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Strange sound from Nikon FE shutter

philipus

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Feb 6, 2012
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Greetings everyone

I am considering a Nikon FE in almost mint condition and received it yesterday. Its shutter makes the same ringing sound as described in this Reddit post. I made a video below comparing the FE's shutter sound to the FM3A's.


Given the condition of the FE, and the premium asked due to its condition, I'm not sure I should buy it. Any thoughts on this?

Thank you very much in advance
Philip
 

sounds normal to me but I would mention your concerns and ask for a warranty in case the shutter fails.
 
Nikon FE Mirror-Return Spring "BOINGGG" Sound

I think that is the sound of a spring in the mirror return mechanism. Some Nikons of that design do so as they age. The camera will continue to work normally. It has nothing to do with the shutter mechanism. It could be returned to quiet operation, provided that the required damper is still available. Such a “repair” would cost more than the camera is worth. At this remove, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a shop that would attempt to do so. If the camera is otherwise in good operating condition, I’d just use it as is.

I have several Nikon FE cameras. Some sound like that. Others are quieter. They all work as they should. A used camera that is at least 42 years old (made 1978 – 1983) can be expected to have changes to the non-metal parts: light seals, mirror stop pad, rubber dampers, O-rings, etc. Obviously, Nikon no longer produces replacement parts, and experienced and qualified technicians are mostly retired or dead now.

There are several rubber pieces associated with the mirror-up and mirror-down operations.

https://www.suaudeau.eu/memo/manuels_rep/reflexes/nikon/Nikon_FE_rm.pdf

You could inquire of a camera repair service about replacing the damper. My attitude is: “If it isn’t broken—don’t fix it. Your choice.
 
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Thank you for your replies. I understand this won't affect the camera's operation. I fear it will drive me mad, though, hearing that noise at every shot. It's a shame because the camera is in such a great condition, virtually new, and given what some charge on the secondhand market it's a good deal were it not for this issue. I'll give it a think before I send it back.
Cheers
Philip
 
I don’t know what the insides of the FE look like but this sounds very much like the ringing made by the F2s as they age. In the F2 it’s caused by a damper spring in the mirror mechanism that slaps against the metal side of the mirror box. Nikon addressed this by putting a piece of foam rubber under the spring, but of course after many decades the foam usually wears away or disintegrates. If you take it to a camera repair shop, it’ll require disassembly of much of the camera and removal/replacement of the mirror box to access the spring.
 
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