Not sure why but I'm suddenly craving a classic Nikon SLR

blockend · Sep 6, 2019

abruzzi said:
EDIT: thinking about it more, it occurs to me that I also have a better collection of pre-AI primes, than AI primes. My AI primes are mostly series E which are nice, but don’t feel as nice. It may not be a huge difference, but I really love my pre AI glass.

In engineering terms, pre-AI lenses are some of, if not the best 35mm lenses ever made. The penalty is weight. A Nikkormat with a single lens is as much as I'm prepared to carry nowadays. Modern glass leaves them standing on every available metric, but in construction terms AF lenses are Christmas cracker toys by comparison.

George Mann · Sep 6, 2019

blockend said:
Modern glass leaves them standing on every available metric

Technically perhaps, but not aesthetically.

dodphotography · Sep 6, 2019

I’m feeling the urge myself...

1.) my primary format is 8x10

The urge began when I found out my wife and I are expecting our first, Feb 2020.

2.) I’ll likely never be able to bring myself to shoot digital
3.) can’t afford to go back down the Leica hole (again)
4.) may shoot color again via 35mm

Christiaan Phleger · Sep 7, 2019

If you have bigger hands or like the size of a larger build then the Nikkormats will engage the senses coming from Leica rangefinders. The big Copal will have quite the thunk. The FM will seem smaller and has a more lighter feel than the FM2(n). I've had more shutter issues with the FM over the years but oddly enough my FM2 shutter is the one that's out. It never was the same had a replacement shutter NPS with aluminum blades not honeycomb as was original. That FM2 had at least a thousand rolls before a thumb went into those pretty blades. If kept in good working order these will work properly for years on end.
As for lenses with the Nikkormat size I went for slightly lighter lenses; the sublime New Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 was a snapshot favorite being light and reasonably fast. The smaller FM and FM2 seemed to match well with small wides, the 28 and 24 mm F/2 Nikkors seemed to live one those with a good balance. F2 class with the AS prism felt ok with a heavier lens like the 85mm f/1.4.

jimjm · Sep 7, 2019

Bang for the buck, Nikkormats are one of the best deals on the used market. Same tank build as the F and F2 and definitely overbuilt. Keep in mind the older models like the FT2 and FTN have a shutter speed dial around the lens mount, like the Olympus OM cameras. Some folks prefer this, others don't. Later Nikkormats started to integrate more electronics, so that may be an additional thing to check. You can still get a clean F or F2 body for decent prices these days. Many can be found that are a bit rough cosmetically, but are in 100% mechanical shape, especially if they've been serviced. Lots of non-functional metered finders, but they can be repaired. The non-metered prism finders are getting expensive. The ultimate in function for me is a plain-prism F or F2 with a classic pre-AI lens like the 24/2.8, 35/2, 85/1.8 or the 105/2.5. I have one F2 that looks like it was dragged behind a truck, that I bought as a parts camera. Other than replacing the foam seals, it's totally functional and just as accurate as any other Nikon I have.
All the FM/FE series are also great cameras. They don't have the same solid feel as the older models, but they are very reliable. That's one reason why they're so popular. Used prices on these seem to have gone up over the past few years.

Check out this page if you haven't seen it yet.

Robin Guymer · Sep 7, 2019

Coming from a Leica you need to go straight to the Nikon FE2 with a view finder and shutter sound not much unlike a Leicaflex, Couple that with the technological marvel of it's ability to attempt to photograph the back of it's own lens cap or snap off a high speed shot way above the 1/4000th shown and all in a light weight body ideal for travel/hiking photography. The FE2 has the heritage of the F3 and is the beta tester for the F4. Once secured on the camera shelf you definitely require a F2, F3, F4 and the one I'm missing the FM. Happy hunting.

__Brian · Sep 7, 2019

The Nikkormat FT3 is the Ai version of the FT2, these two use easy to find MS-76 silver oxide batteries. The FT3 was not in production long, replaced with the FM. The FT3 was made alongside the EL2.
If the variable resister ring used in the aperture preferred Nikons (and Nikkormats) (EL/ELw/EL2/FE/FE2) goes bad, picks up "noisy spots", the shutter stays open for too long and can ruin the exposure. Make sure to test the camera if you go for one of these. I had the variable ring resister replaced on an EL2 30 years ago, and replaced one myself on an EM some 25 years ago.

George Mann · Sep 7, 2019

__Brian said:
If the variable resister ring used in the aperture preferred Nikons (and Nikkormats) (EL/ELw/EL2/FE/FE2) goes bad, picks up "noisy spots", the shutter stays open for too long and can ruin the exposure. Make sure to test the camera if you go for one of these. I had the variable ring resister replaced on an EL2 30 years ago, and replaced one myself on an EM some 25 years ago.

I believe that the FG series uses the same ring as well.

__Brian · Sep 7, 2019

George Mann said:
I believe that the FG series uses the same ring as well.

It does- and I have an FG. I've seen several that required the circuit board be replaced "way back then", but mine keeps going. I've had a Nikkormat FT-2 and FT-3 lock-up, both repairable. I bought a locked-up F2, and turned out to be a simple fix.

johnha · Sep 7, 2019

I'm too much into Pentax (Spotmatic, K & M bodies) to think too much about Nikons, but for me a classic Nikon would be an FM2n or F4S or F3 at a pinch (I prefer my LX). The F4 was the iconic pro camera when I started, the Canon T90 was similarly the most iconic Canon. Personally I decided I must have. Leica and bought a bashed up M4 and Voightlander 40/1.4 which I'm super happy with.

For lens build quality, you have to go a long way to better the Pentax Takumars.

