paulfish4570
Veteran
which version of the nikkormat has the brightest viewfinder? i have a nikkor 50/2 with ears that i'd like to back with a simple, inexpensive body ...
nikkormat query
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FrankS
Registered User
Nikkormat FT3 mounts Ai lenses only.
besk
Well-known
I don't believe that is correct. The FT3 is designed for the AI lenses but there is a little lever by the lense mount that flips out of the way for the non-ai lenses. You then use stop down metering. The FM also works that way.
The preceding model FT2 is the last Nikkormat to use non-AI lenses and also uses the newer non-mercury batteries.
The FTN requires the old style mercury batteries or zinc-air hearing aid batteries or a CRIS adapter.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
I've used the FT2, and it had a good finder. You might look at the EL if you want more automation. It was also a fine camera.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Not much in it, from what I recall. I've had most of 'em (still have a couple) and I don't recall significant differences. Or consider an F with a Brightscreen. Still not a lot of money.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Beemermark
Veteran
Over on Photo.net there is a very nice EL2 for $80. I don't need another body but this is a great camera. Good meter, VF, solid.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Have to agree. The 'mats are fine cameras but the VF is not stellar (but quite usable) at least compared to a meterless prism Nikon F.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
IIRC the Nikkormat finders all were a bit less bright than the F in its later incarnations or the F2. Back in the day some repair shops would install the F2 screen of choice into Nikkormats. But people that had their EL hacked to their habitual standard screen mostly were heavy (i.e. PJ) users and few modified ELs will have survived - and the super-bright all-microprism F screens often used in these hacks do not work with all lenses. The FE/FM were up to the F2 in screen brightness, and also the first "lesser" Nikons to have user exchangeable screens, so that you can use the even brighter FE2/FM2 screens if you dial in a corresponding ISO compensation - if you are into bright finders in a sub-F-series Nikon these might be a better choice.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Having said that a good user Nikon FE/FM is just as sturdy but lighter and has a better screen ( I put a Nikon FM3A screen in my FE) and they cost about the same, but then I have strayed off topic, a little.
Dwig
Well-known
The Nikkormats don't vary much, model to model, with respect to VF brightness. The modern brighter screens didn't become common until the era of the FM2/FE2/FA.
The FT2 & FT3 are the youngest so will be the least likely to suffer any age related degradation of the prism and mirror silvering. That, combined with the battery issues, make the FT2 the best Nikkormat choice for older non-AI lenses. If I'm not mistaken, the FT2 and FT3 also benefit from using Nikon's FRE (Functional Resisting Element) rather than a carbon variable resistor for the main meter coupling. These don't suffer wear and are less susceptible to dirt.
The FT2 & FT3 are the youngest so will be the least likely to suffer any age related degradation of the prism and mirror silvering. That, combined with the battery issues, make the FT2 the best Nikkormat choice for older non-AI lenses. If I'm not mistaken, the FT2 and FT3 also benefit from using Nikon's FRE (Functional Resisting Element) rather than a carbon variable resistor for the main meter coupling. These don't suffer wear and are less susceptible to dirt.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
I found the FM and FE screens to be pretty dark back when I was using them. The FM2 and FE2 were, indeed, much brighter. But, for Non-AI lenses, the FT2 is probably the best Nikkormat.
FrankS
Registered User
You are correct in all respects! I just checked. Thanks for the correction.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Most of the FT's do not have a split image rangefinder, therefore I deem the FT2 the best overall Nikkormat. I have 2 of them. Also as said by others it can use non-Ai as well as the later model lenses.
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