George Mann
Member
For the price of an F body? How much do these things weigh?
I had a Nikon F with the FTn finder (Apollo Nikon F) last year and my finder metered just fine (lucky?). I used battery zinc air batteries and C.R.I.S. LR44 converters to power it. They both worked just fine, but the zinc air cells didn't last very long. I have to admit that there were times when I didn't trust the meter and used a handheld, but most of the time it was pretty close....many of the FTn finders no longer work, and even when they do, they are made for no longer available batteries.
For the price of an F body? How much do these things weigh?
None of you like the F2?
MUpdate: KEH raised the price of the F2 $9 after confirming that it was fully functional. but with the MR-9 adaptor being as expensive as it is, the F2 still has the advantage.
How well does the FTN finder meter with hearing aid batteries?
I have two F2 As. At one point I had 3 F Ftns.None of you like the F2?
Well, I ended up buying an El from Robert's camera for $39 shipped. Robert's also has the F + FTn @ $88.
I decided not to buy from KEH as they lie, or are confused about everything!
Well, I ended up buying an El from Robert's camera for $39 shipped. Robert's also has the F + FTn @ $88.
I decided not to buy from KEH as they lie, or are confused about everything!
How do you clean the resistor?I have two Nikon FTN's, bought new in 1970. They have been serviced several times but both work fine. The problem with the FTN meter seems to be the drum resistor. Generally, they just need cleaning. I have done mine with a Q-Tip and electrical contact cleaner. Has worked great for me. I do use the Wein cells, which have been fine except for the afore mentioned short life. Just glad I can keep these cameras going - just my favorites.
I have been daydreaming about the same and my thoughts...
If you are looking to have a solid working camera, then the F2 A the finder where you can see the f/stops
C.R.I.S.'s mr-9 adapters work perfectly, and put 1.35v across to the meter. I've bought several for Yashica Mat-124's, Nikon FTn, and several other mercury battery cameras. I cross checked them to my Sekonic L508, and a Gossen Luna Pro SBC, and they all measure very closely. Only downside is they're out of mr-9's until January 2021.I would investigate how well/poorly the FTN meter reacts to non-use of mercuric oxide batteries. Some circuits do poorly if alkaline battery is use, and the meter cannot simply dial in a constant compensation, because the meter error is variable and is more/less inaccurate at one lighting brightness than at a different lighting brightness!
While Wein air cells can be used in place of mercuric oxide, once activated they deplete themselves and are not long lived. So they are not necessarily an expense that all can afford.
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