Nikon FE2 and FM2 - shutter works intermittently

youneedcoffee · Jun 10, 2019

Hi!

Excited to be here

Having some Nikon issues and wondered if you could please help me.

The shutter button works every 30 or so winds. I move that locking lever on the advance so I can keep winding.

The mirror is not stuck and is down. I have tried using the mechanical B and M250 speed and have new batteries.

I’m guessing something is gooped up or worn. Strangely I’m having the same problem on both cameras. Any suggestions would be great!"

Here is a short video:

Thanks so much!!

John Koehrer · Jun 10, 2019

The Fm2 doesn't need a battery for the shutter release to work it's fully mechanical.. That there are only
two speeds(B & 250) that work without a battery so the release on it is mechanical too.

BMbikerider · Jun 10, 2019

I think in the above post the second line should read that the FE2 has only 2 speeds that work without a battery. As It has been said the FM2 is totally mechanical so how it has happened that two entirely different operating cameras can have the safe defect is a very odd coincidence, or the operator is doing something unintentional that is causing a problem.

Actually reading the description of the problem again, has me a bit confused - what is the locking lever? Why are you moving it?

I respectfully suggest that you have partially dismantled a perfectly repairable camera without the skill, tools and knowledge to be able to effect an adjustment without damaging it further. These cameras are delicate instruments that deserve professional attention if something goes wrong. They are completely unlike one of the early Zeniths where a repair could be made using a hammer, pliers and a blunt screwdriver, For heavens sake spend a bit of money and get it done by someone who has the expertise..

jimjm · Jun 10, 2019

There is no separate shutter lock lever on these cameras. Pushing the film advance lever flush against the body will lock the shutter button. Are you talking about the multiple exposure lever which is to the right of the advance lever?

Agreed that it's very strange to have intermittent shutter firing on the FM2. Being a mechanical shutter, it's either working or it's not. The FE2 may have an electronic issue, but these are both generally reliable cameras.

Have you downloaded the user manuals for these cameras yet?

Theo Sulphate · Jun 10, 2019

In the video, I notice you're pressing on the shutter release while the film-wind lever is flush against the body - the lever needs to be pulled out to the "stand-off" position - otherwise the shutter won't release.

BMbikerider · Jun 11, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
In the video, I notice you're pressing on the shutter release while the film-wind lever is flush against the body - the lever needs to be pulled out to the "stand-off" position - otherwise the shutter won't release.

I had not noticed that and it looks as if there is no fault except the owner has not read or even seen the manuals for these cameras.

youneedcoffee · Jun 12, 2019

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I'll have a try again and find an online manual, guess I assumed wrong about the wind lever. I guess it allows the user easier access to wind it again if it sticks out a little?

Chan Tran · Jun 12, 2019

youneedcoffee said:
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I'll have a try again and find an online manual, guess I assumed wrong about the wind lever. I guess it allows the user easier access to wind it again if it sticks out a little?

That for most cameras but the FM requires you have to have the wind level stick out.

shutterfinger · Jun 12, 2019

youneedcoffee said:
I'll have a try again and find an online manual,

https://www.butkus.org/chinon/nikon.htm

Theo Sulphate · Jun 12, 2019

Chan Tran said:
That for most cameras but the FM requires you have to have the wind level stick out.

Only the second version of the FM requires the standoff - the first version (identifiable by serrated release collar), does not:

None of the pro Nikons lock the shutter in this manner.

The second FM version and the FM2, FM3a, and FE2 require the standoff.

Chan Tran · Jun 12, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
Only the second version of the FM requires the standoff - the first version (identifiable by serrated release collar), does not:

View attachment 225141

None of the pro Nikons lock the shutter in this manner.

The second FM version and the FM2, FM3a, and FE2 require the standoff.

I have to check it out. I have both version the first version with lock collar around the shutter release and the second version which does not.

Theo Sulphate · Jun 12, 2019

From the camera-wiki:

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Nikon_FM

"Variations
...
Early production FM's had a knurled rotating collar/switch located concentrically around the shutter release button; this switch functioned as a shutter release lock when the camera was used alone...

On these later production FM bodies, the shutter release lock was integrated into the film advance lever ..."

Chan Tran · Jun 12, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
From the camera-wiki:

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Nikon_FM

"Variations
...
Early production FM's had a knurled rotating collar/switch located concentrically around the shutter release button; this switch functioned as a shutter release lock when the camera was used alone...

On these later production FM bodies, the shutter release lock was integrated into the film advance lever ..."

And you are correct. The first version works similar to the F2 that the film advance level out only for turning the meter on.

youneedcoffee · Jun 12, 2019

Thanks again everyone! So the FE2 works fine now, the FM2 works but its a bit more tricky.

The winding lever works most of the time, but it does get stuck and needs a little rattle to be able to wind it. Like this:

Any thoughts? Thanks!

shutterfinger · Jun 13, 2019

How brave are you?? http://arcticwolfs.net
Verify the take up chamber is free from debris and the take up turns smoothly.
Once you close the back after installing film turn the rewind lever in the rewind direction without pushing the rewind button until it becomes tight. This takes the slack out of the film in the cassette which if loose enough will jam against the cassette housing and be hard to pull out.
If those two do not solve the problem use the service manual and remove the top and bottom covers, clean and lube the wind gears, then reassemble them OR send it out for a CLA.

youneedcoffee · Jun 13, 2019

shutterfinger said:
How brave are you?? http://arcticwolfs.net
Verify the take up chamber is free from debris and the take up turns smoothly.
Once you close the back after installing film turn the rewind lever in the rewind direction without pushing the rewind button until it becomes tight. This takes the slack out of the film in the cassette which if loose enough will jam against the cassette housing and be hard to pull out.
If those two do not solve the problem use the service manual and remove the top and bottom covers, clean and lube the wind gears, then reassemble them OR send it out for a CLA.

Thank you! I will investigate

youneedcoffee · Jun 15, 2019

shutterfinger said:
How brave are you?? http://arcticwolfs.net
Verify the take up chamber is free from debris and the take up turns smoothly.
Once you close the back after installing film turn the rewind lever in the rewind direction without pushing the rewind button until it becomes tight. This takes the slack out of the film in the cassette which if loose enough will jam against the cassette housing and be hard to pull out.
If those two do not solve the problem use the service manual and remove the top and bottom covers, clean and lube the wind gears, then reassemble them OR send it out for a CLA.

Thanks!

Has to start taking it apart worked out this so far:

Theo Sulphate · Jun 15, 2019

Just a very wild guess on my part, but I would expect a wire spring to be there holding the lever in proper position.

Are there any service manuals online or perhaps even other photos to compare against?

shutterfinger · Jun 15, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
Are there any service manuals online

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Nikon FE2 and FM2 - shutter works intermittently

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