Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikkormat/Nikomat - Archived 001-050 Message Board/Guestbook

Nikkormat FTN.jpg
Nikkormat EL-W.jpg

  1. From doug osborne (Sat Apr 21 10:53:43 2001 ):
    i am looking to buy my first camera as well as take my first photography class as school. I am intersted in wildlife and outdoor photography. I have been reading about the art, now I am looking for advice on purchasing a good inexpensive camera. ANY SUGGESTIONS. thank you Doug


  2. From Robert Flossmann (Tue Apr 17 04:25:54 2001 ):
    Which of Thomas Tomosy's camera repair books does cover the Nikkormat EL? They're not exactly cheap, and I can't order them just for checking. Thanks in advance.


  3. From Stavros Valenti (Mon Apr 16 21:35:49 2001 ):
    Response to Zelig Sokoll (Thu Apr 5 10:22:35 2001 ). I just ordered one from e-bay.com, the on-line auction site. It was a photocopy, for about $6.00 plus postage.


  4. From Stavros Valenti (Sat Apr 14 02:34:44 2001 ):
    Can someone help me identify my Nikon camera? It appears to be an black-body EL2, but it does not have a shutter lock switch on the shutter button, and there is no 'EL2' before the serial number (5555514). It does have the AI feature, shutter speeds from 8s to 1/1000, exposure compensation ring, and it accepts an AW-1 Auto Winder. The letters 'EL' and 'Nikon' appear on the top cover above the lense mount. Thank you in advance for your assistance.


  5. From Ken Ford (Wed Apr 11 05:39:19 2001 ):
    Can anyone tell me where the meter calibration adjustment is on an EL-2? Thanks!


  6. From Zelig Sokoll (Thu Apr 5 10:22:35 2001 ):
    I recently acquired a Nikkormat EL. Can you advise how I might get an owner's manual?


  7. From Dorman McShan (Thu Mar 29 10:00:28 2001 ):
    When I got to last picture of the last roll my Nikormat stopped and would not advance or rewind. After removing the film it is still stuck in one position. Is there anyone who could ck this camara out for me and advise if it's worth repairing?


  8. From Robert Flossmann (Wed Mar 28 20:24:39 2001 ):
    Hi there, how do you prise off the top prism (top) housing of a Nikkormat EL. There are only two screws. Yours, Robert


  9. From jeff (Wed Mar 28 10:45:41 2001 ):
    I have picked up this info from another Message Bpard Posting: A gentleman (Jim Hudley <7767643@msn.com>) claimed PX625 Replacement batteries are available at www.Photobattery.com/ some of the older Nikkormats which uses Mercury cells may need that and see if that site helps.


  10. From GenHolst (Tue Mar 27 12:31:39 2001 ):
    **Manual**: I have checked the EL-2 pages and may be your request is excusable. Well, in relation to your question, you may use here as a guide of how to make use of the AI/Non-AI (Stopped Downed metering with non-AI Nikkor lenses): http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ft3/metering2.htm Manuel, in many ways, the EL-2 behaves and operates like a Nikon FE (They even shares similar finder display except, the FE does not has a "Funny" battery compartment and does NOT has a mirror Lock-up mechanism, it is more compact and multiple exposures was made so easy (It is a pain to use that in any of the Nikkormat): http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe/basic1.htm Where BOTH the EL-2 and Nikon FE has a very similar way to deal with non-AI lenses in the Stopped Downed metering: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe/basic8.htm


  11. From Manuel Cochofel (Sun Mar 25 04:37:49 2001 ):
    Thank you GenHolst! I already had done that, but lifting the compartment door was difficult, and mainly because I wasn't sure it was there. Beeing sure were it was made the task easier. Meanwhile another problem arouse: I have two pre-AIS lenses and although they fit ok, I couldn't understand how to do the metering. I read I should use the stop-down method, but I don't know what it is. Could you be so kind and help me again? Best wishes, Manuel


  12. From GenHolst (Fri Mar 23 10:37:41 2001 ):
    To Manuel Cochofel: I doubt you have readed through all the pages carefully in the EL-2 site; the battery issue was mentioned herein: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/elseries/el/features3.htm First in order to do so, use the Mirror Lock Up lever to make it stay out of the way, and you can access the compartment inside the lens mount (Naturally, I hope I don't have to tell you that you MUST remove the lens first..); use your finger nail to lift up the cover and change the cell. I also would suggest you use hee to refer all the essential control of the camera: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/elseries/el2/map.htm First, You can lock up to the whereabout is the Mirror Lock Up lever. Hope it helps.


