I am an Idiot with Nikkormat Cameras

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

Hey all,

I was doing some spring cleaning, arranging some cameras, when I mounted a lens on my FT2 (pretty nice black one). I only have used Nikon cameras a few times, so maybe I am just inexperienced, but somehow I managed to jam a lens on my FT2. I thought I was indexing the thing, but it only moves from f11 - f22 and I cannot remove it from the camera. The lens in question is a zoom nikkor 43-86mm (2nd generation). Would it help to take the rabbit ears off or is it a repair best left to a repair person? The camera seems okay otherwise but I'd rather exchange lenses on it now an then.

Any helpful comments would be appreicated.

Dave

Nicholas Lindan · Apr 2, 2021

Take the ears off and see what happens. It can't get any worse (famous last words).

BradS · Apr 2, 2021

its hard to imagine what could have gone wrong. Can you post a few photos?

Down Under · Apr 2, 2021

I have used Nikkormats since the 1970s and this is the first time I have heard of a lens jamming. The 'mats are one of the most 'mechanical' cameras around and whatever ails them is usually something simple and easily fixed. Even one with a dead meter can still be used as a manual shooter and they work even without batteries.

the FT2 are somewhat 'fiddlier' to put lenses on than the earlier/older FTNs and even the ELs.

Go about it gently. Set the lens back on f/5.6 and fiddle with it. Rotate the lens mount s-l-o-w-l-y if you can, between f/4 and f/8.

That is really all I can suggest you do. Others may have different suggestions. I will be reading and heeding.

Let us know how it goes. In your situation, I would NOT remove the ears on that (optically bloody awful, by the way) 43-86. As useless as that lens can be, it's an adequate shooter (not for architecture) and worth holding on to as an early Nikon curio piece. Get an early 50/2.0 Nikkor and you will be happy forever and a day.

reddesert · Apr 2, 2021

Nikon lenses mount/dismount in the opposite sense from nearly all other camera lenses - righty-loosey rather than lefty-loosey. (This is a holdover from Nikon RFs which got it from Contax RFs).

It is possible that you are turning the lens the wrong way OR that you turned the lens the wrong way at some point while mounting / dismounting and the aperture linkage on the rear of the lens is fouling the camera linkage. I did this once when I first got a Nikon, 30+ years ago, and had to get it repaired by a shop.

jsmoove · Apr 2, 2021

For my nikkormat, the lens needs to be on 5.6 to dismount. You also have to press the release button or whatever its called

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

I will try to get some pictures out for people to see, although, there isn't that much to see.

As to that lens, I read that the one I have is "new and improved" from its wretched ancestor - I really just wanted it for portraits and the like, so I thought it would be okay for that. Really just now starting to use it. I don't know, like I said, don't know Nikon stuff well at all and am just learning about some of their strengths and weaknesses. I do quite like the FT2. Nice and heavy. So many things are different from what I am use to - everything seems to twist in the opposite direction! Anyone have this lens? Any experiences with it? And I bought it here not too long ago! Its in good shape as far as I can tell.

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

It won't let me turn the aperture ring to 5.6, it is just moves from f22 - f11. I have been pressing the release button.

jsmoove · Apr 2, 2021

Is your pin located at the top? https://imgur.com/a/nLsIsxU

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

The pin is at about the 11 o'clock position if you face it from the front. I had this lens mounted to another FT2 I have and it was fine (why oh why did I put it on this one I will never know). I hope these links work for pictures.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2kQGDSq]

FT@-1 by gkardmw, on Flickr[/URL]

FT2-2 by gkardmw, on Flickr

FT2-3 by gkardmw, on Flickr

FT2-4 by gkardmw, on Flickr

jsmoove · Apr 2, 2021

Hmm,
And you've been trying to turn it this direction, correct? (1:43 in)

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

Yes, I believe I did it in the way the video shows, I did move it fairly quickly though.

jsmoove · Apr 2, 2021

I mean will it move in that direction at all currently? (to the right, if the camera is facing you) Or will it not budge

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

If the dot on the chrome ring starts at dead center aligned with f22 and I move them together with the aperture ring clockwise as you face the camera, it moves about 3/8 of an inch in rotation, or to about between f8 and f11 being dead center. I am pushing the release button as I do this.

BrianShaw · Apr 2, 2021

Nicholas Lindan said:
Take the ears off and see what happens. It can't get any worse (famous last words).

^^^^^^^^^^^

madNbad · Apr 2, 2021

The chrome ring shouldn't move at all. The black dot is the aperture indicator and should always be centered. Hold the lens firmly, push down the lens release button and turn the lens in the direction of the release button. This should free the lens from the mount.

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

If the release button isn't pressed, yes, the chrome ring stays put. But when the release button is pushed, it should move with the rest of the lens, correct? It comes to a dead stop after just a small amount of rotation, like 3/8 inch. It just won't rotate past this. The release button pin is retracting surely as it wouldn't rotate at all if that was the problem. I do notice that the little dot that indicates the lens has been indexed correctly is not showing itself.

madNbad · Apr 2, 2021

Yes the black dot will move as you remove the lens. Are you pushing in the lens release button and holding it down while turning the lens?

jsmoove · Apr 2, 2021

@gkardmw If you can not move the aperture to 5.6, then im not sure. Either removing the ears as you say, or removing the nameplate (according to google). Sorry, wish I could be of more help.

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

Yes I am holding in the release button. Well, I guess it isn't a very common problem. Could something have come loose from the lens mount? The mirror locks up properly and the aperture blades do change when the ring moves....

gone · Apr 2, 2021

I can't figure out what's wrong. In your photos, the lens is set correctly at f5.6. From there, it should just twist off. If it doesn't, yes, take the ears off, because I guess there's a possibility the indexer might be jammed or otherwise hanging up.

madNbad · Apr 2, 2021

Try locking the mirror in the up position, if you can, and see if that will let the lens turn.

gkardmw · Apr 2, 2021

Locking the mirror in the up position did not help.

Nicholas Lindan · Apr 2, 2021

Taking the ears off only involves those two small screws that hold it in place. After you get the lens off then you can reattach the ears and you are back where you started (which may or may not be a good place to be...).

Good lawd, it's not like I'm suggesting taking a 10lb sledge hammer to it. Though that might be my second suggestion. Nothing you can't fix with a BFH.

BradS · Apr 2, 2021

I wonder if that little plate thingy that the AI pin is attached to is getting hung up on the Nikkormat nameplate..or if the gizmo under the name plate is jammed. You might try removing the name plate. There are two tiny screws (obvious) and under each there is a cylindrical spacer thingy. It’s prett straight forward. Just be careful not to loose the tiny bits.

I am an Idiot with Nikkormat Cameras

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madNbad

gkardmw

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I am an Idiot with Nikkormat Cameras

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