gene crumpler Posted October 1, 2002 Share Posted October 1, 2002 Well after all these years (since 1968) using nikon cameras, I've experienced a major problem. My F3HP, cira 1985 has a problem with the high speeds. Above 1/250, I start getting early release of the curtain, manifest by a black band on the negative. I sent it to Southern Photo Techical in Charlotte, NC and got an estimate of $325 to fix it. I declined the repair. The camera is other wise in near mint condition with an MD-4. It has not had heavy use. Any suggestions on someone who could do the repair for less or is this the time to start considering a digital or AF camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce_rubenstein___nyc Posted October 1, 2002 Share Posted October 1, 2002 You'll have to excuse a "my .02" answer. If you like using the camera and have no need for AF or digital, get it fixed. At least you know what you've got, which you may not with another used body. I would try calling a few places that have received good feedback in the user-to-user section to get a feel for prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_cochran Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 You may want to post your query on the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NikonRepair/">NikonRepair</a>group over on Yahoo Groups.<p>If you're comfortable with the F3, I'd also suggest fixing it,even if the repair is in the $325.00 price range. If youspend an equivalent amount of money on digital or AF, youwon't get as nice a machine as an F3. And if you wanted tobuy a used F3, a $325.00 budget wouldn't buy a very clean one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_kelly1 Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 Leo Plotkin at Unique Camera Repair in Skokie, Illinois gets high marks on this site: (847) 568-0631. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_watson Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 Essex Camera(www.essexcamera.com)in NJ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene crumpler Posted October 5, 2002 Author Share Posted October 5, 2002 Essex Camera quoted $180 by e-mail. Think I will check them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_mueller Posted October 8, 2002 Share Posted October 8, 2002 Try Michael Gray at Kamera Works http://www.kameraworks.com He used to work as a repairman at the local camera store, and started his own business when then closed. He has a good reputation at the local club (The Pittsburgh Photo Section), and even sat in the back during one of our meetings and checked cameras. My F3 has a similar problem. He said there is a solenoid in the electro-mechanical shutter release, and after a while it gets dirty and holds the shutter closed. It only appears on the higher speeds because the lag time is a greater percentage at the higher speeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mingham_wu Posted October 9, 2002 Share Posted October 9, 2002 I recently discovered that my own F3 has a similar problem. I called up the local Nikon authorized service center and was told that this is due to a problem with the "braking mechanism" on one of the shutter curtains which causes the curtain to bounce into the frame. I was quoted $200 for the repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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