Nikon fm10 shutter problems?

I recently got an fm10 (last month) and just yesterday when I was shooting with some film, I noticed that when I cranked the lever it didn't go back to its "starting position", but it just insisted on being cranked over and over again if that makes sense… I winded up the camera because all of the cranking had uselessly used up all of the remaining film. I saw with the back open that when I cranked the lever, the shutter would actually go up again, making the viewfinder go black, and also advance the film… This is all really confusing and I have no idea what's going wrong. The lens is attached properly, and the shutter is just driving me crazy.

Belle, I'm sorry you're having problems. First check that the film rewind button the bottom of the camera is not pressed in. If it is, it should pop back out once you close the door and work.

When you wind the advance lever, the shutter curtains should move. This is called charging the shutter. This readies the shutter release and allows the camera to fire. The advance lever should lock into place internally and spring back after the shutter is charged. Then you should be able to fire the camera otherwise known as releasing the shutter. The advance lever will not lock and prevent a double exposure if the rewind button is pressed in. This is how you can do a deliberate double exposure if you'd like.

I'm concerned that you say that the film is still advancing through the camera though.

If the rewind button is not the problem, your FM10 is sseverelydamaged and in need of replacement or professional repair. Take it back to the store from which you purchased it and ask for a refund or replacement. Repair could cost around $150 at KEH.com.

I hope that this does not turn out to be the case.