Nikon F100, N90 & N80

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

At first glance it seems your camera may need repair. First thing I would do is clean the contacts that read the cartage. Put in a cartridge that you can afford to play with. Put the lens cap on keeping light from exposing the film, fire off the frames until it stops. If it still stops at 24-26 rewind the film (hope you have a film puller). Open the camera back fire off some shots then replace the film trying it again. If that does not work the counter is in need of repair.

However, I would not repair it I would purchase another film camera such as the Nikon N80 and if you can afford it the F100. Both are much superior to the N65. You can find N80 at KEH.com for less than $100, As of today, 2013-10-17, I see one in E+ condition for $76, a N65 for $14.

There is no problem with the trigger voltage, which I assume is your primary concern. You may not get all of the features you would with a Nikon flash, but you should be able to use it with the D60 just as you use it with the N80.

According to this Nikon page the DR-5 fits a D700 but not a F100.

If it's the icon in the bottom left of this diagram:
http://mansurovs.com/files/2010/01/Nikon-D5000-Viewfinder.jpg

Then that means that there's no memory card in the camera.

Sounds to me as if the aperture is stopped down. It should normally be fully open except during an exposure, to allow viewing at full aperture. Whether it is stuck or whether you have just set the stop-down lock manually I cannot tell from here. If you turn the aperture ring to the fully open end and it is still shut down, then it is stuck. This typically happens when the blades get a bit of oil on them. It can be fixed, but it isn't really a DIY job.

just simply follow and adjust the indicators blinking on the view finder lock it on your desired scenario -- normal -- plus - minus --- exposure

If you think the screen is dirty then you can remove the view finder screen inside the camera from the lens opening. Also, there are other view finder screens that you can purchase. Read page 65 of the F100 manual to see how to change focus screens.

Yes, that's normal. At 50mm the widest available aperture is f/4.5, and that works at the small end to make f/32 possible.

Can't be done. Digital SLR cameras only view through the eyepiece, unless they have a "live view" function, which the D40 does not. The LCD is therefore for viewing an image after it is shot, and setting your menu options.