Nikon FE need a battery ?

Terry Breedlove · Dec 21, 2011

I went pick to up a Nikon Fe with 35-70 today for $45 but when I checked it I couldn't see through the view finder. Mirror was up. I couldn't advance the film lever either. The camera is in mint shape except for these two things am i missing something ? The battery was out, does it need the battery? Would that allow the mirror to go down and the film to advance ? Oh and the button to fire the camera was locked or something. Could depress it.

BradS · Dec 21, 2011

The Nikon FE has two manual shutter speeds - B and the one next to it (I think it is 90). All the other shutter speeds require a battery.

kivis · Dec 21, 2011

Battery costs about $3. But this could be more serious.

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=26.276771,-80.252519

Chan Tran · Dec 21, 2011

could be a more serious problem but first turn the shutter speed dial to M90 and see if the mirror goes down. If it does see if the camera will work at M90. If it does then try new batteries.

Terry Breedlove · Dec 22, 2011

Tried turning the speed dial to m90. No good mirror still stuck shut. Bummer.

KanFotog · Dec 22, 2011

As a recent FE owner, I've read about this problem often but it doesn't seem too serious...

Apparently if you have the camera set to Auto mode and try to shoot with the lens cap on, it locks up mirror and hangs. Set it to M90 and shoot... That should solve the problem.
Sorry, I am probably asking a very obvious question: You've said you turned the dial to M90 but did you shoot?

The film lever could be related... Since the mirror is up, the FE might think it's still shooting and block the lever

Hope things turn out well!

Cheers,
Som

flash26c · Dec 22, 2011

The mirror could be stuck on the bumper - can you move the mirror with you finger? I don't think you can use the advance lever with the mirror up.

BrianShaw · Dec 22, 2011

Terry Breedlove said:
Tried turning the speed dial to m90. No good mirror still stuck shut. Bummer.

... and you put a new battery in, right?

I think the problem may be what Som is referring to; at least it was for me. Same thing happened to me with a "new to me FE". Under the bottom plate, on the winder end, are some levers. On mine it was obvious that one got jammed. I wish I could tell you definitely which lever to look for, but I can't. I took off the bottom plate and very gently manipulated the wind arm and could see the jammed lever. The jammed lever was easily unjammed with a very gentle push by a small screwdriver. Once unjammed it has never jammed again. Whatever you do, proceed cautiously.

Ian C · Dec 22, 2011

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon-fe/discuss/72157622062224341/

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/forum/messages/6901/3432.html?1131816741

Terry Breedlove · Dec 23, 2011

Ok so I installed batteries and opened the bottom plate to jiggle the innards a bit. It seems to be working now except for the mirror only comes back down half the way giving me a very dark view and unable to take a shot until I take the lens off and hit the little lever which brings the mirror down fully. The camera has been in storage for years maybe humidity has taken its toll.

BradS · Dec 23, 2011

The symptoms you describe indicate that it needs some routine maintenance.
Just like a car, these mechanical thingies need periodic attention.
Take it to a qualified professional and have it serviced.

BrianShaw · Dec 23, 2011

Terry Breedlove said:
It seems to be working now except for the mirror only comes back down half the way ...

Given that, I agree with Brad. Something sounds gummed up.

fstop · Dec 23, 2011

Typical Nikon problem and pretty much any other camera that is that age and sat around, the lube they use dries up and gets sticky.
Weigh the cost of sending to a good repair facility to getting another one, FEs are going dirt cheap these day. I would put it on ebay and list like everyone else "only used in photography class, only shot 10 rolls,minty etc"

OldBodyOldSoul · Dec 23, 2011

Oh yeah, I gotta buy something from fstop asap.

fstop · Dec 23, 2011

Sarcasm, you know about that... right?

OldBodyOldSoul · Dec 23, 2011

Yeah, I do. That went about 700 feet above my head.

John Koehrer · Dec 24, 2011

fstop said:
Sarcasm, you know about that... right?

Doesn't work very well with the written word.

guitstik · Dec 24, 2011

You have to to have the sarcasm filter set to "yes" to allow. Some times snide comments will inadvertantly be filtered.

Terry Breedlove · Dec 24, 2011

I might take it in someday and have it cleaned etc. However I can get a Nikon F3Hp from KEH for about $200 in EX condition. I think my money and time would be better spent that way. Shame because this little FE is in such great shape otherwise. I was hoping to take it with me to Vietnam in May but now even if I get it clean I don't think I can trust it. So the F100 be all alone most likely for this trip. Maybe that and a small digital.

BrianShaw · Dec 24, 2011

Once I got my FE running reliably I used it as backup to my F3. The more I use it, though, the more often I grab it -- often instead of the F3. But for a trip like your Vietnam trip it is most important that you have a camera with you that you KNOW is reliable.

fstop · Dec 25, 2011

guitstik said:
You have to to have the sarcasm filter set to "yes" to allow. Some times snide comments will inadvertantly be filtered.

Wasn't really a snide remark, its the truth about screwmebay.I won't sell on ebay anymore anyway, the fees are out of hand,I used to be a powerseller too, I rather throw out cameras I'm not using than pay those idiots to sell stuff to other idiots who try to scam paypal with fraudulent claims.

As for the FE the price I got was $144 to repair and it will be stone reliable when it comes back, but if you want to get a F3 that is a good option also.

guitstik · Dec 25, 2011

I have been considering either an F3 or the FE for an addition to my F and F2 that I currently have. From what I have found, the FE is better than the F3 because it has a brighter finder with the match needle meter instead of the L.E.D. Now I just have to find one in good condition.

fstop · Dec 25, 2011

I would look for a FE2.

mikecnichols · Dec 25, 2011

guitstik said:
I have been considering either an F3 or the FE for an addition to my F and F2 that I currently have. From what I have found, the FE is better than the F3 because it has a brighter finder with the match needle meter instead of the L.E.D. Now I just have to find one in good condition.

I've been using an FE for the past year + and love it. The meter is hard to see when you have a couple of filters on, but I've gotten use to it. I just got an F3 last night for Christmas and have yet to shoot with it, but the LCD meter is a little harder to see but there is a little light button the right hand side of the prism to help see your metering....the F3 has quite a few more features than the FE. My favorite so far to try is the switchable viewfinders. Having a waist viewfinder will make a LOT of what I do much easier as I like to stay close to the ground on a lot of shots.

I say to get both as they are pretty easy to find a very decent price.

John Koehrer · Dec 25, 2011

fstop said:
I would look for a FE2.

+1

But, you do lose the ability to use non-AI lenses.

Nikon FE need a battery ?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency