The Nikkormat line of manual film SLR cameras are indeed 'beefy' and solidly built cameras. I have a Nikon F and a couple of years ago picked up a Nikkormat FT2 and it too feels like a brick hanging around my neck..not a bad thing you know you have a solid piece of a photographic instrument. And I really like the shutter speed adjustment ring is around the camera body lens mount as opposed to the usual location on top of the camera body. And the depth of field preview button is real handy located on top next to the prism housing. Good examples of Nikkormats can be had at reasonable prices..I found mine at an antiques bazaar for cheap and it is perfectly fine..a bit later I found a Nikon 50mm f/2 pre-AI lens in pristine condition to go with it and I have a real nice film SLR kit. No 'bells and whistles' on those old manual Nikkormat cameras just good solid construction and what you need to get good photographs.
Thank you for an informative review of this classic Nikon. The Nikkormat series were originally designed as rugged and reliable camera’s for budding photo enthusiasts as well as backup bodies for the professional F and F2 camera’s. They were a complete in-house camera designed and manufactured by Nikon starting in 1965 and were to replace the less than successful Nikkorex line (apparently made by Mamiya under license). There were eight model designation’s produced until the end of the seventies commencing with the original FT (1965/67) with built in exposure meter and the meterless FS (produced in small quantities until 1971). These were followed by the FT-N (1967/75) which featured an improved and simplified lens aperture index coupling, the FT2 (1975/77) with flash hot shoe and the FT3 ( produced for only a few months in 1977) which featured the newly developed AI lens indexing. The electronic Nikkormat’s (with aperture priority) commenced in 1972 with the EL, added the AW-1 motor winder to become the EL-W in 1975 and introduced silicon metering cells to become the EL2 in 1977 ( which has the distinction of being the first non-F series camera and the only Nikkormat to be badged as Nikon). Out of interest, your particular camera is a later production FT-N from the early seventies with the cosmetic and handling improvements that were introduced with the F2 Photomic and the Nikkormat EL.
I think the most desirable Nikkormat is the Nikkormat FT-2 because it has a split image focusing screen, making it easier to focus, and it accepts pre-AI lenses, whereas the EL line does not. I love the mechanical build quality and the vintage image results provided by pre-AI lenses, and if I'm shooting an old Nikon film camera I prefer to shoot with pre-AI lenses. The FT and FTn only have ground glass focusing screens. I recently purchased a Nikomat FT-2, produced for the Japanese market, assuming it would also have the split image rangefinder, but alas, it it does not.
That's an interesting point about your Nikomat FT-2 having the earlier screen. The Nikomat badge was the original name that Nippon Kogaku chose for their new intended series of cameras in 1965. Due to a licensing issue with Carl Zeiss in Germany and their Ikomat brand name, Nippon Kogaku were only able to use the Nikomat name in the Japanese home market. Nikkormat (in reference to their lenses) was chosen for the rest of the world. Aside from that the cameras are identical. The FT-2, FT-3 and the (Nikon) EL-2 cameras were supplied with the new type K split image focusing screen. Of the series, I personally own a Nikomat FT in chrome finish s/n 3231738 from 1966 and a Nikon El-2 also chrome s/n 7844263 from early 1978. They are all excellent cameras with their own quirks, but produce superb results and are built like tanks. A black FT-2 in mint condition is highly desirable.
Your remark concerning the EL series of cameras not accepting pre-AI lenses is only partially correct. The original EL from 1972 and the motor winder updated EL-W (released in 1975) were designed like the FT, FT-N and FT-2 to work only with pre-Ai lenses. The EL-2, FT-3 and the DP-11, DP-12 Photomic finders from the F2 pro camera (all released in 1977) were equiped with the new AI lens indexing feature. A small button on top of the bayonet mount locked the indexing tab out of the way so pre-AI lenses could be used without damage. Of course you lost full aperture metering, which is the reason why so many pre-AI lenses were converted to AI.
