Nikkormat/Nikomat - Archived 051-100 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikkormat/Nikomat - Archived 051-100 Message Board/Guestbook

From John Yuva (Tue Nov 7 23:33:22 2000 ):
I own a Nikkormat FT, Serial No. 3625087 which I purchased new in 1965 I believe. This camera has been used very little and is in great shape. I wish to find out the current value of this camera and what batteries are now available. Can any one advise me? Thank you,
From leofoo (Tue Nov 7 10:43:26 2000 ):
**Robert Hartnett **: I would assume you are residing in Denmark; a friend of mine who happens to be your fellow countryman is maintaining a section on Nikkor lenses/Mount in this MIR site. check here first: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/ais_lars.htm By the way, he is also the maintainer for Nikon-repair mailing list. Lars Holst Hansen is his name; he looks like this (may be could be your un-noticed neighbor all this time, ha!): http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/leofoo/friends/html/lars.htm Well, he may able to point you to a right service or repair centre.
From Robert Hartnett (Tue Nov 7 03:23:40 2000 ):
Hi I have an EL with a non-working meter. Can anybody suggest a repairer who could fix it for me?
From Bob Arnold (Thu Nov 2 01:26:04 2000 ):
I have a nikkormat ftn model and i am looking for information about getting a flash for this, also a standard lens for it.thanks bob
From Thomas Matz (Tue Oct 31 03:56:50 2000 ):
I am looking for a good used FTN Nikkormat body. Also interested in getting a repair manual for this particular camera. Thank you.
From Rick Matheny (Mon Oct 30 08:03:27 2000 ):
I recently purchased a Nikkormat FTN that had been overhauled. The camera now uses a 1.35V battery that replaced the 1.3V mercury battery.On my 1st role of film, I seemed to be overexposing my shots. Is this because of the extra .5V of the replacement battery? If so what is the recommended solution? Change the ASA setting, or stop down each shot? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks
From Dave Montgomery (Mon Oct 30 04:04:33 2000 ):
Just got an FTn and it appears the lens was not set a 5.6 when the lens was last coupled. I am familiar with the proper procedure for coupling / uncoupling a lens. But, this one seems to be locked on like a bull dog. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
From Mauro Greco (Sun Oct 29 22:31:17 2000 ):
I got a NIKKORMAT mode FT. I got it at tag sale not much info with it. Can anybody out there fill in the blanks.
From Michael (Fri Oct 27 02:44:30 2000 ):
I have recently inherited a FT3 with a Micro NIKKOR 55mm f3.5 lens which I am assuming is for close up work. I was unsure if the camera was worth having serviced as the foam around the mirror housing and camera back has perished but after visiting the site I will now make the investment. Can anyone suggest a medium length say 100mm lens to supplement the existing setup.
From Mike Harrington (Tue Oct 24 07:18:23 2000 ):
I have owned my Nikon Nikomat FTn since I bought it new in Misawa, Japan in 1968. It is in my "humble" opinion one of the finest cameras ever made. It is tough and heavy, but oh, it is so dependable! This is why I would now have a hard time buying anything other than a Nikon. Even as good as Canon is, I just can't bring myself to buy one.
From shane (Mon Oct 23 10:21:36 2000 ):
I have seen alot of questions for broken cameras and repair. I have sent several cameras to Essex camera service, for repair...they do an awesome job!!!! www.essexcamera.com. feel free to email me for more info. I am always in the mood to talk cameras!
From Phil Gallmeier (Sun Oct 22 10:24:31 2000 ):
I bought a used Nikkormat EL and do not have the manual. Where are the batteries located? I have an old Nikomat and the battery is located on the bottom of the body; I don't see the simlar battery location on the EL. Thanks Phil Gallmeier
From Dave Meyer (Mon Oct 16 03:30:12 2000 ):
I have a nikkormat EL and need to replace the sorry leather case. Will a FTN case fit the EL. I love this camera and it has served me well,but the case is falling apart. I normaly have the 50mm1.4 lens attached. I can find FTN case's on E Bay but sellers don't know from JACK if they will fit the EL body. Need help Thanks DAVE
From robert montgomery (Sun Oct 15 15:15:50 2000 ):
used nikomat camera and system as usarmy photo-operative 1972 in SE asia. greatest camera ever (author's opinion); highly classified photojournal to be released soon,'Journey to the East'. Entrance not for everyone.
From Mitch (Sun Oct 15 03:41:02 2000 ):
Help! I need a price to ask for a Nikkormat 50mm f/t3 camera. It is like new- I don't want to "give it away". I know it's worth something. Can you give me a figure to start with? I have no idea. Thanks,jmitch
From Wendy Atwell (Thu Oct 5 11:16:09 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT2 with a broken light meter, which my local camera repairman says can't be fixed. Does anyone know if it's possible to get old parts to fix it, or any other solution that would get it up and running? Thanks.
