Nikkormat/Nikomat - Archived 251-300 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikkormat/Nikomat - Archived 251-300 Message Board/Guestbook

Nikkormat FTn.jpg

From Graham D (Wed May 5 23:25:00 1999 ):
I recently bought a Nikkormat EL, and I have found that the low shutter speeds are far too slow (and consistently so). The faster speeds are OK, so I don't think it is a question of the shutter sticking. Is this a common problem, and more to the point, is it easily fixed? Please remove the nospam- suffix on my email address if replying. Many thanks.
From Sue (Thu Apr 29 07:25:15 1999 ):
Where do you get repair work done on these camera? I live in California. There is nothing on this web site for a contact. Help!! jacs@bigsky.net
From Sanjay Kapoor (Fri Apr 23 12:20:32 1999 ):
I would appreciate if any one could tell me the way to clean Nikkormat's matt screen. There is some annoying dirt trapped in it. Thanks Sanjay
From Frank Lopez (Thu Apr 22 02:15:10 1999 ):
I have acquired a Nikkormat FT3 and would like some information regarding the use of flash with this camera. The flash is firing only when shutter speeds of 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 are used. Any Info is helpful, thanks.
From norm milks (Thu Apr 8 01:51:08 1999 ):
I have found a Nikkormat ftn without a meter. Does asnyone have one for sale? If I found one, could a camera repairman install it without too much difficulty (expense)? It also has a missing lug. If I had one, is it possible, without to much labor, to replace this lug? TIA! norm.
From Richard C. (Tue Mar 30 23:48:31 1999 ):
Repairs needed for two FTn bodies which landed upside down, resulting in headaches (i.e., meter coupling problems). Need name address phone number of possible repair persons living in Pacific Northwest, preferably inland but whatever is fine. Thanks for your quickest reply.
From Peter G. (Mon Mar 29 10:04:03 1999 ):
Nikomat...changed lenses Nikkor to Nikkor but the mirror is locked up and the shutter will not operate and the film advance will not operate. The lockup switch is in the proper position. You can manually "cock" the mirror but it flips back up when you push the shutter trigger. The shutter does not operate. HELP!!
From mike (Sun Mar 28 04:26:33 1999 ):
I just bought a Nikkormat EL for $2.00 and I have been researching it's workings. Does anyone know the default shutter speed for it without the battery?
From Nicholas Gomez (Sat Mar 27 08:26:00 1999 ):
I have a Nikomat EL and I would like to obtain the service manual for it. If anyone can help please e-mail me. Thanks Nick Gomez
From Steffen (Sat Mar 27 05:28:47 1999 ):
Is it supposed to be a problem to use a PX28L lithium battery in an EL2 I think the original power source was not a lithium, was it? Regards Steffen
From Nikkomatguy (Fri Mar 26 13:05:24 1999 ):
No. Other than the E series and the current AF Nikkor which DO NOT have a meter coupling shoe (Rabbit ears on top of the aperture ring) - virtually ALL Nikkor (NON-AI, AI, AI'd and AI-S) can use on the FTn.
From Tom F. (Fri Mar 26 01:46:24 1999 ):
I just picked up a FTn with a 55 Macro lense at a school fund raiser silent auction. Is my presumption correct that if I want additional lenses I need to confine my shopping to the NAI or Non AI lenses? Thanks
From Mark Grootveld (Mon Mar 22 11:44:41 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT2 which needs some repair work (light meter erratic or not functioning, hot shoe not working, latch on back). Any recommendations on repair shops in USA, preferably in the midwest?
From Lars Brubæk (Mon Mar 22 04:31:55 1999 ):
The built-in meter of my second-hand Nikkormat FT2 has been a trifle annoying as long as I have owned the camera: The needle will occasionally drop down to maximum plus (overexposure) position and then up again to «correct» position, both when adjusting the aperture and/or shutter control, as well as when these controls remain still. I have not been able to discover any regular pattern to the occurrence of this anomaly, some times the needle behaves normally, and again some times it jumps down and up again no end. My repair shop in Oslo have not been able to correct this malfunction. Nevertheless, once the needle has quieted down and is situated where I want it, the resulting exposure is as intended. Anyone with same experience? Any ideas how to remedy the malfunction?
From Patrick Thibodeau (Mon Mar 22 02:43:05 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FTn. Best thing I've ever bought. I need to get my flash connection repaired. It isn't making the connection to the flash. Living in Washington DC area. Can anyone recommend a repair shop in DC area that will treat a Nikkormat with care? Thanks!
