That Nikkormat FTn.

[dave lackey]

Ok, times have changed. A pandemic has come and retreated. Many people have passed away and will never be part of our lives again.

But some things are still around…
My Nikkormat FTN cameras. Both the mint chrome body and the exquisite, well-worn black body with chrome film advance lever.

Dang! These things last forever, feel great and simply deliver!

Recent images:







Many more to share…😇

 

[Erik van Straten]

Great shots, Dave, nice to see you back!

gelatin silver print (nikkor h 50mm f2) nikkormat ftn

London, Epping forest, 1974

Erik.

 

[dave lackey]

Thank you, Erik, many tragedies, some still ongoing, and I am finished with my commercial work with digital medium format. Now I am immersed (2 years now) in film photography. I am shooting more than ever before and enjoying the true craft of film work, at least as far as my limited time, energy and resources allow.😇

I am “obsessed”with it as my own therapy! LOL.

Erik, you are my inspiration. Every time I pick up my black FTN, I think of your work.

I don’t know what it is about these Nikkormat FTN cameras, but if I had more than one lens, I would carry both of mine in the same bag and shoot them exclusively every single day. One for color and the other for black and white.

These cameras are sooo perfect for what I do now.

Dave

 

[dave lackey]

Great shots, Dave, nice to see you back!

gelatin silver print (nikkor h 50mm f2) nikkormat ftn

London, Epping forest, 1974

Erik.

Oh, how I love your gelatin prints… I wish I knew how to do that!😇

 

[dave lackey]

Erik,

Is this the same lens as you have for the FTN?

Nikon 50mm f/2 NIKKOR-H Auto Non AI Manual Focus Lens {52}

Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 is a standard prime lens still regarded as one of the world's top ranking optical instruments, even today. The 50mm lens is compact and versatile lens suitable for portraiture and an array of photographic applications. It has sharp o

www.keh.com

 

[Erik van Straten]

Yes, exactly the same, number 773270. Great lens!

Erik.

 

[dave lackey]

Great, thanks… I may just have to order that even though it is not in the budget!😮

 

[dave lackey]

Well now, I did order the lens and it is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow.👍

 

[Erik van Straten]

Well now, I did order the lens and it is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow.👍

Good luck and show us the results!

 

[dave lackey]

Oh, just realized the Black Nikkormat FTN image is no longer posted.🤷🏼‍♂️

Here is a quick snap from last year… I need to go a proper portrait…

iPhone13 snapshot

My chrome FTN is almost like new in comparison:

M2 w/ 50/1.4. Acros II 100. DD-X

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Nikkor-H 50/2, one of Nikon's must have lenses. Replaced by the long-nosed 50/1.8.
Now I have to compare the three. Also have the 5cm F2 Nikkor-S, quickly replaced.

 

[dave lackey]

Did I mention how much I really like these cameras? 😄

Quirky, yes with that shutter speed selection, which is easy to learn, and that is part of the charm.

Beautiful? Yes, it is, in a classic timeless sense.

Does it need anything? Absolutely! A few lenses, more film, a Luigi strap and half case, and a lot more personal time to enjoy it.😇

 

[Pál_K]

Nice Nikkormats, but that anachronistic lens cap is going to mess up your photos.

I bought a used Leica IIIf and someone put Nikon protectors on the lug rings. Took me years to find out what was wrong with my photos.

 

[dave lackey]

Nice Nikkormats, but that anachronistic lens cap is going to mess up your photos.

I bought a used Leica IIIf and someone put Nikon protectors on the lug rings. Took me years to find out what was wrong with my photos.

LOL…😃

My cameras are tolerant of me as an owner who uses what he’s got. Good thing, too, I have lost many caps in the past and the future trend seems to be the same. I like cameras that just keep on working no matter what.👍

That reminds me, the new to me lens I ordered today…. I wonder if it will arrive with either cap. Hmmm…

 

[kshapero]

I have an FTN. Bought used in 1976. Recently the battery cover became stripped after all these years and would not come off. So I took off the bottom plate (oh those little tiny screws), as hoped the battery cover came off as I pushed it out from the inside. As a photg for 46 years I have tons of little drawers of parts so I put a new battery cover on, screwed the bottom plate back. Viola!! Oops, oh no while doing this process the rewind button came loose and is now inoperable. So I took the whole thing apart again and tried to reseat the rewind button. No go. I was not successful. HELP!!!

 

[Erik van Straten]

kshapero, I can't help you, but I am sure someone can.

gelatin silver print (nikkor h auto 50mm f2) nikkormat ftn

Utrecht, 1971

Erik.

 

[Tim Murphy]

I have an FTN. Bought used in 1976. Recently the battery cover became stripped after all these years and would not come off. So I took off the bottom plate (oh those little tiny screws), as hoped the battery cover came off as I pushed it out from the inside. As a photg for 46 years I have tons of little drawers of parts so I put a new battery cover on, screwed the bottom plate back. Viola!! Oops, oh no while doing this process the rewind button came loose and is now inoperable. So I took the whole thing apart again and tried to reseat the rewind button. No go. I was not successful. HELP!!!

Hello,

I did the exact same thing this weekend, down to having the rewind button go flying. I did find it and managed to replace it, and the rewind seems to be working correctly although it isn't currently loaded with film. The rewind button sits on a sort of shelf and if you google Richard Haws repair videos you can see where it needs to go. I'd post the video for you but I can't find it now! It did have a clear picture of the proper location and orientation for the button though. Good luck!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

 

[dave lackey]

While waiting on the lens to be delivered, I came across a good buy at KEH:

CineStill Film BWXX (Double-X) Black and White Negative Film, 35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures, ISO 250

www.keh.com

The Film Photography Project web site has 24exp rolls in stock as well. But for $1/roll more, KEH has the better deal at the moment.

I found several more rolls of XX in my various photo bags, so I am going to shoot through them very soon… now I can stock up on fresh XX film at a reasonable price (meaning it is within my $50 allotted/budgeted amount for monthly photography supplies.😂)

With a decent supply of 5222 Double X, Acros II 100, and Tmax 100 I can pretty much shoot, develop, scan and print anytime I have an opportunity. This is important, because I have only limited personal time.

However… I am inching closer to bulk loading Double X film.😱
Maybe one day I will get there…

A return to Tri-X is anticipated sooner than later as well.😃

 

[dave lackey]

kshapero, I can't help you, but I am sure someone can.

gelatin silver print (nikkor h auto 50mm f2) nikkormat ftn

Utrecht, 1971

Erik.

This is mesmerizing, Erik. Perfect compositions are so interesting, and I love it.

 

[ray*j*gun]

It is remarkable that there is so little market value for these cameras. I was exercising my Nikons last week and the Nikkormats are soooo beefy and strong even compared to my two F's. This is a good thing as it means I'm not tempted to sell any of them.