Repairing winders/locked film door on FE and FE2's

[fotoobscura]

I happen to have two winders broken/semi-broken on both a Nikon FE and an FE2.

On the FE the film door won't open by pulling up on the winder no matter what I try (without forcing, of course).

On the FE2 the winder is completely gone (I suspect part of it has fallen off in the film compartment). I have heard there is some way to put something inside the empty hole and release the film door latch but I haven't been able to verify that.

I'd like to take the winding mechanism out of the FE and place it in the FE2.

Finally, am I asking for trouble by disassembling the camera? I have screwdrivers to open it but am a bit nervous that opening it up it will "explode" and I will not be able to get it back together. I don't have magnifiers and professional precision tools but I do have exploded schematics for both of the cameras.

Thanks for all tips/hints/etc.

 

[Peter Simpson]

There are some threads on this subject on Photo.net. Basically, you make a hook and you use it to trip the latch release in the winder hole. A copy of the repair manual (google for it) for the FE2 with an exploded parts diagram helps to show where you need to aim. Some pressure on the back as you try to trip the release helps to reduce the friction between the catch and the prongs on the back.

You do know about the safety lever you have to push aside on the FE before lifting the winder, right?

 

[John_Nikon_F]

The FE series is the one Nikon line that I prefer to let a professional with all the special tools work on. It's too easy to get the ASA/ISO dial out of adjustment when trying to get the back open. You can try with a dental tool that has a hook on it. Insert it into the hole, then rotate it so the hook is pointing at 10:00, then pull upward. It may unlatch. If you're successful and find the rewind shaft inside, remove the back, then start reassembling the camera with a rewind knob, crank handle with pin, washer and leaf spring.

If not, take the cameras to the repair shop and have them do the work for you.

-J

 

[fotoobscura]

Hey Peter and John,

Thanks. Ya I have the diagrams for the FE and FE2. I fashioned a hook, we'll see what happens

Yes I am aware of the rewind lever on the bottom of the camera.

I totally imagined that a dental tool would be perfect. Alas, no dental tool. Also imagined that a lockpick set would be good too

Thanks

 

[starcade design]

I've got this same issue on my FE. Will have to stay tuned. I've managed to open mine twice, but it just seems to be random luck that it occasionally pops open. (No, it's not that I just randomly actually push the safety lever...) Other than that my FE seems to be in good condition. I'd love to not have to pay another repair bill (just got my FA back).