Nikkormat FTn - Smallest lens?

[dave lackey]

Having fun lately with the FTn and a 50mm lens. What is the smallest lens (maybe 50mm?) with a smooth OOF area that will work on this body? Maybe a pancake?:angel:

Looking for a smaller lens for pocket carry but I enjoy small DOF.

 

[jsrockit]

45mm f2.8p or GN
50mm E Series f1.8
50mm AIS 1.8 Pancake

 

[sevo]

The original Nikkor GN 45mm f/2.8. The GN originally was the cheapest normal they had, but relative rarity and the bokeh craze triggering a Tessar revival raised its used price past the original new price and inspired Nikon to do a even more expensive re-release minus the GN feature (and without the prong needed to couple it to a FTn).

Next to that the Nikon E series f/1.8 50mm - but you'd have to add a prong there...

 

[mdarnton]

Not what you wanted to know, but for 24/7 carrying, the Nikon FG + series E 50 is a compact set, the one I settled on. FGs are dirt cheap and Nikon's smallest body with manual metering (and two auto modes--I use it aperture-prefered). If the Nikkormat has enough tricks for you, you'll like the size and weight of FG even better.

 

[paulfish4570]

e series 35/2.5 ais is a light, compact, sharp lens but i do not know if it would work on yer ftn. it sure enough works on that fe2 you're getting from me.

 

[dave lackey]

I am using the 50mm 1.8s AF lens and it works very well stopped down. It is just a little too big for a jacket pocket, though.

Thinking about those mentioned above as the local camera store has a couple of them all the time and I can work a trade on some extra gear I have here.🙂

 

[jsrockit]

The Voigtlander 40mm f/2 is quite small too. Any others anyone?

 

[dave lackey]

The Voigtlander 40mm f/2 is quite small too. Any others anyone?

Now there is an idea...thanks for that one!🙂

 

[jsrockit]

Now there is an idea...thanks for that one!🙂

You're welcome Dave. I'm currently looking for the same type of lens, so let me know if you happen upon anything else.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

I am using the 50mm 1.8s AF lens and it works very well stopped down. It is just a little too big for a jacket pocket, though.

First time I've ever heard anyone remark that the Ftn is "pocketable". What are your coats made of - Kevlar?

My smallest lens is the f2/50 Nikkor H.

 

[mike rosenlof]

First time I've ever heard anyone remark that the Ftn is "pocketable". What are your coats made of - Kevlar?

My smallest lens is the f2/50 Nikkor H.

Yes! I like the Nikkormats, FT2 in my case, but pocketable is not usually what I associate with them. The 50/1.8 E is a nice small lens. Gotta meter it stopped down or use an external meter. That lens works well with an FM also, might fit a pocket. Maybe.

 

[keytarjunkie]

The FTn is fun but definitely not pocketable, even with no lens. You might be better off buying a cheap p&s like the olympus stylus epic, which can actually fit in your pocket, has a nice sharp 35/2.8 lens (with some bokeh for ya) and even has a built in flash. I have never been a fan of auto-everything but as of late I've found it liberating and refreshing. Coming from a Nikon F, I totally recommend the olympus, or a similar camera.

 

[jsrockit]

Do you guys really think he thinks it is completely pocketable? The man is experienced and knows what he is talking about. I think he just meant he's trying to make it as small as possible...

 

[dave lackey]

Do you guys really think he thinks it is completely pocketable? The man is experienced and knows what he is talking about. I think he just meant he's trying to make it as small as possible...

That is correct. Pocketable, as a metaphor, is a term meaning that the shorter lens allows me to place it in a small Crumpler bag hung from my shoulder; it also allows me to hold the camera inside my windbreaker shell in the rain whilst moving around; and I do like something smaller that will fit better in my Billingham with a couple of other Nikon MF cameras.😉

The smaller the mass, the more likely I will actually carry and use the thing when I am not working on my documentaries with the Leica cameras.

 

[FrankS]

Another vote for the FG. Much smaller and lighter than the Nikkormats.

 

[dave lackey]

Another vote for the FG. Much smaller and lighter than the Nikkormats.

Yes, it is a good choice. I haven't used the 'Mat much in the past year, so I am just looking for a good small 50 to use on it. It is such a fine looking camera:

Pardon the quick snap...just through the lens on and grabbed the D40 for a grab...

 

[FrankS]

The Ftn is a fine looking camera. I find it more satisfying to use than the FG which feels and sounds cheaper because it is. For the smallest and lightest daily carry package though, the FG with 50f1.8E is good. 1 1/2 pounds vs 2 1/4 pounds roughly.

 

[dave lackey]

I do love that FG...in fact, next trip into Atlanta, I have some gear to take in for a trade. Might just bring back the FG next week.😉

 

[FalseDigital]

I've been shooting with the 50mm f/1.8 series E lens on my Nikon FM lately. Looks pretty classy and it's very compact.

I recently had the shutter repaired and new light seals put in. It only cost me $30 for a full CLA! Bangkok is crazy like that.

 

[jsrockit]

I sure do know that the Nikkormat looks a hell of a lot better than the FG. As much as people say that doesn't matter...I feel it does. I want my camera to make me want to go out and use it.