Nikon FE advice required please

[WindyPhill]

Hi,

I have never shot film before but having received my mother's old Nikon FE, I'd like to try it out at some point.
A few things I need to do first though.
1. Fix it
2. Service it
3. Learn how to use it

The camera hasn't been used since the mid 80's so I imagine it will need looking at/servicing if possible. I know the return spring is missing from the rewind handle, any idea where I can source one of these without going the ebay route as they all seem to be China based.

I've replaced the battery and the light meter seems to work.

I have read about light seals degrading over time, is there a way to check these?

Anything else I need to check or do to it?

Apologies for my total lack of knowledge and thanks for your time.

Phill

 

[Plain Nev]

I wouldn't worry too much. Find yourself someone to CLA it, and all the issues should be addressed there. Light seals are among the most visible signs you need to look for, however. It is usually quite easy to see if the foam has degraded.

 

[Hadge]

There are some UK shops who may have spares but it m ight be easier getting a spring from the Far East. Light seals as mentioned above, it'll be easy to see if they have degraded and you can find loads on eBay selling them. You could of course send it a specialist to get it serviced, check the meter, the shutter sped accuaracy but being honest if you aren't going to shoot much film it's not really worth that cost.
Just try a roll of film in it, use either a light meter or your digital camera to check exposure and once you see the results you'll see if it needs attention or not. They are an excellent camera and I cut my teeth on film and fully manual cameras, then to ones with exposure modes like the FE. They really do teach you how to shoot properly.

 

[Graham W]

There are some UK shops who may have spares but it m ight be easier getting a spring from the Far East. Light seals as mentioned above, it'll be easy to see if they have degraded and you can find loads on eBay selling them. You could of course send it a specialist to get it serviced, check the meter, the shutter sped accuaracy but being honest if you aren't going to shoot much film it's not really worth that cost.
Just try a roll of film in it, use either a light meter or your digital camera to check exposure and once you see the results you'll see if it needs attention or not. They are an excellent camera and I cut my teeth on film and fully manual cameras, then to ones with exposure modes like the FE. They really do teach you how to shoot properly.

I had three of them "In the Day"!

 

[WindyPhill]

Thanks all for the responses. I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions soon!