Nikon FE shutter speed & shutter curtain issues - help needed

[Gpfir]

Hey all, I found my parents’ Nikon FE and wanted to shoot with it. As I was testing out its functionality, I took off the backing and the lens so that I can see right through when the shutter release button is pressed. Yes, first thing I did was change batteries.

Around 1/4 - 1s shutter speed, my camera works… the mirror pops up, the shutter curtains open for the appropriate time, all is well. M90 and B mode work just fine as expected.

However, between 1/1000 - 1/8 and 2s - 8s, the cameras mirror will lift, however, it does so very quickly and the shutter curtains do not appear to open. It definitely does not lift/open for the longer speeds. On any of these listed shutter speeds, for example the 8s shutter speed (or any non-working speed for that matter), the mirror flips as if it was 1/1000 and the shutter curtains do not open, and it just looks like it shifts around. It really looks like the first shutter doesn’t open, but the second shutter closes?

After some time, I was able to get Auto working but it is finicky. It works for all shutter speeds (pointing it at different amounts of light) and it roughly matched meter. But once in a while it’ll revert to the same issue but I can work through that. It would just be a shame to have that happen with film.

I’ve seen other articles similar to this but no answer yet

Any ideas on what May be causing this odd behavior?

Thanks!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Welcome to Photrio! The FE is a great camera. There are several knowledgeable people here who may be able to help you.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Time for a CLA [Clean Lubrication & Adjustment] at a qualified camera repair place.

Welcome to APUG Photrio!!​

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

When a camera sits unused for a long period it isn't unusual for it to get arthritic. Often just excercising the camera will get things working again.

Play with the camera while watching the boob (or other) tube - releasing the shutter at various speeds and winding the camera on.

I that doesn't work then the shutter needs cleaning. Other posters here can steer you to a good repair shop in your area.

 

[Gpfir]

Thanks! How would you recommend going about finding a reputable repair shop for analog cameras such as these?

 

[BrianShaw]

Try calling your local camera repair shops. They will let you know if they’ll service it or not. Or search the forum for the many threads with recommendations. Or search the internet with keyword like “vintage camera repair”. If you are willing to ship there probably is the right shop for you.

 

[Huss]

Thanks! How would you recommend going about finding a reputable repair shop for analog cameras such as these?

Where are you? If in the LA/SoCal area Deans Camera Repair is the Nikon expert.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thanks! How would you recommend going about finding a reputable repair shop for analog cameras such as these?

Where are you? If in the LA/SoCal area Deans Camera Repair is the Nikon expert.

Please list your location. USA is not exactly helpful in situations like these.

 

[skylight1b]

Thanks! How would you recommend going about finding a reputable repair shop for analog cameras such as these?

If you're willing to do mail order, Garry's Camera Repair worked on an FE for me. It was $78 for repair and return shipping and only took a week.

 

[Gpfir]

Please list your location. USA is not exactly helpful in situations like there.

The DC/mid-Atlantic area would be the best metropolitan area for me.

 

[Nitroplait]

That someone will even work on a camera for US$78 is beyond me, but it is not the first time I have heard someone happy with Garry's Camera Repair.
I doubt any level of competence can be found cheaper.

 

[Autonerd]

Any ideas on what May be causing this odd behavior?

Thanks!

Funny you should mention this -- digging up an old FE (which belonged to a friend's father) was one of the things that prompted me to get back into film. It wasn't working (shutter would not fire), I got it repaired, and after a couple of years it broke again (meter conked out). I've acquired a small armada of cameras since then; it's the only one that's broken twice and I've decided not to put more money into it. Despite what some say, from the anecdotes I read, it appears the FE is not an incredibly reliable camera, and faults like what we experienced aren't uncommon.

A CLA may or may not fix the problem, but the tech can most likely repair it while the camera is open. However, I don't know if you have experience with film or if this is your first foray. If the latter -- it might be cost effective to replace it. Assuming you have multiple lenses, I'd consider the Nikon FG. It's a bit of an outlier as far as Nikons go, not nearly as refined as the FE, but it's a wonderful little camera with lots of fans and lots of detractors (the latter seem to be comprised mainly of people who have never used one). Because the Nikonisti don't like it, it sells pretty cheap. One of the reasons I chose *not* to repair the FE is that I like the FG so much better. (I thought the FE would be the perfect camera for me as it has many features I value, but I never did manage to fall in love with it.)

The FE does have one (alleged) advantage in that it will fit older Nikkor lenses that the FG can't -- but metering doesn't work with that lenses so I don't think it's a huge loss (don't get me started on the myth of Nikon lens compatibility).

OTOH, if the FE has sentimental value, it would be worth getting repaired.

Aaron