Nikon F3 Display Illuminator Repair
The Issue
The Nikon F3 has a small red button on the right side of the prism cover, which illuminates the LCD display in the viewfinder. Due to the age of the camera, this button often stops working properly due to a lack of electric contact.
Nikon F3 Display Illuminator Button
The Solution
First make sure that the camera has fresh batteries inserted.
Disassembly
Take off the detachable viewfinder so you can access the small plastic cover right next to the lens mount. With a proper screwdriver (JIS if available), unscrew the plastic cover to gain access to the circuit board underneath.
Be very careful not to damage the connecting cable. If in doubt, send the camera to an experienced camera repairman. Do not risk any damage, it is not worth it.
Get a small piece of tin foil and insert it between the red button and the contacts.
Dirty / Oxidized Contacts
Move the tin foil around in order to gently remove any oxidation. Remove the tin foil and check whether the button operates like it should.
Worn Out Button
There is also a chance that the metal contact on the red button need to be replaced. In this case, leave a small piece of tin foil inside the gap. If the light stays on permanently, fix it to the red button to prevent that.
Reassembly
Put everything together and again, ensure that the connecting cable is not bent or damaged.
Test the camera in its assembled state.
Final Words
If these steps did not solve the problem, the little light bulb might be defective or the circuit board is damaged. In this case, consult a qualified Nikon analog camera repair person. Be prepared that the damage might be irreparable.
