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Nikon F-801 ,aperture not changing in M or A mode


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9 replies to this topic

#1
peterzoch

peterzoch

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Hello,

I am trying to start shooting with Nikon F-801 film SLR,so i studied original manual.

According to manual to shoot in Aperture or Manual mode ,aperture ring need to be moved on the lens and then the value is shown on  the top of the camera.

In my camera it does not changing,value seems to stuck on f32,so no chance for proper exposure.

I tried P and S mode where Aperture need to be locked on the highest f stop and it is working ,camera reacts and changing values.

Does anyone know why is this happening?I really would like to shoot full Manual mode but there is no chance without  proper exposure reading.

I tried two lenses: Nikkor 35-70 and Sigma 70-210 ,both tested on D300 and working without any problems.

Thank You.



#2
Merco_61

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Does the aperture follower pin on the body move when you move the ring?



#3
peterzoch

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hi

Sorry for late reply but did not get any notification relating to my post.

Not sure what do you mean but while pressing aperture preview button on the front  of camera i can see blades are changing by looking into the lens



#4
Merco_61

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There is a meter coupling on the body, it looks like this:

PES_2021-06-22_22-17-33_()_v1.JPG

 

This photo is a D300, but it looks the same on a F-801. I don't have a F-801 anymore as I gave my last one away to a friend's daughter who wanted to learn how to use a darkroom and how to shoot monochrome film.

 

This sometimes hangs and doesn't return to its at-rest position. The aperture in the lens will move to the preset position when using the preview button, but the metering will be very screwy.



#5
peterzoch

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Yes,i found it  on opposite side,moved it back.

It worked until it stucked again .

Is any way i could fix that,like clean with air or maybe WD40?



#6
Merco_61

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Keep WD40 away from this part of the camera. It will work perfectly for two weeks or so until the solvents in the WD40 has evaporated and taken most of the grease away... I usually remove the lens mounting plate using JIS screwdrivers, clean the ring with the coupling with lighter fluid away from the camera and reassemble with a light coating of Weldtite TF2 grease or the Motul blue synthetic grease (I don't remember the name and the pot I bought 30 years ago isn't readable anymore)



#7
peterzoch

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Ok,thank you very much!

At least i know what causing all this trouble.

I will try to fix that per your suggestion.

Update when is done.

Thank You once again:)



#8
peterzoch

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Well,i removed 5 screws and ring,unfortunately the spring attached to meter coupling is damaged , i am not technically proficient to fix that.

I ordered another f-801s on eBay,according to seller everything works fine,so finger cross:)



#9
Merco_61

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They are usually dependable cameras and only need a CLA, if anything. OTOH, they are getting old these days as even the last production run for the F-801s was over 25 years ago.

 

Let's hope the new one is in better shape.



#10
peterzoch

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New(old) one arrived and mechanically all is good:)

Thank You for your time Merco_61