From John L (Wed Oct 4 07:13:35 2000 ):
Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to get into the viewfinder portion of a Nikomat FTn (to clean it out)? Also - if feasible - how to do it? Thanks.
From Greg (Tue Oct 3 00:02:57 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT2 that my daughter is using of her photography class. The battery cover fell off and disappeared recently. Does anybody know where I might be able to find one?
From karen d. (Thu Sep 28 08:42:06 2000 ):
I have very little experience using my father's old Nikkormat, but I hope to change that. I think it's an FT judging from the number on the top surface of the camera (serial no.?). (The lens says Nikkor-S, but I'm assuming that only applies to the lens.) My questions are: (1) Is it worth fixing a broken light meter? (2) How could I find a user's manual for this camera? (3) Any suggestions for finding a new case? Thanks.
From John Petruska (Wed Sep 27 22:38:50 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat FTN with a few lenses. I would like to upgrade to a newer version (EL or FE). Can you offer pros or cons on these models?
From louis Champan (Tue Sep 26 02:26:36 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat that received a major shock, after which the meter doesn't work. I'm looking for a quality shop where I can have the camera fixed. I live in the Seattle area.
From Rick Bryant (Thu Sep 21 04:58:17 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT3 black body that recently had its hinge break. In need of replacement camera back with strong hinge and matching black back to get me up and running. Pls email with cost and pix if possible. Thanks.
From Hank Pfadenhauer (Mon Sep 11 04:56:01 2000 ):
I recently come into possession of a black Nikkormat FT. It is the original model FT (1965-67) and not an FTN, etc. It is the only black one I've ever seen or ever even heard of. Is it a particularly rare model?
From Marc Jefferies (Sun Sep 3 04:00:37 2000 ):
Just to say thanks to all those people who replied to my FTn film speed setting query......maybe I should look out for a nice FT 2! Once again, thanks for your help.
From JWoods (Sat Sep 2 11:45:50 2000 ):
**DPhelkan**: You must identify the camera model before expecting a more precise fix. There is a serial number on the left hand side of the top camera panel (Under the meter window), If yours is a FT2, it will start with FT2 and so on). The meter won't move because it needs a battery to power the camera metering circuit. The battery compartment is residing UNDER the main reflex mirror. You have to do a mirror lock up to raised the mirror and you can changed the battery under the compartment (first remove the lens before you raised the mirror) if you are NOT sure the whereabout of the control: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ftn/map.htm The best form is still refer to these respective camera operation sections in the camera site for a orientation first - or you can print it out for reference.
From DPhelan (Sat Sep 2 07:30:23 2000 ):
Someone has let me use their Nikomat FT (I don't know if it is 2 3 or what or if it is an 'n'). The light meter doesn't move. It seems stuck in the "up" or out of the [-] range. I am not at all familiar with cameras. All the other mechanisms seem to work. Is it worth getting fixed?
From Kenneth (Mon Aug 28 13:11:12 2000 ):
**Laura**: There has never been a "Nikkormat FM" model within the Nikkormat Series; in fact, the electronic Nikon EL2 was the first Nikon mid-range SLR cameras from the Nikkormat Series to use the universal "Nikon" trade name instead of he previous "Nikkormat" (Or "Nikomat" for domestic market in Japan); to look for information for other information Nikon FM, check out with this site, click at the bottom "Nikon FM" link:http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/index.htm *** Marc Jerrefies ***: To set the Film Speed on a FTn body, refer to this page for further reference (The FTn has also improved with a semi-automatic indexing): http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ftn/feature1.htm
From Laura Murdoch (Sun Aug 27 21:04:45 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat FM which has never had a problem and I have put quite a bit of film through it's little body. Id like some more info about this paticular model. This site seems to forget about my camera model :( I bought my camera on a recommendation and didn't have a clue how old it was until I looked at this site. I was thinking late 70s!
From R.Isidro (Sat Aug 26 10:28:12 2000 ):
Owners of Nikkormats and Nikomats with meters, have you tried to use the meter with camera in vertical angle, such as pointing it to the ceiling or up a tree? It seems the needle gets sticky and often wont budge at this vertical angle probably due to gravity on the needle arm. At horizontal angles it works smooth and fine. I am testing this behavior on other needle meters such as the photomics and on the Nikon EM. No wonder they switched to LCD.
