Nikon F CLA Recommendations?

[ktmrider]

I have a very nice Nikon F with standard prism. It has a 50f1.4 Nikkor SC which is not as smooth focusing as I would like. Additionally, the viewfinder is not as sharp as I remember.

Now, it has a "B" focusing screen and my eyesight may not be what it was 40 years ago in college. I cannot figure out if the "sharpness" or lack there of is my eyesight or the lens. Unfortunately, it is the only Nikon lens I own at this point in time.

Everything (depth of field preview, shutter speeds, self timer etc) on the body works just fine. I keep this camera because similar models paid my way through college and I actually want to start shooting with it.

Can anyone recommend a good CLA technician for Nikons? I suspect I need to visit a camera store and try a couple different Nikon mount lenses to see if it is the 50, the camera or me. Other hints on figuring the focus issues are welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Timmyjoe]

If the standard prism on your Nikon F is the latter model, it has a round eye hole opening in the rear of the prism. If it is an earlier model, it has the rectangular eye hole opening in the rear of the prism. The latter model prisms will take the Nikon diopters. It's amazing how sharp the ground glass image becomes when you have the proper diopter installed on the camera.

Best,
-Tim

 

[jim_jm]

If you need reading glasses to read, then you'll probably want to add a diopter eyepiece. Makes a world of difference. Most Nikon viewfinders, including the F, are a default -1 magnification. If you use reading glasses with a +1 magnification, you'll probably find that a Nikon diopter marked "0" will work for you. I use +2 reading glasses, so I use Nikon diopters marked "0.5" or "1". Otherwise, it's too difficult to see the screen and VF readouts clearly.

Doesn't sound like the camera needs a CLA, but if it does I'd send it to our RFF host Stephen, at https://cameraquest.com/repairs.htm .

Good luck!

 

[ktmrider]

Have had the camera for ten years or so. Honestly, I think I had a CLA done when I purchased the camera. The lens is "new" as the original was lost by the dealer who gave me the 50f1.4 and I just have noticed the problem focusing since using this lens. I really need to put a couple other lenses on the camera to see if it is the lens or me.

Additionally, I have noticed focusing is easier when I wear my reading glasses which are presently 1.75 diopter.

 

[shimokita]

It's amazing how sharp the ground glass image becomes when you have the proper diopter installed on the camera.

Plus 1... the diopter on my F3P is marked -2.0... I need glasses to see far, can read without. It made all the difference in the world... BTW, the diopters for some Nikon bodies are interchangeable e.g. the F3P takes a "modern" (and available) version - check the internet for compatibility.

EDIT: F3 High Point Finder you can also use a diopter from the F801, F100, and/or F90. I picked up an F-801.N8008 eyepiece correction lens off the shelf in the local (Tokyo) Yodobashi Camera.

 

[ktmrider]

It looks like I have the older square viewfinder on the classic F prism. Ideas?

 

[madNbad]

You could try a focusing screen with a split image. The A,K,L and P screens have them. Currently, I’m using a “P” screen in my F. It has a 45 degree split.

 

[shimokita]

Very old diopters (most likely hard to find / expensive) slip over the rectangular eye-piece and the newer diopters use a standard thread attachment system.

When Nikon "upgraded" from a rectangular to circular eye-piece assembly did they re-design the prism or just change out the eye-piece frame. If the latter it might be possible to replace the old eye-piece with the newer version (assuming you can find a parts only finder) and then use a circular diopter... just thinking out loud, might be fantasy land ; )

 

[leicapixie]

My daughter "borrowed" my F system for her jobs..
When she went digital, i was handed back the old clunkers.
Back in Toronto, off I went to the Islands 20 mins away on ferry.
Lo and behold I could not see clearly and certainly could not hit infinity!
I took of my glasses, everything was clear and present,, like Clancy wrote!
Infinity at infinity, there was no dust of course, daughter maintains equipment.
I realized my eyesight had changed, no longer needing glasses for distance.
Sadly my arms too short for reading near distance..
I went to Nikon originally as easy to focus for my then short sight vision.
Check your eyes and add a diopter if reqd.
I have square eyepiece in standard prism, but circular on all 3 non-working Photomics.
The Photomic finders are brighter and clearer.
CLA are seldom reqd. unless jams and sticking.
Two of 3 Nikon-F going for at sometime..

 

[ktmrider]

Maybe I will just wear my reading glasses when using the Nikon. And perhaps that is why I went to rangefinders years ago. Am still going to check with a couple different Nikon lenses to make sure it is not the 50f1.4.

 

[Dinosaur]

If you can find one of these
http://www.destoutz.ch/accessories_finders_acc_eyecup-adapters.html


Then all you need is a 19mm thread size diopter to suit.

 

[bhop73]

Cameraquest seems to specialize in classic Nikon repair.

https://cameraquest.com/repairs.htm

edit:.. re-reading the thread, seems I was beat to the punch.