Had a bit of a spring clean and discovered two forgotten cameras. Each must be at least 15 years old. One’s a Nikon FM2, all manual, no electronics except the light meter indicators. Lens is a Nikon or Nikkor, 52mm.
The other is a Minolta T7 body with some electronic stuff in it, I think. It has a trash lens – Hanimex 35-70mm I think.
Neither of the cameras work and you can see all kinds of mossy stuff through the minolta’s viewfinder.
Does anyone know these cameras and would it be worth it to get them professionally overhauled? Is this even possible? I seem to remember that I liked the Nikon – pretty bulletproof, operable by a moron and took good pics. I can’t really remember how I acquired the minolta or why in the world I would buy a Hanimex lens!
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
[color=green]Mod note: title modified from “Camera overhaul: worth it?” to better cover various merged topics. – DB Mod[/color]
I can’t comment on the Minolta, but the FM2 is a classic and much loved manual camera that commands a high price on the second hand market (at least in the UK). If you’ve got the titanium body then hang on to it at all costs! Why not check out resale prices on e-bay.
Thanks for the info, Soddom. “Much loved,” “commands high prices” – Wow, I feel like I’m on Antiques Roadshow or something!
Could you tell me how I would be able to tell if its made of titanium? All I know is that its basically silver in color with some black, and made of metal.
Definitely sounds as if I should have it looked at.
I wish someone could tell me about the Minolta, though – I can’t seem to find anything about it online. Maybe it was so crap they stopped making them or even referring to them?
Edited. Actually the Minolta’s an X7, not a T7. Does that ring any bells?
Forget the Minolta - it’s the Skoda of the SLR world, while Nikon is the Mercedes. If it’s an FM it’s still worth holding on to, though not as desirable. I don’t believe Nikon made a titanium FM. You can spot an FM2 titanium becasue the body is slightly gold in colour and there will be a “T” before the serial number stamped on the body. Basically, all Nikon cameras and lenses command respectable to outrageous resale values.
If you have fungus then it likely that the entire camera set is close to worthless. Fungus spreads from cameras to bodies and vice versa… and is VERY hard (nigh on impossible) to get rid of. Taiwan is a horrid place to have high end camera gear and the humidifiers (NT$2,000 for cheap yet decent one) are VITAL. If your gear has been unused and exposed to the elements for some time, well… eeek!
Take it somewhere reputable and get it checked. You can ‘clean’ the lenses/camera for a cost, usually very expensive though. However, the fungus never goes away 100%. If you use a camera with interchangeable lenses then you can effectively destroy your entire kit.
Sorry, mate, but get it checked ASAP. (The Nikon that is, bin the Minolta!)
Its only the Minolta that’s got fungus – the Nikon was stored in one of those dehumidifier closets and seems fine from that point of view. Also, the lenses between the Minolta and the Nikon are not interchangable, so the Nikon might be OK. Its problem is that it doesn’t seem to wind the film properly, or else there’s something wrong with the shutter release (although it sounds fine) – you only get half of the frame exposed. Also, the focus ring seems a little bit stiff in places, so maybe its a problem with the lens. Are there any contemporary Nikkor lenses on the market that would be compatible with an old body like this, or would I have to search around for 2nd hand stuff (which I really don’t want to bother with?) Taking Soddom’s advice along with what I’ve read online, I guess I’d be prepared to spend a few K getting it fixed up. I’ve always really liked the fully manual aspect of it and have no real desire for a digital point & shoot. It also looks dead cool.
Sandman, when you say only half the film is exposed is it the top/bottom half or left/right? If it’s the top or bottom it’s possible the mirror isn’t retracting fully. Is there are clear distinction between the focused and unfocused part or is it graduated? Try releasing the shutter with the lens removed to check the light pathway. Of course you can check if it
Many thanks for the advice, Soddom. Actually, I can’t even remember if its up/down or left/right, its so long since I used the thing. In any case, light path or winding problem, it should be fixable by a proper mechanic, yes? Is there any specific place you’d recommend, or should I just take it to Boai Rd and trust to luck?
Sandman, I think Boi Ai Road might not be your best bet as the store won’t stand to make much out of the deal. You could try the Nikon distributor directly I guess as it will likely be sent to them even if you take it to a shop. The address is
Lin Trading Co.
8F
272 Nan Jing Road
Sec. 3
Taipei
I don’t have the phone number. I haven’t been there, but I have been to the HK one which is essentially a walk-in service shop. I received excellent service in HK and had the camera professionally cleaned and a component replaced all in under 30 minutes.
I beg your pardon. I have been using an SRT 201 that I bought about 28 years ago. It has never failed me, not even after falling off my motorcycle in India. A small dent in the case and no other damage. Try that with your “modern” camera.
This camera has traveled with me in many of the bumpy, backwaters of Asia without a complaint.
Not only does it take good photographs, many have been published.
This camera may well outlast me.
i have a new canon digital camera that is now broken. Where in taiwan is a good place to get the camera fixed? I have a warranty but im not sure if it covers accidental damage. (dropped).
thanks
OK. Then all I can tell you is that the warranty will not cover it (as you knew) unless you took out some sort of accident cover, which I assume you didn’t.
Sorry, haven’t had to have my camera repaired outside of its warranty yet, so I don’t know a good shop to refer you to.
If you are in Taipei, then take it to Bo-Ai Road (a.k.a. The Camera Street). It’s right by Taipei Main Station, there are many camera stores that do repairs there. I would ask around for prices before deciding on a particular place.
