Nikon S2 slow speed problem

[Mike254]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a nearly mint condition Nikon s2. The only flaw it has is that the slow speeds fire as the B setting. Anything slower than 1/30 is bulb. Is this because grease is messing up the slow speed mechanism? How hard is this to get to and clean with lighter fluid? I would like to do it myself, I've fixed many other cameras so I feel comfortable with it.

Thanks!

 

[KHW]

You can make reference to the book:
Nikon Camera Repair Handbook
The way to dismantle a S2 is similar as S. The most important is to have a 1~1.2mm screw driver. Slow speeds are controlled by another set of gears which is in the bottom part of the camera. If you are experienced then S2 is an easy one.

 

[Mike254]

Do you have that book? If so, would you mind posting a picture of the relevant information?

 

[jonmanjiro]

FWIW I remember a friend telling about how he installed a slow speed governor from a Nikon F2 into a Nikon S and was surprised that it fitted and worked without any modifications. That leads me to think that removing, cleaning, and reinstalling a slow speed governor from a Nikon S2 should be pretty much the same as on a Nikon F and F2, and it's no doubt a lot easier to find information on how to do the work on an F or F2 than an S2.

 

[Frontman]

The slow speed mechanism can be removed for cleaning easily enough. You need to remove the lower dust cover inside the camera below the lens mount by removing two screws. These are not a strsight shot to get out, so be carefull not to damage the screws. Then the bottom cover needs to be removed, after which you remove the two screws which hold in the slow speed mechanism. The mechanism comes out through the lens mount. The best way to clean it is to let it soak in clean lacquer thinner, then let it evaporate dry.

 

[Mike254]

Just posting a follow up to this question for anyone else who is looking for a solution to this problem.

Thank you guys for the advice!

I have fixed this issue very quickly and easily. All you need is a jewelers set of screwdrivers and lighter fluid.

1) Remove the 4 screws on the face plate and take it off. The top left screw is longer than the rest.

2) remove the 3 screws holding the focusing helical in place, and then remove the focusing helical assembly carefully. Watch out for small shims underneath- don't lose them.

3) squirt lighter fluid into the slow speed gear set at the bottom and then run through ALL of the slow speeds multiple times to work in the lighter fluid.

4) after confirming everything works, reassemble in reversed order.

This works for the S and S2, and most likely for the rest of the Nikon rangefinders.

Good luck!