My L35AF had a lot of corrosion around the area where the rewind mechanism is located, so it got stuck. Overall the L series continued for about 6-7 years, but that does not take into account the overall .Touch series. In fact Nikon went back to one of its most iconic lenses for inspiration, the 105mm f/2.5 original Sonnar. I shot this scene because I knew that it would look exactly like this and I was right. The entire apparatus is powered by two AA alkaline batteries. Hi, I opened my camera and I am not sure what you mean by this: Inspect everything and be sure not to lose anything. One fix for the dreaded Nikon "Shutter Error" Jul 16, 2010 2 A couple months ago, I started to have problems with my camera. Or your batteries have expired. It was coined due to the quality of the lens design by the Nikon team. The name Pikaichi means Top Notch in Japanese according to the Nikon website. Best of all, you can get gorgeous prints without breaking the bank! I started getting these "shutter error, press shutter release" messages. Change). Extract these outer screws. Hi Richard, thanks for the in depth review. Does it just involve carefully resoldering it? The theory being that the temperature change is just enough to slightly expand and contract the components to release microscopic grubbiness. That is why even though it is not broken, I do use some tape on the battery cover to ensure it stays ok. Film after film, I have been impressed with the results. When the shutter is stuck in the down-position one thing you should look at is the part behind the depressor. Cookie Notice Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Richard Haw's Classic Nikon Repair and Review. It appears that the camera will retain what it saw at the time you half-press the button, locking focus and exposure settings. They will only charge you for the number of prints they print from the roll. Then, you can aim the camera where you'd like to take an exposure reading, press the shutter half-way, and it will lock in the exposure and focus. So, it probably didn't surprise anyone that Nikon took their sweet time to release their first fully automatic compact camera with autofocus when the original Nikon L35AF debuted in 1983. A stuck or unreliable shutter could be caused by any number of mechanical or electronic problems, especially if there's any evidence of past moisture damage, but it is worth a quick check of the battery contacts first. Digital Camera Camera Lens Camera Accessories Microscope Camera Flash. It is not specifically strong and has a subtle graduation, but if you are looking for edge to edge constant exposure, this may not be to your taste. The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. Another thing thats interesting here is how the stars look, its ugly due to the shape of the iris. It was therefore also the first in the L series. See you again in the next article, Ric. Lens: Nikon 35mm f2.8 (5 elements, 4 groups, Sonnar derivative) Shutter: 1/8s - 1/430s ISO range: 50 - 400 / 1000 Minimum focus distance: 0.8m Size: 124 x 73 x 45.5mm Weight: 346g I picked up a filthy L35AF (iso 1000 version) at a car boot sale this morning for 2. How Much Does Professional Photography Cost? The on/off switch is considered one of the cameras weaknesses as it has been reported to break by some users. It is a very easy camera to use. For more advanced topics, you can read myfungus removalpost as a start. This link really helped. Wonderful article. Autofocus seems to be adequate for amateur use but it could miss occasionally if youre not careful. Is it possible to disassemble the lens of the Nikon L35af and clean it? Initially there was some concern and rumours that the lens on this camera was not manufactured by Nikon. I know that you can only press the button when it gets power but i have new batteries and pressing down the batterie compartment didn't Help. So out of character was this move that Nikon tried to instead market this camera as "suitable for women." That really hurt to type. I havent investigated the option of converting the lens on my broken L35AF for use on another camera but from what I have read, there is an afterlife for this amazing Sonnar design. Also, if you're in a dark area the flash will pop up.</p>. I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. Thankfully, theres nothing wrong or at least it doesnt seem to exhibit any major problems. Going back to its conception, this was made in order to give Nikon something to sell in this part of the market. Nikon L35 AF 2 35mm Film Compact Camera Working Flash Issues In Black Case 29.99 1 bid 4.99 postage 5d 22h Click & Collect FILM TESTED Nikon L35AF2 OneTouch Film Compact Camera 35mm 265.00 Click & Collect Film Tested Nikon L35AF Compact Camera 1000 ISO 310.00 Click & Collect The second issue is that sometimes after taking the photo, the camera wont advance the reel and Ill have to take the batteries out for a bit then put them back in for it to finally advance. It was an immediate hit thanks to its robust design and excellent specification. Then I crossed my fingers and hoped it was working. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But I do have to disagree with you. A funny old camera. The L35AF rewinds the film, but leaves the little leader out, which is fantastic if you would like to try and do some double exposures. Now that the value of these vintage cameras are higher, can you guys provide a detailed instruction on how to fix it, instead of just brushing us off for trying to learn how to work and appreciate such timeless piece of machinery, 2023 All trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners, in particular of the Nikon Corp Nikon SLR Cameras - news, rumors, questions and answers | Terms of Use & Contacts | Privacy Policy. Works fine now! Glass photo prints are an unusual and beautiful way to display your photos. The front cover is a bit more tricky to remove since thee left-side is has 2 clips that has to be disengaged first. The lens in both makes this line very special. It is