the FT3 was the first Nikkormat model that took the easy-to-find #76 silver-oxide cells. The meters in the previous models took the now illegal #625 mercury batteries.
No, not at all, it has charm, I like it, and it's much more orange than on the picture, (terrible camera-phone), and it's definitely "painted" or something, so no tobacco-smoke. Maybe purchase spare replacement nameplate for the future, but for now, I like it at least =)
Hey John,
I have an Nikkormat FT with a jammed shutter. I cranked it one too many times with film in it, and now when I try to advance the shutter, the crank simply moves smoothly, without any indication of the gears working inside. My photography teacher said it might be the gear inside is stripped. Since you seem to have had similar problems at points, I am wondering how you resolved them. Did you have to use a professional? I'm debating just picking up another camera on Ebay because I'm not sure the cost is worth it.
jared
I picked up a Nikkormat FT2 off the bay back in September, and with the exception of a small dent in the prism, it is a great camera!
Jared,
It does sound like something did get damaged. An overhaul usually will run somewhere between $120 and $130. So, I think I would look for another body, since it will probably be less expensive than repairing yours.
-J
I agree, buying another camera that's more than twenty years old, and has never been serviced in it's history isn't a solution if you want a reliable picture making instrument IMOI have had all of my cameras overhauled at one point or another. An overhaul means the body gets cleaned out, old solidified lubricants are replaced, the door seals are changed, the shutter calibrated, film transport cleaned, and a host of other items looked at. If you have a camera with the older 1.35v button cell, the repairman can recalibrate the meter to accept the newer 1.5v button cells. Wein cells are OK, but they die quickly and never at a convenient time.
Like a car, you can drive one without maintenance, but it may not be as reliable as you want it to be. Mechanical camera experts are thinning out. You might not be able to find a competent one in a few years.
I think $130 is cheap insurance, and your camera will last for years afterward.
I love that the shutter speeds are set by a ring around the lens mount. Is it so fun!
Too bad hipsters are starting to pick them up, if what you say is true
I have had all of my cameras overhauled at one point or another. An overhaul means the body gets cleaned out, old solidified lubricants are replaced, the door seals are changed, the shutter calibrated, film transport cleaned, and a host of other items looked at. If you have a camera with the older 1.35v button cell, the repairman can recalibrate the meter to accept the newer 1.5v button cells. Wein cells are OK, but they die quickly and never at a convenient time.
Like a car, you can drive one without maintenance, but it may not be as reliable as you want it to be. Mechanical camera experts are thinning out. You might not be able to find a competent one in a few years.
I think $130 is cheap insurance, and your camera will last for years afterward.
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