  13. From Manuel Cochofel (Wed Mar 21 22:13:03 2001 ):
    I just bought a used EL-2, but just can find were to put the battery!! I read it is in a well inside the body, but just can find it! Any help? Thank you.


  14. From Kvammen (Tue Mar 13 01:05:25 2001 ):
    I have just bought an old Nokkormat FTn, and I think there is a problem with the light meter. It reacts if I adjust the shutter speed, but it seems that the other settings are not registered. The battery is new.


  15. From John Moore (Sat Mar 10 10:19:15 2001 ):
    Nikkormat FTn locked up! The film advance lever and the shutter release button are locked on my Nikkormat. I was able to advance the film advance lever about one third of the way before it locked. To make matters worse, the self timer is also locked. Any ideas?


  16. From Tim Mcghee (Fri Mar 9 21:15:18 2001 ):
    I own a Nikkormat FTn and need to add a flash. Being a novice I do not know what I need or where I can purchase one.


  17. From athas17 (Wed Mar 7 10:23:54 2001 ):
    Could someone tell me the going rate for an FT2? Thanks.

  18. From Michael Earle (Mon Mar 5 09:50:33 2001 ):
    Hello Folks I recently traded my old NikormatFT for a FT3 only to find the light meter syncranisation was off. No pictures taken with the flash were turning out . The problem was discouverd to be an internal setting that had been set for bulbs. Thouhgt I should pass this on as there is very little info on this feature which is only an issue on the later model NIkormats as the older ones have the X and M plugs on the side of the body the FT3 has only X and some sort of switch inside.


  19. From David (Sat Mar 3 03:37:21 2001 ):
    I have a Nikkromat FT2 with three lenses in a MINT condition, any takers? I a camera box and stuff. David


  20. From Peter Jackson (Thu Mar 1 04:46:45 2001 ):
    My father has a Nikomat FT, which is still in great condition. The only problem is that the light meter no longer works. I've tried to replace the battery, but it still doesn't work. The needle does move from one side to the other when the meter is turned on, but it stays on one side and doesn't move when the settings are adjusted. I'm thinking about getting it fixed, but I would like to know what price range I'm looking at to have such work done. Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Please e-mail me at peterjackson300@hotmail.com Thank You.


  21. From Dustin (Thu Feb 22 08:12:40 2001 ):
    Ok when my gradfather passed away a few years ago we found this camera bag in it we found a Nikkormat SLF camera and a few lenses and was wondering if you could tell me what the model number is and If the equipment is and good (and the value). Ive done some ametuer stuff in the past but I dont know that much about quality. Ok first I have the camera its in good shape I ve shot a roll of film with it and they pics came out fine. It has a Silver and black body and it a lil heavy.On the top I find the Sequence [FT 4490033[ serial number? Ok and now the lenses First one say [Nikon SC Auto 1:14 f=50mm] Second one lockes perfectly fine as well [vivitar 200mm 1:35 Auto telephoto] and the last one [Vivitar 35mm 1:28 Auto Wide angle] Also in good condition. Any Help as to the Make/Model # as well as the Quality and value, would be greatly appreciated. If you could please Email your response that would be the best method as I am constantly traveling for work and can only regularly check my Email swyedydd@geocities.com


  22. From Lane Marshall (Wed Feb 21 01:13:36 2001 ):
    I recieved a Nikon Nikkormat FT2 camera with a Nikkor-S.C, Auto, 1:1.4 f=50mm lens and also a Nikkor-P, Auto, 1:2.5, f=105mm lens from my father a few years ago. I have never had the time or need for the camera and lenes and would like to know their current value if any. The camera and both lenes are in great condition and working order.


