Nikon f3 shutter issue

cjbecker · Aug 4, 2019

So a new to me nikon f3 is having some shutter issues.

At higher speeds its only exposing part of the frame. This last whole roll was shot on auto, some of the frames were almost entirely exposed and some just had a sliver exposed. I know its a shutter issue, and I'm guessing the rear curtain. i know its more then likely getting a CLA.

It seams like its only from 1/500 or so and up.

Is there any quick fix? Is this a normal issue?

Jon Shumpert · Aug 4, 2019

I have had two F3's and never had any shutter issues. After reading the beginning of your post, and before looking at the negatives, I was thinking flash sync issues. Looking at the negatives, it doesn't look like that would be the issue. Usually when I read that part of a negative is not exposed, my first question is "were you using a flash"? This problem usually occurs when using a flash at shutter speeds faster than the sync speed.

KN4SMF · Aug 4, 2019

It appears the shutter curtains have lost their adjustment and after a certain speed setting the second curtain is catching up to the first. In all probability, all speeds are inaccurate. But since we are dealing with an electronic shutter here, the problem can be either/or mechanical and electrical. I would consider the camera dead until serviced.

Theo Sulphate · Aug 5, 2019

The shutter is "capping", as mentioned above. Some people try to fix this by adjusting tension on the curtains, but that's fixing the symptom, not the cause - usually relubrication in the shutter curtain roller mechanism is required.

Time for a CLA, then it should all be good.

abruzzi · Aug 5, 2019

The “quick fix” is to not use fast shutter speeds. Shoot a test roll, start at 1/2000, then work your way down. Ideally do this several times for each speed. After you develop the roll, find the fastest speed that gives you consistent exposure, and never shoot faster than that.

Of course it’s probably also true that exposure at slower speeds isn’t all that accurate either, but I had the same issue on a Minolta, and as long as I didn’t use 1/1000, it worked well enough. The real fix is a CLA.

cjbecker · Aug 5, 2019

Thanks for the replies. I will be finding a place to send it too for a cla soon.

abruzzi · Aug 5, 2019

You might be able to alleviate the problem by repeatedly firing the shutter. Pick a long movie—something like “The Sorrow and the Pity”—and sit on your couch watching the movie and repeatedly firing the shutter for the entire 5 hour run time. This worked for a Zorki I didn’t feel like sending off for a CLA.

LiamG · Aug 5, 2019

Had this exact problem with my F3, although mine started at 1/2000 and I had it fixed at that point. Sent to Nikon for a CLA back when they still worked on the F3, no problems since.

cjbecker · Aug 5, 2019

LiamG said:
Had this exact problem with my F3, although mine started at 1/2000 and I had it fixed at that point. Sent to Nikon for a CLA back when they still worked on the F3, no problems since.

Did they ever say what was the problem and what they fixed? I assume its a lube issue but?

LiamG · Aug 5, 2019

cjbecker said:
Did they ever say what was the problem and what they fixed? I assume its a lube issue but?

Alas Nikon wasn't especially verbose, or especially cheap for that matter- they just said "shutter service" if I recall right. Negatives before service looked just like yours- shutter capping preventing exposure on about 1/4 of the frame.

John Koehrer · Aug 6, 2019

I agree with theo post #4 on this one. Old lube & travel time adjustment will likely clear it up.

shutterfinger · Aug 6, 2019

If you want to try it yourself the factory service manual is available for download at http://arcticwolfs.net/

Nikon f3 shutter issue

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