On an FT there is a pin that you pull out that is just above the shutter speed ring. Use it to line up your current ISO (ASA) with the maximum aperture of the lens you are using. The FTN's and later Nikkormats could be set by pulling the pin on the lever that you use to set the shutter speed. Incidentally, users manuals for these cameras are readily available on e-bay and will help you get the most out of these cameras. They are really a lot of fun to use once you become familiar with them!
No, the camera is a latter production FT-N. After 5 years of production the initial FT-N was looking somewhat drab and dated, so in 1972 along with the introduction of the Nikkormat EL and the F2 professional camera’s, Nikon decided to give it a cosmetic makeover. An easy way to tell is the updated black plastic finger grips on the film advance and self timer levers as well as the change from slot screws to Phillips head screws on the body, nameplate and bayonet mount. Plus it still has the clip on flash cold shoe..Two of the main changes to the FT-2 in 1975 was the new type K split image focusing screen and a flash hot shoe.
@@beforedigital You want to get the FT3 that takes MS76 battery 1.50 Volt Silver Oxide battery in which I am looking for one..., and It is AI mounted BUT their is a switch that you can flipped the AI Cam Upward to take the Older Nikkors..
An FT or FTN needs a 1.3 volt battery. Either use a Wein , or you can use a 1.3 hearing aid battery with an adaptor. An FT@ of later uses a 1.5 battery, which is readily available.
That is a FTn Model not the FT. Otherwise Good Video.... And also that the lens is one of the SHARPEST 50mm Nikkor lens that ever made. I have 3 of them, the 5cm F/2.0, and the 50mm F/2.0 H, and the 50mm F/2.0 AI model... This has been my favorite lens as I normally use it on my digital models but it is mostly when I shoot Film...
The Nikkormat line of manual film SLR cameras are indeed 'beefy' and solidly built cameras. I have a Nikon F and a couple of years ago picked up a Nikkormat FT2 and it too feels like a brick hanging around my neck..not a bad thing you know you have a solid piece of a photographic instrument. And I really like the shutter speed adjustment ring is around the camera body lens mount as opposed to the usual location on top of the camera body. And the depth of field preview button is real handy located on top next to the prism housing. Good examples of Nikkormats can be had at reasonable prices..I found mine at an antiques bazaar for cheap and it is perfectly fine..a bit later I found a Nikon 50mm f/2 pre-AI lens in pristine condition to go with it and I have a real nice film SLR kit. No 'bells and whistles' on those old manual Nikkormat cameras just good solid construction and what you need to get good photographs.
Thank you for an informative review of this classic Nikon. The Nikkormat series were originally designed as rugged and reliable camera’s for budding photo enthusiasts as well as backup bodies for the professional F and F2 camera’s. They were a complete in-house camera designed and manufactured by Nikon starting in 1965 and were to replace the less than successful Nikkorex line (apparently made by Mamiya under license). There were eight model designation’s produced until the end of the seventies commencing with the original FT (1965/67) with built in exposure meter and the meterless FS (produced in small quantities until 1971).
These were followed by the FT-N (1967/75) which featured an improved and simplified lens aperture index coupling, the FT2 (1975/77) with flash hot shoe and the FT3 ( produced for only a few months in 1977) which featured the newly developed AI lens indexing.
The electronic Nikkormat’s (with aperture priority) commenced in 1972 with the EL, added the AW-1 motor winder to become the EL-W in 1975 and introduced silicon metering cells to become the EL2 in 1977 ( which has the distinction of being the first non-F series camera and the only Nikkormat to be badged as Nikon).
Out of interest, your particular camera is a later production FT-N from the early seventies with the cosmetic and handling improvements that were introduced with the F2 Photomic and the Nikkormat EL.
Many thanks for the comments, hope to do some videos on the Nikkorex at some point.
Thankssss for great video: super camera photo indestructible and immortel machine bravoooooooo❤❤❤😊
I think the most desirable Nikkormat is the Nikkormat FT-2 because it has a split image focusing screen, making it easier to focus, and it accepts pre-AI lenses, whereas the EL line does not. I love the mechanical build quality and the vintage image results provided by pre-AI lenses, and if I'm shooting an old Nikon film camera I prefer to shoot with pre-AI lenses. The FT and FTn only have ground glass focusing screens. I recently purchased a Nikomat FT-2, produced for the Japanese market, assuming it would also have the split image rangefinder, but alas, it it does not.
