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F3P Questions

f3hp f3

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8 replies to this topic

#1
Rickles

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I recently got an F3P in pretty much Mint condition and had a CLA/light seal replacement done. I had an F3HP for many years and loved it. I have two questions about the F3P.

 

The first is just curiosity; I've read three or four accounts that say when the power switch pin is positioned counter-clockwise, pointing over the red dot, the power is ON and the shutter is UNLOCKED; pushing the pin in and moving it clockwise, turns the power OFF, locking the shutter. Mine works just the opposite, like my F3HP did. It doesn't make any difference to me, and seems logical the way it is, red dot signaling OFF. I'm just wondering if others have found this?

 

Next. The ASA setting dial is stuck (this seems to be somewhat common) on 200 and doesn't budge. I can pull up on the locking ring, but not as far as I remember from my F3HP. When I pull up on the lock ring, the number dial wiggles a little, but it just won't unlock. From the few things I've read, people offer suggestions for workarounds, but no one seems to say what is actually wrong or how or if it can be fixed. It's not a huge issue because I'll probably only use 200 speed film. It would be nice to be able to use it because the camera is beautiful and everything else works fine. Any ideas? Thank you.



#2
Ron

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How did you manage to get the camera CLAed without them checking the ASA dial for proper operation? Seems to me like they need to finish their work.

 

--Ron



#3
Rickles

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I agree Ron. I didn't even notice it until several months later; actually, I haven't used it yet. I talked to Joe at Authorized Photo Service (not where the CLA was done) this morning, and he told me it's pretty common, but can be repaired. I shipped it off to them this afternoon.

 

Rick


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#4
Ron

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It's too bad the place that did the CLA can't do it but, considering how they missed it when they had the camera, maybe you don't want them to work on it again. I probably wouldn't.

 

And, that ASA dial is important! Heck, how else are we supposed to easily bias film speed otherwise?! :o

 

Good luck... hope it comes back working like new!

 

--Ron



#5
La Bikina

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I can pull the ASA lock ring on my F3, but it goes a bit hard and I lift the lock ring, the number dial moves, it unlocks, but it's not very smooth.
Use this type of product with a dispenser, and it's miraculous, and improved the mobility for me worked.

 

https://3enuno.es/

 

Note it's this kind of oil for corrosion and oxide. Usually for engines and locks.

 

I think the temperature and humidity cause this ASA lock ring is a bit jammed, and need a bit of oil every 10-20 years :lol:

Mainteniment of the equipment is basic.



#6
Merco_61

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Three-in-one oil is not a substitute for getting a real CLA done. The grease Nikon used in the 80-s breaks down sooner or later. The ASA dial needs to be dismantled, cleaned and regreased. When diluting the grease with new oil, you never know where things go and you might end up with oil where it shouldn't be. You might get lucky, but adding oil to old grease usually leads to trouble later. The CLA done several months ago should have caught this and done the repair right. The OP has, however, sent the camera in to get it fixed the right way. This should be a one-time deal as modern synthetic grease doesn't break down like the old did.

 

The power switch in the F3P works exactly like in the other F3 versions, so page 7 in the F3 manual explains the thinking behind the red dot. https://cdn-10.nikon.../archive/F3.pdf.



#7
La Bikina

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I used really a little bit of oil with a little cotton stick, I take care to don't use it directly, and it worked after resting during 30 minutes, but maybe it's hard or complex to apply the correct doses of Three-in-one oil. The oil need time to act too, but now moves easy, and I don't found any side effects.

But maybe just I was lucky. :unsure:



#8
Rickles

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Thanks everyone. That's very interesting about the need for lubrication; I was afraid something was broken, so I'm confident he'll fix it up.

 

That's how I remembered the switch working, thanks, Merco.



#9
Rickles

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Here's an update. My F3P came back from Authorized Photo Service (APS) today. Joe did an absolute fantastic job on it! The ASA/ISO dial is now working great and Joe fixed the LCD, it was dim, had segment problems, and had a smudge-like dark mark at the bottom of the LCD window. I didn't bother asking him to fix the LCD because I thought it was a lost cause on F3's now. I was glad to see it included in the estimate. He did a full CLA, checked and adjusted the meter, shutter speeds, etc. I am, needless to say, thrilled with the outcome! I will never use anyone else, but I don't think I'll have to for a very long time.

 

I don't have an issue with the first shop that did the CLA because they did a great job replacing the light seals and mirror cushion, etc.







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