Nikon FM door release won't release.

[compulsivehordr]

Got a new old FM, rewind knob slightly askew, but seemed fine. Opened it, checked inside, checked shutter, closed it, opened it again, closed it and now it absolutely refuses to open again. The tiny lever that lets you pull up the knob seems loose and it won't release the crank. I have tried thumping it, swearing at it, poked it with a pointy thing, surprised it by pretending to be doing something else and am resisting the use of pliers and a hammer. Any ideas anyone? How does the stupid locking thing work / break? Do I need a can opener? :bang:

 

[Andysnap]

Now I'm no expert but I think it may be broken. Have you tried talking nicely to it, maybe buying it a drink, usually works.

 

[compulsivehordr]

Now I'm no expert but I think it may be broken. Have you tried talking nicely to it, maybe buying it a drink, usually works.

Ah, the 'be yer best friend' approach. I will give it a go.

 

[Asha]

Nicely nicely.....I won't be the first person to have caused irrepairable damage by going in too heavy handed or refusing to "sleep on it".

I don't understand the full interns of the mechanism but have got an FE in my hands and it seems there is a spring loaded catch which locks onto a tooth/teeth of some description.
When you move the tiny lever, try at different intervals as you may be moving it too far or too little depending what is going on inside.....patience is very much the key here.

Leave it alone for an hour then gently try again...it may well open quite freely as if there was never an issue.

Film challenges aren't always about what subject to shoot...often it's manipulating the kit to work in the first place!

 

[compulsivehordr]

Fixed it. Stripped rewind / release mech down, plastic part smooshed (camera looks like it was dropped on the corner at some point) superglued plastic back together, put all the springs and washers and stuff back in and all is good. Feeling smug-ish. Near mint FM may appear in the Classies soon! Replaced all foam, pulled out screen and cleaned metalwork, dropped screen, reassembled and it is now fab apart from the disgusting, filthy screen. Not so minty..:bonk: At least I can put a film in it.

 

[Asha]

Superb news....Well done!