That's an interesting point about your Nikomat FT-2 having the earlier screen. The Nikomat badge was the original name that Nippon Kogaku chose for their new intended series of cameras in 1965. Due to a licensing issue with Carl Zeiss in Germany and their Ikomat brand name, Nippon Kogaku were only able to use the Nikomat name in the Japanese home market. Nikkormat (in reference to their lenses) was chosen for the rest of the world. Aside from that the cameras are identical. The FT-2, FT-3 and the (Nikon) EL-2 cameras were supplied with the new type K split image focusing screen. Of the series, I personally own a Nikomat FT in chrome finish s/n 3231738 from 1966 and a Nikon El-2 also chrome s/n 7844263 from early 1978. They are all excellent cameras with their own quirks, but produce superb results and are built like tanks. A black FT-2 in mint condition is highly desirable.
Your remark concerning the EL series of cameras not accepting pre-AI lenses is only partially correct. The original EL from 1972 and the motor winder updated EL-W (released in 1975) were designed like the FT, FT-N and FT-2 to work only with pre-Ai lenses. The EL-2, FT-3 and the DP-11, DP-12 Photomic finders from the F2 pro camera (all released in 1977) were equiped with the new AI lens indexing feature. A small button on top of the bayonet mount locked the indexing tab out of the way so pre-AI lenses could be used without damage. Of course you lost full aperture metering, which is the reason why so many pre-AI lenses were converted to AI.
Very informative video. The camera in this video is actually an FT-N not an FT
What battery does ft need? Can’t find info anywhere.
I have a FT, but can’t figure out how to set the ASA.
It should be on the lens mount, regards
Andy
On an FT there is a pin that you pull out that is just above the shutter speed ring. Use it to line up your current ISO (ASA) with the maximum aperture of the lens you are using. The FTN's and later Nikkormats could be set by pulling the pin on the lever that you use to set the shutter speed. Incidentally, users manuals for these cameras are readily available on e-bay and will help you get the most out of these cameras. They are really a lot of fun to use once you become familiar with them!
@@jeffirish3402 thank you.
Nice camera. Is it possible to fit all the analog Nikon Lenses? Thanks.
It varies according to the nikkomat model, the FT needs what are known as bunny ear lenses
Nikkormat ft2?
No, the camera is a latter production FT-N. After 5 years of production the initial FT-N was looking somewhat drab and dated, so in 1972 along with the introduction of the Nikkormat EL and the F2 professional camera’s, Nikon decided to give it a cosmetic makeover. An easy way to tell is the updated black plastic finger grips on the film advance and self timer levers as well as the change from slot screws to Phillips head screws on the body, nameplate and bayonet mount. Plus it still has the clip on flash cold shoe..Two of the main changes to the FT-2 in 1975 was the new type K split image focusing screen and a flash hot shoe.
What battery do I need for FT? Can’t find information on it.
A px 625. Thanks for watching.
@@beforedigital You want to get the FT3 that takes MS76 battery 1.50 Volt Silver Oxide battery in which I am looking for one..., and It is AI mounted BUT their is a switch that you can flipped the AI Cam Upward to take the Older Nikkors..
An FT or FTN needs a 1.3 volt battery. Either use a Wein , or you can use a 1.3 hearing aid battery with an adaptor. An FT@ of later uses a 1.5 battery, which is readily available.
That is a FTn Model not the FT. Otherwise Good Video.... And also that the lens is one of the SHARPEST 50mm Nikkor lens that ever made. I have 3 of them, the 5cm F/2.0, and the 50mm F/2.0 H, and the 50mm F/2.0 AI model... This has been my favorite lens as I normally use it on my digital models but it is mostly when I shoot Film...
agreed. it is the FTn shown in the video.