SP frame counter problem

[brianmarshall169]

I've got a Nikon SP (titanium shutter) with 50/1.4 which I've had for about a year.

It's a great "user" camera, nowhere near mint, but nowhere near badly worn - I can use it out and about without worrying too much about it.

All the important bits work fine - shutter, rangefinder, wind on etc.

It has one problem. When I remove the back to load a film, the frame counter resets to zero and when I wind on, the frame counter starts to count up OK, but stops when it gets to about 15. The camera keeps on working and film keeps going through but the counter stays stuck at 15 until I finish the film, re-load and then this repeats.

It's not a major problem, just a nuisance because I have to try and keep a count in my head how many frames are left, which I often forget if I put the camera away with a half-used film in it.

Is this a common problem with SPs ?

Is there an easy way to fix it or does it need an expensive repair ?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I had this problem with an S3, and it was an easy fix. The Counter Reset mechanism is at the bottom of the take-up shaft, and "senses" when the back is removed. You can take the back off and see the part, spring loaded, on the take-up shaft. Push it in, the counter advances. Let it go, it resets. Mine was loose. Tightening the retainging screw fixed the problem. Also look to see if the back is dented, anything that would prevent the mechanism from being pushed in all the way to do its job.

 

[brianmarshall169]

Brian,

I know the mechanism you mean, but it looks OK. It moves in/out freely and the spring loading works.

It resets to zero OK when I take the back off, and starts to count up fine until it reaches 15, then it just stops counting even though it continues to wind on properly. There's no dent or obvious problem with the back, but just in case, I've held that "reset spindle" in with my thumb, without the back on, wound on and fired the shutter without a film and it still stops counting at 15.

Thanks for your possible solution, but I don't think that's the problem so it's still a mystery. Anybody else got any ideas?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

At this point, it sounds like the film counter needs to be cleaned out and possibly be adjusted. Not uncommon for a 45~50 year old camera. This involves taking the cover off of the film advance and getting into the mechanism. Might be a good time to have a CLA done on the camera. SP's are well worth it. I had one Nikon F with a counter that did this. I did not do the repair, had a shop do it. This was over 15 years ago.

Of course, if anyone knows a simple-fix or other possible cause, I'd also like to know it.

 

[brianmarshall169]

Brian,

Thanks. I thought it wasn't a simple fix so I will invest in a CLA/repair for it. Is there any recommended repair shops for Nikon rangefinders/SPs?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Pete Smitth in Florida has a great reputation. I have bought from him, and others have had Nikon RF;s rebuilt by him.

Cameraquest, the site sponsor, also has a fine reputation for Nikon RF repair.

I've done my own simple Nikon repairs, but do not take on work.

 

[brianmarshall169]

I live in UK so I'd prefer a UK repair shop.

I've been recommended Malcolm Taylor, Upper Lye Farm, Aymestrey, Herefordshire, HR6 9SZ, UK, Tel +44 (0)1568 770542 by a camera dealer.

This isn't too far from where I live. Anybody got any experience of this guy or know another good Nikon rangefinder CLA shop in UK?