Nikon FM counter stuck / focusing screen issue

[TBsq]

Hello everyone

My Nikon FM has its counter stuck at 35. I checked this metal tab is out when I open the back of the camera, so I don't know where the problem is :

Also, the focus is uneven on the focusing screen, some areas are in focus and others aren't. How can I fix this? Thanks

 

[cooltouch]

You're gonna have to remove the camera's top plate to address both your problems. Chances are there might be something as simple as a bit of debris, like a film chip, causing the counter to bind. And it could be something else, but you'll need to expose the mechanism to find out what it is.

As for your focusing screen, it sounds to me like it's gotten displaced some from its mount. To get to it the pentaprism has to be removed, which isn't that difficult once the top cover is off. If the camera was jarred roughly, this might have caused the screen to get popped out of alignment. So if that's all there is, it shouldn't be that difficult reseating it. And honestly I don't know what else could be causing this issue.

If you don't have the tools for these tasks, then I recommend you find a repair source that is used to working on older cameras. The charge for these sorts of repairs should be minimal. For repairs that I don't feel like doing myself, I use a local outfit: Professional Camear Repair. They are very experienced with all types of photo equipment, reasonably priced, fast, and they do mail orders.

Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs

 

[TBsq]

Thank you for the answer. I already removed the focusing screen to see if there was somthing wrong and I didn't need to remove the top plate. I put it back in place but nothing has changed. I'm gonna try next time with top plate removed. I was searching on e-bay a replacement focusing screen but found nothing, do you have any idea where I can fin one that ships to France? Also, I already started a new film, so I won't be repairing my camera soon, but I ill come back when it's finished to tell you its status.

 

[compur]

If you removed the focusing screen without taking off the top plate then your camera must be an FM2 rather than an FM. The serial number in your photo above is also not from an FM.

Are you sure the screen is right way up? There may also be some debris in the screen area that is causing it to tilt. It may also be the wrong screen for your camera and is not seating properly. Did the camera focus properly before? Or, is it a camera you just purchased?

 

[cooltouch]

Ah, good catch, compur. I didn't pay attention to the serial number. If the focusing screen is still not seated properly, TBsq, you should be able to determine this just by looking through the viewfinder. The film won't be affected, unless focusing is off, of course. All good questions compur is asking.

 

[TBsq]

Actually this isn't my camera, it's just a picture I found on the internet that shows the metal tab. My camera serial number is FM 3110825. If it was a FM2 it would be written on the front. It's a used camera and it was already like that when I received it. So what should I do?

 

[compur]

How did you remove the focusing screen?

 

[TBsq]

I just unscrewed this screw and the rest was intuitive.

 

[compur]

Well, you can send it to someone who repairs them but he'll likely charge more than it would cost to buy another one that works so I'd just buy another one that works.

 

[TBsq]

Nevermind, I'm sending it back.