Nikon FE Film speed lock not working

[gad-westy]

Hi all. I took a punt on a Nikon FE for a pretty low price on ebay the other day. The camera was untested so no guarantees etc...

Anyway, it generally seems pretty good though it needs a new battery. One issue with it though is that, though the film speed lock was engaged when it arrived, the first time I pressed it, it stuck down solid so now the film speed cannot be locked which I guess will throw the metering. I suspect it hasn't been pressed in some time and is basically seized.

Before I do something daft, are there any suggested remedies? I was thinking of dabbing a little penetrating fluid on it for a few hours and then trying to work it free? Thoughts?

 

[Morinaka]

I assume you mean the tiny metal button that lets you rotate the film speed dial. Maybe some isopropyl alcohol or lighter fluid on a cotton bud might do it, will let you place a small amount on it and keep pressing it until it loosens up.

Always the way with sold as seen eBay stuff, my FE has a dodgy self timer and the foams needed replacing but at least the rest works fine.

 

[donut]

this was taken from another forum , i dont think the poster will mind it being used here
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Hi - thought I would pass this on as it has worked for me.
The common sticky meter illumination button on a Nikon F3 . . .
Well, Maplin sell a switch cleaner/lubricant called Servisol Super 10 - spray some into the lid of the tin, get a toothpick or a very small screwdriver, dip it in the solution and deposit one drop on the red button. There's no need to take the prism off. Push the button down so that the Servisol gets into the switch.
Leave for a bit, excercise the button a few times and then you'll find it works beautifully. If you need more, then another drop should do.
Mine was very sticky and intermittent and had what appeared to be light seal goo on part of it. I wiped that away with a small bit of kitchen towel with Servisol on it, and then did the above. Light now works like new.
I've used Servisol on a few different switches now and it works like a dream as it seems to lubricate as well.

 

[gad-westy]

Thanks chaps. Will give it a whirl.