So my dad's friend gave me this but I'm having a tough time using it. I had already used a film with it but I forgot how I put it in. I've been playing with it and sometimes it goes completely black through the viewfinder as if it had the cap on (but I'm very sure the cap isn't on). I have to keep playing with it so that I can see through it again but I can never remember what I did to look through it again. What does that mean? and how do you rewind the film?
What is that? ^ It doesn't move at all...
You'll have to pardon me as I almost chuckled when I read this. This is a lovely piece, but I would doubt that you are going to get all of your answers writing a thread.
Firstly, this is the type of camera that will really teach you and challenge you how to take pictures. No menus, or buttons, or computers, or firmware. Just you.
Second, the "blackness in the viewfinder"...either the shutter screen is dying, or the wee battery in it is. This likely took a mercury battery back in the day.You can't get those anymore, unless you have military clearance (at least in the US). You would need to go to a battery pro who knows how to convert volts to a modern battery.
Next, the thing on the bottom of the camera. I am not sure if you are referring to the ASA dial or not. If so, that is how you manually set the film speed for exposure reading purposes.
To rewind the film, there is likely a small button on the bottom of the camera (left side). Push it in. On the top on the same side, there is a knob with a little silver lever that opens up (the knob that has the curved arrow on it.). Turn the lever counter clockwise until there is no more tension. Bam, the film is rewound.
I really hope this camera works for you. It is an amazing piece of equipment, and you should be proud to have such a fine instrument.
If it keeps going black, two things are happening - either
1) You have the shutter speed set reeeally long. Try putting it to 1/250 or summat.
2) The shutter's sticking. You'll need to take it to a repair place to sort that. Sometimes it's possible to unstick the shutter by removing the lens, but I wouldn't recommend that if you don't know what you're doing.
If you want to learn to use that camera properly be prepared to go through a lot of film. You should bulk buy it online or something - I would use 200 or 400 speed film as you're just getting started. You'll need to turn that ASA button to match with the speed of film you're using. It's a steep learning curve! It's worth it though :) Also, if you dig through the Articles section I've written a tutorial on using your camera in manual mode, which is what you're doing with that one. It's called Going Manual - but you'll need to ignore the bits where I've mentioned previewing the shot because you can't do that with your Nikon you've got there. When you're practicing write down in order what f number and shutter speed you've used for each shot, and then when you get the film back you can compare it. Good luck!!
The only thing I might add is, because it's a Nikon, it should have a mechanical veiwfinder screen for when you're doing timed exposures. It's just a little switch near the diopter (if it has one), which is on the right(?) side of the eyecup. If you're bumping it, or if it is worn and loose, it might be closing on you. Unlikely, but possible. More likely the battery.
Cool camera! Yes, it will be a great learning experience. and I'm glad that Chris was able to give you such great instructions. And Marianne's comment about the film is very true. Don't be afraid to use film to learn.
@icywarm@weshook@jinximages@madmazda86@moncooga@kylapalin
Oh my gosh thanks everyone! I I love this site. You guys were VERY helpful. I now have a better understanding of how to use it. Hopefully when the rain stops I'll take it out. :D
plastic shopping bag... make a small hole you can fit the lens through, tighten the bag onto the lens with the lens hood and you put you head into the normal opening on the plastic bag... cheapest and best rain cover ever...
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Maybe this will help you? Or a website for whatever model you've got there? This is how i learned to use my moms old SLR Canon.
Have fun!
Firstly, this is the type of camera that will really teach you and challenge you how to take pictures. No menus, or buttons, or computers, or firmware. Just you.
Second, the "blackness in the viewfinder"...either the shutter screen is dying, or the wee battery in it is. This likely took a mercury battery back in the day.You can't get those anymore, unless you have military clearance (at least in the US). You would need to go to a battery pro who knows how to convert volts to a modern battery.
Next, the thing on the bottom of the camera. I am not sure if you are referring to the ASA dial or not. If so, that is how you manually set the film speed for exposure reading purposes.
To rewind the film, there is likely a small button on the bottom of the camera (left side). Push it in. On the top on the same side, there is a knob with a little silver lever that opens up (the knob that has the curved arrow on it.). Turn the lever counter clockwise until there is no more tension. Bam, the film is rewound.
I really hope this camera works for you. It is an amazing piece of equipment, and you should be proud to have such a fine instrument.
1) You have the shutter speed set reeeally long. Try putting it to 1/250 or summat.
2) The shutter's sticking. You'll need to take it to a repair place to sort that. Sometimes it's possible to unstick the shutter by removing the lens, but I wouldn't recommend that if you don't know what you're doing.
If you want to learn to use that camera properly be prepared to go through a lot of film. You should bulk buy it online or something - I would use 200 or 400 speed film as you're just getting started. You'll need to turn that ASA button to match with the speed of film you're using. It's a steep learning curve! It's worth it though :) Also, if you dig through the Articles section I've written a tutorial on using your camera in manual mode, which is what you're doing with that one. It's called Going Manual - but you'll need to ignore the bits where I've mentioned previewing the shot because you can't do that with your Nikon you've got there. When you're practicing write down in order what f number and shutter speed you've used for each shot, and then when you get the film back you can compare it. Good luck!!
The only thing I might add is, because it's a Nikon, it should have a mechanical veiwfinder screen for when you're doing timed exposures. It's just a little switch near the diopter (if it has one), which is on the right(?) side of the eyecup. If you're bumping it, or if it is worn and loose, it might be closing on you. Unlikely, but possible. More likely the battery.
Oh my gosh thanks everyone! I I love this site. You guys were VERY helpful. I now have a better understanding of how to use it. Hopefully when the rain stops I'll take it out. :D