Nikon F3 shutter fires automatically and sporadically

[fmanan]

Got a Nikon F3. Got it to work but the shutter will automatically fire by itself after winding the lever and set down for a couple of seconds. Googled the heck out of this and cannot find any answers. What Nikon gremlin am I dealing with here? Or is just in need of some good CLA? Happening consistently last night - cannot reproduce today. It has a new set of batteries and the terminals are clean. Thanks in advance.

 

[beemermark]

Is it the self timer? Can't remember for sure how the F3 timer worked but pretty sure it's a switch under one of the knobs.

 

[BrianShaw]

Under the shutter speed dial. If red dot is showing, self timer is on. LED on front of camera will be flashing for 10 seconds.

 

[fmanan]

nah it wasn't the self timer - that is in the off position (not red). some one on the FB group was pointing out towards a battery issue. but it's a new battery.

 

[BrianShaw]

If it's not the self-timer and not the battery, which in my experience would not cause that symptom... then your guess of the need for a servicing seems entirely correct.

But just to cover one more potential possibility, is it possible that you released the shutter and after winding and it was in A mode doing a long automatic time exposure due to low light level?

And, what did you mean by "Got a Nikon F3. Got it to work..."? That implies that, perhaps, there was an issue beyond new battery and turning it on.

 

[fmanan]

If it's not the self-timer and not the battery, which in my experience would not cause that symptom... then your guess of the need for a servicing seems entirely correct.

But just to cover one more potential possibility, is it possible that you released the shutter and after winding and it was in A mode doing a long automatic time exposure due to low light level?

And, what did you mean by "Got a Nikon F3. Got it to work..."? That implies that, perhaps, there was an issue beyond new battery and turning it on

yes - i found it online as a non working unit as described from the seller. I put in a fresh new battery and initially it didn't power up. It did power up after 20 minutes and functioned normally.

 

[BradS]

something in the depths of my sub-conscious is saying something about RC circuit, time constants, etc...
can't quite make it out.

Leaky capacitor(s) ?
resistors in parallel with accumulated (assumed semi-conductive) crud on a circuit board?
current limiting corrosion in wires, solder joints or connectors?

 

[fmanan]

something in the depths of my sub-conscious is saying something about RC circuit, time constants, etc...
can't quite make it out.

Leaky capacitor(s) ?
resistors in parallel with accumulated (assumed semi-conductive) crud on a circuit board?
current limiting corrosion in wires, solder joints or connectors?

thanks. I didn't want to go there. but perhaps. I had a Canon AE-1 PGM - that I had to just clean the magnets and that solved the firing shutter and winder combo.

 

[reddesert]

Maybe the shutter release switch is or was stuck in a position where it's nearly closed and intermittently closes, firing the shutter. How does the meter display behave?

 

[fmanan]

Maybe the shutter release switch is or was stuck in a position where it's nearly closed and intermittently closes, firing the shutter. How does the meter display behave?

light meter LCD does turn off and it doesn't stay on indefinitely

 

[Huss]

.Happening consistently last night - cannot reproduce today. .

Well then, you're set!

 

[BradS]

gremlins.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The camera needs more exercise. Take it out to play more.

 

[Huss]

Often putting fresh batteries into a long dormant device will bring it back to life.

To the OP - is your F3 working correctly now? You had mentioned you could no longer recreate the issue.

 

[fmanan]

Often putting fresh batteries into a long dormant device will bring it back to life.

To the OP - is your F3 working correctly now? You had mentioned you could no longer recreate the issue.

yessir. all day today - couldn't recreate the issue. cross my fingers.