Nikon FM with big problem.

Bill wrs1145

Bill wrs1145

A native Texan
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I got a Nikon FM the other day and I have a big problem. Everything woks, except the LEDs in the VF. Can they be replaced and if so how much does it cost?

Many thanks,
Bill
 
There are no new parts available. I would return the camera and buy one that just works. The cost of repair will be high, as a repairer will have to find donor parts from another old camera and the work of installing them requires a lot of disassembly.
 
Out of interest, what makes you think the LEDs themselves are faulty. I don’t know the FM but is there a battery test and does it test properly with a new battery?
 
The FM does not have a battery test. LED's lighting up- indicate the meter is working. At this point, it would be impossible to know where the failure has occurred. It could be the metering board, not just the LED's. If it really is a near mint camera- worth the $78 to repair. I picked up a good user grade, all working FM for $50 a few years ago. I suspect prices are going up. The FM uses GaAS meter cells, not SPD. So- the donor must be another FM. The FM2 and FM2n went to SPD.
 
Assuming you checked the battery chamber for corrosion? Did you try new batteries? This is much more likely to be the culprit than LEDs or circuit boards, but anything is possible depending on how well the camera was cared for, or how much it wasn't. Good luck!
 
There are three likely points of failure:
- power to the meter i - the wires from the battery contacts often get dirty or lose proper attachment
- power to the meter ii - the blue wire in the prism housing (with FMs it is usually the blue one due to its placement)
- motherboard failure

Either send it back, or, if you have a friendly repairer who can look at it quickly, let the seller know and get the repairer to take a look and provide a repair estimate.

Good luck, and let us know how you go.

Marty
 
Also check the battery contacts. They can get loose, bent, weakened, and make sure you have fresh batteries. If all that checks out, see above.

Best,
-Tim
 
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