Using the Nikkormat FTn as a meter

[johannielscom]

Yesterday, I received a new-to-me old, beat-up black Nikkormat FTn by mail. Still working flawlessly (brilliant shutter, Leica-like quality!) and the lightmeter was a real revelation: I have figured out why the likes of Henri Huet, Larry Burrows and other early seventies press shooters always had their shots so well-exposed!

Turns out, the FTn has a very accurate lightmeter that you can engage when pulling back the advance lever a bit. There is a nice little window on top of the body that shows the light meter, which is also visible from the viewfinder.

When attaching a 105mm Nikkor lens this light meter has a 23-degree angle view and can serve as a between-spot-and-centerweighted meter. The also much-used 85mm Nikkor has a 28 degree angle. And to use it, you do not even have to bring the camera up to your eye. Its like a permanent light meter below the rangefinder, that you can use to check lighting anytime, and also shoot pictures with. Quick and unobtrusive.

Recommended!

[dave lackey]

Congratulations, Johan! By coincidence, I received my FTn a week ago and have been working on the first roll. Can only shoot it wide open with my AF Nikkor but it shoud be interesting as my F3T had great results when stopped down with the same lens.:)

I like the meter. It seems that when checking against another film SLR and the D40, the needle needs to be tending toward underexposure (the needle position not quite at the (-) sign. Can't wait to see how these turn out!!!:D

BTW, what battery are you using?

[ray*j*gun]

It still amazes me that Nikkormats can be had for little more than the freight. About a year ago I sent my old Mat (the one that went to Nam with me) to get a CLA> It was so overdue...... the first service of its life.....the tech actually called me to be sure that I wanted to spend the money to service it "I mean its not even worth the cost of the service". F*****G rediculous. So I said how do you value a camera that has the quality of the Nikkormat and will give me another 40 years of service after its cleaned?????

Keep the FTn and use it..... few cameras can compare and NONE at the price. Oh yeah it has a great meter too.

[brachal]

I love mine. They really are built like a tank. My father bought this one in 1968 when I was born and gave it to me a few years ago.

I use the Wein 1.35 volt zinc/air batteries with good results. The don't last as long, but they are the correct voltage for the camera.

[FrankS]

Of the Nikkormats, I think the FT2 is the best. It uses modern batteries, unlike the FTn, and it can (open aperture) meter with both AI and non-AI lenses, unlike the FT3.

I love my Nikkormats, FTn, FT2, and FT3.

[johannielscom]

Dave, I don't know!

It came with a battery installed and a working meter and I haven't even looked at it yet :eek:!

The folks that sold it to me really did not know anything about cameras so it was a wild guess but it turned out REALLY nice: brassed FTn, working meter, clean prism and a Non-AI Panagor 28/2.5 installed that is clean as a whistle and fits the camera perfectly, white&red engravings and all. I'm guessing its original to the camera :eek:

I'll check the battery for you tomorrow, but I'm guessing its really old as well...!

[kshapero]

My first camera, back in 1974, a Nikkormat FTN. Still have it. Got an FT2 in the 80's, it was used my me on four different continents. Now needs a CLA. Pete Smith here I come. Yes they are sweet.

[arpinum]

my nikkormat ftn light meter just died last week. turns out that there is a fragile meter connection (some say paper) that finally blew out. I'd gotten a full life out of it though, with every part showing heavy wear. Almost bought a new one on craigslist today with 50mm 1.4 for $85, but someone got it before me. I guess there are some people who still value it.

[ronnies]

Can only shoot it wide open with my AF Nikkor

Not sure why you say that, stop down metering works fine with AF Nikkors (non G of course).

Ronnie

[dave lackey]

Not sure why you say that, stop down metering works fine with AF Nikkors (non G of course).

Ronnie

Yesterday, our friend at the local camera store showed me how to use the DOF preview button for stop-down metering. NOW I can turn the aperture ring and work at all apertures.:) The manual didn't mention it because the manual was printed well before the AF lens hit the market!:D

[ronnies]

Yesterday, our friend at the local camera store showed me how to use the DOF preview button for stop-down metering. NOW I can turn the aperture ring and work at all apertures.:) The manual didn't mention it because the manual was printed well before the AF lens hit the market!:D

Glad to hear you're sorted ! :-)

Ronnie