Nikon F shutter issue

[largedrink]

Hoping for some tips or guidance on an unusual shutter problem in a Nikon F I recently bought. The slow speeds work well and seem accurate. But the shutter doesn't open at 1/60 or faster, the shutter curtains move but stay locked together (no opening between them). I examined the curtain tensioning but I don't think it's a tension issue. Interestingly the slow speeds were showing the same behaviour initially but then began working. Any help much appreciated.

 

[Erik van Straten]

You say that it is not a tension problem, but it is likely that the second curtain has too much tension. It could also be a lubrication problem.

Erik.

 

[largedrink]

You say that it is not a tension problem, but it is likely that the second curtain has too much tension. It could also be a lubrication problem.

Erik.

Thanks Erik. I'm thinking the camera has been sitting around unused for many, many years. I dialled back the tension 2 full turns on the second curtain but there was no change to the behaviour, so I re-tensioned back to where it had been.

 

[Erik van Straten]

"I'm thinking the camera has been sitting around unused for many, many years."

Yes, the logo on the top plate and the funny seltimer-lever indicate that the camera is from about 1959. I'd put a little sewing machine oil on the center spindle, turn the camera upside down and try the camera again in a week or two. The shaft is hollow inside. Inside the cavity is a thinner shaft that controls the short times. This cavity must be oiled. Old Leicas have almost the same shutter. I've often done it this way at Leicas. Make sure that some oil gets into the outer shaft so that the inner shaft is oiled. Oil gets everywhere by itself, so you don't have to disassemble the camera any further.

Erik.

 

[Livesteamer]

I had the same problem in 1985. I sent the camera in and a broken part had to be replaced.