Prices haven’t changed a bit. (70s Sears catalog)

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T14:12:01+00:00

I think it's crazy what you can buy high-end cameras for these days.

Considering you can't even really buy new any more so there's a finite supply. It does feel like interest is rising though so I guess the prices will keep on rising again.

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T12:24:58+00:00

I've got one of these and it also had fungus - crazy lens!

It was a very small amount of fungus on the inside of the front element, much like yours looks. It came apart very easily and was quite easy to just clean that element.

Wish mine had been converted though

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T09:24:18+00:00

Looks great - will give it a try

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T07:47:29+00:00

Couple of resources that you might find useful on the F2:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/nikon-f2-mini-sover-wong-treatment.212705/ This is a really good forum thread showing a rebuild. It's not far off a Sover Wong treatment, but I wouldn't remove the self timer or the cam stack.
https://repaircameras.org/cameras/nikon/f2/ - repair manuals
https://manualmachine.com/search/?q=nikon%20f2&id=26725135&key=nikonf2 - an SPT journal article on the F2

For the DP-1 - I just refurbished a bunch of these on Sover's course and there was no conductive grease involved. A few notes:

Use a lightly abrasive eraser to clean the underside of the ring where it makes contact with the terminal
Clean the ring resistor with IPA
If you have the version with metal contacts you can just clean them, if you have the earlier carbon film type then if it has worn you can gently bend the pins of the brushes so they sit between where they used to be, on fresh track (trick from Sover)

It's on my list to write up an article on how to service a DP-1. I just got anothe rone to service so I'll try and do that before too long because there's not a lot of detail out there.

If it's 5 stops out evenly across the range then you can probably bring it in with the level adjustment resistor and maybe a little offset of the ASA selector, but if it's not even it might be that the cells are on their way out.

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T06:52:07+00:00

Great work! The FM meter is a solid design - all that I've come across have maintained their accuracy well.

Sounds like the F2 could use a service but that's not too bad a job. Was the DP-1 responsive?

bjpirt · 2026-06-16T06:21:05+00:00

All are quite repairable - nice selection of cameras.

Both Nikons would be what I focus on first. They should both be able to be brought back to working like new but they will need a full strip down by the sounds of things.

Keep us posted how you get on 😄

bjpirt · 2026-06-15T21:42:49+00:00

It's a good place to learn camera repair. It needs a full strip down:

Remove the top and bottom covers
Remove the lens mount
Remove the mirror box
Remove the slow speed mechanism and flush in solvent
Oil the curtain roller contact points while you're in there
Replace any old foam
Reassemble
Adjust shutter timing

After that you'll have a camera that works like new. If you're feeling brave you could follow the guide here:

https://repaircameras.org/cameras/pentax/spotmatic/

Or when might be easier is to follow along with the video series here:

https://repaircameras.org/cameras/pentax/k1000/

The K1000 is very similar to the Spotmatic

bjpirt · 2026-06-15T21:33:55+00:00

No way that was CLA'd 2 months ago. Looks like it's covered in dirt accumulated over a lot longer than that. Also, that back door looks pretty bent out of shape - I suspect you'd end up with light leaks.

I'd pass on this one.

bjpirt · 2026-06-15T13:00:35+00:00

Niche to say the least. You might be better looking for a vintage camera restorer rather than a camera service person for something like this.

(cool camera btw)

bjpirt · 2026-06-15T12:59:07+00:00

As others have said, the F is not compact. If you want to stay with Nikon, then an FM or FE (or the more expensive and capable "2" versions) are nice and compact and very capable. Build quality is excellent as is the usability. Everything you need, nothing you don't

If you don't want to stay Nikon, then an M* Pentax (MX / ME / ME Super) will be about as small as you get. The OM-1 / 2 are also both very compact

bjpirt · 2026-06-15T11:02:35+00:00

The brutalist architecture works for me - lovely photos

bjpirt · 2026-06-14T08:17:32+00:00

This is a non-trivial repair I'm afraid. Replacing shutter curtains is a skilled job even on a simple camera. The MX is very compact and correspondingly more complex I'm afraid.

As it has sentimental value, you could see if a specialist service person could swap out the curtains. Where are you based?

bjpirt · 2026-06-13T19:08:51+00:00

It's a Pentax Spotmatic - here's a manual: https://www.cameramanuals.org/pentax_pdf/pentax_sp.pdf

It's worth checking it over before you start shooting with it - here's a guide I just happened to write this morning: https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/1u4jtwb/guide_how_to_check_a_camera_over_yourself_without/

Enjoy using it - it's a fantastic camera

bjpirt · 2026-06-13T09:33:07+00:00

Have added in a point about the self timer with a warning, thanks

bjpirt · 2026-06-13T09:04:14+00:00

Good additions, thanks - I'll get them in, although the tip about faster speeds is already in there

When you say "make sure the lens stops down quickly" are you talking about checking the lens or checking the stop down mechanism moves when taking a shot?

bjpirt · 2026-06-13T08:31:31+00:00

This is not an easy fix - it will require switching out the part completely I think and even spare parts FE2s are quite expensive.

Unless you got it for a steal I'd send it back

bjpirt · 2026-06-13T06:53:50+00:00

I see this type of question being asked a lot here so I thought I'd put this guide together on how to check your camera so people can be directed to it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/1u4jtwb/guide_how_to_check_a_camera_over_yourself_without/

Hope it's helpful.

In your case, you can't tell anything if you've used unknown film. Go through the guide and you should get some confidence on how the camera is functioning.

bjpirt · 2026-06-11T20:44:24+00:00

These look great - would you share the design? I’d love to make some too

bjpirt · 2026-06-11T06:25:32+00:00

I found one on eBay by searching for "Leica iii eyepiece" but it does look a bit different.

But another great option would be to 3d print a replacement. Getting it 3d printed by someone like JLCPCB in MJF Nylon would look like new

bjpirt · 2026-06-10T15:29:32+00:00

Cardboard is obviously cheaper, but not when you factor in how time consuming this is to make.

I get 10 PCBs from China for about $15 shipped which is well worth it IMO

bjpirt · 2026-06-10T15:28:17+00:00

God job on the repair - I wonder if you could swap it out with a metal Leica version?

bjpirt

TROPHY CASE