Repair of Nikon F100

Naples · Jan 8, 2016

Hi,

I bought a Nikon F100 from KEH a year ago in LN- (Like New Minus) condition. Recently I noticed that the auto focus selector switch on the front of the camera (M-S-C) had an extra "click" in it (4 clicks instead of 3). I sent it to Nikon in New York for a clean and inspect, and asked them to look at the auto focus selector switch. They said my auto focus selector switch (a "spring"?) needs replacement, and put my camera on "Parts Hold" for a month. However, they were unable to find a replacement part(s) and shipped the camera back to me without repair. Is there a Nikon camera repair facility you can recommend that is likely to have - or be able to get - the necessary replacement part(s)?

Thanks!

emasterphoto · Jan 8, 2016

Try APS in Morton Grove, IL. They might be able to do you well.

Sirius Glass · Jan 8, 2016

Nikon has stopped supplying film camera parts for many cameras, so it depend on whether or not a place has the parts that you need,

cuongtd · Jan 8, 2016

I think the company in Japan has those parts, U should ask some guy who has the connection with Japanese company.

Vonder · Jan 8, 2016

Time for a conspiracy theory? They won't repair any film camera except the F6, but will gladly help you find the "right" DSLR for your photography...

Naples · Jan 10, 2016

Thanks for the replies. I went ahead an contacted APS (Authorized Photo Service) in Morton Grove IL, and they were very nice. They said they can certainly repair the auto focus selector switch, but only if they have the required part(s) in stock. They won't know until I send them the camera. What surprised me was that they said if they don't have the required part(s), they won't be able to get it anywhere. I'm disappointed in Nikon that only 10 years out from production, parts are not to be had for the F100. I'm also disappointed that an LN- (Like New Minus) F100 from KEH might be irreparable only one year after purchase. I paid top dollar for an LN-, and a year later it might be done because of lack of parts? Wow. This is my first foray into buying a used camera, and it hasn't been what I expected. Makes me wonder how all you guys keep film cameras so much older than the F100 operable?

jimjm · Jan 10, 2016

Naples -

Try calling Doug at Camera Clinic near Seattle (206)367-2440. They have lots of Nikon parts and repair old and new cameras and lenses. He just did a great job on a '72 Nikon FTn Photomic head for me in less than 2 weeks. Replaced the corroded resistor (very common problem), converted the voltage to handle 1.5v batteries and calibrated the meter. He says he has lots of Nikon parts and accessories in stock.

trythis · Jan 10, 2016

I have been inside my F100 to repair the meter select switch and the diopter adjuster. The plastics they used in these cameras are lightweight and thin. The camera shutters and focus motors themselves are overall pretty durable but some of the smaller components are just going to fail much earlier than the 1970s cameras. I ended up using spare screws to replace the detents that had stripped out on the meter switch.
The reason I had to repair the diopter dial is because the very fragile device that moves the diopter lens broke when I opened the camera to fix the metering switch.
I had to use some thin wire to wrap around a delicate plastic stem that slid on the steel rod that adjusts the diopter. It works and is stronger than before but its not something Nikon would approve of.

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onre · Jan 11, 2016

trythis said:
I have been inside my F100 to repair the meter select switch and the diopter adjuster.

I'll give you some of your own advice - just toss the body

trythis · Jan 11, 2016

onre said:
I'll give you some of your own advice - just toss the body

Its not a Zenit!

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BMbikerider · Jan 11, 2016

I find that the 'planned obsolesence' of neo modern cameras (and other things too) just a bit annoying, especially when you can get a 50 year old Nikon F1 or a 40 year old F2 repaired to keep soldiering on for many years. (including the meter on the F2).

I have an F6 as well as a back-up F601 and value the long auto exposure times these instruments are capable of. Even so despite the normally very accurate meters, I have found them to be some way off target when compared with my spotmeter. I believe very strongly in the old saying 'new is not always better'

TJer · Jan 12, 2016

F100 Parts

I also have an F100 in great shape so can sympathize with the OPs problem! Something that hasn't been discussed but probably would pay dividends for anyone in a similar situation is to consider buying a cheapo "as-is" identical camera for parts replacement for your legacy camera. In a situation like you've found yourself in now, I'd think that you could then take your (2) cameras, one good needing repair and one bad being used for replacement parts, to a camera repair shop. Nikon might not work with this type of scenario but most independents shouldn't have an issue with it. Amazon a quite a few available with at least one around $150 for parts (and domestically available).

