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FA problem


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8 replies to this topic

#1
Alcap

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I bought a FA  brand new back in the 80's used for years until I made the switch to digital. I removed the batteries and store it my dresser draw. I actually sold the camera and they returned it saying it did not work. It worked perfectly when I stored it. Now I installed new batteries and the film advance will not cock. The shutter button moves up and down freely and everything else seem to work. I put on a 35-135 Nikon manual focus lens that I used to use on that camera and when I look through the view finder it is very dark. I can see through it but it is dark. Any suggestions on what is wrong with it.

Thank You..

Alcap



#2
Merco_61

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Does it release the film advance if you fire it on M250? M250 is the only mechanical shutter speed in the FA. All other are battery dependent.

If that works, you probably have oxidized battery contacts. Try to clean them using de-oxit gold or something equivalent. 

 

Does the meter work?


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#3
Alcap

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Does it release the film advance if you fire it on M250? M250 is the only mechanical shutter speed in the FA. All other are battery dependent.

If that works, you probably have oxidized battery contacts. Try to clean them using de-oxit gold or something equivalent. 

 

Does the meter work?

No it does not. As I said the shutter button goes all the down. I removed the batteries  when I stored it and saw no corrosion when I installed new batteries. I can't tell if the meter is working because it is very dark. Thank You for your comment.



#4
tonyzoc

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I bought a FA brand new back in the 80's used for years until I made the switch to digital. I removed the batteries and store it my dresser draw. I actually sold the camera and they returned it saying it did not work. It worked perfectly when I stored it. Now I installed new batteries and the film advance will not cock. The shutter button moves up and down freely and everything else seem to work. I put on a 35-135 Nikon manual focus lens that I used to use on that camera and when I look through the view finder it is very dark. I can see through it but it is dark. Any suggestions on what is wrong with it.
Thank You..
Alcap

The first thing I'd try to do is see if you can pull the mirror down. Use a wooded toothpick and don't force it. I've seen on some cameras where the mirror foam gets sticky as it degrades and keeps the mirror stuck in the up position preventing the completion of the cycle. If the mirror comes down, check if the foam is sticky and if so, you'll need to replace it. If it does come down, try to then cock the shutter. If it stuck up and doesn't come down with a light pull, then something more severe is wrong.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

#5
Alcap

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The first thing I'd try to do is see if you can pull the mirror down. Use a wooded toothpick and don't force it. I've seen on some cameras where the mirror foam gets sticky as it degrades and keeps the mirror stuck in the up position preventing the completion of the cycle. If the mirror comes down, check if the foam is sticky and if so, you'll need to replace it. If it does come down, try to then cock the shutter. If it stuck up and doesn't come down with a light pull, then something more severe is wrong.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

Thank You for your reply.

Just got back in town and check the mirror and it is already down. Seems to move freely. I did notice that the meter does not seem to be working and the batteries are new and no corrosion at all anywhere. Any other ideas ??

 



#6
tonyzoc

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The first thing I'd try to do is see if you can pull the mirror down. Use a wooded toothpick and don't force it. I've seen on some cameras where the mirror foam gets sticky as it degrades and keeps the mirror stuck in the up position preventing the completion of the cycle. If the mirror comes down, check if the foam is sticky and if so, you'll need to replace it. If it does come down, try to then cock the shutter. If it stuck up and doesn't come down with a light pull, then something more severe is wrong.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Thank You for your reply.
Just got back in town and check the mirror and it is already down. Seems to move freely. I did notice that the meter does not seem to be working and the batteries are new and no corrosion at all anywhere. Any other ideas ??

If it's not firing at M250 and the mirror is moving freely then there is a problem that's more than electronic. The FA is a nice camera and it's holding value pretty well. If it's in good cosmetic condition I'd sent it out for repair assuming you can find someone who can fix it.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
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#7
Alcap

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If it's not firing at M250 and the mirror is moving freely then there is a problem that's more than electronic. The FA is a nice camera and it's holding value pretty well. If it's in good cosmetic condition I'd sent it out for repair assuming you can find someone who can fix it.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for your comment

I wonder if Nikon will fix it for a reasonable price.

 



#8
Merco_61

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You will probably get better response from KEH than from NikonUSA when you need repairs on a classic body like the FA. 


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#9
Alcap

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Thanks for the help

AL