Capture the Moment
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Looking to get hold of a Nikkormat. Which ones do you guys suggest and why. Already own an F2 and FM2 so have a selection of pre AI, AIS, AI lenses for these. Thanks in advance.
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Nikkormat
- Thread starter Capture the Moment
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If you're going to buy one, then I suppose an FT3 for manual. However, the cameras that you currently have are better, IMHO.
RivkiLocker
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I love the original FT. It is built like a tank and so easy to operate. I have not tried any other nikkormat bodies so I can’t offer a comparison but this is one of my favorite film cameras. The only gripe I have is that the iso is a bit difficult to adjust. Not sure if that’s just my copy.
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Heritage Cameras
Senior Member
If your AI and AIS lenses have the external pre-AI meter coupling fork (Nikkors do, some independents don't), then an FT2 would meter with all three types at full aperture, and is the first model with a hot shoe. If you have any use for auto exposure an EL (or ELW with winder connections) will also meter with all these lenses. The later FT3 and (Nikon) EL2 AI cameras will only meter stopped down with your pre-AI lenses.
The Nikkormat FT2 and FT3 (AI version of FT2) use easy to find MS-76 silver oxide batteries. The aperture preferred automatic EL, EL2, and EL2 use PX-28 6v batteries.
Given the lenses you have- I would go for the FT2, as stated previously. I've used one for over 40 years now. Sometimes the meter needle can be jumpy, the contacts for the mechanism is inside the lens mount- I cleaned mine decades ago, did not require a break down. Also- it's possible to jam the shutter by advancing the film while the shutter is still open. I have one camera that the prior owner lent to a friend, and learned this the hard way. They needed to have the cmaera repaired, and asked the technician to lock-out the B setting on the shutter speed ring.
Given the lenses you have- I would go for the FT2, as stated previously. I've used one for over 40 years now. Sometimes the meter needle can be jumpy, the contacts for the mechanism is inside the lens mount- I cleaned mine decades ago, did not require a break down. Also- it's possible to jam the shutter by advancing the film while the shutter is still open. I have one camera that the prior owner lent to a friend, and learned this the hard way. They needed to have the cmaera repaired, and asked the technician to lock-out the B setting on the shutter speed ring.
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I love my FT2, and it takes the oldest lenses. FT3, AFAIK, does not, but you don't have to do the lens mounting dance. Both are heavy cameras that are difficult to use. I assume this is a collector thing and not a search for a better camera? If it's the latter, I daresay you have it in the FM.
The FT3 has a flip-up Ai coupling, will take the older lenses but uses stop-down metering.
Capture the Moment
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Thanks for all the very sound advice. The FT2 is maybe best for me and yes it’s more of a collectors thing which could I guess start to seriously get out of control. Just need to wait for a decent sample to come up. Stay safe everyone and thanks again.
Horiz Opposed
Leading Member
I had an early one, and an FT3. They have a consistency across the whole line, and a unique (great) feel when you **** the shutter.
I haven’t owned one for 20 years but I can still recall that film advance.
Someone mentioned the meter already. From what I know that is a weakness if that is a consideration. I used a handheld meter with the FT3 because the internal one was toast.
I haven’t owned one for 20 years but I can still recall that film advance.
Someone mentioned the meter already. From what I know that is a weakness if that is a consideration. I used a handheld meter with the FT3 because the internal one was toast.
You've got GAS!
Well, the FT2 is definitely work collecting. Lovely piece of machinery.Keyboard shortcuts
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