f3 hp stuck on self timer

[emraphoto]

<p>hi folks...</p>

<p>just picked up a beauty of a f3hp for a song. down side is it seems stuck on self timer. i have moved the self timer switch... nada. removed battery's... nada.<br>

any hints?<br>

cheers<br>

john</p>

[Ian Rance]

<p>If I recall, this means that a capacitor on the internal flex circuit has gone down. It may be something simple, but I think you will need to get it repaired by a specialist. I tried with my F3 but it was beyond me.</p>

<p>Ian</p>

[emraphoto]

<p>thanx ian! that appears to be it. the f3hp also appears to be un-used. the pressure plate shows no sign of use and the camera is flawless! came with the motor, a couple of nikkors and this "other" camera. a nikon fm2T that hasn't been used either. not a single mark on it! i guess the $100 to fix the f3 is worth it!!!</p>

[alvin_lim5]

<p>Whoa... You are one lucky dude Jon. The F3HP and FM2T for a steal?? With Nikkors and MD4?? Mint condition??</p>

<p>Man, congrats! The $100 repair is worth it I guess.</p>

[christiaan_phleger___honol]

<p>Hmm, it may be simpler than the flex circut. I seem to recall that the collar that moves the switch can be a bit fiddly. If you're handy, underneath the rubber grip of the shutter speed dial there are 3 screws, set the shutter at X so you know where to re-align it, by removing the screws you can lift off the shutter speed dial which will reveal where the self timer lever/collar connects to the actual switch. My guess is that the problem is in the mechanical connection, for if the shutter speeds work then the electronic component of the self timer circut should be alright, just make sure the lever/collar is making a solid contact, you'll be able to test it while its apart. If that doesn't do it, off it goes. </p>

[gary_watson]

<p>Hopefully there's a simple mechanical glitch. FYI, be aware that electronics for F3s are in very short supply from Nikon--some are gone, e.g., the board that controls the LCD's contrast.</p>

[emraphoto]

<p>i'm on it christiaan... i'll let you know!</p>

<p>truth be told i think you might be right as there is a lot of play in the self-timer switch.</p>

[emraphoto]

<p>well Christiaan you are the MAN! it was exactly what you said it would be... the trick is next time i will leave the very, very tiny screws in the threads as they are EXTREMELY hard to get back in there without a magnetic tipped screwdriver!<br>

thanx again Christiaan!</p>