N90s - possible film advance motor failing?

<p>After about 12 frames into a roll the camera emits a tone (similar to what I recall hearing at end-of-roll), and for a lengthy time (a full second or more) then I hear the next frame click into place. Camera has also shown an "end" message at 33 frames into a 36 exp roll (also once it did that at only 4 frames in); I did try fresh batteries just to be sure that wasn't a cause.. Am I right in thinking a film advance motor is going bad? Or what other component? What is a ballpark repair cost for such a thing? I love the camera body, hate to turn it into a parts camera, but if it's more cost effective to replace than repair I might have no other choice. Yes, I am familiar with KEH as a source, I've purchased a lot of equipment from them over the years. TIA</p>

<p>Don,</p>

<p>Does this occur with every roll of film or is this an incident?</p>

<p>Are you using an MB 10 motor drive?If so is it firmly attached? </p>

<p>Yes, it happens on every roll of film. I have the MB-10, but that's just a grip, isn't it? It isn't a motor drive, the motors are all in the camera body, right? At any rate, it, too, is firmly attached. I was hoping I can fire some test images without the MB-10 and see what happens, but I don't believe I have the battery compartment for the camera body without a grip (I got the N90s second hand in mint condition about 6 years ago)... Thanks for the responses.</p>

<p>That's pretty weird. Last week my F5 decided a roll of Provia 100F was done after 32 frames, but the other 2 rolls I shot that day went through fine.</p>

<p>It's unlikely that it would happen with multiple rolls, but it sounds like the camera senses enough tension in the cassette to think that it has hit the end of the roll. A batch of "tight film", perhaps?</p>

<p>Chuck it and buy a mint one for $225 @ George Ury.com. Outstanding dealer, very reasonable prices, uncond. guarantee! Bought from him over the years; You get what's advertized!</p>

<p>I'm not ready to chuck it yet. I did write Nikon, their response, which of course is general until they could see it, includes the motor, gears, and sensors would all need checking. What I really wanted to know is their ballpark price estimate. $125-$280 they said for service. The low side, worth it to me, the body is otherwise perfect. The high side, not so. I know I could get an excellent body from KEH if it came to that.</p>

<p>There's a local Nikon film tech I may send it too, however. His prices are certainly lower than Nikon. His reputation is very well received, so that's probably the route I will take.</p>

<p>A batch of tight film? Hmmm, hadn't considered that. I guess anything is possible. It's Velvia 100F; kept refrigerated until needed. The fourth roll is still in the camera, and yes, all rolls have exhibited this behavior on the camera. At the very least a proper go-through, lubing, calibrating wouldn't hurt, and of course I hope a specific cause is found and cured at a reasonable price. I'll have an estimate before committing. Lots of repair techs (Nikon included) are aware of the availability of replacement bodies on the market for very low rates right now.</p>

<p>I'll let you know...keep the comments coming if you have something to add. I've found the N90s to be a very excellent camera despite this one flaw. 6+ years with it so far....(I also have some old Canons BTW...)</p>

<p>I am having the Exact same problem, mine also flashed HI-Il on the LCD dipay and is not that I used it to death, I hardly used that camera..... Thats when I decided to put it away and move to D80.</p>

<p>I also kicked around the idea of going digital SLR. Financially I haven't been able to shoot much film this year, so it's not been an average "shooting season." I found out that although my Nikon lenses will work on a digital, they won't have auto-focus, I'd need to get a couple of lenses along with a body. Well...some day perhaps, not now. Anyway, I still like film, and wouldn't get rid of my film cameras just to shoot ones and zeros. If the N90s proves too expensive to repair/overhaul, it's still more cost effective to get another body and keep the system I have. Just as soon as the economy breaks open, I may look at a D80 or D90....yes, just as soon as.......</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I found out that although my Nikon lenses will work on a digital, they won't have auto-focus, I'd need to get a couple of lenses along with a body. Well...some day perhaps, not now.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I switched from a f100 to a D700 due to the cost of film. A D700 will autofocus any Nikon AF lens available, exept those made specifically for the F3 and I believe the Pronea lenses. So does the D300, D200, D90, D80 etc.<br />You'll be surpiced what's possible with a D body nowadays. If you can afford it: Don, GO FOR IT!!!</p>

<p>Well, that's encouraging about the AF. I think the thing to do is take my lenses to a local shop where a friend is working, have him let me test them on a D80, D90, whatever, and decide from there. Still not in the budget for the moment, though...</p>

<p>For anyone following this thread, the current update.....N90s was serviced by a private party (tech other than Nikon Inc.). Cleaned and re-lubricated wind gears, plus overall checkup. $45. My tests with body so far show perfect operation.</p>

<p>I just re-logged onto my old thread, wondering where it traveled to. If anyone else with an N90s was following this, here's what ultimately happened......whereas the N90s was OK for awhile, it soon started "beeping" above 12 frames, though never stopping and giving an end-of-roll message prior to 36. This was still a concern, Nikon would charge too much for a repair, the local tech that cleaned it said to look for an excellent F100. I often deal with KEH for used equipment, the cost of an F100 in perfect condition was (IIRC) around $300.</p>

<p>Thinking it over along with continued cost of film and processing, I sold some unneeded things I had, and last year bought a Nikon D90, which as another poster pointed out does indeed auto-focus my film lenses (the D90 was the only one under $1000 that can do this).<br>

Loving the D90, and able to direct available cash towards software instead of film (I'm now working with Lightroom 3.4.1 for example).<br>

I like film, but was kind of forced to make the transition. The D90, even after a year, still amazes me as to what it can do.</p>