Why I prefer Nikkormat over metered M

[madNbad]

Never got the hype for Nikomats. I prefer my Exa.

It’s that slamming car door sound the vertical shutter makes.

 

[Pál_K]

Never got the hype for Nikomats. I prefer my Exa.

I have four Exaktas, but the Exa II ( Exakta 500) is charming.

The Nikkormat, however, is more capable and robust.

 

[Huss]

The chart at the bottom of this page,

https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/html/history.htm

states that the meter's ring resistor on the EL, EL2, and ELW is more durable than FT-series Nikkormats.

The meters on my FT2 and EL are still accurate (I've compared with meters in modern cameras).

There ought to be a a small but profitable market for repairing or devising a replacement ring resistor for all the Nikkormats and a similar one for all the Nikon F, F2 heads.

The metering pattern is different between M6 and Nikon, so a person chooses what he likes best for his photographic style.

I chose EL over EL2 for the same reason as FT2 over FT3: ability to meter wide open with pre-AI.

Sover Wong makes replacement ring resistors for the Nikon F2. I have one in my F2AS.

 

[Rob-F]

The only reasons I prefer Nikkormat over metered M is better metering.
Don’t know why this big and heavy camera, I have tried many other slrs.
Maybe because of all mentioned above.
I just don’t need metering this often and this dumb as on film Ms 🙂

I can agree that the match needle system on the Nikkormat is an excellent system. While I no longer have a Nikkormat, the analog needles on my two FE2 bodies, and on my FM3a, make possible very careful fine-tuning of the exposure. The 1/3 stop readout on models like the N90s is very good too, but I think the analog needle is best. I do want to say I have no difficulty with the LED diodes on the M6, M7, or MP. Even the Pre-TTL M6, lacking the center diode, still permits an accurate judgement of the exact mid-point, because the eye happens to be very good at comparing the brightness of two lights. It's easy to know when they are equal, and easy to know when you are 1/2 stop under or over. Of course, the center diode of all later Leicas that signals the exact mid-point of exposure is a good convenience.

But the analog needle is really the king of exposure readouts. And this is why I'm coming to like the M5 so well!

 

[Highway 61]

Nikkormat metered images.

I have Nikkormat FT-N with working needle meter but it doesn't show big grain like Nikkormat you use, maybe it's becoz Nikkormat you use is black and Nikkormat I own is chrome model or bad effect of magnetic field in Canada ?

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Nikkor H Auto 50mm f/2 has just a little bit too much barrel distortion. What is the best alternative on a Nikkormat FTn?

Erik.

 

[css9450]

I have Nikkormat FT-N with working needle meter but it doesn't show big grain like Nikkormat you use, maybe it's becoz Nikkormat you use is black and Nikkormat I own is chrome model or bad effect of magnetic field in Canada ?

If his is black, maybe covering the Nikkormat logo with black tape might fix the issue? Or silver duct tape if his is a chrome model.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have Nikkormat FT-N with working needle meter but it doesn't show big grain like Nikkormat you use, maybe it's becoz Nikkormat you use is black and Nikkormat I own is chrome model or bad effect of magnetic field in Canada ?

Are we talking about same film? Kodak TMAX 3200 @6400 and TMAX 400 @1600. Or you are chicken a little @400?

My Nikkormat is chromed, btw.

 

[madNbad]

Erik,

Have you tried a 55 Micro-Nikkor?

 

[KoNickon]

Erik,

Have you tried a 55 Micro-Nikkor?

A GREAT lens -- I prefer the 3.5.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, MadNbad & KoNickon for this suggestion, but doesn't such a slow lens make the viewfinder very dark?


Erik.

 

[KoNickon]

For low light, yes, but for general use it's fine. And it's wonderfully sharp. I have to admit, though, I have never noticed the barrel distortion you mention with the 50/2.

 

[Pál_K]

Thank you, MadNbad & KoNickon for this suggestion, but doesn't such a slow lens make the viewfinder very dark?...

There's always the 55/2.8 Micro-Nikkor. I use that exclusively on my FM3a.

I use a 28/3.5 on my FT2, so I don't think the screen is objectionably dark at f/2.8

 

[kiemchacsu]

i am falling in love with the nikkormats;
currently have a new-purchased FTn;

and looking for a FT3
which is the best/most desired nikkormat, in your opinions?
thanks.

 

[Pál_K]

...
which is the best/most desired nikkormat, in your opinions?
...

The FT2 is what I use and is best for me. My reasoning is below, copied from a previous post.

...
I use an FT2 with a 28mm lens.
...
I like the FT2 because it accepts modern batteries and I can meter wide open with both pre-AI and AI lenses.

FT and FTN use obsolete batteries.

FT3 uses modern batteries, but with pre-AI lenses you have to close the aperture for metering.

 

[kiemchacsu]

The FT2 is what I use and is best for me. My reasoning is below, copied from a previous post.

thanks, i read that post already;

that's why i asked, as now i am fond of a ft3. i have a nikkor 50/2 hc which is the only lens pre-AI i have, though i dont need the meter that much, since i've shot a leica m² for almost 10 years now.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Nikkormat FTn is a superfine camera.

NikkormatFTn/NikkorHAuto50mmf/2/TriX/AdoxMCC110

Erik.

 

[ktmrider]

The 55f3.5 Micro Nikkor lives on my Nikon F. I have never got on with Nikkormats or even the lighter Nikon camera bodies like the FM or FE. But I have used the F's professionally, especially the original F plus F2 and even the F3.

I know the professional model F line was much heavier but to me they just feel much more substantial. Again, the Micro Nikkors (either model) are the best 50's I have ever encountered, including anything Leica makes.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I know the professional model F line was much heavier.

In fact the Nikkormat is almost as heavy, but the camera has no possibility for motordrives and interchangeable viewfinders. Also, the viewfinder of the F is slightly more precise. On the other hand the Nikkormat FT, FTn, FT2 and FT3 series is extremely strong and lasts much longer than any of its competitors. Beware the Nikkormat EL however. The FTn can be had for next to nothing. I love them in black.

Erik.

 

[Out to Lunch]

On a personal note, the high handle bars + banana seat was the Valhalla of bike ownership during my prepubescent years. I never managed both. I did get the handle bars but no-one in my neighborhood could get the banana seat. I don't have nightmares about this. Cheers, OtL