Nikon
Should you buy a Nikon FTN or Nikkormat FTN in 2023 ?
Should you buy a Nikon FTN or Nikkormat FTN in 2023 ?
#buy #Nikon #FTN #Nikkormat #FTN
“Jules Vuotto’s Photo Focus”
I compare the Nikon FTN and Nikkormat FTN and look at the pros and cons of each. email jlvphoto@yahoo.com Nikon F …
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The correct answer is you buy both.
Can the Nikkormat F 50 mm lens be used on Nikon ZF with the FTZ adapter.
If you do not need the interchangeable finder of the Nikon F, or the few Nikon accessories which only fit the F, then the Nikkormat seems the better choice today. Both cameras have metering systems which depend on mercury batteries, but if you have worked around that problem, the metering in the Nikkormat is far better integrated. Also, it does not suffer the electric parts failure which plagues the F meter prism. The focal plane shutters in the cameras are of completely different design, but both are robust. The Copal Square shutter in the 'Mat has a faster flash synch speed if you use flash, and it is probably cheaper and easier to service. The removable back-bottom of the F is a pain in the ass carryover from the 1950s compared to the swing open back of the "Mat, and must be faced every time you load a roll of film.
I prefer the Nikomat FT2.
Nikkormat
Nikkor at flash speed is 125thsec
Selecting one, in this case is more a thing of hierarchy than the classic "witch one is better". Still today if we take apart the precision of the modern light meter in modern cameras and the practically never used 1/ 4000 sec. film cameras have not change to much… Great photos are no made with great cameras… Great photos are made for great photographers!!!
I own a Nikomat (Japan local name for Nikkormat) FT3 – much easier and thus superior changing lenses ..
I’ve used a Nikkormat for years. The ergonomics are hard to beat. I just got a F of the same vintage, but I doubt it will supplant my Nikomat. I’ll mainly use the F with a wide angle lens and a waist level finder at old car shows.
This is exactly what I need, thanks for the video!
The F was my first and I still have one.
Going back to it nowadays I notice the unusual shutter button location
But also the impressive build quality and the 100% viewfinder coverage.
Never liked the Nikkormats, although my FT2 is a lot better than the first editions.
An in-between purchase option is to get an F with the standard, non-metering prism and
use a phone appp meter.
I also would recommend the F2 of course.
Hinged back, much smaller metering finder, 1/2000 max shutter speed for those bright days.
And the shutter button is in a more natural location IMO.
Thx.
Back in the 1970's, the Nikkormat was always considered to be an amateur's camera. We all used Nikon F's with handheld meters for better accuracy.
is there a company that sells prescription lenses for the eyepiece? That would be nice
too slow! gotta go !
I have both versions of those Nikons and prefer the Nikkormat FTN due to ease of operation.
Been doing photography in various forms since 1966; had a portrait studio for 16+ years; went digital in 2003. I like digital but it's kinda like music in MP3 or CD format – it's too harsh. I've recently felt the desire to return to film.
So I've bought a Photomic FTN and a few lenses. I'd like to shoot transparencies but the film and processing are just too expensive. I wouldn't be satisfied with B&W unless I could process & print the film. So I'll be shooting color negative film. Looking forward to creating images in a more…uh..vintage manner.
Very good comparison of these classics! I’m a proud owner of more than 25 of each of these models. I bought them very cheaply back in the early 2000s when digital was blowing up. I repair old film gear and am planning on selling the Nikon F and Nikkormat models for at least $50 less than current prices because I really want new young photographers to be able to use these without breaking their bank accounts.. film is so expensive that a break on the price of the gear will help leave room for buying film. Both of these, if taken care of, will outlast us all.
An FTN was the first film body I bought for my high school photography (this is only within the past few years). I decided to 'upgrade' to an F but have kept on using my Nikomat as well. My F was the cheapest battered black body I could find from a reputable camera shop with warranty. I've since been able to tailor it to my preference which is the biggest benefit of the F system over the lower models. A matching beaten up black FTN prism, a type P screen, and most recently a worn action finder. With careful shopping all these accessories have only cost me around £50 total.
I need the best film slr for Pre Ai lens.will the FE be a good option? or the nikkormat?
I have owned both, and both are excellent camera. However, the deal killer for me with the Nikon F was the unhinged back. Almost all pictures I took were outdoors, and what do you do with the unhinged back when changing film? Maybe you do what I did: sold the Nikon F!
Well in 2023 not sure these 2 cameras are very interesting. For me a better choice would be an FM or an FE. There are numerous on second market , they are small and handly, not too heavy and quite reliable. If you want a tank like the Ftn or the Mik or mat the F2 even if more expensive is a very good choice as it s a Nikon F with improvements in all areas. An other choice less expensive would the the nikkormat EL with more or less the same electronics of the FE.
Lovely cameras, hope to get both FTNs
The good thing about buying the Nikon F (apart from the light meter) is pretty much always going to work
The Nikkormat’s slow shutter speeds often require a service and changing shutter speeds is not very convenient to change
The Nikkormat shutter speeds are accessed similar to the later Olympus OM series cameras. Very useful because, as you say, there's no need to take your eye away from the viewfinder.
Always helpful, always interesting. Many thanks!
Informative video, just buy both and enjoy.
I cannot unscrewed the freaking battery cover. Should I change into a normal prism?
Yes, and twice on Sunday.