If the aperture control on the Nikon F4 is working correctly, the aperture lever in the mirror box moves all the way to the stop when the camera is triggered.
Good news about a project I completed on March 27, 2024
A common problem with the Nikon F4 is that the aperture control no longer works properly due to a lack of lubrication. Small apertures in particular are no longer formed correctly.
In the project Nikon F4: Mission Aperture Lever - two ways to fix the aperture problem we took a closer look at the issue and determined that disassembly and targeted lubrication is the right solution.
I tested the aperture control, and everything is working perfectly, even almost two years after the end of the project.
This confirms that the solution is effective and can be recommended without reservation.
To check the aperture function:
- attach a lens (AF or MF),
- for an AF lens disable AF on the F4,
- select manual exposure mode (M),
- set the shutter speed to 1 second (or another value),
- select the smallest aperture on the lens,
- release the F4 and look into the lens from the front.
- The aperture should close completely to the set value without delay.
See also
Nikon F4: Servicing and fixing the aperture control; adjusting/replacing the shutter
In this project, we will examine how to disassemble the Nikon F4 for aperture control service. For background information, see here. A common issue with the F4 is that the aperture control lacks oil, which prevents the smaller apertures in particular from forming correctly. Master Larry...
www.photrio.com
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A word of cautionPlease keep in mind that you’ll be using highly flammable solvents for service work, and their fumes are harmful to your health. Soldering also produces fumes that should not be inhaled. Dangerous high voltages can be present when handling electronics, especially in conjunction with electronic flash units and mains. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the safety regulations beforehand and ensure your safety. Depending on the activity, protective gear may be advisable.
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
Acknowledgments
Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.
The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.
We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.
