Nikon F/FTN question

[nsurit]

I recently acquired a Nikon F with Photomic FTN meter. The camera was made June-Aug 1973. First question is who might be the "go to" person in the USA for a CLA. I'm an Olympus OM user and the only person I use is John at zuiko.com. Wondering who the best Nikon F person might be. Second question is about the meter. Is there a way I could test the meter without 2 C.R.I.S. MR9 adapters. I have two, however one has gone missing. If the meter is dead, I might send the camera body and lens to live with someone else. Bill Barber

 

[jimjm]

Probably the cheapest way would be to use 2 Wein 1.35v zinc-air replacements. Long-term, I prefer the CRIS adapters.

I think there are lots of good repair folks around for the Nikon F, but I can recommend Cameraquest in LA at https://cameraquest.com/repairs.htm and Camera Clinic in Seattle. I'm sure there's also some closer to your location.

Cameraquest did a CLA of a non-metered F body, and Camera Clinic did a meter overhaul and voltage conversion of an FTn meter head from a mint black F I had just purchased. This allows me to use standard 1.5v silver-oxide batteries. Unless the camera is in excellent shape, or you are planning on using it a lot, it might not be worth the cost to do the meter repair and conversion.

 

[sissysphoto]

Yes you can still test it with just one adapter although it will be a little tedious. put the non adapted battery in first and try to center it up with a little toilet paper or somehting to center it up as best you can then put in the one with the adapter. This should satisfy the edge contact that the F uses. Then put on the cap and try it out. It may take a few times to get it right. But if the meter has life in it, it should at least do something. As for accuracy, I'm guessing the readings will be a wee bit on the underexposure side--maybe 1/2 stop off, but nothing drastic. Im betting the meter is fine. If not, it will have a very good and caring home with me. I like restoring these things. Good luck.

 

[BradS]

I do NOT recommend Albuquerque Photo-Tech.

 

[John Koehrer]

I believe a #9 O ring will work a physical adapter for cameras that took PX 13& 625 cells

 

[Mackinaw]

Cameraquest specializes in Nikon repairs:

https://www.cameraquest.com/repairs.htm