Camera problem

[Grifter]

Hi, just seeing if anyone knows what my problem is.

I have had a Nikon F80 for about 3 years now, and yesterday I noticed a BIG problem when I tried to use it. My view finder displays a grid of circles when I look through it. Yellow, orange, and one blue one in the center. When I zoom, they converge into one large smudge, and I can't focus at all. I'm unsure if this is a body or lens problem, and unfortunately my other lens is in another province right now, so I can only test it with my 600mm. I'm pretty confused and upset, as I take very good care of my posessions. The last time I used it, about a week ago, it was fine and it's just been sitting in my computer room on a tripod. I am the original owner.

I made a crude diagam of what I see superimposed over whatever I'm looking at, to give you an idea:

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5185/niknyx1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I'll be taking it in for service next week. Just wondering what the problem is, as I am pretty worried. My guess is something is out of alignment, and there is alot of refraction going on...

Thanks in advance!

[Grifter]

Well, I took the lens off and used my hand to form an iris, just letting a small circle of light through. I see circles, so it's the body. It still sucks, but it's less expensive than the lens, so that's a plus. Something is up with the mirror, I think... Must be bouncing light around.

*EDIT* I did the same thing with the mirror moved out of the way, and looking up past it and got the same result. It's the inner viewfinder. That means more labor, and money...

[Marko]

Hmmm that's on odd one. I'd say bring it in as you are doing. If it is the viewfinder screen itself, it probably will be a few bucks to get at it and change it.

I'm very curious though so pleasse let us know what the problem is.

Sorry I could not be of more help.

Anyone else?

thx
m

[Grifter]

I'll be sure to post again once I take it in for service. I hope to do that by next week.

My best guess is there is an oil spot in there somewhere... If it was water, it would have evaporated by now. I have NO idea how either would get inside, but I suppose it's not out of the realm of possibility. Maybe Nikon uses oil somewhere during assembly, and some collected on the shutter. It could have been flicked upwards by the fast movement... Or maybe I am over analyzing the situation, lol.

Thanks for the reply!

[Marko]

Actually - that may well be a good guess. I had a 50 mm lens on an older (15 years) Nikon camera and once when I brought it in for a checkup the repair dude pointed out an oil spot on the shutter blade. He said that eventually it would be a problem. For me, so far so good...but maybe that IS what is happening in your camera...