Service for Nikons from Japan: I am considering purchasing an older film Nikon from Japan — perhaps an FM3a or F3. Either would be old enough to be out of any original Warranty period;...

William Royer Loc: Kansas

I am considering purchasing an older film Nikon from Japan — perhaps an FM3a or F3. Either would be old enough to be out of any original Warranty period; and, by definition, neither would be a ‘Nikon USA’ camera. Therefore am wondering about any future service needed.
Am I correct in assuming that:
1) Since they are not cameras imported to US by Nikon USA, Nikon USA would not provide any service to them, even if I paid them?
2). Also, for the same reason, Nikon USA would not provide the parts required for that service/repair on these cameras to an independent service business in the US?

If these two assumptions are correct — particularly for older Nikon cameras — how worried should I be about buying one? (They are not exactly inexpensive.). Or, are the above assumptions and potential concerns basically irrelevant?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

William Loc: Mississippi

why it's real again

BebuLamar

If the camera was bought in Japan and you have the receipt for it from an authorized dealer in Japan then Nikon would service it. However, the 2 cameras you mentioned have been discontinued a long time ago so Nikon doesn't service them any more even if it's a USA model.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I would think that you can find the same used film cameras in the USA and avoid the entire potential service problem. KEH and eBay have them listed.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

BebuLamar wrote:

If the camera was bought in Japan and you have the receipt for it from an authorized dealer in Japan then Nikon would service it. However, the 2 cameras you mentioned have been discontinued a long time ago so Nikon doesn't service them any more even if it's a USA model.

Nor would they still be making parts for those cameras. Your best bet may be finding an independent service outfit that has a supply of donor cameras for parts.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Robertl594 wrote:

I would think that you can find the same used film cameras in the USA and avoid the entire potential service problem. KEH and eBay have them listed.

The fact would still remain that Nikon probably doesn't have parts for them.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

flip1948 wrote:

The fact would still remain that Nikon probably doesn't have parts for them.

That is most likely true. They stopped servicing early generation of lenses like the 200mm f/2 for lack of parts.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

BebuLamar wrote:

If the camera was bought in Japan and you have the receipt for it from an authorized dealer in Japan then Nikon would service it. However, the 2 cameras you mentioned have been discontinued a long time ago so Nikon doesn't service them any more even if it's a USA model.

A number of US camera stores with service departments have formed a sort of "co-op" to jointly source and trade repair parts for older cameras. This can sometimes enable repair of an otherwise unsupported camera. Of course, there are no guarantees of success, and (as I've learned) their established customers may receive preferential opportunities. There are also other folks who do repairs, including some members here.

One strategy that lots of collectors and enthusiasts use is to "buy two to keep at least one working." Or buy one and use it as long as it works.

User ID

Robertl594 wrote:

I would think that you can find the same used film cameras in the USA and avoid the entire potential service problem. KEH and eBay have them listed.

There is no service problem related to country of purchase (for those cameras).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Nikon F3 was Nikon's third professional single-lens reflex camera body, introduced in 1980.

The FM3A was manufactured on small-volume assembly lines from 2001 to 2006.

Neither body would be supported, maintained, serviced, nor repaired by Nikon in 2023. If you're concerned about problems, seek to minimize the purchase cost, as you might have no repair option ever, from anyone, anywhere; your only option being to purchase another replacement. As noted already, potential lack of service is irrelevant in making a 'buy' decision on this ancient equipment.

Personally, I'd go with the cheaper F3 option, the 'pro build' of this model likely minimizes the risk of any / ever a problem given their design to last forever, something a now 40-year old film camera would still be delivering.

BebuLamar

The Nikon FM3a is kind of funny. During the period when it was availalble few people would buy it an balked at the $600 prive tag. Now people are willing to pay $800 for a used one.
I would stick with my F3HP.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I could repeat the words of Paul, CHG-Canon. If I were in your shoes it would be the F3 the camera I would buy. It is a professional camera built to withstand weather and abuse and it was a favorite during the 80's. It has such a built that chances are excellent you will need no repairs. As has already been said Nikon will not work with it, parts will be scarce and who knows, it could be difficult to find someone that will repair them.

If the camera you want to buy is in good condition go for it. Like others here I prefer to buy in this country, not abroad and US sellers usually offer a 6 months warranty.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Cleaning and adjusting shouldn't be a problem for any repair service. Parts would be the problem. I doubt that Nikon has many old parts sitting on shelves. That doesn't mean that parts aren't available somewhere, though. But what are the chances that you would need parts? I've never had a camera that needed parts.

I doubt that Nikon would be able to supply parts for cameras that old, but I doubt they would refuse to sell them to a repair shop.

Speaking of parts, I bought a carburetor repair kit for a 1937 LaSalle at a local parts store in the late 1960s. Even more surprising was being able to buy gearbox bearings for a 1944 army Jeep at a local store. That was probably in the 1970s or 80s.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

Buying and using very old cameras is always a "buyer beware" proposal. As Paul said, the pro bodies will probably outlast you if you buy a very good used one in the first place. The more electronic it is, the more likely you will have problems which nobody can fix. The old mechanical manual focus cameras have the best longevity. I still use a lot of these oldies, mostly Nikons, and have never had a problem with any of them, but I'm not putting them to professional demands either. Having lived in Tokyo, I can say that the chance of getting them repaired there is far better than in the states or anywhere else for that matter. There are a number of shops where knowledgeable technicians have a pretty good supply of doner bodies to choose from. The Japanese love their cameras and have the good sense to treat them carefully and preserve them over many decades.

therwol Loc: USA

jerryc41 wrote:

I doubt that Nikon would be able to supply parts for cameras that old, but I doubt they would refuse to sell them to a repair shop.

Irrelevant, since they're not likely to have parts for those cameras.