Help! DP-11 stuck on Nikon F2

[ChrisPlatt]

A friend in another state recently purchased a used Nikon F2A camera.
Despite all efforts he is unable to separate the DP-11 finder from the body.

AFAIK there is no evidence of impact, though I have not inspected this camera in person.

I have owned and used DP-11 and DP-1 finders for my F2 cameras.
Removing them was never easy, but not impossible.

Have any of you F2 owners experienced a similar problem?
Any advice to help resolve this would be much appreciated.

TIA,
Chris

 

[Huss]

Did he try to do it with the lens off?

The sequence is to press and rotate the button/lever on the right side of the finder, then push the button in on the camera body to the left of the finder.
You may have to use a relatively pointy object.

 

[rybolt]

As Huss says, you need to press really hard on the button. Use a small flat blade screw driver and push with the flat part and not the sharp edge. You rotate the camera button/lever at the same time. I've seen the rubber seal deteriorate and get sticky on these finders so it may take a little work to get it free.

 

[Dwig]

Did he try to do it with the lens off?

The sequence is to press and rotate the button/lever on the right side of the finder, then push the button in on the camera body to the left of the finder.
You may have to use a relatively pointy object.

If the finder release is balky, step #1 is to press down on the finder very firmly to compress the springs and rubber seal. You then operate the finder's latch and the body latch as mentioned by Huss.