Nikon F Problem

Tom Harrell

Tom Harrell

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Jun 12, 2005
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I recently acquired a Nikon F with the FTN Photomic viewfinder. Everything seems to work fine with the exception of changing the ASA setting. I cannot pull up on the knurled ring to change the setting. It appears to be stuck. Does anyone have any ideas. I am considering putting some drops of lighter fluid on the top to see if it will seep into the housing and somehow release the knurled ring. That's all I can think of to do at this writing. Does anyone have any suggestions. I may have to take it to a camera repair shop if this doesn't work.
Thanks,
Tom
 
I would not introduce any liquid to the dial. It could migrate to god knows where. Unless your experienced I would sent it out. Essex Camera in NJ did my Photomic Head and did a great job for a pretty decent price. Also calibrated the meter.
 
Soaking it in solvent might do additional damage - taking it apart would be the way to go. Service manuals for the FTN finder are around on the net, and it is quite easy to dis- and reassemble.
 
Tom Harrell said:
I recently acquired a Nikon F with the FTN Photomic viewfinder. Everything seems to work fine with the exception of changing the ASA setting. I cannot pull up on the knurled ring to change the setting. It appears to be stuck. Does anyone have any ideas. I am considering putting some drops of lighter fluid on the top to see if it will seep into the housing and somehow release the knurled ring. That's all I can think of to do at this writing. Does anyone have any suggestions. I may have to take it to a camera repair shop if this doesn't work.
Thanks,
Tom
Click to expand...

Would not use any type of petro based solvent on electronic or plastic. If you feel compelled to use a liquid use a silicon base which will only destroy the electronics & not the plastic housing them. :D
 
Are you sure it's an FTN? The early FT did not pull up but had two little studs on top to help you rotate top asa dial. Good Luck, Joe
 
So it won't budge at all? My FTn dial is a real PITA to lift and rotate the ASA dial -- hard to get a good angle to grasp it, and the knurling isn't the best design. The F2 is much better in that regard. I'm not sure what to suggest before you send it out -- maybe rubber kitchen gloves?
 
I had one with the same problem. I dipped a q-tip in nail polish remover and very lightly coated around the ring then let it soak in. Fixed it right up, the trick is to use as little as possible (think in terms of smears rather than drops).
 
It is hard to lift! I got it by getting my fingernails under the knurled ring and pulling up rather than grasping the ring it's self! Thanks again for all the suggestions!
Tom
 
I have a FTn finder (but no body that it will mount on) and looking at it I find that lifting the knob to adjust the ASA is somewhat hard to do..it lifts very little..I also find that I can adjust the dial by just turning it without lifting...you can feel the ratchet or teeth that hold it in place but I can turn it without lifting...
 
Tom, just a tiny drop of lighter fluid would not hurt anything.
I did repair many of those finders and they are built like tanks.
The ASA knob is indeed hard and may get stuck with grease/dirt.
 
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