Nikon FE--back won't open, shutter won't work, etc

[ken_kartes]

Back won't open, shutter won't fire. Lever will unlock but won't

advance. Mirror stays up unless you cock lever then when fired mirror

will go up and stay up.

 

I am pretty good with mechanical things, any advise from those with

expertise would be appreciated.

[steve_levine]

How is the battery?

[ken_kartes]

Batteries dead, tried in m90 speed. No luck.

[david_h._hartman]

* Set the shutter to M90 or B.<br>

* Put a new battery in the camera, one that you have check and

know is good.<br>

* Have the foam seals and mirror buffer replace.<br>

<br>

If the above doesnt cure your problems your camera many need

a CLA or repair.<br>

<br>

Here is a link that may help...<br>

<br>

<a

href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe/basic1.htm"

target="_new"><u>Nikon FE - Basic Operations Part I</u></a><br>

<br>

Regards,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

[david_h._hartman]

Maybe it's time to buy another FE or better yet an FE2?

 

There is a way these cameras can get jammed. A friend made a tool for me from a large paper clip. I still have the tool but I've forgotten how to use it. I've never needed it. It was pretty simple to correct but the base plate of the camera must come off.

[ken_kartes]

Ok unjammed shutter, so now it fires. Timer works now. Meter works. But I still cannot open the back. I can the rewing knob up by sliding the lever counter clockwise and the knob lifts approx 3/4 inch but the door still will not open. Making progress but I would like the back to open. Thanks Dave all for input so far.

[david_h._hartman]

When the foam seals around the back break down they can turn

almost to tar. Im guessing the seals are shot. Grasp the

back and gently pull it open with three fingers on the left edge

while holding the rewind knob up fully. Put the camera on a

camera matte or something that will not mar the finish. Make sure

it wont slip off a desk or table onto the floor. Dont

use too much persuasion as you dont want to bend the back.

It may be time to take it to a camera repair shop. This is a

common problem with cameras this age. A couple of years ago I had

all my FE2 re-foamed. <br>

<br>

Hope this helps,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

[ken_kartes]

I don't think it is the foam seal Dave. I can hear metal to metal resistance and there is play in the left side of the back. Not gummy stuck, I wish that is what it was.

[ken_kartes]

I tried to take the hinge pin out. No luck, the top is spring loaded and if the door could open you would tilt out at the top and the lift the door off the bottom pin. Suggestions?

[jay_miao1]

Three things I'd remind:

 

1) make sure the rewind knob has fully pulled out in order to open back door.

2) play with the rewinding lock pin under the bottom right that is being pushed up to free the rewinding shaft and able to crank, try to open back again.

3) lastly, if all these doesn't help, you may remove the bottom cover plate by loosening the three small screws (only the 3 screws), and see if you may free up any mechanical parts inside.

 

Good luck.

[ken_kartes]

Thanks Jay, I have tried to wiggle and jiggle routine. I got the bottom off. Lots of linkage on the opposite side but on the electric contacts for the motor winder on the other, kind of risky to start poking too much on what I see. A map of this critter would be great, but after 1.5 hours of looking for a exploded view doesn't seem promising tonight. Thought of making a hook to slither in the non hinges side to open the latch.

[ken_kartes]

I found a diagram and got the back open! Found a piece of a part. Now I need a parts source. The part is the hook inside the camera that moves up and down to allow the film back to open. Anyone with a broken FE and wants to sell it.

[steve_rubinm]

<p>Ken, can you tell me how you gotr the back open. One of my daughters friends who we lent the camera to twisted off the rewind lever and now I can't open the back.</p>