Nikon F4: Quick check, repairs

[Andreas Thaler]

I was able to purchase a Nikon F4 with a Tamron 28-200 (an independent project) for a fair price.

The seller informed me that he could not get the F4 to work.

Here's how I quickly checked the F4 without batteries:

• The F4 is in good external condition.
• The battery holder is badly damaged and corroded. This would explain a problem with the power supply.
• The aperture button is stiff and makes a screeching noise when pressed. This is a sure sign that the gear in the aperture mechanism, which is coupled to a photointerrupter, is running without lubrication. A malfunction of the aperture is therefore likely.
• The LCD in the camera body has moderate bleeding.
• The DP-20 viewfinder is in good condition, its LCD is heavily bleeding, the lever for the eyepiece shutter is stuck.
• A focusing screen E is inserted in perfect condition.
• The mirror and rear shutter curtain are clean.

The eyepiece shutter (red) and its mechanics in another DP-20 viewfinder.


And we have another project

• I have a replacement for the battery holder.
• Cleaning and lubricating the aperture control requires a deep disassembly of the F4.
• The LCD in the F4 can stay as it is.
• The LCD in the DP-20 should be replaced, but I don't have a replacement at the moment.
• The eyepiece shutter lever should be repairable after opening the viewfinder.
• I'll know more once I've put the batteries in.

Since I have other projects to do first, it will take a while before I get started. Except for the eyepiece shutter, I've already done all the work on other F4s, so I'm confident.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I checked the F4 with an intact battery holder and batteries inserted, everything works plausibly.

This gives the green light for the repair of the aperture control and DP-20 in September

 

[gorbas]

Well done Andreas!

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Well done Andreas!

Thank you, but the main work is still ahead