Nikon FE meter non functioning.

I bought a Nikon Fe advertised as non working meter.When it arrived it was only functioning on the manual speed and no meter.I informed the company and they said no problem we will arrange a return.But I was curious and set about cleaning battery contacts etc.but it was in sparkling condition overall so no difference.Put in a fresh battery again from the first one but no go.Just in case I soaked my cloth in circuit cleaner and did the rim of the battery compartment and the thread of the cover ,it worked! the shutter speeds were operating on manual and auto and a test film proved they were good.The only thing not working was the meter needle but on flipping the screen down I could see it was rubbing on the edge of the plastic number strip and really not moving unless pushed up by the green match needle.So looks like somebody was cleaning the prism base and snagged it.Next thing is to figure how to straighten it out with ought a dismantle of the top.

But it is a good point that simple things can prove to be the problem and a meticulous clean is worthwhile.Any suggestions on the needle problem would be welcome.

Me? I'd send it back quick for a refund. The FE sold well and isn't that rare in decent working shape. Skip the iffy DIY surgery, take the refund, and buy a fully functional camera this time. Don't pass up a clean FG if an FE is unavailable or too pricey. Edited February 14, 2021 by c_watson|1

No suggestions, but check: Repair: Nikon FE

An FE with non working meter must have been almost free - if not; return.

Edited February 14, 2021 by NHSN

Me? I'd send it back quick for a refund. The FE sold well and isn't that rare in decent working shape. Skip the iffy DIY surgery, take the refund, and buy a fully functional camera this time. Don't pass up a clean FG if an FE is unavailable or too pricey.

 

Same thought here, you've already got money in on it so no sense in having to risk a teardown now. They're a great camera and workhorse; get a good one and you're good for years.

I thought the seller said before hand that the camera has a non working meter. I am missing something?

The price was very good and basically it works now except for having to guess the speed but as I generally have a good idea what it is and the intention was a cheap body to take on rougher excursions with auto exposure but sturdy enough to stand that kind of use.I often buy partial or completely non workers and restore them ,its a hobby .So this one will be kept and so far has been well worth the price.I will get the needle operating and another camera will be saved from the junk pile rather than assuming from the start that it is a lost cause.How many good cameras end up that way? I think most of the reply posts have missed the point that a meticulous clean is worth the while and the camera is now working except for shutter speed indication on auto, it works on all manual speeds, if I was to use a separate meter if I was fussy about a shot it would be possible and that is often my method.

Sorry but I have an excusable preference for fully functional cameras. The wounded ones are all yours. Try thanking posters next time.

https://learncamerarepair.com/downloads/pdf/nikon-fe-fe2-service.pdf

 

Nikon | Service Manuals | Learn Camera Repair

 

You can download the original service manual for free.

Many other manuals available on that web site.

 

As these ancient cameras stop working- the DIY resources will be more and more important. You can find a few shops offering professional repair, and it is getting very expensive. Good luck finding the hang-up for the meter.

I think the OP figured out what was wrong with it. A damaged meter movement.

Congratulations on the fix. Sometimes you can snag real bargains if you're willing to tinker a bit with the "non working" component.

I think the OP figured out what was wrong with it. A damaged meter movement.

I read that- but the OP was looking at fixing the snagged meter needle. The repair manual is worth downloading.

 

I bought an "INOP" F3HP from KEH for $70 or so. After a thorough cleaning of the battery compartment, it started "oping". When I was 11, a neighbor gave me a broken 8mm movie camera. I cleaned the battery compartment thoroughly. It worked again.

I read that- but the OP was looking at fixing the snagged meter needle. The repair manual is worth downloading.

 

I bought an "INOP" F3HP from KEH for $70 or so. After a thorough cleaning of the battery compartment, it started "oping". When I was 11, a neighbor gave me a broken 8mm movie camera. I cleaned the battery compartment thoroughly. It worked again.

I read that- but the OP was looking at fixing the snagged meter needle. The repair manual is worth downloading.

 

I bought an "INOP" F3HP from KEH for $70 or so. After a thorough cleaning of the battery compartment, it started "oping". When I was 11, a neighbor gave me a broken 8mm movie camera. I cleaned the battery compartment thoroughly. It worked again.

 

He knew what's wrong it's the matter whether he can get at it. Also if he can get replacement parts. Your approach to fixing cameras has to do with cleaning battery compartment which definitely won't fix the OP camera.

I knew that. I gave the link to the repair manual for the camera. That should be useful for opening the camera and repairing it.

 

The OP stated cleaning a the battery compartment is a useful thing to do. I second that, and cited my example.

 

What is your problem with me posting a link to the original repair manual, or do you think that is just a waste of everybody's time???

 

Did you look at the link that I posted?

 

What useful information did you provide? I see nothing useful in any of your posts.

Just got back on to the post and see there is a discussion going with some constructive advice, the Nikon is working well but the speed reading is still not functioning.I have a few different results showing a dismantle process but I am avoiding going there as I am content with the way it works.

A couple of weeks ago I looked for a compact zoom and noticed an FE with a zoom of the type I was looking for but the FE was not functioning and I presume it had been thrown as freebie to help the sale.I won the auction at a bargain price and when it arrived the camera as described was non functioning.First clean the battery compartment especially the cap and threads.No result this time but no loss.Picked it up next day to give it a clean and list it as a non worker at a low price.A cotton bud with lighter fluid gets more stubborn dirt off.I remembered an article that said the contacts on the speed dial could get dirty ,so nothing to lose I took out the battery gave a light squirt of fluid under the dial being careful to contain it within the cap and then ran through all the speed settings for a few minutes tilting and turning as I did it.Same with the asa dial

Left to sit and dry out then put the battery back and it has worked perfectly ever since with several films exposed and all good negs and nice balanced prints, so perhaps this will help somebody rescue a written of camera where there is nothing to lose.I am not saying this is what to do but it worked for me.At your own risk!

Note to self: If camera stops working, soak in lighter fluid overnight.

Thanks for that additional tip chulster but in Scotland we use whisk for an overnight soak. It doesn't cure the problem but the camera takes it in good spirit !

Note on last post, Should read Whisky not whisk . Must be American spell checker that won't accept Whisky without an e.Just in case you thought I had too much of the aforementioned when I posted it !

...Should read Whisky not whisk .... ...Just in case you thought I had too much of the aforementioned when I posted it !

 

Hmm... the thought DID

cross my mind...

http://bayouline.com/o2.gif

Note on last post, Should read Whisky not whisk . Must be American spell checker that won't accept Whisky without an e.Just in case you thought I had too much of the aforementioned when I posted it !

Just type Lagavulin; my American spell checker likes that (as do I :-) )

Just type Lagavulin; my American spell checker likes that (as do I :) )

Try Laphroaig Quarter Cask you will like that, or for a different style Auchentoshan American Oak which is distinctive but not offensive to whisky novices if you want to give it to friends, but on second thoughts keep it to yourself !

A shot of even the cheapest whiskey tastes good when I add a heaping tablespoon of sugar to it. ;)