Operations carried out
Cameras - lenses - accessories
Nikon S - (2)
The need to lubricate appliances!
This Nikon S no longer had functional speeds, and for good reason!
If we assume that a camera can operate for 30 years or so (under non-intensive use), this one dates back to the 1960s, and would have benefited from an overhaul in 1990. In 2024, it would have completed a second cycle without a net failure!
Of course, you need to finish lubricating the mechanisms,
check the speeds and running times of each curtain, and adjust the shutter.
Videos on 1/20
The second video shows the same thing after the exposure window has been removed.
At this point, it’s tempting to tighten the first curtain spring! This would give more force, but would solve nothing, as it would distort the operation of the shutter!
In the third video, without touching the tension, only the curtain drums were lubricated.
We can see that the first curtain opens fully, freeing the second.
The shutter works again…
It also showed a marked slowdown in rangefinder movement.
Old grease congeals and/or loses its lubricating properties.
Cleaning and re-lubrication solved this problem.
Two types of grease must be used to lubricate the sprockets
The top sprockets are lubricated with a medium-fluidity grease. This ensures smooth, unobtrusive operation.
The lower sprockets, although connected to the arming sprockets, are used for the first curtain action, and must not be slowed or braked. Use a very fluid grease.
Nikon S - (1)
This Nikon S had certainly not undergone any maintenance since it was first put into service.
The natural degradation of the lubricants eventually caused the mechanisms to become rigid.
Conventional disassembly for a Nikon rangefinder, internal cleaning, lubrication, curtain translation speed adjustment, speed adjustment. Cleaning of the sight and adjustment of the rangefinder.
Nikon S2 - Dismantling - Full article
Nikon S3 - Full article
Nikon S2
Special model S2 - F
This Nikon S2 was incomplete and very worn.
The armament was modified and repaired with Nikon F parts.
The curtains with holes were replaced with titanium curtains. For aesthetic reasons.
It was repainted in Navy Blue.
Nikon S3
This Nikon S3, in perfect cosmetic condition, had an irregular operation.
A classic disassembly for a Nikon rangefinder, it was completely overhauled.
Nikon SP
The Nikon SP is one of the most sought-after Nikon rangefinder cameras, and its price is very high.
It was the direct competitor of the Leica M3.
The Nikon F reflex, which is a high-performance camera, has somewhat overshadowed its reputation.
This one, although in perfect cosmetic condition, the viewfinder and rangefinder need a bit of cleaning.
Nikon F
The most famous of Nikons, it left its mark on its era. Overhaul of the weapons.
Lubrication, cleaning of the nits module, adjustment of the curtains and adjustment of the speeds.
Nikon F2
The Nikon F2 takes over from its predecessor, the Nikon F, after more than 10 years in production.
It is considered to be the most accomplished of the F range. Robust, heavy, it is indestructible.
Adopted by the majority of professional photographers of its time, it is still today a camera sought after for its reliability by silver film users.
Despite this, lack of maintenance, the poor quality of some batteries, or forgetting to remove them, all need to be addressed.
These are not weak points, yet many F2s have these problems.
There are also shocks and their effects on the mechanisms. In these cases, we change the covers.
The mechanisms
The Nikon F2’s mechanisms are much more complex than those of its predecessor, the F.
They require more knowledge and care to adjust.
Although designed as a ‘professional’ and one of the most robust cameras, after several decades of use.
And millions of images, maintenance is essential. You don’t drive your car 300,000 km without visiting the garage regularly.
The battery container
When work needs to be done on the battery container, the mirror unit must be removed.
Spare parts are not always available. In this case, a resin-based repair strengthens the unit.
The contactor is often oxidised. It should be dismantled, deoxidised, the soldering modified and a coat of varnish applied to prevent further deterioration.
It makes sense to dismantle the low-speed gearbox, clean it and lubricate the pinion bearings with an oil pick.
Lubricating accessible mechanisms is also a good idea.
The counter
When work needs to be done on the counter, the cover on the cocking side must be removed.
There are several causes of malfunction.
Shock, waste foam, a broken spring (very rare) or a spring that has come out of its housing.
Lubricating the cocking mechanism is also a good idea.
Nikon EL 2
The Nikon EL2 is the successor to the Nikkormat EL, in the Ai version. Next came the motorised Nikon ELW.
The mechanical parts are virtually identical, with the exception of the coupling, which no longer requires the fork.
The electronics have been improved for better performance.
This one had a few problems, in particular the electronics no longer worked.
This is very annoying for a device that is 90% electronically controlled.
Dismantling is not straightforward, and a few more specific tools or the art of DIY are required.
The circuit had already been visited and an incorrect soldering joint put the whole unit into short circuit.
The FRE support was warped and was replaced.
The mechanics also required maintenance.
After some care and adjustment, this EL2 was up and running again.
Nikon F3
The Nikon F3 is the brand’s first professional camera with a choice of automatic speeds (A mode).
Like its predecessor, the F2, it has a whole system of dedicated motors, backs and accessories.
Complete disassembly, replacement of the shutter block and aperture coupling cord, checks and adjustments.
Nikon FM / FM2
Nikon FMs were the brand’s first smaller cameras, compared to the Nikkormat, F and F2.
Their construction and reliability have always been irreproachable, which is what has made them such a success. They are equipped with simple electronics that, on the whole, pose no problems.
With time and use, two problems can arise.
The deterioration of the internal foams and a malfunction between the armament and the mirror mechanism due to wear and tear.
The FM2 is built on the same base, with a new shutter and faster flash synchro, as well as more advanced electronics.
It can use the MD-11 and MD-12 motors.
On this FM, disassembly, change of internal foams, repair of mirror malfunction, lubrication, partial reassembly, checks, adjustments, final reassembly.
Nikon EM
First production of "the toy
These are appliances that are currently worth their weight in gold.
Totally inexpensive cameras made for amateurs, many have aged but still work perfectly.
Even the E-series lenses that were so despised at the time have come to command a certain price – just look at the quality and price of a 100mm lens !!!!
Nevertheless, it deserves respect, except for those who love manual adjustments.
With its slightly F3 look (created by the same Italian designer) and automatic speeds, it’s small, light and discreet – a real Nikon ‘vest pocket’!
The first version, which I nicknamed “the toy”, had a smoother casing and blue buttons. Later, the second model had the usual granite casing and chrome buttons, making it look more serious…
Its measuring system is particularly accurate and rarely screws up…
Nikon Much more than a legend
