Nikon F2 Frame Counter

[CliveC]

So I was bit by the Nikon bug and got myself a user F2 off Fleabay. It arrived and was in pretty good condition, save for the frame counter, which is stuck at 40. Opening the back does not reset it.

Does anybody have any experience with that mechanism? It's not absolutely critical I have a counter I suppose, but if it's a simple matter of re-engaging a gear or a hook, perhaps I can give a shot.

 

[Vickko]

I'd start my research on Sover Wong's page:
http://www.soverf2repair.webs.com/

There is a small tab below the film advance lever that the back pushes, to activate the counter. See if it is stuck or gummed up.

Popping the lid on the film advance side is easy. If you need more investigation, you have to jump in there. The counter mechanism can't be too hard to figure out.

Note, popping the lid on the rewind side is a pain, because the metal plate under the rewind is glued on, and easy to damage.

 

[CliveC]

THANK YOU!

The little tab was indeed stuck. Some careful prodding with a small screwdriver and it came loose. At first it would only reset to frame 14 or so, but some exercise later (repeated advance and opening the back), and it now resets to S reliably. Didn't even have to open 'er up. Woohoo!

 

[Vickko]

Great. Might want to put a tiny drop of oil, and chase it in with lighter fluid, just to "wet the mechanism". It'll work for another 50 to 75 years.

 

[mikemc_photo]

Please keep it DRY.....oil has no place on a counter lever, will attract more crud

 

[farlymac]

Could be your seals are going, and a chunk of it got on the lever. Oil would only make it gummier. Lighter fluid may dissolve it, but if enough is left behind, then it will settle somewhere else. So I'd open up that side, clean up whatever got in there, then replace the light seals.

PF