for another one

Arvee · May 9, 2015

Have an F2 with a shutter that looks just like yours; been using it problem free for over 10 years.

Les Sarile · May 9, 2015

mozi said:
Many thanks for all of your input, really appreciated. I have returned the camera back to the seller today and waiting for the refund and at the mean time looking for another one

One thing I like about the Nikon F3 is that it is fairly recent and they obviously must have sold plenty of them as even the accessories are still fairly reasonably available and relatively affordable compared to other system cameras. Good luck.

GarageBoy · May 11, 2015

Should be okay- but the crease severely devalues the camera

Nikon F3 shutter curtain scratch and depression, is it OK?

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