I fully agree Theo.
The other screaming bargain is the Nikkormat in its many vises. I have just picked up a spare FTN - so cheap and so reliable
What's your latest new old camera ? (Part 2)
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The other screaming bargain is the Nikkormat in its many vises. I have just picked up a spare FTN - so cheap and so reliable
Yep. For most of the 25+ years I've used Nikon it was the classic F plus Nikkormat as backup pairing. Since I relapsed 5 or so years ago, it is now 'mats FT & FTN (both with good meters) F/FTN & plain, plus a pair of F2As. I need a spare F to even things out.
But, if I could have only one, it would be the Nikkormat FTN.
Dollar for dollar, possibly the best Nikon ever made is the FT2, it scores over the FTN by using silver oxide instead of mercury, however for the FTN a 675 with all but one airhole blocked lasts a very long time, one lasted 27 months.
I just realized I never posted a pic of the F3P I purchased... Here it is, with the 15/3.5 AI Nikkor and an SB-800 that's set up for the right focal length.
After the F3P, I've added three more Nikkormats (one as a parts body, the other two are a chrome FT2 that replaced the one that came from KEH earlier this year due to it being in better shape and closer in serial to the body I originally owned, and a black Nikomat FTn), and will be adding another two on Saturday. These last two may be "catch and release" cameras, once I fix them. One may go to my niece for her 10th birthday, along with a neveready case and a 50/2 Nikkor-H, the other, who knows.
FT2 shown here. Chrome FTn mentioned in one of my previous posts is boxed up, heading down to Knight Camera Repair in the Portland area for recalibration, refoaming, and a general checkup.
-J
After the F3P, I've added three more Nikkormats (one as a parts body, the other two are a chrome FT2 that replaced the one that came from KEH earlier this year due to it being in better shape and closer in serial to the body I originally owned, and a black Nikomat FTn), and will be adding another two on Saturday. These last two may be "catch and release" cameras, once I fix them. One may go to my niece for her 10th birthday, along with a neveready case and a 50/2 Nikkor-H, the other, who knows.
FT2 shown here. Chrome FTn mentioned in one of my previous posts is boxed up, heading down to Knight Camera Repair in the Portland area for recalibration, refoaming, and a general checkup.
-J
For the last few months I've been using my Nikkormat FT2 and pre-AI 28/3.5 Nikkor H; this lens is perfect for my "Too Common" theme ( Take the picture!!).
I prefer the FT2 because it is new enough to use commonly available batteries and old enough that it meters both pre-AI and AI lenses at full aperture.
The meter on my FT2 matches my Sekonic L-308S in every photo situation I've tried, so now I trust the FT2's meter.
Yes: the Nikkormat, as the F4, is another amazing bargain.
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The 28/3.5 is one of my favorite Nikkors, there's an F2A with one plus the hood on the table next to me.
Great minds, the 28/3.5 is also a fave of mine, the late AIS version in my case. A bit tricky to focus in low light, but zone/hyperfocal focus is easy enough.
Not exactly new, but I used my Pentax AF35M compact for only the second time. I really wanted to like this camera when I first acquired it a few years ago, but on test it was badly underexposing. I noticed a favourable review of one recently, and having a short 10 exposure film lying around from the end of a bulk roll, I gave it a second chance. The exposure was spot on!
Guess I set the wrong film speed first time around.
Guess I set the wrong film speed first time around.
I bought it here for $40 usd, then spent $12 more on a new-in-box hood, it's a clean factory ai conversion.
It seems to be a forgotten gem, probably because it's "slow".
Nikkormats, in general, are total sleepers, people go ga-ga over the F and F2 and overlook the "Prosumer" body of the day. These cameras were built like tanks and can take a ton of punishment. I love using my FTns and FT2 and I have a black FT3 that was gifted to me that needs a CLA.
The most recent camera I picked up is a Minolta XD-11 after doing a test roll, I now have a chrome Japanese market XD in transit via EMS.
My new to me Minolta XD-11 by Bill Smith, on Flickr
My new to me Minolta XD-11 by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Oh, my! Your XD-11 is in the configuration I find most desirable:
* Black.
* Exposure compensation lever on external side of dial.
* Green '125' speed (not a sync marking, but a shutter-program "suggestion"); I just like color on dials.
You've probably seen this:
Dead Link Removed
Congratulations. Give it to me.
See my post above, the 'mats are something special - every bit as good as an F, just different features and shutter. The only thing as good as an F2 is another F2.
The 'bay and I are on a first name basis lately. A Mamiya C220 from KEH ("Bargain" grade but much much better) and a 105 f3.5 from Roberts rated "Good" but again, much better).
Medium format is my preferred size now, 35mm just doesn't seem to cut it as much. 2 RB67's, 2 Mamiya 645's, an Ikoflex 1A, a Holga and now the C220.
I plan on getting rid of my Canon 7 rangefinder to fund a Bronica S2A next...will it ever end??
Medium format is my preferred size now, 35mm just doesn't seem to cut it as much. 2 RB67's, 2 Mamiya 645's, an Ikoflex 1A, a Holga and now the C220.
I plan on getting rid of my Canon 7 rangefinder to fund a Bronica S2A next...will it ever end??
The most recent camera I picked up is a Minolta XD-11 after doing a test roll, I now have a chrome Japanese market XD in transit via EMS.
Currently my black XD11, also with an MD 50/1.4, is my favorite SLR. I love everything about it!
Andy
The two FTn bodies that came home with me yesterday, along with the Nikomat FT2 depicted in my previous message.
The FTn bodies cost me $40. Both are functional. The "BURT" engraved body is the one that will be sent in for servicing then, combined with a 50/2 and a case as a gift to my niece. Needs a refoam job and to have the meter movement cleaned, so the "sticky post" problem will go away. At the same time, it'll get recalibrated for use with the alkaline/silver oxide batteries. The one on the left, I might just clean up and put on permanent display in my parents' room as a reminder of my father's photography progression.
-J
The FTn bodies cost me $40. Both are functional. The "BURT" engraved body is the one that will be sent in for servicing then, combined with a 50/2 and a case as a gift to my niece. Needs a refoam job and to have the meter movement cleaned, so the "sticky post" problem will go away. At the same time, it'll get recalibrated for use with the alkaline/silver oxide batteries. The one on the left, I might just clean up and put on permanent display in my parents' room as a reminder of my father's photography progression.
-J
MPP Mictrocord 2. this one with a Oleson acute matt very bright focus screen fitted, to go with my Microcord 1 1/2
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Unlike Leica who used some sort of coloring agent in their vulcanite, Soviet vulcanite is clear amber in color, and it was painted by the factory along with the rest of the camera. Before painting, I cleaned it with naphtha, but I don't know if this is the best/safest cleaning agent to use.
Oh, what a beauty!
Thanks...I'm lovin' it!
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