  23. From Justin (Fri Feb 16 05:38:38 2001 ):
    I have a Nikomat FTn, 1967 with several lenses (it may be a Nikomat FT, 1965/7 but I can't tell which) 30mm, 50mm, and a 100+ telephoto lense. I have very little experience using it. I have taken a few rolls of film and if works fine. I received it from my grandfather who just passed away. He was a photographer professionaly by trade and I now have this camera gear. What would this camera and lenses sell for? Can anyone help me with what I should sell it for. It is very clean and has been taken care of like a gem. I don't have a need for it and would like to buy a camera that is not as fancy. Please email me at j_stum@hotmail.com Justin


  24. From Philip Canty (Thu Feb 15 16:14:52 2001 ):
    In addition to my last message I will say that you can E - mail me at canty@freesurf.ch. This is for anyone with info on FT2 lenses - Nikkormat. Thanks,Phil Canty


  25. From Philip Canty (Thu Feb 15 16:09:07 2001 ):
    I have a Nikkormat FT2 from circa 1975. Earlier this week our house was broken into. The thieves took my camera equipment bag containing all my lenses,flash guns,cables etc. the theives obviously didn`t know much about cameras as I found they had thrown my FT2 body to one side, and taken all the lenses!! Thanks for small mercys!! Now my question is this,does anyone out there know if it`s possible for me to get lenses for this camera again,-Nikkor ones if possible. Yours gratefully,and thanks, Phil Canty.


  26. From Robert (Wed Feb 14 05:48:51 2001 ):
    I am a Nikon Technician in the USA. I repair every Nikon model. Email me for an estimate...... rkiplin@attglobal.net


  27. From DMasarik (Fri Feb 2 02:45:58 2001 ):
    I apologize immediately for this dumb question. But here goes: I have recently re-acquired a 1970's Nikkormat FTn and understand that the 1.3V mercury battery is no longer available. Could someone help me determine what currently available 1.3V battery is suitably sized to fit the FTn. Thank you.

  28. From Tim Spelich (Wed Jan 17 03:48:05 2001 ):
    "Mike Harrington said, I have owned my Nikon Nikomat FTn since I bought it new in Misawa, Japan in 1968." I also purchased mine at Misawa, Japan in end of 1968. Mine was broken when it fell with 300mm lens on it. I am looking to purchase another. Best Nikon I have ever used. I just received a Nikkor-S 50mm f/1.4 and will get my Nikomat FTn soon.


  29. From maintainer (Mon Jan 15 11:54:59 2001 ):
    Nikon Annual Photo Competition (NPCI) has changed to once every two years, the dateline for entry for year 2000-2001 is January 31, 2001, contact your nearest Nikon distributor for official entry form or check more info at http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/npci/index.html (Please Don't mail me, I know little about how to enter photo competitions).


  30. From Heather MacIver (Sat Jan 13 12:34:02 2001 ):
    I bought a Nikkormat FT2 second hand and I'm intrested in repairing it. As far as I know it just needs to be cleaned and a new battery cover found. The closest big cities to me are Reno, Nevada and the Sacramento, CA area. Are there any reasonable and reliable camera repair places I could either bring it or send it. I like the camera very much but I don't want to spend more than its worth to repair. I'm also interested in getting the orginal manual for the camera. Please advice. Sincerely. Heather


  31. From e.desepoli (Thu Jan 11 10:24:04 2001 ):
    need information on a nikon camera ft4218108. need manual,flash and any information would help thank you.


  32. From JWoods (Wed Jan 3 13:12:21 2001 ):
    To L.Smith: FT3, being a AI Nikon with mirror lock up can fetch a higher premium over the rest of other Nikkormat (Except the electronic body of EL2, which is also a "AI" body). It is retailing around USD180.00-230.00 with a standard Nikkor lens but many overseas collector (from Japan) are started to collect it. Well, I think it is a perfect camera for our kids to pick up this healthy hobby and further, it was also one of those many Nikon bodies that has the least compatibility problem with many today's modern lenses. Hope it was not too late to convince you to make it a christmas present for your daughter...


  33. From JWoods (Wed Jan 3 13:05:05 2001 ):
    To DonO: Nikkormat FT3 was the last model of th mechanical Nikkormat FT series (All EL series are electronic bodies). YES, in many ways the FT3 is different from the FTN mainly because the camera was alos one of the first Nikon that employed with a new metering coupling system called "AI" (Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing). The most significant thing that separate the FT3 from any earlier mechanical FT models are the lack of the metering coupling Prong infront of the camera which used to mate with the Meter coupling shoe on top of many older Nikkor lenses (include AI and AI-S Except the Series E) for maximum Full aperture metering (Automatically open the lens diaphragm to its maxium to achive brightest view for focusing and only will stopped down to the taking aperture during exposure). The ASA adjustment, is also improved to semi-automatic where there is a tiny lever where yo can pull it to adjust the ASA, see: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ft3/metering2.htm The various control of FT3 is located at: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ft3/map.htm while the entire operational sequences for the FT3 can be found at: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ft3/index.htm please consider print every copy out into a hardcopy and use it for visual reference.


