Nikon fm10 cannot get shuuter release button to depress or film advance lever to work. is there a lock on shutter release ?

Release switch needs to be repaired

Hello Blair,
I too like old school camera, mine are the N2000, N6006, N80, and F100. First without film in the camera I would attempt to release the shutter. If it does then there is something going on with the film transfer causing a bind.

However, If it continues not to release the shutter I would put the FM10 on the shelf then go to KEH.com for another. Just now checked KEH.com, 2014-05-26, a FM10 in EX condition is $89, EX+ condition $99. That would be a much better move than repairing yours and less expensive.

Cordially

C-o-c-k the shutter by advancing the film. You need to do this even if you don't have any film loaded.
Sorry about the first word. FixYa thinks it's a dirty word and will censor it out if I don't do something about it.

Please follow these instructions: 1. Open the camera back 2. Pull the film leader across the red film index mark (red line) 3. Check to ensure film is properly positioned with no slack, then close camera back 4. Fully depress shutter release button to advance to frame 1. Check the rewind lever if it turns counter clockwise when you depress the shutter release button.
Keep on trying this procedure until you get it right. Most of the time, the error is in not pulling the film leader enough to reach the red film index mark.
If you're still having a problem with this, the next best option is to have the camera checked by a competent camera technician.

needs repairing at a qualified shop

You may end up sacrificing the used film or you can rewind it early.
I have had it happen that the film sprocket holes had striped out causing the advance sprocket to get out of sync with the film making it ride up onto the area between sprockets and creating a jam.
If you can, rewind the film onto the feed roll to preserve the exposed portion and then remove it from the camera.
Try the film advance then with an empty camera, releasing the shutter and repeating the cycle to determine if the advance mechanism will now act as it should; if it does, then the film was probably at fault and it may never happen again.
If you cannot respool the film, I would take it to a professional photo lab and have them unload the camera in a dark room if you want to try to save the pictures already on it.

That sounds like your shutter isn't opening. take the lens of and set the shutter speed to B this should keep the shutter open as long as the release is pushed down. advance one frame and hold down the shutter release while looking at the opening where the lens should be. If the shutter opens you will hear it and see the back plane where the film would sit to be exposed. I expect your shutter won't open.

Good luck
Rob

have not worked on the camera since posting. Considering taking it apart just because I am annoyed.

how did you fix this i have the same issue

Did you try pushing the shutter button? It may already be wound. Otherwise, try pushing the rewind button in and holding it while you wind the lever. Now, it MAY be that your at the end of the roll-what does your counter say?