nikon fm3a meter kaput? any suggestions?

[emraphoto]

Just picked up a mint Nikon FM3A and loaded up new batteries. No action from the meter at all. Replaced with second battery, nada.

Been through the usual... rotate iso dial, run through apertures etc. and yes, I do know how to turn it on 😀

So, before I return it... any suggestions from the Nikon Gurus? I REALLY don't want to return it 🙁

 

[sevo]

Did you try with film in it? I vaguely remember some (arguably more electronic) Nikons not turning on when not loaded...

 

[Highway 61]

True - the Nikon F3 meter doesn't work until the frames counter is on "1".

Don't know about the FM3A, though. My last similar camera was a FM2N and the meter operation didn't depend on the frames counter.

 

[DavidKKHansen]

It should meter without film. Either get a partial refund to then have it repaired by Nikon or send it back for a full refund.

 

[VTHokiEE]

I doubt it needs film, but it probably needs to have the frame counter at 1 (or later).

 

[dogberryjr]

I just checked mine; the meter works both without film and when < frame 1.

 

[emraphoto]

So it sounds as though the aperture priority mode is working... non Scientific ear assessment. Needle occasionally shows some life and springs about into the really low shutter speed indicators. I think it is actually functioning buy sadly the needle display is not.

Going to muck about, fire the shutter etc. and see what comes of it.

 

[VTHokiEE]

There is a slight potential that the needle is bent. My needle was bent on an FE2, simple fix for my repairman, but the needle wouldn't go beyond 1/500 (IIRC).

Can you do a simple test such as pointing a wide open lens at a light source and listen to the shutter. Compare this to stopping the lens way down in a darker area and see if the shutter slows down? Or something like that to determine if it is simply a display issue or a meter issue?

 

[BillBingham2]

What ASA is it set to?

 

[btgc]

Any chance for dirty contacts? But then needle wouldn't travel at all, I guess. I have SLR which didn't meter on arrival...until I cleaned contacts thoroughly even if they looked clear and shiny.

 

[Highway 61]

There is a slight potential that the needle is bent. My needle was bent on an FE2, simple fix for my repairman, but the needle wouldn't go beyond 1/500 (IIRC).

Valid point.

@emraphoto : remove the focusing screen and see if the needle wouldn't move freely then.

The needle slightly rubbing against the focusing screen surface would be the cause of your problem.

It might even not be bent - the focusing screen might be slightly misplaced... in this case, removing it then fitting it properly would solve this all.

 

[emraphoto]

Thanx mate. Will check it out

 

[sc_rufctr]

Stop messing with it and take it back.

But have you fallen in love with it now that it's "yours"? 😉

 

[emraphoto]

Well, I don't normally fall in love with inanimate objects so I reckon that is a non - issue 😉

I do like to try and figure out what is wrong with things before I give up on them and I have repaired a few cameras in the field... mostly out of desperation.

 

[Highway 61]

So - at the end of the day, was ist los with this FM3A

 

[mfogiel]

Not to sound disrespectful - have you tried with the batteries pointing up OR down? This has happened to me several times... Another point, even if you make the light meter work, check it for focus accuracy with your most used lens, My FM3A's are notoriously off, have to get them adjusted.

 

[maitani]

try an all new set of batteries first, i remember the fm3a deactivates the meter when battery gets low, even if aperture priority continues to work.

 

[ZeissFan]

That camera doesn't sound mint to me.

Your options are straightforward:

- Keep it and get it repaired.
- Return for a partial or full refund.