  34. From DonO (Tue Jan 2 05:37:12 2001 ):
    I have a Nikkormat sn # FT3119206 which came with a FTN manual but is not a FTN as I can find no N on it. It has no shutter speed indication in the viewfinder which might make it an FT but for one thing. The ASA setting does not match any description that I can find. Rather than a scale located at the bottom of the body on the lens mount it has a scale on the body that is between 12 and 3 o'clock that sets with a red dot on an additional f-stop dial on the body (not on the lens) and is set via a push in lever on the opposite side between 9 and 12 o'clock depending on where the f-stop is set. I am unable to find a description of this type of ASA setting anywhere. What model is it and when was it manufactured? Thanks Don O


  35. From L. Smith (Thu Dec 28 17:56:05 2000 ):
    Could someone tell me the value of a Nikormat-F3-w/50mm lense,electronic flash. It is in very good condition and want to pass it on to daughter. Thank you-e-mail me at Gbeck325@aol.com


  36. From Genholst (Wed Dec 27 21:18:04 2000 ):
    Carolyn, the Nikkormat may be old, meterless but does not mean it cannot take good pictures. You have to teach your daughter how to make use of sunny 16 rules as well: open up any film box, inside there is an exposure guide. For an instance, when you are using an ASA 100 film, in a brightly lit scene, apply 1/125 sec f/16 and work downwards. There is a entry pages on exposure, aperture and shutter speed guide here at: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/apershutter/index.htm In a world surrounded by hitech SLR cameras, it is very tempting and may put a lot of pressure to your kid in the classroom as with other school mates who can afford one of those 'electronic gadgets'. First, I think you need to boost your daughter's confidence a little with your all mechanical (and meterless) camera body, you can read how this gal reacts to her father's gift to her: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/messageboard/olympusom1n2/olympus.cgi I thought that posting was very touching, further, as I can assume - OM-1 was also a meterless camera because it uses mercury cell which is very hard to get as our government put a ban on these environmental unfriendly cells. Also to Rick Matheny: There is a section on lenses which is more specific and relates to your posting at: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/messageboard/lenses/optic.msql


  37. From JWoods (Wed Dec 27 21:04:57 2000 ):
    To Carolyn: Nikkormat FS was essentially the "meterless" version of the Nikkormat FT. "Meterless" can be explained as the mechanical camera has NO exposure guide inside the viewfinder and naturally, it has no ASA input dial as well. In relation to camera operation, you can used the Nikkormat FTn as a user guide OTHER than the metering information detailed in the FTn User's manual here at:http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ftn/feature1.htm

  38. From Carolyn (Mon Dec 25 06:40:02 2000 ):
    I could use some help. My late husband Bought a Nikkormat FS 7408202, while he was in Viet Nam. I used it for many years as the kids were growing up and loved it because of the fast shutter speed that would stop almost any action. The camera was "put away" for several years and now my daughter is going into graphic art and will be taking photograftic classes. She will be using the camera, but I have lost the dirrections. Does any one know where I might find a book? Or can anyone please me with something I have forgotten over the years? On the side of the camera are two places to plug in the cord for the flash. What is the difference between the two? One is labeled with a black X the other with a red M. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Carolyn in Florida. No chad jokes please, I have probably heard them all. Crandol@sunline.net


  39. From Sen Haerens (Sun Dec 24 03:30:01 2000 ):
    subject : battery cover for Nikkormat FTn Hi, I recently used my fathers Ftn and I lost the battery cover... Does anyone know if you can still get one. Used or are there battery covers from new camera's that will fit in also? I'll like to get also some information about lenses. My camera is equipped with a 50mm Nikkor-H lens. Are these lenses still made? Especially with the special metering system. thanks in advance, Sen


  40. From Steve (Sat Dec 23 13:05:48 2000 ):
    I was given a Nikkormat FTn, in perfect condition. I was also given a decent lineup of lenses: 35mm, 50mm, 135mm, 2x teleconverter, etc all in excellent condition. I am looking for a good zoom lens for this camera. I have seen the Nikkor 43-86mm zoom on the internet, but have heard it is not so great. Is it better to stick with a lens of the same generation as the camera, or is it preferable to purchase a newer lens and have it "AI'd" so that the metering will work properly? Tamron makes a manual focus 38-105mm that is AI, but it is incredibly expensive (over $1,000). Any suggestions or advice?