From dave jones (Thu Aug 24 07:48:16 2000 ):
just got my el-w and while fooling around with it i pressed the shutter and wound at the same time to motor drive was cycling and now when i push the shutter button i hear the motor drive motor whinning but no film advance, my first thought is nice going idiot you broke a shaft, but the batteries i had on hand where about 20% at best. did i kill it? also i am now hearing jokes about where the battery is do i have to own the camera for a certian length of time before i get to know that? just kidding, i love it just need your advicew thanks dave
From Marc Jefferies (Thu Aug 24 02:21:29 2000 ):
Can anyone help me with film speed setting on a Nikkormat FTn? The camera is lovely but the film speed setting seems strange. There is a small sliding metal clip/frame beneath the lens mount that slides along a scale of film speeds, but it seems very clumsy/nail breaking to operate. Is there an easier way to do it? or do I have a bit missing from my camera? It all seems to be working correctly, but I would have thought there was an easier way of setting the ASA than trying to slide this small metal clip! Thanks for any help.
From Jim R (Sun Aug 20 12:26:50 2000 ):
I just purchased a Nikkormat FTN with lots of problems. The battery cover is missing, with no battery I can't tell if the meter works or not. And the funny little lever thing that hooks on to the slot in the tab on the lens is sitting over on the wrong side of the camera. Does it hurt the camera for that battery compartment to be open? I bought the camera for Astrophotography only, so the shutter speed will be several minutes and the aperture will be as wide as the quality of the lens allows. Is there a replacement battery cover? Can I fill the hole with epoxy and thread it for 1/4-20? Should I just ignore it?
From R.Isidro (Sat Aug 19 23:24:45 2000 ):
Would the new 1.5 volt alkaline replacement batteries for the Nikkormat FTn give an accurate reading? Here is a test. While you still have your original 1.3 Volt Varta battery, make an exposure test on a blank wall noting the aperture and shutter speed combination. Next, replace the batteries with the new 1.5 volt alkalines and do another exposure test. Are the aperture and shutter speed settings the same? or is it off by a few stops? Noting the stops difference, adjust the ASA dial according to the number of stops difference. Up to 1/3 of a stop can be adjusted on the dial of the FTn. So when using 1.5 volts, adjust the ASA dial for compensation, or when 1.3 volts are still available, set to the normal ASA. If you dont have the original 1.3 volt battery to use, you could borrow or use a similar Nikon SLR with the same focal lens and use this a the reference point for exposure test.
From GenHolst (Tue Aug 8 23:28:21 2000 ):
**Nathan**: Don't get panic, There is a tiny metal knob at the center on top of the Shutter Speed Ring - that is the UNLOCK button where you just depress while turning the ring will unlock you from the "A" (Automatic) setting. You will then freely to shift to whatever manual shutter speed you like. IF you are still unsure the whereabouts, check the ELW site (Because, the EL-W is essentially an Nikkormat EL which has coupling to accept the Nikon Power Winder AW-1 introduced later): http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/elseries/elw/htmls/map.htm
From Nathan Burgess (Tue Aug 8 13:05:18 2000 ):
Hi, I recently received an old Nikkormat EL and have finally, with the help of the online reference sources been able to figure out all the bells and whistles - I'm used to newer models with less buttons. I, however, cannot unlock the shutter control, it seems to be stuck on "A"utomatic. It seems that there is an unlock mechanism from what I have picked up from reading the online reference, but I can't find a reference on how to unlock it. Please HELP! I can be reached by email at nathansburgess@esq.cc
From George (Thu Aug 3 07:26:23 2000 ):
My Nikkormat EL seems to be slowing up. When set to the 4 second exposure, the actual exposure is more like 8 seconds, while if the dial is set to 2 seconds, the actual exposure is more like three seconds. Does this signify a major problem or is it just a matter of a routine service??
From Bonny (Tue Aug 1 05:07:12 2000 ):
I too inherited a camera with 2 additional lens. Nikkormat EL with a Nikkor 50mm f/2 lens. Also a Samigon f=135mm and a Makinon 80-200mm. Not be a camera type person I am wondering what they were worth. All are in excellent condition. Do not have the orginal books for the camera but I think I have found enough on this site to start me out.
From ekke (Sat Jul 29 22:50:40 2000 ):
Is there a type of "nikormat" with a spot-metering system? If so, what type is it and at what measuring angle is the spot working? If not, which type has the narrowest angle? Anyone having an answer?
From merck (Sun Jul 23 01:59:22 2000 ):
What could I expect to get for a Nikkormat FT2 in excellent condition with a Nikkor 50mm f/2 lens? I inherited this and don't know what I have here. Thanks.
From JWoods (Sat Jul 22 13:04:32 2000 ):
***P Miller***: As with ANY AI camera bodies that can take BOTH Ai and non Ai lenses (FM, EL, FM, FE, F2AS, F2A, F3, F4 & F5), You can operate only in STOPPED DOWN metering mode, that is you have to make use of the depth of field preview button, keep it depress while rotating the lens aperture to check exposure metering guide. Check here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/fseries/ft3/metering2.htm Just mount the lens as usual (f5.6) slot in and twist and lock in place.
