Buy a Nikon F with working FTN finder?

[George Mann]

For the price of an F body? How much do these things weigh?

 

[bdial]

The FTN finder doesn't add all that much weight, it's a bit more of an issue of added bulk, since the finder is so large. I'm not sure the added cost of the non-meter finder is worth the premium. Although, I have to admit the plain finder version is a bit nicer looking especially since so many of the FTn finders no longer work, and even when they do, they are made for no longer available batteries.

 

[Nitroplait]

The no-metered prism looks sleek, but the bulky FTn finder is iconic. I love that look.
Given the prices I’ve seen for the no-metered finders, I think I would take a FTn even if it didn’t work.
It is probably a challenge to find a sample without foam rot.

 

[George Mann]

I can buy an F2 Photomic with a damaged eyepiece thread for $8 more.

Which would you choose, and which weighs more?

 

[terryw]

...many of the FTn finders no longer work, and even when they do, they are made for no longer available batteries.

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.

In general, I had a little trouble with the shutter release position on the F. It sits closer to the back of the camera. You get used to it, but I like the position on all of the newer Nikon SLRs; closer to the front of the body. That feels more natural to me. Just a personal preference thing, though.

 

[Les Sarile]

For the price of an F body? How much do these things weigh?

My FTN weighs 809g while my plain prism version weighs 694g.

 

[jimjm]

FTn finder version is a bit heavier, approx 880g vs 715g for the plain-prism F body. The added bulk is probably more significant than the weight.
If the meter is working, they're fine shooters. More so if they've had a voltage conversion to take modern batteries, or you can use CRIS MR-9 battery adapters.
My preference is using the plain unmetered prism. I love the looks and the ergonomics.

 

[George Mann]

None of you like the F2?

 

[Les Sarile]

None of you like the F2?

???

Plain prism F2 weighs 724g while the F2A weighs 834g.

 

[George Mann]

I find it curious that the F weighs less than the F2. One would think that it would be the other way around.

I am still torn between the two.

 

[George Mann]

Update: 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?

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Update: 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?

M
Mine has been accurate as long as I've used the air cells, 20 years or so.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

None of you like the F2?

I have two F2 As. At one point I had 3 F Ftns.

 

[George Mann]

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!

 

[Les Sarile]

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!

Personally never had one issue with them. Worst case scenario of course they come with a money back guarantee. Even shipping specially when you get a product not accurately represented.

 

[wiltw]

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.

 

[Sirius Glass]

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!

Thank you so much! That means more will be left for me & I always have had great service from KEH even when there was a problem. I bought the Hasselblad C 500mm lens and it jammed on the camera the first time I tried it. Michael at Samys got the lens off at no charge. He said that to do a CLA on the shutter mechanism that jammed the lens would need to disassembled first and then reassembled and collimated which he could not do but Hasselblad New Jersey would charge over $1200 plus shipping. KEH paid for all the shipping, fixed the problem and did a complete CLA and guaranteed their work. I know that you would never deal with a business that was that honest and ethical. Terrific, more goodies for me. I am going to go get a good case of G.A.S. starting tonight.

What did one burp say to another?
Lets be stinkers and come out the other end!

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I bought the first Nikon F Photomic T when they came out in 1965 when I was stationed in Japan. The meter section was like an afterthought that Nikon stuck on the F. It makes it bulky and ugly. My Nikormat FTN is prettier and the right size. I lost my Photomic T on an NYC subway 50 years ago. Maybe you just bought it.

 

[bsdunek]

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.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

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.

How do you clean the resistor?

 

[Bill Burk]

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

If you want the iconic look then the original F with one of the old Photomic finders working or not

 

[BradS]

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

All of the metered, DP-x, finders for the F2 show full exposure info, both the shutter speed and f stop, in the view finder.
Only the non-metered DE-1 does not have full exposure info in the view finder. The DE-1 has no info.

 

[Bill Burk]

Ok it’s the original F finders which don’t peek at the f/stop

 

[eli griggs]

I bought my second F with a FTn finder here on Phototrio and do lust after a F2, but likely will no buy one, as my Canon F1's and FTb's are my 'go to' SLRs in 35mm.

The meter on the newest, I had sold my first F years ago, when I started to have a family and could no work, does no latch down tightly in the front, so I need to find a replacement, but will be quite happy to stick to the FTn finder.

Yes, the plain finder is nice, but for the price of one, I could buy another F or F2 body.

I also have the actual correct Mercury battery for this finder and other cameras, and it seems to have a 'full' charge on it, so I can put off doing the diode hack for now.

Before anyone asks, this good battery came to me in a box of miscellaneous odds and ends, so it was a random thing that fell into my hands, no source from which to find more.

Be Safe, Be Well, Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday Season and, Godspeed, to all and your Loved Ones,
Eli

 

[Dennis-B]

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.

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.