From Tor Midtbo (Fri Mar 12 07:20:49 1999 ):
What a great site! I live in Oslo, Norway, and love my FTn 4447186 and the Nikkor SC Auto 1:1,4 50mm. A thing of beauty is a joy forever... I bought the camera second hand and have tried to find out more about it. I want to thank the good people who maintain this site!
From Bill McNulty (Wed Mar 10 08:59:37 1999 ):
I own 3 Nikkormats and would love the address of an Nikon authorized repair shop to renew all three cameras. Thanks-Bill McNulty/PA
From Nikomatbud (Mon Mar 8 12:52:24 1999 ):
No, not quite true. Automatic SLRs such as EL, EL-W, EL-2, FE, F3 and F4 can use your Non-AI lenses. The new F5 needs to change the lens mount to adapt to theose older optics. OTHER than the EL and EL-W models, the rest of the Nikon automatic SLRs have AI feature, which means they can be used with most of the current AF lenses (Or Series E edition lenses) - which does not provide a meter coupling shoe on the lens anymore to use with Non-AI camera body (with some limitations). You have to use stopped down metering method when a non-AI lens is used with a AI camera body.
From Thomas John (Mon Mar 8 07:55:44 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FTn and a Nikon F Photomic together with some NAI lenses. Love to use them all, but are interested in another body with automatic exposure. I guess the Nikkormat EL would be the only way to go because it is the only automatic Nikon that works with my NAI lenses. Is the EL suited for everyday use? Or should I worry about reliability of its old electronics? Does it need a lot of batteries, e.g. if you often do long time exposures? Is the battery type commonly available? Thanks, and regards from Germany, Thomas.
From Allon Stern (Fri Mar 5 06:46:52 1999 ):
Jerome asked: >There's this thing labled "5.6____2.8____1.2", with a litte red mark beneath it. Any idea what that is? >My dad has had this camera for probably about 2 decades or more, and had never noticed that thing before, until I asked about it. The red mark indicates the maximum aperture detected by the camera. If you unload the lens, you will notice that the red mark goes all the way to one side. After loading a lens, turn the aperture ring all the way back and forth. The red dot will now indicate the maximum aperture of the lens.
From Mike Carravetta (Tue Mar 2 02:34:57 1999 ):
I purchased a Nikormat EL in 1975 while serving in the USAF at Clark AFB, Philippines. Without a doubt this camera is going to out live me except for its' case. Anyone know where I can get a new case for this jewel?
From Julie (Thu Feb 25 03:33:16 1999 ):
This is the best Nikkormat site I have found thus far. I inherited a FTn, made in '72 or '73, and it works as well, if not better, than some of the newer cameras I have worked with. My question is this: because it is so old, and experiences so much use, I would like to find a reliable repair shop, just in case. Preferably one in central Florida. If anyone can send an address, I will greatly appreciate it.
From Stephen (Tue Feb 23 06:19:43 1999 ):
I recently inherited what I believe is an older model Nikon EL or an EL2. A woman at a local camera shop said the reason why my film was double exposing was due to the advancement slipping and the shutter dragging. I would like to know if there are parts (gears) available. Please contact me at my address and let me know. If anyone has information, Please...
From skon (Fri Feb 19 16:29:26 1999 ):
I have Nikkormat FT3 very well to use.I leve in thailand.
From Jerome (Fri Feb 19 13:14:01 1999 ):
Oh, and one more thing I could never figure out... With a lens on the camera, open the apeture all the way up.. Then look just behind the apeture ring on the left side of the camera. There's this thing labled "5.6____2.8____1.2", with a litte red mark beneath it. Any idea what that is? My dad has had this camera for probably about 2 decades or more, and had never noticed that thing before, until I asked about it.
From Jerome (Wed Feb 17 14:04:37 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FTn, which I've been using for as long as I can remember. I know how everything works, except for one thing... It has two spots to plug the flash into, one marked X, and the other M. What is the difference between these two? I've always used X.
From Greg Jones (Sun Feb 14 10:16:27 1999 ):
I am interested in purchasing a black body Nikkormat FT3 or EL2. Must be in excellent condition. Please contact me at the above e-mail address. Thanks!