Sirius Glass · Jan 12, 2016

TJer welcome to APUG

Naples · Jan 12, 2016

OK, got the F100 back from Nikon in New York. No charge. Invoice says:

"B2
Service Repair Rank B2
Write Up
Repair SC 200164
REPAIR
PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE"

That's it. No identification of the repair part(s). I guess I'll send it to APS (Authorized Photo Service) in Morton Grove IL and see if they have the part(s) to repair it. Hard to believe I bought this in LN- (Like New Minus) condition from KEH a year ago. I called KEH about this but since I'm a year out, I'm out of their warranty and all they could suggest was to contact their service department. No thanks, aren't they the ones who classified this as LN-?

"You gotta keep on ing."

Sirius Glass · Jan 12, 2016

Naples, also call KEH. If they have the parts, they can repair it.

Naples · Jan 12, 2016

Sirius, thanks. The issue though is that I don't know what the part is, and neither will APS or KEH until I send it to them. Who would you send to first, APS or KEH?

Paul Howell · Jan 14, 2016

F 100 are not too expensive, I would look for a second and third body to use as parts.

Sean Mac · Jan 14, 2016

A "parts/repair" F100 from Japan seems to be 50 euro or so including postage on a popular auction site.

Of course if the same part is broken on them all that won't help..

Naples · Jan 28, 2016

UPDATE:

After getting my F100 back from Nikon in New York without being repaired, with Nikon claiming that "PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE", I shipped the camera to Authorized Photo Service in Morton Grove, Illinois. I just got an email from them with a repair estimate! They can fix the focus mode selector by replacing it! The same focus mode selector that Nikon could not repair for lack of parts!

Yipee! I thought my F100 was over and done with! Thank you Authorized Photo Service for keeping parts for us F100 users! I will from here on out send repair jobs to you first!

I am disappointed that Nikon was so unhelpful and useless in repairing one of their top films cameras only 10 years out from production.

fotch · Jan 28, 2016

I would hesitate to buy any new Nikon now, after hearing that.

Sirius Glass · Jan 28, 2016

Naples said:
UPDATE:

After getting my F100 back from Nikon in New York without being repaired, with Nikon claiming that "PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE", I shipped the camera to Authorized Photo Service in Morton Grove, Illinois. I just got an email from them with a repair estimate! They can fix the focus mode selector by replacing it! The same focus mode selector that Nikon could not repair for lack of parts!

Yipee! I thought my F100 was over and done with! Thank you Authorized Photo Service for keeping parts for us F100 users! I will from here on out send repair jobs to you first!

I am disappointed that Nikon was so unhelpful and useless in repairing one of their top films cameras only 10 years out from production.

I am glad that you can get your F100 fixed. I am not happy with Nikon's screw you attitude.

MartinCrabtree · Jan 28, 2016

The limited lifetime manufacturing philosophy is not limited to Nikon or even electronics. Virtually everything made is designed to outlast the warranty and not one day longer. Making a quality product is secondary to bells and whistles that foster the "I gotta have the newest" attitude from buyers.

It's unfortunate that our film cameras no longer have a virtually unlimited lifespan. It's my opinion in 20 years we (if we can obtain chemistry) will be using homemade contraptions similar to the pioneers of the late 1800s to make photos on all sorts of alternative process materials. If we are allowed to.

trythis · Jan 28, 2016

Sean Mac said:
A "parts/repair" F100 from Japan seems to be 50 euro or so including postage on a popular auction site.

Of course if the same part is broken on them all that won't help..

Its possible they have a stash of broken cameras they salvage parts from or that they actually have leftover parts from Nikon.

tkamiya · Jan 28, 2016

I had two of my F-100 serviced by Nikon just few months before they EOL'd F100 as well as few other film cameras. One went in for a broken diopter adjustment and the other with sticky back and irregular focusing. Repair cost was $225 for one and $250 for the other, I believe.

I am happy to report, both of them came back fully serviced and basically looking new. But, we can often buy good example for much less if right opportunity strikes at the right moment. It's really a judgement call to get something fixed. I prefer to fix mine but that's my personal choice. Economically, it may be better off to buy two working bodies, than fix just one. I've actually sold two of my own here on APUG (different than ones I had repaired) for $100 to $125 over the years.... and they were working models.

MultiFormat Shooter · Jan 28, 2016

Glad to hear Authorized Photo Service got it fixed. I suspect I will be sending my Nikons there, if they ever need work. It's good to hear they can get the job done.

Repair of Nikon F100

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