Nikon F50 repair

Nikon probably doesn't like it, but sometimes it's handy to know how to disassemble your camera. As far as disassembly walkthroughs for the F50 go, there are better ones available on the web (Nikon's own repair manual in pdf format comes to mind), but with this page you'll be able to take off the base plate and the rubber grip, which are usually the dirtiest parts after a sand storm and such. The usual disclaimer applies: use proper tools (like a fitting crosshead screwdriver for crosshead screws), keep the risks in mind, and don't take it out on me if anything goes wrong, because all this is at your own risk. Also make sure you're in a clean environment, and that you don't lose screws on the floor (for instance by placing the camera in a small tub).

1. Only start on this disassembly if there's no film in your camera, because some of the parts you're going to remove are functionally light-tight. First step, remove the battery, because not only is it dangerous to you to disassemble live equipment, but you could also damage the electronics if you accidentally hit a live contact plate with your screwdriver.

2. With the proper tool, unscrew the three screws on the rubber grip: two on the bottom and one on the outer side. Then remove the grip by pulling it out from the body. It's stuck by a flange, but comes out after some wiggling.

3. With again the proper tools, remove all the screws on the base plate. They're not all the same length, so lay them out in some order to remember which goes where. Then remove the base plate.

4. The back is hinged between the body and the base plate, so after removing the base plate, the back comes loose. Now, with your camera as in the bottom picture, you can do some thorough dust scraping.

5. When reassembling be careful not to forget the "preliminary film rewind" button, which is a small loose part that rests on the inner side of the base plate.