Nikkormat FT3

<p>Wasn't sure to post here, or in the Nikon forum. Anyways, has anyone shot with the Nikkormat FT3? Have been lusting for one for a while, and have one coming from KEH tomorrow. I have read that the metering is simple but amazingly accurate. Thoughts or experiences? Tips? </p>

<p>I reconditioned one for a friend. It appeared to be a very solid (F3 class) highly functional (FE without the Auto setting) camera. The metering seemed spot on. The meter needle moved dramatically at full stop intervals. So, you get an extremely sensitive meter, which is hopefully as accurate as the copy I had my hands on.</p>

<p>I'd shoot with one all day long. The only shortcoming for my shooting style would be the rare occasions I want to shoot action and not worry about metering. At that point, one should probably have a more modern film or digital camera anyway. </p>

<p>So you've got a total shooter there. Mount some good glass and have fun. There won't be any shortcomings in your photos. Congrats!</p>

<p>Great insight- thanks you. I normally shoot with the F3 as it is my favorite Nikon, but also have an F Photomic FTN, F2S, and FE2. Guessing my 35 and 50's will see a lot of action on the Nikkormat. <br>

The modern day battery usage is tremendously appealing. No adapters or workarounds needed! <br>

A</p>

<p>Great camera. You may have to calibrate the meter (it is 35+ years old), but other than that, it's a great shooter. Enjoy.</p>

<p>If it comes from KEH it will be as advertised. The FT3 is a great camera as are it's two predecessors. I have an Ft2 in the closet and shoot it often. The F2 is my favorite but the Nikkormat is right behind it and available for great prices these days. You'll enjoy it.</p>

<p>Rick H.</p>

Ive owned all Nikkormats made, and it is a great camera. I always kid it is so well built you could

drive nails with it. But with that comes a fairly heavy camera. When the FM/FE series came out, I

switched. If you just want a classic 70's era camera, they are great examples.

<p>I have an FT3 that I bought not so long ago for a good price. Unlike the earlier FT models, the FT3 uses AI lenses. (Or older lenses with stop down metering.) That means it works with more modern lenses, as long as they have an aperture ring.<br>

Heavier than the FM, hopefully more durable, too. An analog meter, instead of the LEDs for the FM. I do miss the aperture visible in the viewfinder that the FM has. <br>

I use an alkaline battery in mine, which might affect the meter calibration. As far as I can tell, though, it is pretty close. <br>

http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Nikon/Nikkormat-FT3-%28same-as-Nikomat-FT3%29.html</p>

<p>I still have and use an FT3 I bought new back in 1977, still going strong. One nice feature is that it takes the still available S76 etc. batteries instead of the banned mercury cells common for cameras of similar vintage. I like the odd shutter-speed ring that surrounds the lens; some don't.</p>

<p>I believe the recommendation for a battery is silver oxide, as opposed to alkaline. Silver oxide does seem harder to find at a CVS or Walgreens. </p>

<p>I haw all the Nikons, from the beginning of my photographic work, from the F, Nikkormat, several, and to the last F5. The Nikkormat (4 of them) is the most simple and incredibly well build camera, build like a tank, light-meter accurate. Still using two of them, one with a 35/1.4 and the second with a P 105/2.5 lens on it. Unfortunately, the film processing is getting problematic, the one pro processing place, in Toronto, no longer processing Fuji Velvia anymore, so I'm forced to shoot B&W only. The camera is heavy, and I like the solid weight, and sits well in my hand. </p>

<p>I must have two dozen mechanical Nikkormats and Nikomats. The only one I don't have is an FS. The collection includes three FT3s. I use pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses so I actually prefer the FT2. I don't have to flip back the AI tab when using pre-AI lenses. I can live with the back and forth twisting for indexing. The FT2 takes the same non-mercury battery and has the same easy-to-change ASA setting. When a camera like the N90S sells for $25 in good condition, an FT3 gets less use. A few years ago FT3s sold for a lot more than FT2s or FTNs. Now prices have moderated. </p>

<p>I have noticed that prices on classics have gone down by about 20-25%. I paid way less for the Nikkormat than I thought I would. These are fantastic times to be film shooters! </p>

I picked up 1.55 volt silver oxide batteries - are these

the right ones for the FT3 meter?

<p>Be sure and post some results after you've run some film through it. BTW, I've noticed that classic cameras that have their own forum (Nikon, Canon FD, etc.) tend to have more technical questions or help whereas in the classic cameras forum we tend to see more photos taken with these classics. But again, we're pretty flexible here.</p>

Just cleaned the optics, and loaded the battery- meter

seems spot on.

<p>I bought my FT2 over three years ago and I still have the first silver oxide battery in it when I bought the camera. It's my "go to" camera and I still love it.</p>

<p>Had a few problems with the chrome model KEH shipped. The back would not stay closed, and it would pop open randomly, fogging a frame. The viewfinder was loaded with dust. And, it would not focus to infinity with the 50 f/1.4 that focused fine on other bodies.<br>

They replaced it with a black model. Taking it out for a spin this weekend! </p>