great for the times when I want to shoot with a small, simple, inexpensive, easy to operate camera that takes decent quality photos. It was because it did not carry the Nikkor branding. Here is the problem. And the L35AD model is a Nikon L35AF with a quartz date imprinting back. But please bear in mind what Daniel says about safety there can be a high voltage and very dangerous charge from the flash capacitor. Its sturdy, certainly well-made compared to other cheaper compacts of its time made by other companies. Cheers again and I hope you have some luck with your camera. It is a matter of preference as some people prefer the small form factor, or like me, others prefer something a little substantial to hold. I cleaned it out with zippo lighter fluid + rubbing with a very small file. In bright light and at smaller apertures the Canon is comparable to the Nikon's stellar performance. I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. or $18.00 for a hard to read Xerox copy. The lens on the AF2 and AF3 are not the same as the lens on the original. It shouldnt take long to repair it so long as theres nothing important thats broken or needing replacement. Will post here if I remember the site name or have a link saved somewhere. This is not to say that it is bad, its just not at the same level as what we are used to seeing in this website. The button is very easy to feel where it is focus locking, which is a relief as some cameras I struggle to find it and accidentally shoot the frame when I am not ready. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Just in case someone else is fiddling with a stuck rewind button. Ive got my AF3 in mint condition recently for a few euros, shoot 3 rolls without any problem but when start loading next roll it never goes from S to 1 frame and then start auto rewinding back after a few attempts. There is a 46mm filter thread, which is a bonus on a compact camera. Why has this camera become one of my primary ones? Cheers Wyatt. Just focus on something and see the tiny display in the viewfinder to confirm if you got it right. iKokomoJanuary 23, 2018 in DSLR & Film Cameras. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. These cookies do not store any personal information. This makes Nikons a lot easier to switch-on because the position is so intuitive. It has 2 eyes for its infrared rangefinder, this theoretically means that it will work better in the dark. The flash pops-up when the shutter-speed is too-low but you could trick it by covering the meters window and depress the shutter-button. Do those features still hold up? How can I fix this why is this happening and who can fix this! I was hooked on this camera. AD stands for Auto Date (currently referred to as QD) Digital SLR Cameras. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Data Recovery Tool. This is the capacitor, careful when touching anything close to this thing as it will definitely give you a shock. Its an impressive camera considering that its Nikons first fully-automatic compact camera. Thanks again. Weak spots: battery compartement door, on/off switch and may I add also the pop-up flash. The Nikon L35AF/AD was sold from 1983 to about a few years after that since newer, improved models were introduced frequently to keep the market interested. On the front right top corner is the self timer lever. Classic Nikkors Repair and DIY maintenance, by richardhaw I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. There was never a run of L35AF2s with the Sonnar lens to my knowledge. If the screen of your Shutter release disabled. Change the seals with new ones if theyre dry or corroded. It is capable of exposures from EV 6 to EV 17. but do give these simple things a try first, Contribute to 35mmc for an Ad-Free Experience-, frustrating experience with a Nikon L35-AF, How I Removed a Cracked, Stuck-On Lens Filter By Frank H. Wu, Fixing an Ailing Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B SLR By Dave Powell, Fixing a detached rewind lever on a Petri Color 35, http://theshuttergoesclick.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/nikon-l35af-shutter-release-and-onoff.html, Discovering the professional scan - Guest post by Frank Lehnen, Ricoh R1 Review (Rollei Prego Micron) An overlooked achiever - by Benn, Camera, Lens, Film and Peripheral Kit Reviews. Though it has a plastic covering, the interior is all metal. Between its striking boxy looks, the great results from the reliability of the exposure meter and the look from this lens, this is a camera I can recommend anytime! #1 I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. I have a nikon l35 af film camera and it's second hand so the shutter button was always a little stiff but it worked. When I taught 35mm film photography, I loaned these inexpensive Nikon compact cameras to students who . Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Thanks for the article, its very helpful. It should not blink slightly, look weak or have any unusual properties. With these variables I expected to see more details at the bangs of the ladies but it isnt showing enough resolution to render those fine details well. Ive tried cleaning the contacts and using new batteries. The minimum focus distance is 80cm. To clean the viewfinder extract this screw and remove the cover. I can say that that this version is robust and has none of the issues that you describe. Previous Repair: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mmf/3.3-5.6G Next Repair: AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mmf/3.3-4.5. Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. Inspect everything and be sure not to lose anything. It feels like there is something solid blocking its path because it will go down a little bit and then stop. As well as I understand it, the battery test for these cameras is, if it works the battery is good. Operate it ang see if it works, the film should advance without problems and the viewfinder display should also indicate the correct distance. I mean 5 element the later versions used a 4 element Tessar design again, which are fine lenses just give a bit different character to the images. It is designed for an ISO range from 50 to 1000. The side-effect to this is prices of used gear is on the rise, even cameras that used to be less-desirable now cost more than they should. Content contributor - become a part of the worlds biggest film and alternative photography community blog. Also read what I wrote about thetoolsthat youll need to fix yourNikkors. When I clicked the shutter button down, the shutter clicked but the button stays down. A textured panel is on the other side of the camera, framed by the very classy red stripe. The L35AF was Nikon's first compact camera with autofocus. I might go and do some refreshed detective work and look at clarifying in the article. Hi Eddy, I got the younger brother L35AD 2 from a flea market a month ago. The Nikon L35AF is something the size of an ice cream sandwich. I believe I have the same problem with my one touch, ended up buying a second l35af until I have time to tinker with it more lol hfjh5 1 min. If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to: M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701. and send your e-mail address so I can thank you. Check them out, along with various other photo printing options, in this guide! Custom size canvas prints are a great addition to your home or office. Was feeling upset to find that the camera wasnt loading the film and there wasnt even an advance after the shutter was released. Wonderful article. <p>I subsequently bought an 50mm AI-S Series E, figuring that the program mode problem was due to the 35-135mm zoom included with the camera not being an AI-S lens, but while dry firing the camera before loading a roll of film it seemed to ignore my shutter speed setting in all modes but manual, just like the zoom.</p> Based on the comments offered by other online reviews, yours is a really enjoyable, hype-free read on what is becoming a mythical beast of a camera. It was the first Touch camera for Nikon and was followed by many, like the Action-Touch (waterproof), Fun-Touch (really . The lens is indeed a masterpiece in its class. So the problem is that i can't press the shutter / the shutter button is totally stuck. The lenses are 55-200mm,70-300mm,35mm,18-55mm. Once theyre going they usually stay going as long as they see the light every now and then. It is a camera I have become very attached to. Also, the flash has a 30% accuracy of going off when I press the shutter. On top of the camera is the on/off switch and shutter release button. Typically, a simple cleaning will help revive the camera but there will be times when you will have to replace, repair or adjust something. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Here is the problem. The flash does pop up when pointed at something dark, so there's that. The latter is presented as a person, two people, a group of people and a mountain for infinity. How to fix the shutter on my Nikon EM film camera? It exposed this quite well, I am impressed by how it was only off by a bit, maybe around 0.7 stops. It shows signs of use. Those were the days when the future felt around the corner through these cameras. Yes, suddenly there was automatic operation in what felt like tiny cameras! The meter appears to be center-weighted and heavily-biased towards the center, too. So the solution to work around the problem is take picture, hold the shutter button, then release the . Do this a few times until the button works as expected. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 might be nearly six years old, but when it arrived in 2017, it had incredible features, particularly for video. The L35AF was Nikon's first compact camera with autofocus. You mentioned that it was a bit stiff before but it worked Sounds like the effect of dirt (air borne dust setting in the shutter lubrication oil OR some air borne dust or dirt or grime from fingers finally got into the shutter release button shaft and hardened). You may like it depending on how much you pay for your coffee and how many letters its name contains. But recently the shutter button jammed completely and I can't press down and I can't turn the camera on and of without a whole lot of force. The first results with that film reinforced what I had read. Another reason for that is the capacitor. The lens is a 35mm f/2.8 modified Sonnar design. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. How much does professional photography cost? This 35 mm film camera has a programmed electronic shutter for faster clicking of pictures. It accepts a pair of LR44 cells to power the date-back. A version with an "autodate" function was . Its battery door design is MUCH better, too. In fact just give it a fire and shake whatever nothing to lose (as long as youre sensible about the vigour of your oscillations). So i picked up my Nikon L35AF up to shoot today and I haven't shoot it in a week! Any manuals or guide recomended.. Trigger the flash by covering the meters window with your finger and see if it fires once the ready-light is lit. Be careful with this, you may damage any of the delicate parts underneath it and jam the camera, making things worse. This site earns around $1.10 a day, its totally reliant on views. The only reliable way to get a working capacitor is to salvage one from another camera. Helping support this site will ensure that this will be kept going as long as I have the time and energy for this. Hello, everybody! Pressing down (very) hard on the flash for every shot worked (and gave me a hint about root cause) but was a total pain. I put the two. It takes a couple of minutes to look for one in the unorganized heap of old, junk cameras, that is if they still have any in the shop. This camera doesnt feel the same for me without that in place. For that visually pleasing, yet imperfect analogue look, collectors of mechanical rangefinder cameras, like myself, can pay dearly for Leica and L39 mount glass based on similar lens designs.