I hope I've entitled this post to show up readily in the searches for those who have really run up on a stubborn Nikkormat FTN, FT2, FT3 decorative button removal on top of the wind lever of these Nikkormats. No mention is made on the EL series because I don't know about them.
For those out there taking apart one of these Nikkormats, that decorative button on the wind lever can be a holy terror. Well, I've just successfully gotten off the most stubborn one ever. and I've worked on a LOT of Nikkormats. Forget drilling holes in them, or wrapping tape around pliers, or any of that. Besides, the metal of the pliers cuts through any tape and scars it up anyway.
What did I use? My cane, with a rubber tip. One of those new adjustable canes you can buy at Walgreens, CVS, or whatever. I cleaned the end of the rubber tip with Awsome Cleaner (purple soap, etc). This makes it tacky. Then I put the camera on the carpet, trapped it between my big feet with Timberland boots, pressed with all my might, and turned (counterclockwise). It was slow going and took a great deal of effort making no headway. But a ray of sunshine when I noticed the wind lever a bit wobbly. So I kept at it, and at it, and at it. Lo and behold, it's off and not a scratch. Although my arms, shoulders, and hands are tired. My neck too, come to think of it. You might want to put something in your mouth to protect your teeth from gritting them.
Yes, it was that bad. But I was hell-bent to get that sucker off and not tear it up.
For those out there taking apart one of these Nikkormats, that decorative button on the wind lever can be a holy terror. Well, I've just successfully gotten off the most stubborn one ever. and I've worked on a LOT of Nikkormats. Forget drilling holes in them, or wrapping tape around pliers, or any of that. Besides, the metal of the pliers cuts through any tape and scars it up anyway.
What did I use? My cane, with a rubber tip. One of those new adjustable canes you can buy at Walgreens, CVS, or whatever. I cleaned the end of the rubber tip with Awsome Cleaner (purple soap, etc). This makes it tacky. Then I put the camera on the carpet, trapped it between my big feet with Timberland boots, pressed with all my might, and turned (counterclockwise). It was slow going and took a great deal of effort making no headway. But a ray of sunshine when I noticed the wind lever a bit wobbly. So I kept at it, and at it, and at it. Lo and behold, it's off and not a scratch. Although my arms, shoulders, and hands are tired. My neck too, come to think of it. You might want to put something in your mouth to protect your teeth from gritting them.
Yes, it was that bad. But I was hell-bent to get that sucker off and not tear it up.
Last edited:
