Nikon F question, what is this?

[xia_ke]

I just acquired a really nice Nikon F, serial number 6566***. There is a small button located just above the mirror lock-up switch and below the DOF preview button and I can't figure out what it is for. I checked the manual, downloaded from butkus.org, but find no reference to it anywhere. Even doing a Google image search turned up nothing. Does anyone have any ideas what this is?

 

[Piewacket]

Do you mean the middle button? I believe that it to release the lens lock...

 

[Shac]

I am pretty sure it was an after-market mirror lock-up button - a modification for using a Questar telescope. You press this button I think instead of turning the Nikon mirror-lock-up and then shooting a frame etc. Give it a try

 

[Highway 61]

It is for sure an aftermarket modification and IIRC this was done to avoid wasting one frame to lock the mirror up.

Tom Abrahamsson will tell this for sure ! 🙂

 

[pgk]

See: http://cameraquest.com/nikonf.htm

Its a Questar modified camera for astronomy with a mirror lock added I believe.

 

[xia_ke]

Do you mean the middle button? I believe that it to release the lens lock...

Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I am referring to the small button, the one that looks similar to the self-timer release button. It does not seem to do anything with regards to the mirror lock-up or lens release.

 

[xia_ke]

See: http://cameraquest.com/nikonf.htm

Its a Questar modified camera for astronomy with a mirror lock added I believe.

Yep, that appears to be what it is. Thanks! However, I can't figure out how it operates??? There is no tension in the button and the lock-up works according to the directions for a regular F.

 

[Highway 61]

Depress that button, keep it depressed, then turn the mirror lock-up button, and see what happens.

 

[KoNickon]

I think some Nikon Fs were modified (after-market) to permit you to not lose a frame when you switch the camera from mirror lockup to instant return. Not exactly sure how you would work that button, but try setting the camera to mirror lockup and fire the shutter. If you turn that switch back to "instant return" while pushing the unfamiliar button, it may be that the mirror lowers back down.

 

[xia_ke]

Yep, that did the trick! Thanks Highway 🙂

 

[Highway 61]

Yep, that did the trick! Thanks Highway 🙂

You're welcome ! 🙂 Well, Shac and myself were ex-aequo to tell you the truth eventually ! 😉

 

[Tom A]

Just to confirm - the button is a "un coupler" for the mirror for attaching the camera to scopes or even microscopes. As stated, usually an after market conversion.
Enjoy the F - still one of the icons of 35 mm photography.

 

[xia_ke]

Thanks Tom. Seems to me that this mod would be well suited to many, not just those using scopes/telescopes. It certainly is a beautiful camera that was on my bucket list of cameras to try. I wasn't quite in the market, but an opportunity presented itself that I couldn't pass up (famous last words of anyone suffering from GAS).

 

[ChrisLivsey]

(famous last words of anyone suffering from GAS).

That's a subset of GAS OGAS Opportunistic GAS, I wasn't actually setting out to buy but the opportunity presented itself.

 

[Alpsman]

@ xia ke: I envy you.

 

[xia_ke]

Thanks Alpsman, I lucked out. Snagged it "as-is" for only $175 with a 50mm f/1.4 and 👎everready case. It looked close to mint and was coming from a collector's estate so figured worth a gamble. Other than needing to replace mirror damper pad it is in virtually perfect condition. Surprised how much quieter it is than my FE-2. Just waiting on replacement foam so I can take it out shooting 🙂

 

[Alpsman]

.... Snagged it "as-is" for only $175 ....

I cant believe it ...:bang:

 

[shortstop]

A wonderful camera and lens! 175$!! Post a picture!
Yes it's quieter than an FM, FE, etc. And the sound it makes is music...

 

[xia_ke]

... Post a picture!...

Just finished replacing the foam.