  41. From Rick Matheny (Fri Dec 22 12:20:59 2000 ):
    I recently purchased a Nikkormat 500mm F8 reflex lens. It is the old model that takes an 88mm screw-in lens cap. Did Nikon ever make a lens shade for this lens? I know that the newer version does have a lens shade(HN-27), but it is an 82mm screw-in shade. Any advice out there?


  42. From Jill (Fri Dec 8 13:37:28 2000 ):
    I've had Nikkormat FTN's since 1969, when I was in high school. Recently, someone accidentally knocked over my camera bag and the body under the film advance lever was damaged so that the lever no longer freely returns, but must be pushed back. I'm using an EL body currently (Ebay is so wonderful!), but would love to get my FTN back. Can anyone point me to somewhere that shows how to dissect it, so that I can try to fix it? It doesn't appear that the mechanism itself is damaged, only that the thin steel at that top corner of the camera was bent, and is simply obstructing the travel of the lever.


  43. From TKray (Sat Dec 2 06:14:52 2000 ):
    Inherited a Nikkormat FT2 in the following condition: 1. Film advance almost or fully thrown but stuck. 2. Shutter stuck in closed position. 3. Time release partially cocked. 4. Rewind film release pushed. 5. Shutter release on top is frozen also. Opened bottom and tripped a lever to release timer which wound down, almost completely. Think it needs shutter to complete its cycle to fully exhaust itself. Question: Is there a reset release mechanism or process which will free the jam or will it require major surgery?


  44. From Don Omer (Fri Dec 1 05:18:19 2000 ):
    I have a Nikkormat FTN that calls for a 1.3 Volt mercury battery. Are the available and waht is manufacturer and part #. Thanks


  45. From Emmet (Sun Nov 26 15:01:53 2000 ):
    Does anyone know the value of a mint Nikomat FT2 with a mint Nikkor 50mm f1.4? If so please contact me Kekleb@aol.com


  46. From Germán (Wed Nov 22 13:25:28 2000 ):
    **Brian M **: IF you have owned the Nikon FA for a while, I would assume you could have already invested into a TTL flash unit such as SB-15, SB-16B etc. to take advantage of the TTL flash control offered in the Nikon FA. Just set your flash to "Auto" or "Manual" setting and you can use it with the Nikkormat ELW without any problems. There is not distinctive advantage over other Nikon cameras as far as flash photography is concerned for the ELW. Oh.. in relation to your queries ELW/FA, someone (Obviously a Republican die-hard) has answered that in the Nikon FA board:http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/messageboard/nikonfamsg/nikonfa.msql American has a very funny system to elect their President, may be he needs to learn just by becoming a lawer is not good enough, you need to join in as a Democrats..


  47. From Brian M (Wed Nov 22 06:51:21 2000 ):
    I am currently an FA owner [with mix and match AI and non AI lenses] but have never cared for the LCD metering. I recently found an EL w/50mm for sale at a bargain price that has me tempted to park the FA on a back shelf for a while. One concern is finding a compatible flash for the EL. any ideas? EL versus FA? any input would be appreciated.

  48. From Rick Matheny (Tue Nov 21 11:17:10 2000 ):
    I have just purchased a SB-10 Nikon Speedlight and a SF-1 Eyepiece Pilot Lamp for my Nikkormat FTN. When connected them the flash worked perfectly, but there was no light in the pilot lamp. Any suggestions?


  49. From Victor (Sat Nov 18 06:48:43 2000 ):
    I have a Nikkormat FT2 which I truly enjoy. The very slowest shutter speeds, such as 1, 1/2, 1/4 second do not work properly. Outside of an expensive professional repair, would appreciate any self-help remedies anyone can suggest.


  50. From Ingrid, Can't live without my Nikkormat! (Sat Nov 11 10:27:11 2000 ):
    I received my Nikkormat from my husband 25 years ago as a wedding gift. It has recorded our entire family life! I just had it cleaned and tuned up for a small $94.00! I'm had this done one other time only! This camera owes me nothing! It was built like a rock! Thank-you to the designers of the FT2!

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