Nikon F advance lever question!

[bhop73]

Hi, I just received a Nikon F in the mail today. It's the first time i've handled an original F. It seems to be working fine (will put a test roll in it tonight) but I had a question about the advance lever.

Basically, when I pull the lever out of its locked position, it takes a little effort, compared to newer cameras anyway, and has a loud click sound. Same when I fold it back into locked position. I'm wondering if this is normal? I've searched the web and can't find anything about it. It doesn't seem to affect anything at first inspection.

thanks,
b

 

[Erik van Straten]

Yes, this is normal. This is done to keep the transport lever folded when not in use.

Erik.

 

[bhop73]

Yes, this is normal. This is done to keep the transport lever folded when not in use.

Erik.

Ok, thanks. I just had to make sure because my other F's (F2/F3), and the FE I used to have, don't have a loud, forceful click like this one, just more of little barely audible click when you push it in.

 

[Doug Smith]

Mine doesn't make a noise and is easy to move, but then I've shot a gazillion rolls though it so may just be tired. 😉 (1967 vintage)

 

[bhop73]

Mine doesn't make a noise and is easy to move, but then I've shot a gazillion rolls though it so may just be tired. 😉 (1967 vintage)

Mine seems to be from 1969 based on the serial number and a google search. Of course, I have no idea how many rolls have been through it, but I intend to put it to use, not let it be a shelf queen.

 

[Robert Lai]

You've latched onto one of the secrets of the Nikon F. The repairman Clarence Gass told me that you can tell how much use an F has had by how sharp the detente is on the winding lever to pull it out. A new F is almost too stiff. A worn F will have no resistance. So, congratulations on your minimally used F.

Mine is from 1964, but it has minimal mileage on it. It clicks when I pull the lever out (it's stiff), and clicks when I push it back in.

 

[flagellum]

Somewhat related question, I don't mean to hijack the thread so please let me know if I'm doing so. Regarding the Nikon F advance lever, is there a quick way to tighten it? Mine has some vertical play/wobble but is wonderfully smooth otherwise, and I'd like to try and fix it up if I can.

 

[Contarama]

Thanks for posting that Robert. Just checked my two F2 blocks. The nice pretty one firm audible click...the ugly donor...way smoother and way sloppier click.

 

[Shac]

Somewhat related question, I don't mean to hijack the thread so please let me know if I'm doing so. Regarding the Nikon F advance lever, is there a quick way to tighten it? Mine has some vertical play/wobble but is wonderfully smooth otherwise, and I'd like to try and fix it up if I can.

The play you talk about is normal - mine when new had it and I was concerned but was told it's supposed to be like that. So you're OK

 

[jim_jm]

I have 2 post-1970 bodies that have a bit of resistance and a pronounced click, and a '72 body in mint condition (probably less than a dozen rolls before I got it) that does the same. The lever on my '61 body is a bit looser and not much of a click. Although on some examples the lever has a bit of play, I think the lever/wind system on the F is pretty robust overall.

 

[aizan]

the vertical play can be reduced by making paper washers with an olfa circle cutting tool. use a stiff paper impregnated with wax, like that used on the drum of a vandercook printing press.

 

[PKR]

You've latched onto one of the secrets of the Nikon F. The repairman Clarence Gass told me that you can tell how much use an F has had by how sharp the detente is on the winding lever to pull it out. A new F is almost too stiff. A worn F will have no resistance. So, congratulations on your minimally used F.

Mine is from 1964, but it has minimal mileage on it. It clicks when I pull the lever out (it's stiff), and clicks when I push it back in.

Unless it spent it's life on an F36 drive. I used F's for many years at work. I didn't like the F2; so then used F's and FEs. I had to be careful when buying a used F to be sure it didn't come from a newspaper that was moving to F2s. The wind lever on a motor drive camera will feel new while the drive train may have many miles/km on it. The camera back will also look new because it spent little time on the camera.

 

[Robert Lai]

My F was overhauled by Sover Wong (yes, he sometimes does them also). There was no excessive wear in mine, just rotted foams that were cleaned out, and old lube that dried up, and sometimes fungus on the rotted foam.