Nikon Photography - Popular Questions, Answers, Tips & Manuals

It sounds like your Nikon FM may be experiencing a mechanical issue with the shutter mechanism. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Inspect the Film Advance Mechanism: Check the film advance lever and mechanism to ensure they are functioning properly. Make sure there are no obstructions or debris interfering with the movement of the advance lever.
2. Check the Shutter Release Button: Inspect the shutter release button to see if it's sticking or malfunctioning. Sometimes, a stuck or sticky shutter release button can cause the shutter to fire unintentionally.
3. Examine the Mirror Mechanism: Carefully inspect the mirror mechanism to see if there are any visible signs of damage or misalignment. If the mirror is flipping up unexpectedly, there may be an issue with the mechanism that controls its movement.
4. Clean and Lubricate: If the camera hasn't been serviced in a while, it's possible that dirt, dust, or dried lubricant may be causing the issue. Consider cleaning the internal components of the camera and applying a small amount of appropriate lubricant to the moving parts (be cautious and follow proper procedures when lubricating a camera).
5. Seek Professional Repair: If the issue persists after attempting basic troubleshooting, it's advisable to have the camera inspected and repaired by a qualified camera technician. They can diagnose the problem more accurately and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments to restore the camera to proper working condition.
6. Use a Different Lens: Sometimes, issues with the lens can affect the camera's operation. Try using a different lens to see if the problem persists. If the issue only occurs with a specific lens, there may be a problem with that particular lens.

It's essential to handle the camera with care during troubleshooting, especially when accessing internal components. If you're unsure about performing any repairs or adjustments yourself, it's best to seek professional assistance to avoid causing further damage to the camera.

Probably means the film has not been loaded correctly. Look in the manual for instructions on how to do this.

There are youtube videos on this type of repair to DSLR cameras and I dont recommend that you try it unless you have incredible talent for small details and a very clean environment.

On many cameras, a lens error means the lens is not set to is highest f/stop such as f/16 f/22 and the like. The lens must be put in that mode for the camera so that the camera electronics can auto set the f/stop as needed. First thing I would do is look at the f/stop on lens with manual f/stop settings; such as the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D making sure it is set to the highest f/ number (smallest opening). Remove the lens check the dial. Also, is the battery fully charged? If all that is okay then do the following couple of things; 1. Get yourself a film change bag, they look like a black plastic/rubberish T-shirt. Put the camera in there make sure the bottom is fully closed, put your arms through the sleeves, they have elastic keeping light out. Open the camera carefully remove the film canister then using your fingers rewind the film back into the canister. 2. Okay, you do not have access to a film change bag, easy get a thick blanket or two, go in to a closet, close the door, put a towel at the bottom, cover your camera as best as you can then do the same as if you were using a change bag. Important, make sure you are in a completely dark place without ANY LIGHT working its way through to you. Next, being as your are using film, big congratulations for that, purchase a change bag from Adorama, Amazon, B&HPhoto. Every film shooter should have one. Hope the above helps you.

That is likely a job for an experienced repair technician, not for DIY.

mirror box has been knocked out of square.

According to the manual you have 4 electrical contacts. I would suspect one on the body is not working to fire the shutter. Try a eraser on the FA body winder contacts. If not, I would say the body has the problem.

So I assume you have changed the batteries and made sure there isn't any corrosion on the contacts. If your mirror is flipping up but no shutter, it sounds like a bad shutter. Check the shutter from the back, then from the front behind the mirror. Look for abnormalities or residue. It is a great camera and uses standard batteries (!) but the 1/2000 shutter has a half life like any other SLR. If you are going to throw it out you may want to open the back and use a q-tip to drip a couple drops of 90% alcohol on the top and bottom (and sides) of the shutter. As a last ditch, I throw cameras or lenses in the toaster oven at 200° for 10 min. and retry (take out batteries and film). At the least it will kill any fungus at the worst it hardens some lubricants. It does make you feel like you are doing some specilized scientific work before you toss it in the trash.

It is well past the end of its expected life - retire it and ask for a new one for Christmas.

Your camera is not that old, for a film camera. But they are all electronic. Something in the shutter is bad (mirror going up), and is usually a sign of a dead camera. Repair is impossible and inprobbable. You can pick these up for $40. This mode can use all the newest fancy lenses. I would check the contacts and the battery. If the contacts are clean... it's dead.

I fixed the problem. thanks

if it takes a button battery replace it, or check for fungus growth (yes it happens) within the viewfinder.

Does the shutter operate when the back is closed? (In other words, does it expose the film?) If so, don't worry about it. If not, it may need service -- or it may be set at such a high shutter speed (1/2000, for instance) that makes the shutter open and close so quickly that you can't see it move.

Sounds like the aperture control actuator ring in the camera body is not opening the aperture diaphragm blades fully a repair quote and decide if a different body upgrade may be a better option

Press down and slide one way or the other. It's generally held by two pins that slide into hole slots and lock in place

I've read recently of a slew of older Nikon amateur film cameras from the late '80's to mid-'90's that have electronics that have failed. Their prosumer cameras (8008, N90, F100, etc) don't seem to be affected as much as their amateur cameras (N2000, N60, N65, etc). You could try cleaning the contacts of both the camera body and lens - as well as the battery compartment, but if that doesn't work, you may be out of luck. The good news is that you can pick up another N65 for less than ten bucks at most camera shops, both online and brick and mortar.

If the shutter blades get bent they are hard to straighten out. Better to find a local repairman or you could do more damage to the shutter. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Technical fault not a settings problem

You're on the right track with oxidation. Try cleaning the contacts in the body and on the lens with contact cleaner, and let it dry. Remove the battery, and clean the contacts inside the camera.