Oiling a Nikon F wind lever?

[chip j]

I was just given a near-mint Photomic FTN, been in storage for a few decades. The wind action is not as smooth as I think it could be. Would a drop of Singer sewing machine oil on it improve things, or am I asking for trouble? Thanks

 

[Fin]

I was just given a near-mint Photomic FTN, been in storage for a few decades. The wind action is not as smooth as I think it could be. Would a drop of Singer sewing machine oil on it improve things, or am I asking for trouble? Thanks

Yeah... Don't do that. Oil in the wrong place can cause serious problems. Plus, the wind on mech is linked to the shutter system and as the camera has been in storage, the greases inside may well have dried up.

If it's near mint, a CLA'd would be worth it.

 

[shutterfinger]

Nikon F and Nikkormat FTN service manuals and many others are available here:
http://arcticwolfs.net/
I suggest consulting the one for your camera before applying any lubricant anywhere.
Clock oil and TriFlow both work well in cameras. I'm unsure about sewing machine oil. 3 in 1 oil and WD40 are not good products to use on cameras.

 

[fstop]

loosen up the grease with a bit of naptha or lighter fluid.

 

[MontanaJay]

I'd try slowly, repeatedly, working the mechanism (if it doesn't feel too bad) to redistribute the existing lubricant.
If that doesn't work, CLA.