Nikon F and FT3

[FrankS]

These 2 black beauties arrived in the mail this week. I've said in the past that I was done buying gear, but how could one pass up these?

 

[Gumby]

Nice. I could have passed them up, but I'm very happy for you. They are beauties!

 

[jan normandale]

How...?
"just say no!" Frank, but we all know 'there's no fun in that'.
I say load 'em up!

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Had an FT2 that was a really good camera. If you didn't need a motor drive or interchangeable finders back in the day, the Nikkormats were an outstanding choice. Put some film through that FT3!

 

[Paulbe]

Frank--no, there was NO WAY you could pass them up!
They are beauties...
I have heard the 50f2 is an underrated Nikkor.
I'd love to see some shots from it..
Thanks!
Paul

 

[FrankS]

I'll get on it. I took the F with 50f1.2 for a walk through my town last night and took some shots. The fast lens was surprisingly not that easy to focus. I was expecting focus to snap in with such a narrow DOF. The screen on the F is not as "focusable" as the FT3 screen.

added: Finsihed that roll (TMax400) in the F outside around the house with the 50f2HC, and now have the FT3 loaded.

 

[Harry Lime]

In addition to my M bodies I have a 1959 black paint Nikon F.

If I was asked to choose between it and my M4 I would really not be able to give you a straight answer. The Nikon F is that good. The F2 may be more rugged, but compared to the F it's missing that something that makes you hesitant to put it down.

Truly one of the three greatest cameras of all time.

 

[FrankS]

Has anyone got a spare "K" focusing screen?

 

[awilder]

Both camera's have their good points although I suspect the FT3 meter might be a little off after 40 yrs. The good thing is that the FT3 uses silver oxide, not mercury batteries, a big plus in my book. Optically, the 50/2 is by far the better of the two lenses stop for stop but I'm sure you knew that. Too bad the 50/2 isn't converted to Ai unless you don't plan to use the meter. I'm surprised to learn the FT3 focuses easier, is it the ground glass/fresnel portion you refer to or the central focusing aid in K screen vs. the standard A screen on the F? Either camera would be a pleasure to use and the F is certainly a bit quieter in my experience.

 

[awilder]

Frank, if you want a K screen, do this: get a used K screen from the F3 vintage and exchange the optical portion into the focusing screen frame that came with the F. I've done it before and it's a perfect fit. The F3 version of the K version is a little brighter and easier to focus than the K screen from the F/F2 period.

 

[FrankS]

awilder, hey thanks for that info!
I think it's the micro-prism collar that I miss on the A screen.

 

[awilder]

I don't blame you, the K is the most versatile for focusing, but if you really like the microprism, also consider the J screen. My favorite is the R screen. The split image focusing aid stays clear through f/5.6 and it also has an etched grid to help elliminate tilting horizons.

 

[former member]

I'll get on it. I took the F with 50f1.2 for a walk through my town last night and took some shots. The fast lens was surprisingly not that easy to focus. I was expecting focus to snap in with such a narrow DOF. The screen on the F is not as "focusable" as the FT3 screen.

added: Finsihed that roll (TMax400) in the F outside around the house with the 50f2HC, and now have the FT3 loaded.

"A" screen. That is the type originally supplied.

Look for an "F" type screen, BIG microprism focus spot. Cannot be used with TTL prisms. I keep mine in the Photomic Bullseye. I think my F2AS has a "P" screen, I will look.

You must learn your Aphabet. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, L, P, R, S, T are in my Nikon Screen Drawer.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Don't listen to 'em Frank. If I was you, I would sell all my other Non-Nikon gear and keep these two 😉

Kiu