From Patti Gray (Sat Feb 13 16:11:45 1999 ):
I have a couple of questions regarding Nikkormats, hopefully someone can help me out. I have some technical knowlege of these cameras in general, but it is somewhat limited, so bear with me. I have an FTN Nikkormat which is having a problem with what I believe is called the auto indexing. In other words, when a lens is changed, it is supposed to automatically adjust the light meter to the widest apeture. On this particular camera, the mechanism has become "gummed up" and doesn't always respond correctly. In the past, cleaning has resolved this problem, however after taking it to 2 camera shops, one said cleaning would fix it, the other said a carbon ring type aperatus was worn out and it wasn't worth cleaning or bothering with. If anyone has any experience with this, I would be most grateful to hear about it. After being such a great camera for so many years (and still in great shape overall) it's hard to believe it is worn out and can't be fixed. My other question has to do with the battery that my Nikkormats require. I've been told that the mercury battery that they use is no longer made in the USA and can only be had in Canada and that this situation will only get worse. Does anyone know any info about this and is it possible that a replacement battery will be available? I have 3 Nikkormats and I hate to think that I will be unable to find a battery for them in the future. Thanks so much, Patti
From Jason (Tue Feb 9 01:00:47 1999 ):
I am curious if the last two numbers in the serial number represent the camera's year of production or not. I have an FT which ends in 70, and an EL that ends in 77. I was under the impression that these were the production years, but that is not what I read on this site. Can anyone shed some light on this for me. Thanks, Jason
From gary jones (Fri Feb 5 10:24:19 1999 ):
I have a great old Nikkormat EL with a bit of an exposure problem. The shutter speed dial on top came undone while attempting home repair of white battery indicator switch, (learned my lesson there) now is out of synch and some settings can't be made. Seems to be just pressed into camera top. The blue and green wires in shutter dial broke off and after checking and finding continuity between them I soldered them together at the board hoping they are just flash enabling and wouldn't interfere with daylight operation, but still would allow flash. Is this correct, or will I be limited in speed selection by the electronics thinking flash is on ? The other functions seem to work but it needs checking and repair of speed dial. Is there a simple way to index the detent positions of that dial and get it back in synch ? I have a considerable investment in lenses and other accessories and would hate to lose my 20+ year old legacy system. Nobody seems to make 'em like this anymore. Any advice you could give would help !
From Jose Figueroa (Sun Jan 31 22:25:56 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT2 with a Nikon 50 MM 2.0 lens ,case and instruction manual . I purchased the camera new in 1975 and is in what I would call mint condition. Is there a market for this camera. What can I expect to get for it if I were to sell it.
From student (Sat Jan 30 02:42:12 1999 ):
Can someone please help me? I have a Nikkormat FT 3615720 adjustable camera. I just started my first photography class and I need help. Please e-mail me if you can give me some simple operational tips. Thank you!!!
From Maintainer (Thu Jan 28 12:45:23 1999 ):
B Kimmelman, please repost your message with a email address or mail me to edit again. Or else your message will be removed from board.
From b.kimmelman (Thu Jan 28 11:49:41 1999 ):
looking for an owners manual for FT3 NIKKORMAT. ANYONE HAVE AN IDEA WHERE I CAN OBTAIN ONE? I'm in the midst of taking my first photo class using this camera.
From Georg Jakopic (Fri Jan 15 20:28:16 1999 ):
To M.J. Hughes: I definitely know that the eye pieces for the FE, FM, FA, FE2, FM2,EL, EL2, FTN are all the same. Because the FM2 is still in production, it shouldn't be difficult to get the appropriate eye piece. As far as I know, they are available from -2 to +3 dioptrics.
From M J Hughes (Sun Jan 10 00:40:05 1999 ):
I have a Nikomat EL and require information on correction eye pieces, also are there any surplus hanbooks out there.I would also like to purchase another Nikomat or Nikormat body PS. My £60 seconhand Nikomat EL is the finest camera i have ever owned
From Brian Kane (Fri Jan 8 22:39:34 1999 ):
I have a Nikkormat FTN with an f-mount and would like to buy a 1.4X or 2X teleconverter. Do you have any teleconverters, Nikon or otherwise, that would fit this camera (it has the prong and bracket apparatus where the lens attaches to change the f-stop). Thanks for your help.
From mike taylor (Thu Jan 7 12:23:56 1999 ):
i have a nikon fg. i would like to get an owners manual for it. how do i do it?
From Paul O'Connor (Tue Jan 5 02:37:00 1999 ):
I have an early 70's vintage FTN that I have given to my high school aged son so he can learn about photography using his brain instead of the camera's brain! One of the screws that holds the "Nikkormat" cover plate above the lens that covers the linkage to the light meter system is missing. Does anyone have any documentation that shows the size of those screws?