PGillin · Sep 9, 2019

logan2z said:
I haven't bought one yet but I'm likely going to buy a black FM that is for sale locally. Given the going rate and the camera's reputation (echoed repeatedly in this thread) I can't see a reason not to.

The FMs are very good. If you're shooting Nikon I'd also recommend a motor. For the FM/FE series they're often inexpensive, and IMO one of the big differences between shooting a Leica and shooting a Nikon is the availability of good motors. The MD-11 and -12 are not nearly as fast as the MD-4 for the F3 or the F4's built-in drive, but they free you up from having to advance the film manually which I find helps me focus on the image. This is a big deal if you shoot left-eyed.

For a simple two-lens kit a 35mm f2 and a 105 2.5 would be the classic. I'd also recommend a good pair of zooms and have shot the 20-35 and 80-200 2.8 Tokina AT-x lenses to great effect on manual focus Nikons. Very inexpensive for what they are, and much like the motor drive it will show you some of the things an SLR can do that a rangefinder cannot. (No disrespect to the RF crowd, just trying to suggest some SLR-only experiences...)

I hope the camera works well for you.

JWMster · Sep 9, 2019

After I bought my FM2n, I picked up an F100... which isn't manual, but VERY convenient, and nice to have as the poor man's F6. Has a lot of capability.

Sirius Glass · Sep 9, 2019

JWMster said:
After I bought my FM2n, I picked up an F100... which isn't manual, but VERY convenient, and nice to have as the poor man's F6. Has a lot of capability.

Without the weight of the F6.

Russ - SVP · Sep 10, 2019

Love My FM, FE and FE-2. But lately all I’ve been shooting with is my F3 and 35mm f/2 glass.

spark · Sep 10, 2019

An FM was my first slr (1979) and I still have it. There was a metering problem in the 80’s and the seals were fixed but it’s still a wonderful camera to use. My favorite combinations with this is the AI 35/2, 105/2.5, and 50/1.8, and a Vivitar 70-150 zoom.

Russ - SVP · Sep 10, 2019

spark said:
An FM was my first slr (1979) and I still have it. There was a metering problem in the 80’s and the seals were fixed but it’s still a wonderful camera to use. My favorite combinations with this is the AI 35/2, 105/2.5, and 50/1.8, and a Vivitar 70-150 zoom.

I have and use the same camera and lenses. Wonderful combinations. I recently picked up an F3 too.

Wallendo · Sep 10, 2019

There is no shame in wanting a classic SLR. I see cameras as tools, and I wouldn't trust a carpenter with only one tool in his belt.

I enjoy rangefinders, and recently picked up a Leica IIIc which I enjoy shooting, but currently is off having its shutter curtains replaced. Shooting an SLR is a different experience but offers the opportunity of using lenses (especially telephoto, macro, and zoom lenses) and filters and other accessories that would be awkward to use on a rangefinder. This opens up new opportunities. This may interest you, it may not, but you don't know until you try.
In addition classic SLR lenses and cameras are very cheap compared to Leica. And finally, if attacked, you can use your classic SLR as a defensive weapon.

Ariston · Sep 10, 2019

dodphotography said:
I’m feeling the urge myself...

1.) my primary format is 8x10

The urge began when I found out my wife and I are expecting our first, Feb 2020.

2.) I’ll likely never be able to bring myself to shoot digital
3.) can’t afford to go back down the Leica hole (again)
4.) may shoot color again via 35mm

Congratulations! I did not enjoy chasing my little one around with manual focus. You may want to also consider a nice, cheap N90S that will also work with older lenses, but give you the option for autofocus.

Again, congratulations! I hope you are caught up on your sleep.

dodphotography · Sep 11, 2019

Ariston said:
Congratulations! I did not enjoy chasing my little one around with manual focus. You may want to also consider a nice, cheap N90S that will also work with older lenses, but give you the option for autofocus.

Again, congratulations! I hope you are caught up on your sleep.

Still waiting for the little guy... he’s not coming until Feb!

logan2z · Sep 18, 2019

Well, my local deal didn't pan out, but I just bought what appears to be a near-mint black FM with Nikkor 50mm/1.8 lens from another seller. Really couldn't resist at the asking price. Looking forward to receiving it and running my first roll of film through it. Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts on the FM in this thread and encouraging me to give one a try.

MartinCrabtree · Sep 18, 2019

Enjoy. Please update when you can.

logan2z · Sep 18, 2019

MartinCrabtree said:
Enjoy. Please update when you can.

Thanks, will do.

Sirius Glass · Sep 18, 2019

logan2z said:
Well, my local deal didn't pan out, but I just bought what appears to be a near-mint black FM with Nikkor 50mm/1.8 lens from another seller. Really couldn't resist at the asking price. Looking forward to receiving it and running my first roll of film through it. Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts on the FM in this thread and encouraging me to give one a try.

Time to enjoy and move on. Now which lenses are you going to buy for it?

logan2z · Sep 18, 2019

Sirius Glass said:
Time to enjoy and move on. Now which lenses are you going to buy for it?

Even though it's coming with a 50mm, I typically shoot with a 35mm lens so I'll start to look for one of those. Any suggestions for a good 35mm option? I'll probably pick up a telephoto at some point as well.

jimjm · Sep 18, 2019

The 35/2.0 AI or AIS is a great lens, for not too much $. I had the 35/2.8 AI for a few years but was not too impressed with it. The 35/1.4 is an option if you need the speed, but is obviously a lot pricier.
For telephotos, the classic is the 105/2.5. Pretty much every version of this lens is great. Older pre-AI lenses are a different optical design from the later AI and AIS lenses and you may prefer the results from one design over the other. The 85/1.8 and later 85/2.0 are good lenses, I prefer the older 1.8 lens.

Not sure why but I'm suddenly craving a classic Nikon SLR

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