birdy Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 I recently acquired an EM with a bunch of old photo gear, and externally it is in absolutely out-of-the-box new condition. After putting in new batteries, I tried using it but the meter seems to be jumpy and erratic. Changing the aperture setting will sometimes make the needle jump suddenly to the top of the scale, other times the needle will move as it should, perhaps jumping and then returning to what seems like the correct shutter speed. Sometimes a light tap will cause the needle to come down. A quick check of the archives suggests this is not uncommon with old bodies such as this one, but I couldn't determine if this is either repairable, worthwhile, or (hopefully) a quick fix. Is it a parts body now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert_Lai Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 Sounds like a dirty contact - ISO dial, and AI coupling rings are the most likely culprits. The easiest thing to do is run it through the full range about a dozen times. That is, rotate the ISO settings through the full range back and forth. Then mount a fast lens (e.g.50mm f/1.8) and whip the aperture ring back and forth. If this improves things, but things are still jumpy, then you could get the camera serviced. Most likely just doing this will get the corrosion of disuse off the affected parts.<p>No way is this a parts camera! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony bell Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 I know you said you put in new batteries but my old EM used to do this when the batteries were run down and a new pair always fixed the problem. You might try more new batteries and see if it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejamesuk Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 i have an EM, i know what your on about. firstly when "Changing the aperture setting will sometimes make the needle jump suddenly to the top of the scale"......... basicly its turned the meter off, just the normal half press of the shutter release will activate it again. sometimes you can move the camera around and just watch the needle rise and fall, it's that sensitive. remember that the metering is center weighted. basicly, hold still and wait for it to settle. this is a truely fantastic camera, that can produce amazing results. stick with it, i dont think you have a major problem, you could try to get it fixed, but is it really worth it? just enjoy your quirky addition, and learn to take an averge reading. it's difficult to take a badly exposed image with the EM, because as long as its above the "safe" 1/60 , it doesn't matter. it will sort itself out. Expose a few films. make your decision then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_bridge Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 In addition to what Robert Lai said, the shutter speed dial also needs sent through its full range several times. There are also situations where the light available is below the EV metering range and the needle tends to go in the wrong direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jose f. Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 No one's mentioned the part where the meter behaves oddly unless there is film in the camera and it is advanced to '1'. Also clean up the battery contacts with a little alcohol and a rubber pencil eraser. But oxidation on the shutter speed ring sounds like your problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry_akiyoshi Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 Shutter speed ring? As far as I know, the EM doesn't have one. Maybe the ISO dial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdy Posted November 14, 2003 Author Share Posted November 14, 2003 Thanks for the great suggestions. I think Robert's suggestions have helped improve things already, and Rob's explanation of what is happening makes sense. I think I need to be a little more patient. I am also going to try the second set of batteries. It is such a nifty little nikon I hate to see it not put to use. I'm going to run a couple more rolls through it and see how things are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdy Posted November 25, 2003 Author Share Posted November 25, 2003 Just a quick follow up. I got two rolls back and the prints were very nice. I was using a 50mm f1.8 series E lens, and the results were better than I had expected, given my first impressions of the meter. Thanks to all. It sure is a sweet little Nikon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth_wagner Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 I tried again to move the aparture / ring back and forth, and after doing this rapidly, was able to get the meter needle to register. It looks like dirt was the reason. i have the blue battery check model. I would like to know how to get to the wiper contacts> What is present when the lens mount ring is removed, will this expose the resistor surface to allow it to be cleaned with alchohol? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_ostrowski Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 <p>I also was able to obtain a near mint EM. As I inspected it I found the film rewind knob was cracked. I googled parts for the Em with little luck. Anyone know if there is a replacement? Or can I substitute one off some other model?<br> This one has a male screw on the bottom. It attaches to the shaft (female) on for the film rewind.<br> I seem such a shame to trash this wonderful camera for a $10 part. Thanks for the great site!<br> <br /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 <p>Ken, the EM is basically a disposable camera. Over the years I've handled more than a dozen of 'em and have never seen one that was fully functional. Every one had some flaw, something broken or not working correctly. Some folks are devoted to the silly things and will take pains to keep 'em running, but it seems pointless to me.</p> <p>However, since the EM is often available dirt cheap (I've seen some shops toss piles of 'em in cardboard boxes on the floor for $1-$5 each), you might buy a couple more and cannibalize parts to make one functional body.</p> <p>Or get an FG or better model.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koen_delvaux Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 It is not a disposable camera. This is an easy fix, read this blogpost: This is not a disposable camera. It is an easy fix. I wrote a blogpost about it: http://delvauxkoen.blogspot.be/2012/10/nikon-emfgfmfe-lightmeter-repair-to-fix.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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