From Daniel Szpiro (Thu Dec 31 01:04:36 1998 ):
In reading the wonderful material here about Nikkormats, I have a question that I hope someone can answer. The FT3 and EL2 models both incorporate automatic indexing (AI), but can they use non-AI lenses and still meter properly? If not, is there any model of Nikon of Nikkormat camera than can use _either_ AI or non-AI lenses and still meter properly? Thanks, and happy new year!
From Pat (Sun Dec 27 06:38:15 1998 ):
Looking for 1.3 volt meter battery for my old Nikkormat. Anyone know where or who sells this item? Out of juice in California.
From Gary Wohlgeschaffen (Wed Dec 16 04:34:01 1998 ):
I had an FE but it often would lock up the mirror and the only way to release it was to turn the shutter speed dial to M90. Well, I now have a Nikormat EL which requires the coupling bracket on the lense to link the lens aperture with the meter. Because I was using the FE before which doesn't need this bracket on the lenses (it is AI - auto indexing) I bought lenses that are AI only. Is there any way of mechanically fitting the EL for AI operation, or am I obligated to have the bracket somehow fitted on my lenses? (By the way, I have used my lenses on the EL and guessed at the proper position to turn the prong based on setting the prong on the camera body over the minimum aperture engraved on the lens aperture ring. It worked OK but is a nuisance to have to do every time.)
From Ivan (Sat Dec 5 20:28:10 1998 ):
I am the owner of a Nikkormat FTN #4141xxx. I want to know about the production date of this camera and how much of this model have been produced. This is a reliable camera.
From Greg Rickert (Mon Nov 30 14:43:51 1998 ):
MANUALS FOR DISCONTINUED NIKONS - While reading through this list of messages, I noticed many people requesting information about manuals or service manuals for their older Nikon cameras. I recently was given a Nikon EL2 which didn't come with an English manual. I found a source for manuals for all makes of cameras. A gentleman in Connecticut state in the USA has a business of selling old manuals. His name is John S. Craig, email: john@craigcamera.com His address is P.O. Box 1637 Torrington, Connecticut, U.S.A 06790. Phone :(860) 496-9791 / Fax: (860) 496-0664. He also has a WebSite: www.craigcamera.com As for Nikon equipment, he will send you either the original manual (used) or a photocopy. Generally, the original will cost around 20 US dollars plus postage. The photocopies are about 15 US dollars plus postage. His catalog list all models of Nikon cameras and lens and all acessories. Nearly all manuals are in English, but he also has some in French and a few manuals in other languages. I purchased an EL2 manual (excellent condition) and it was sent to my address in Washington state, USA for 20 US Dollars total plus 2 US Dollars postage. I hope this information helps some of you who need amnuals. -greg
From Doug Gardner (Sun Nov 29 06:15:15 1998 ):
I'm only 14 yrs. old and am a very good photographer. My uncle gave me an FTN that had a double exposure knob on the bottom. Sadly, the bottom fell off, and when my father brought it in to get repaired, he traded it for some other camera. They threw my baby away. Later I bought another one at a camera show, and on its first use the shutter jammed. That's fixed after spending a good $130. Working fine now and I'm having a blast. I think I'll buy another Ftn for a backup.
From Bob Patterson (Fri Nov 27 11:23:03 1998 ):
I have a nikkormat FT3 about 21 years old. I bought new. It now won't wind. the shutter does not seem to release. Can anyone help me? Thanks it is too good of a camera to dispose of.
From Thomas (Mon Nov 23 19:37:50 1998 ):
I have own a nikkormat since this year....It is ft25481831 I love it very much....now I am study to use it... Later ...I think I will change to nikon FM2 ... I am 14 yrs only!!!!
From Richard (Sun Nov 22 00:39:29 1998 ):
I have a Nikkormat FT 3755342 that I've owned since new. I would like to have it serviced, but am told by my local shop none will perform the work. Can anyone offer a suggestion. I'm extremely fond of this camera and would like to make it "like new".
From Luis E. Boada (Tue Nov 17 05:04:20 1998 ):
I bought two days ago an almost new Nikkormat. I felt in love with it just walking next to a shop window. It has nikkor-s.c. Auto 1:1.4 50 m/m lens. It is great! Could any one tell me time of manufacture? Thanks, Barcelona, Spain
From Skip (Fri Nov 13 03:12:04 1998 ):
I've got a Nikkormat EL #5493721 which I bought new back in 72... It's has a LOT of film thru it in the years since.. I now have a broken Film Advance.. my local camera dealer says the entire camera will have to be overhauled at a cost of $250..... anyone have any ideas or info that might help?

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