Nikon F100: film transport questions

bratboy_y2k · Feb 12, 2016

I know people are going to think I'm insane but that's pretty much a known fact about me in a number of circles. I want to try and figure out if a modern camera can be somehow converted to half frame like the Olympus Pen FTs. I have an F100 and I'm wondering if the film transport system can be modified for a 4 perf pull instead of the usual 8. If This can be done then the rest should be relatively easy. Does anybody know if the transport is done through a mechanical design or an electronic design? Thanks!

trythis · Feb 12, 2016

Apparently the F100 does not use IR detection for film advance, indicating a gear system. Does it use electromechanical contacts or physical switchs? Dunno, but if it was IR detection there would be no way.

Why the heck would you want to do this?

The only half frame benefit I can see is a smaller camara to lug around.

bratboy_y2k · Feb 13, 2016

I'd like to do it because I'm nuts. The nice half frame cameras aren't even smaller. I hope someone out there can help me out.

film_man · Feb 13, 2016

The F100 is an electronic camera. As such there will be multiple dependencies in the mechanical and electronic components which would at some point definitely require altering the firmware which is impossible to do. For example, how do the electronics work to advance the film, what happens if the camera counts 36+ frames, etc etc.

Jeff Bradford · Feb 13, 2016

Not impossible, but akin to building your own moon-rocket to make beer runs with. If you need a bicycle, get a bicycle. If you want a half-frame, I recommend an Olympus Pen.

ic-racer · Feb 13, 2016

If you wanted to convert a half-frame camera to full frame you would need to modify the transport mechanism. To convert from full frame to half-frame you do not need to modify the transport mechanism. The smaller frames will not overlap.

Neal · Feb 13, 2016

Dear bratboy_y2k,

Make a little mask for you enlarger and pretend. ;-)

Neal Wydra

John Koehrer · Feb 13, 2016

bratboy_y2k said:
I'd like to do it because I'm nuts. The nice half frame cameras aren't even smaller. I hope someone out there can help me out.

+1 on Olympus Pen F/FT. The body is quite a bit smaller & lighter than the F100. No AF or motor though.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 13, 2016

By half frame, I assume you want double the number of exposures on a roll of film, rather than just half size photos.

You'll also need to modify the film gate - I assume you'll want it centered. If the amount of advancement is determined mechanically, a change to the gearing should get you what you want. If it's IR, you may need to add perforations

Sirius Glass · Feb 13, 2016

Welcome to APUG

Rather than pile on, as stated above, this is not a good idea. Just go buy a half frame camera. I have one and using Tri-X 400 produces grainy prints that cannot be enlarged a lot.

Chan Tran · Feb 14, 2016

I think it's possible if Nikon would give you all the information and perhaps software tools too. Never know the fix can be with software alone that is changing the firmware. I suspect that the firmware is changeable but Nikon never said anything about that.

John Koehrer · Feb 14, 2016

Just remembered, Konica had a SLR that could change frame size. The Konicas were big cameras, similar to the F100
and the Hexanon lenses were very, very good.

Nikon F100: film transport questions

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