NIKON super zoom problem

Post by **steve hyde** » Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:18 am

I've got a Nikon Super Zoom 8, which was working wonderfully until the trigger stopped turning the reel. I replaced the batteries to no avail. I think something has gone wrong mechanically. Has anyone experienced this problem? Does anyone have advice on repairing this problem?

Again, thanks in advance......Cheers,

Steve Hyde

Post by **fastwind** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:51 pm

Try using a remote control to start/stop the camera. I have a Nikon 8X
Super Zoom that will not activate without the remote control.

Post by **steve hyde** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:52 pm

Ah....What type of remote are you using?

Thanks,

Steve

Post by **fastwind** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:11 pm

Almost any type of Super 8 remote should work. I have 2, one that
came with one of my Super Zooms and a NIKON 8mm camcorder remote. The remote must have an 1/8" connector to fit in the remote
socket and run the camera. The NIKON R8/R10 had a different type
of remote connector.

Post by **steve hyde** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 6:38 pm

Thanks my friend. I'll try to get my hands on a remote. Finding ways around various problems seems to be the best solution when working with s8 cameras. Expensive repairs just don't make sense when you can buy these things for a song on ebay.

Again thanks

Post by **joey peeps** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:21 am

i have 4 nikons . the s-zoom 8 + the 8x s-zoom , they both have the same problem(really the same cam body) there's a leaf switch at the back of the camera that is also part of the start/stop clutch . this is a
sandwich of plastic and leafspring with some tiny screws that hold the whole shebang together. the plastic doesn't age well and when it disintegrates , the thing doesn't work right. you can use the power jack
to start and stop the camera , but the clutch/governor does not
control the frame any more , making the frame rate unstable
starting and stopping..
to open the camera's body there's long screws inside the door for the cartridge . 3 or 4 i can't remember right now. , anyway ,take these screws out and the opposite panel comes off, revealing the guts .
the switch is at the far right.
hope this helps
j-p

Post by **joey peeps** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:26 am

i almost forgot, the screws that hold the switch together are themselves plastic! they're the ones that seem to fail + makethe switch fall apart.
similar in size to a 4-40 english thread , not sure how many MM that would be!

Post by **steve hyde** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:18 am

Thanks Joey,

Okay, so once I open this "shebang" what exactly do I do to fix it? Are you suggesting the replacement of the plastic screws with metal?.....I'm no camera tech so forgive my ignorance.

Steve

Post by **joey peeps** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:33 am

i'm not suggesting that you do anything. you asked the question about
a nikon + i remarked what i thought was probably the culprit. if you
removed the cover , you could look at the leafswitch and see if it
looked busted. if you take out the screws from the film compartment
you won't disturb anything , but you would be able to see the switch.
taking a gander into your nikon's guts won't fix it , but it could save
time and money and worry wasted on some repairman type pretending
to fix the thing.
i fixed my nikons with epoxy glue to rebuild the switch
in question.
good luck
jp

Post by **steve hyde** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:37 am

I see.... Maybe I'll try the epoxy. In the mean time I bought two new S8 cameras. It seems having a few back ups on the set is how this game must be played.

Thanks for the advice, Cheers,

Steve

Post by **joey peeps** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:53 am

sorry, i forgot your question about the screws- nope, you can't sub metal
for the plastic ones . they'd short the conacts. if you end up gluing the
stuff together , make sure it's clean first,

Post by **monobath** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:05 am

You may be able to get new plastic screws from some place like smallparts