From P.Miller (Sat Jul 22 08:30:39 2000 ):
Reply for Roger: Is your Nikkormat FTN chrome or black? Value of chrome is $145-180 in Excellent condition, $190-250 in Mint, $75-120 in average.
From P.Miller (Sat Jul 22 08:27:22 2000 ):
Reply for "Neicy" - McBroom's Camera Bluebook, 6th ed (c2000) lists the value of a Nikkormat FT in Excellent condition as $100-150. More for mint, less for average condition. This book is available from "www.amazon.com" and other bookstores.
From P.Miller (Sat Jul 22 08:22:23 2000 ):
Just upgraded from a Nikkormat FTn to a Nikkormat FT3. How do I get it to accept my non-AI lenses? The AI ones go on fine, but the bayonet doesn't want to accept the older ones. Is there a button to push or something? Does anyone have a book to sell or photocopy?
From Neicy (Sat Jul 22 02:53:09 2000 ):
I have inherited a Nikkormat camers FT4255278. I have absolutly no clue how to use this interesting device! If anyone could give any info on where I could write or call or e-mail the company for instructions it would be greatly appreciated!! Also if any one has an idea of the value that would be interesting also. thank you
From Rodger (Thu Jul 20 05:46:26 2000 ):
We have a Nikkormat FTN that we received as a gift.. Does anyone know what the approximate value of the camera is? Its all original and has been in storage for about 10 years.. in perfect condition. Also.. where is a good source to find.. additional.. lenses... flashes.. so forth that will work with the camera.. Any help will be greatly appreciated.. Rodger
From Bob (Mon Jul 17 03:58:57 2000 ):
I have a Nikkormat EL #5328240. It does not seem to function on automatic. The black needle does not move when changing light levels coming into the lens however it does move when the f/stop is changed. In sunlight with asa 100 setting on automatic it indicates a 1/500 shutter speed which is grossly underexposed. I have the original manual and lens mounting and settings appear to be in order. Any suggestions?
From Robert S. (Sat Jul 15 15:02:49 2000 ):
Just discovered this web site. I will have to take some time and read through all the previous messages. I have however, discovered a problem with my Nikkormat FT which I bought new in 1966. My pictures were coming out underexposed. I thought the meter might be going out after 34 years. The problem turned out to be the battery. The PX13/625 battery was a 1.3 volt mercury battery when the camera was new. However, you can not use mercury in batteries anymore so the current PX13/625 is a 1.5 volt alkaline battery. The extra .2 volts is throwing the meter off. I am currrently taking test shots to recalibrate the meter. If anyone has any information on possible fixes, I would appreciate hearing from them. Thanks.
From Billy S. (Sat Jul 8 02:19:59 2000 ):
Hey once again...here's an update on my FT2 Nikkormat. I decided to have a local repairman look at my camera today, and right away he noticed that the index marker on the maximum aperture scale was missing. He told me that the indexing mechanism was very likely physically broken and that it needs to be repaired. He also figured that the meter itself probably works fine and that the broken mechanism is causing it to not register correctly (the index mark is likely buried somewhere out of range, thinking the maximum aperture is like f0.1 or something! :-). So hopefully he'll be able to repair this problem; I am aware that Nikkormat parts are rather hard to find...Anyway, I guess my lens-mounting was probably okay, but it doesn't matter if the camera is malfunctioning. Stay tuned...
From Nesta (Fri Jul 7 22:43:40 2000 ):
For BillyS: The FT2 has a semi automatic indexing way to couple the camera to the metering pin. ALL you need to do is to turn the aperture ring of your lens to f/5.6 with the meter coupling shoe (Rabbit Ear) at the center, mount the lens and meter pin will automatically fits and "mated" with the meter shoe on the lens. As long as the meter coupling pin fits into the shoe with the lens mounted on the camera, the procedure should be correct. Metering will be done at full aperture then.
From Billy S. (Fri Jul 7 12:21:07 2000 ):
Hi again...I just want to clarify what I wrote earlier. I'm wondering if the maximum-exposure-setting thing involves anything internal (ie something mechanical or physical, inside the camera) that would throw the metering system out of adjustment and require a trip to the repair shop if I were to mount or "calibrate" a lens incorrectly. It may be that "resetting" it is as simple as umounting the lens and remounting it correctly, but I just don't know. One thing: the tip on using the maximum aperture scale on the side. I can't find any kind of index marker there, red or otherwise, so I can't figure out how to use the scale and tell if everything is aligned as it should be. Thanks...

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