Nikkormat?

[cliveh]

I always thought that the only difference between a Nikon and a Nikkormat was that the Nikkormat didn't have interchangeable focus screens and was therefore much better value for money.

 

[frank]

I always thought that the only difference between a Nikon and a Nikkormat was that the Nikkormat didn't have interchangeable focus screens and was therefore much better value for money.

Or interchangeable prism/meter heads as on the pro targeted F and F2.

 

[Tom1956]

Nikon is an entry-level Nikkormat.

 

[John Koehrer]

F cameras also had 100% viewfinder vs ~95%, interchangeable backs, including aftermarket Polaroid and motor drive capability. In addition to the prism/meter finders waist level was available.

 

[Xmas]

The only significant difference is the vertical shutter in place of the horizontal.

You need to be more careful when loading film or if you tear a sprocket hole.

The follow on FM and FG models are also real Nikons.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

I have two Nikon FM's, both are first generation 2xxxxx serial numbers.

This Nikkormat feels even more solid than those.

 

[Dan Fromm]

I have two Nikon FM's, both are first generation 2xxxxx serial numbers.

This Nikkormat feels even more solid than those.

I dunno, Chris, I replaced the Nikkormat FTN that I bought new in 1970 with an FM2n. As far as I'm concerned, the FM and derivatives are AIS-mount Nikkormats with a new name. Similar functionality, and more, slightly smaller and considerably lighter. Opinions differ, but I wouldn't go back to a Nik'mat as long as I can have an FM2n in good order. They're all good basic manual SLRs with TTL metering and auto diaphragming.

 

[frank]

I dunno, Chris, I replaced the Nikkormat FTN that I bought new in 1970 with an FM2n. As far as I'm concerned, the FM and derivatives are AIS-mount Nikkormats with a new name. Similar functionality, and more, slightly smaller and considerably lighter. Opinions differ, but I wouldn't go back to a Nik'mat as long as I can have an FM2n in good order. They're all good basic manual SLRs with TTL metering and auto diaphragming.

You said it yourself: considerably lighter. Nikkormats are built old school style. They are different cameras. Not just a name badge switch.

 

[Aristotle80]

I got my two Nikkormats pretty cheap, but they're really solid mechanically. They're my "bad neighborhood" cameras, when I want a serious camera but don't want to worry about it being stolen. They do almost everything my FM2n can do, but at a fraction of the replacement price. Slower top shutter speed, but mirror lockup!

 

[Tom1956]

And not only that, a Nikkormat is one "bad-a**" of a bad neighborhood camera. It's the Steven Seagal of cameras. WHACK. I can't think of any better 35 than a Nikkormat. And a desert island, you've got something that will crack coconuts.

 

[chip j]

I've had 5 new F's, and every one left a dark line on the right side of the picture--shutter problem, even after I had them "repaired" by Nikon & Professional Camera Repair. So I just got a FTN w/vertical shutter and no problems, and the same Nikon "magic".

 

[E. von Hoegh]

The Nikkormat is probably the very best value out there in used mechanical cameras. They go begging, often enough. The FT2 would be the best choice for over the counter meter cells. The Copal shutter synchs at 1/125, the MLU is better than that on the F, and when using the self timer the mirror goes up as soon as you press the shutter relese - handy if you forget the cable release. Speaking of cables, it takes a normal one unlike the F. The metering pattern on the FTN and later models is the 60/40 center weighted, same as the F/FTN finders.

 

[mgb74]

Actually, I'd opt (in fact I did opt) for the FT3 to allow use of AI lenses.

 

[frank]

You can use (non-series E) Ai lenses on the Ftn and ft2 as well. They use the external meter prong. The Ft3 can not mount non-Ai lenses. That kinda makes the Ft2 the most versatile because of both series of lenses that will fit (without resorting to stop down metering) and it uses non-mercury batteries without an adaptor.

The Ft3 is the most refined with Ai lens use.

(I have multiples of all 3 Nikkormat versions, I like them so.)

 

[Steve Smith]

The follow on FM and FG models are also real Nikons.

I have always wondered why so many people don't like the FG. It was very well featured for its time with aperture priority, programme mode and even TTL flash control in a compact body.

I might be biased as an FG was my first Nikon (I still have it) but with hindsight, I shouldn't have traded in my Nikkormat FTn for it. I was young and a Nikon logo seemed more cool than Nikkormat!


Steve.

 

[frank]

I have a few FGs as well. They are wonderful full featured compact and light cameras for when those attributes are important. Horses for courses.

An FG with series E 50f1.8 is my daily carry in my work bag. It's not a great burden to carry and it's there just in case I see something interesting. When I go out purposefully to shoot, I'll select a more solid camera.

 

[Eric Rose]

One of the best darn cameras Nikon ever made. I went through several F's but my Nikkormat FTn just kept on chugging. Whenever I was going into a dodgy situation out came the Nikkormat. The meter was always dead-on. The only thing that bugged me was the nasty metal eyepiece ring. Great for scratching glasses.

 

[Aristotle80]

Regarding the Nikkormat's rough metal eyepiece ring, I had a homemade solution. That liquid rubber insulator that LF and folding camera people use to paint over pinholes in the bellows. That liquid rubber dries relatively firm to a surface, but soft! I painted the edges of the eye piece with the liquid rubber, so now when it touches my glasses it doesn't scratch. Did the same thing with the hotshoe-mounted viewfinder for my Leica thread mount camera. That eyepiece was scratchy too.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

"The only thing that bugged me was the nasty metal eyepiece ring. Great for scratching glasses. "


"I painted the edges of the eye piece with the liquid rubber, so now when it touches my glasses it doesn't scratch"

I've been using an F, same eyepiece ring, since 1994 or so. No scratches, none. What on earth are your eyeglass lenses made of, plastic??

 

[Xmas]

"The only thing that bugged me was the nasty metal eyepiece ring. Great for scratching glasses. "


"I painted the edges of the eye piece with the liquid rubber, so now when it touches my glasses it doesn't scratch"

I've been using an F, same eyepiece ring, since 1994 or so. No scratches, none. What on earth are your eyeglass lenses made of, plastic??

high refractive hard coated plastic...

 

[Steve Smith]

What on earth are your eyeglass lenses made of, plastic??

Plastic, often polycarbonate, is by far the most common lens material now.


My FTn has a rubber O ring glued to the viewfinder ring - I assume my father put it their to keep his glasses scatch free.


Steve.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Glass is still available per request. I've never had anything but glass, mainly because it is far more scratch resistant than plastic.
"Eyeplastics"...

 

[Steve Smith]

I usually have glass as it has a greater refractive index than plastic so I can have thinner lenses. However, I'm using daily disposable contact lenses now.


Steve.

 

[drkhalsa]

I glued a rubber O ring to mine, too.

 

[Terry Christian]

I have always wondered why so many people don't like the FG.

Because there's no way to turn it off. I got one for cheap once to keep in my car for impromptu picture taking. However, although I know one should keep it on Bulb to prevent the batteries draining, every time I reached for it, without fail I'd discover the batteries were dead. Nicely compact camera, though!