Need help identifying Nikon F ?

[blumoon]

I got this Nikon a few days ago. Everything works including the meter.
I think it's a Nikon FT, but I could use some expert opinion on the exact model of the camera and meter

[/url]DSC00756 exact model and meter model.[/IMG]

[/url]DSC00757 [/IMG]

 

[Mackinaw]

Pretty sure it's a Photomic FTn finder.

https://www.cameraquest.com/nfinder.htm

Jim B.

 

[Beemermark]

It's an FTN. The F metered from 10 to 1600, the FT was 25 to 3200 changed to 20 to 6400 in late models and the FTN was 6 to 6400. Other minor changes but this is the easiest way to tell.

 

[pthornto]

Agree- it is an FTN finder which fits with the Apollo body (see black tip on self-timer and black plastic on wind lever).

 

[BillBingham2]

Body is later production, FTn finder, I think it prefers to be call "Maurice" because it speaks of the pompitous of love........

B2 (;->

 

[Godfrey]

Yes: Nikon F Photomic FTn. You can tell by the ASA capabilities and by the latching claw for the head which grip around the front name plate, a change from the Photomic FT finder. The body serial number looks like it starts with "73..." which indicates it was manufactured as part of the 1973 production run, the last year of Nikon F production. The self-timer lever with the black cladding and ergonomic-tipped film wind lever also supports this.

G

 

[aizan]

The body is the so-called "Apollo" variant.

 

[blumoon]

Thanks very much for all the replies...much appreciated.
So it's a FTn Photomic made in 1973

What's it worth?

 

[Fraser]

They are all nikon F its just the finder that changes as for how much its worth better checking ebay for sold ones and also depends if the meter works.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Its worth might also depend on whether the meter is working(and accurate) or not. Many of them have given up the ghost by now.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Paulbe]

I purchased a good one ("Apollo") recently for $100.00. We see the old Fs here frequently..

 

[blumoon]

The meter works. Battery chamber is clean.
Tested with two 625A batteries.
I'll probably be listing it in the RFF classifieds.

 

[jim_jm]

Not to split hairs, but a 73xxxxxx serial number for the Apollo F could be from '72 or '73. The first 2 digits of the serial number don't necessarily indicate year of manufacture.

Apollo bodies are usually worth a bit more than earlier F bodies, unless you're looking at a really early 64xxxxxx serial number from '59, which are more rare. Check the meter for accuracy as well. If it's not accurate, it will need to be serviced to be usable.

 

[Godfrey]

They are all nikon F its just the finder that changes as for how much its worth better checking ebay for sold ones and also depends if the meter works.

There were other internal and external changes along the way from 1960 to 1973. The front nameplate, for instance, was changed in the production run for those that were post-Photomic FTn head to provide a channel for the head retaining claw at the front. My 1961 F cannot be fitted with the FTn head without changing the name plate.

G

 

[Godfrey]

Not to split hairs, but a 73xxxxxx serial number for the Apollo F could be from '72 or '73. The first 2 digits of the serial number don't necessarily indicate year of manufacture. ...

I agree: it isn't a precise guide, but a good first order approximation. For instance, all the 1960-1963 cameras tend to be serialized under 60xxxxxx numbers.

G

 

[Fraser]

There were other internal and external changes along the way from 1960 to 1973. The front nameplate, for instance, was changed in the production run for those that were post-Photomic FTn head to provide a channel for the head retaining claw at the front. My 1961 F cannot be fitted with the FTn head without changing the name plate.

G

I didn't mean there was no changes to the body during production, but if you take the prism off it is a Nikon F.

 

[nikon_sam]

Take a look around in here...


http://www.destoutz.ch/nikon_f_bodies.html

 

[Contarama]

Best video I have seen

Amazing. Remember a German came over and helped them gear up and helped them on the glass while they were still struggling on RF. The change was significant. Soon the F system stepped on the stage. Talk about game changer.

https://youtu.be/x7mvaryk8Vc

 

[Dwig]

...
So it's a FTn Photomic made in 1973

...

More correctly, it is a "Nikon F Photomic FTn" and was made in the early '70s.


Judging from the strap lugs, it is from the earlier range of the "Apollo" variants. The lugs are still the original F type. The last of the Apollos (c1973-74) had the F2 style lugs and an F2 style threaded PC terminal. The OP's example has the older style lugs which show significant hard use. I can't tell from the pic which style PC terminal is present.



The F2 style lugs have a stainless steel insert to all but eliminate wear and distortion from impact. The lugs are interchangeable and are occasionally seen on older bodies that have been serviced. The lugs are the same on Nikkormats and all newer models. The Nikkormat FT2 and EL2 had the newer lugs and PC terminals from day one. Earlier models could be retrofitted.