Service for Nikons from Japan (Page 3): They didn’t plan enough obsolescence into my Canon Ftb from 1969 or my Canon F-1 from 1972 or thereabouts. From the look of the F-1 you’d think...

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Ed Commons wrote:

As with anything today, companies are producing products with planned obsolence. The product is already obsolete when it hits the shelves. The companies make only a finite amount of replacement parts and when those are gone, your product can't be serviced.

They didn’t plan enough obsolescence into my Canon Ftb from 1969 or my Canon F-1 from 1972 or thereabouts. From the look of the F-1 you’d think it had been to war. The Ftb did go to war but not black and brass so it doesn’t look like it.

William Royer Loc: Kansas

I very much appreciate you all taking the time to respond to my inquiry, and I value your thoughts.
Fwiw, I now have the Nikon FM2N and the FE2 — both in great condition — and love using them. Having owned the FM3a in the early 2000’s when it first came out (then later, and now regretfully, selling it to move to digital) I am now tempted to buy one to replace either the FE2, or both it and the FM2N. Or, am also tempted by a Mint- F3P — although I’ve never even handled an F3 and therefore don’t have a good idea how it feels in the hand (or, bag), nor how I’d like using the viewfinder and it’s digital readouts. So, will continue to look at both.
Again, thanks very much for your responses.

BebuLamar

therwol wrote:

The F3 was the workhorse of pros during its reign. Lots of them got heavy use and abuse. You would have to be selective in buying one, and I would actually look to Japanese sources in choosing one to buy. (But would I buy one? No. I have an FTn that can do almost as much, and it sits in a box and will sit in the box until the day I die. I'm not into film any longer.)

Mine is in perfect working condition. Meter/shutter speed all in good tolerances. Hardly any scratches.

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

William Royer wrote:

I very much appreciate you all taking the time to ... (show quote)

If around $1000 for a good EX+++ to mint+++ FM3a is not a hardship economically, them go ahead and buy one. You only live once. I did, and now I'm overjoyed using my FM3a almost on a daily basis. Even though from an economically point of view I shouldn't have spent the money on it, but I did, and now I don't care that I did.

marquina Loc: Richmond, Virginia

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 anymore even if it's a USA model.

Quite true. My personal experience.

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

William Royer wrote:

I am considering purchasing an older film Nikon fr... (show quote)

I would suggest you ask Nikon USA. You are more likely to get an accurate answer to your question from them

Bill_de Loc: US

orvisk wrote:

morton grove illinois authorized nikon service center fantastic place

I posted a response from Nikon not too long ago. Nikon no longer has authorized service centers, although some dealers are still claiming to be authorized. Nikon has two service facilities,
Melville, Ny and Signal Hill, Ca.

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rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help. I've been a camera tech for about 35 years now and have done over 30,000 successful repairs, many of which are the 2 model Nikons you mentioned. Parts can be an issue although I have a lot of Nikon parts inventory as well as many parts suppliers around the world.

I'd be more than happy to repair the cameras for you, should the need arise, and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

William Royer wrote:

I am considering purchasing an older film Nikon fr... (show quote)

answer to #1. Yes
answer to #2. Nikon does not know what camera's are being repaired by independent shops. Many stock their own parts from junked camera's.
Many independent shops will work on those two camera's. If they have the part they will fix it.
Nikon has stopped making parts for those camera's. Auto makers are required to have all parts for any model for 10 years after production. There is no requirement for camera manufactures. So even if it was a USA model, Nikon may not have the parts anymore to fix them. But, I owned and used my F3 for over 10 years ( because they made them for nearly that many years) and never had problems with it. So, you may never have a problem with your future F3 either. Mine was a F3 HP, loved that guy, had a center weighted spot meter system for portraits that was hard to beat at the time.
For that reason alone, I sell my equipment regardless after 5 years and buy only new equipment. That way, if I ever do need service, either an independent or Nikon will have the parts to fix my camera.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

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.

It's amazing how little of time they have to service a product then discounted after 5 yrs. They told after 5 years we don't even have testing equipment. In NJ we fish boat 6 months so 5 years us like 2.5 years for service

lerrad Loc: Marietta, GA /Suches, GA

PM me if you’d like a referral in the Atlanta area. ( near KEH )

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Sidwalkastronomy wrote:

It's amazing how little of time they have to service a product then discounted after 5 yrs. They told after 5 years we don't even have testing equipment. In NJ we fish boat 6 months so 5 years us like 2.5 years for service

Makes perfect sense in its own context.