Ftn screen is driving me crazy

[dave lackey]

I suppose that Nikon built cameras for people with great eyesight or never thought about how the camera would be used 40 years down the road. I am tired of photographing bokeh, all bokeh.

The screen on the Nikkormat Ftn is awful. The matte finish, in low light, is impossible to use for focusing in low light and not a lot better in bright sun.🙁 So, unless I can find someone who can install a decent split image screen (and a bright one), then, retirement as a shelf queen is this nice camera's fate.

Other than that, the Nikkormat is awesome. But what good is awesome if all the images come out fuzzy? I can take out my contact lenses and get great bokeh at zero cost....😛

 

[Eric T]

I took the Ftn finder off of my Nikon F and cleaned the ground glass with some lens cleaning paper. That made the view through the viewfinder much better. not perfect, but better.

 

[FrankS]

Dave, maybe you just need a diopter correction lens on the viewfinder.

 

[dave lackey]

Frank, I am not sure as I never tried one outside of the diopter adjustments in DSLRs....

Eric, my biggest problem is the foggy, trashy view I have with the screen and/or prism. How in the world do you get these out to clean them? Do you take the top plate off or work from inside through the lens opening?

Anyone have any detailed steps on this?

 

[former member]

Nikkormats do not have bright finders compared with later FE's and FM's. The Nikkormat FT2 and FT3 use "K" screens with a split image finder surrounded by microprism. Get an FT2 if it is just the microprism that you don't like. Otherwise- get an FE2 or FM2 with a K2 screen.

 

[FrankS]

Bit of confusion here between the Ftn Photomic finder on the Nikon F which has replaceable screens, and the Nikkomat FTn that does not.

 

[Eric T]

Yes, Frank is right. I was confused. The F Ftn finder comes right off for cleaning. The Nikkormat Ftn does not. Sorry!

 

[paulfish4570]

bummer, dave. maybe the screen needs a good cleaning and you need a nikon corrective eyepiece. the corrective eyepieces cost about $25 apiece, but i have no way of knowing which one would be appropriate for your particular eyeball ...

 

[johannielscom]

IIRC there was a fellow on here recently who landed a busload of Nikon spare parts. Some other member might recall who he is. He may have a diopter for you, Dave!

 

[Nikon Bob]

Dave, maybe you just need a diopter correction lens on the viewfinder.

I though so too. It won't make the finder any brighter but seeing better could help. Could the mirror also be out of adjustment?

Bob

 

[dave lackey]

A diopter may be of help but if the screen is dirty and the prism needs cleaning, a diopter will do nothing. How can I get to the screen and the prism to clean it?😕

 

[FrankS]

Major disassembly from what I've read. Not a DIY kind of job, unless you are particularly skilled at such things, or reckless.

 

[mwooten]

Also, is the mirror clean?

 

[dave lackey]

Also, is the mirror clean?

Yes, the mirror is clean and the underside of the screen is clean. Again, this is an awesome camera and the zoom lens makes it very nice and attractive. This is a camera I could use for life and not really miss anything if only I can get the VF cleaned up.

Anyone know if Pete Smith would clean it and how to contact him?🙂

 

[nikon_sam]

I'm having the same problem with my Pentax SP and some slower lenses...
The Takumar 50mm 1.4 lens is great on it and I have no problem being able to see the focusing spot to get sharp images...it's only when I use a slower lens like the Takumar 35mm or 28mm 3.5's that the viewfinder gets too dark to be sure...
I bought another M42 camera body knowing it had a brighter viewfinder and the slower lenses are so much easier to use...
Unless you know exactly how to remove a mirror prism or screen leave it to the experts...

 

[paulfish4570]

search his name. his address is listed in a couple of posts/threads.

 

[awilder]

If you are well over 40 and your distance vision is a perfect 20/20 or better (with or without glasses), consider a "0" diopter Nikon eyepice correction lens. This neutralizes the finder power to 0 diopters. Normally it's -1 diopters without anything and would make focusing difficult if you are of the age needing bifocals or "readers".

 

[paulfish4570]

that's the correction eyepiece i use for my f2a and bessa r2m.

 

[dave lackey]

Ahh...just found Delray Cameras phone number...will call tomorrow and see how Pete is doing and if he is accepting work.🙂

 

[Landshark]

Leave cleaning the prism and top of the screen to someone with experience.
The top cover comes off, part of the circuit board is unsoldered(Nikkormat), foam replaced. meter indicator mask may need adjustment, and the meter needle may be damaged.
Pentax is a bit simpler but still the meter needle is above the focusing screen, foam and circuit board is there.