Black bar on pictures.

[dimitri_simitas]

<p>I am getting a black bar across the film from my Nikon FM-1.</p>

<p>It has been a while since I took it out as I have been far too busy, and this time I have noticed bars along the bottom of the pictures. And on the negatives it shows up as a clear field (like it's been over exposed I think?).</p>

<p><img src="http://i62.tinypic.com/azbeif.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://i61.tinypic.com/4hpkzr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Sorry it's been a while since I took out film, and my mind is blanking out as to what can be the issue.</p>

<p>Dimitri</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>A clear area in the negative is way underexposed. Maybe your shutter is blocking??</p>

[Two23]

<p>Blown shutter.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

[lornesunley]

<p>or a mirror that is not retracting all the way</p>

[dimitri_simitas]

<p>Worth trying to have it fixed or just to get a new camera?</p>

<p>Dimitri</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Dimitri, is your camera a Nikon FM, as I am not aware of any FM1. There is an FM2, however.<br>

Nikon introduced the FM back in 1977 and replaced it with the FM2 a few years later. An FM is almost certainly not worth fixing, unless that particular camera has sentimental value to you.</p>

[Wouter Willemse]

<p>It's worth replacing though ;-) FM and FM2 are easy to find online, not the cheapest cameras but finding a good sample will not be hard and still cheaper than a repair.</p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>A stuck mirror would be my diagnosis, since the shutter would create a much sharper shadow on the film. Easy to test, simply take the lens off and fire the camera on a slow speed. By looking into the mirror-box you'll soon see if the mirror is clearing the film frame. It should park itself over the viewing screen for the duration of the exposure. If not, it's probably bye-byes time for that camera. A repair would cost more than replacement.</p>

[scott_murphy5]

<p>You probably do not want to hear this but it looks like your shutter is beginning to give up the ghost. All is not lost however, the FM-1 has a tough mechanical shutter and some maintenance will probably return it into new</p>

[dimitri_simitas]

<p>I picked up a two-tone Nikon FE today at Downtown Camera, here in Toronto.</p>

<p>Came with the same 50mm 1:1.8D lens I have on the FM. Been shooting a roll to see how it turns out, as the camera came with a 2 month warranty. </p>

<p>The sales guy directed me to a camera repair shop they use if I wanted to fix it instead of just buying a new one. Figured the sales guy was open and honest, so bought the FE, and in a couple months will see about getting the FM fixed.</p>

<p>Dimitri</p>