Nikon EM & FG (maintenance and repair)

edit: I just finished opening the EM for the last time. I’ve got about 6-7 hours into cleaning, maintaining and repairing. I just got a roll of Ektar 100 back from processing. Every single image was out of focus. The 50mm Series E would not focus to infinity at the infinity setting on the focus ring? I thought I may have placed the focus screen wrong? 

I had the focus ring in but not flush, after adjusting, cleaning, I discovered I had bent the light meter shutter speed indicator. 

I took the EM and dumped it in the trash AND the two parts bodies as well.

No, I’m not a repair man, yes, I have detailed surgical control of my hands, no, I don’t need that kind of camera stress.

I’m done with the EM.

I’ll replace it with a minty FG. I can definitely replace light seals and clean.

This was a great experiment and it didn’t cost a lot of money but it did create some stress and aggravation. I don’t have that in me. But I did enjoy the time with this cheaply made little camera…

EM focus screen not seated, wasted a whole roll and development/scan cost

——————————

I’ve worked on my EM quite a bit. No, not real camera repair but more like maintenance and minor replacement and repair. I have changed all light seals, cleaned the focusing screen, adjusted the aperture ring getting the camera back into shape. The winder knob was cracked so I replaced it. No soldering, yet and no electronic adjustments. I’m not a camera repair guy yet I have this inexpensive but old camera that I can fix up without fear of expensive mistakes or irreplaceable parts. 

This is my camera for tinkering around with. 

It is just a lesson in keeping a basic camera in good repair. If I break something? No big deal, I’ve got parts. The EM is really a simple camera and it’s fun to see the pictures I can get out of it. It uses the F-mount system so I can use my quiver of lenses but I do have a few Series E that are actually made for the EM. Anyway, when I work on mine, I’ll place pictures here.

——————————

Recently I purchased an FG to replace my EM for the quick grab kit I built. It’s in great shape but the light seals are deteriorated. I cleaned the camera and dug out the crumbling seals and ordered a new set. When they arrived, I’ll start using the FG for fun.

My FG as I received it, just dusty but deteriorating light seals

Light seal crumbs, I don’t want that inside my camera

After cleaning, looks great!

Replaced seals on the Nikon FG

The particular trick of using Purel hand sanitizer is pretty cool. It allows the ultra sticky fragile and fine adhesive to be positioned exactly where it needs to be. Once you dope up the adhesive and contact points, you have a minute or two of ”wet time” to place the super sticky light seals in its respective channel and or re-position it if you are off a bit or the foam twists. 

Too much Purel and it’s still going to work, not enough and you run the chance of botching the placement and possibly breaking the foam seal. If you do, there is enough material for two complete kits. I’m 100% satisfied with the kit and results and at 10$, it’s the best money I’ve spent on my kit.

——————————

My Complete Nikon ~ Nikkor Lens Collection

——————————

Resources 

Light Seal Kits (buy the kit through this link)

Richard Haw: Nikon EM Repair
Lichtlese: Nikon EM Fixup
Nikon EM Tutorial (light seal repair)
Nikon EM Test