Recommend a film camera to use my Nikon Lens (Page 6): When I mentioned mercury batteries, I was thinking of film cameras circa late 60s, early 70s like the Nikon or Nikkormat FTns or...

therwol Loc: USA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

FWIW: I have a new in box Nikon FG-20 released in 1984 by the Nippon Kogaku Corporation now known as the Nikon Corp. The manual lists three battery options: 1) 3 v Lithium, 2) 2 1.55v silver-oxide, 3) 2 1.5v Alkaline-Manganese. I own seven old Nikons-- mostly from the early to mid 80s. None of them required silver-oxides exclusively.

When I mentioned mercury batteries, I was thinking of film cameras circa late 60s, early 70s like the Nikon or Nikkormat FTns or just about any other film camera of that era. Those cameras did not have voltage regulators in them and relied on the constant voltage of the mercury batteries as they discharged. Adapters for newer batteries do exist, but at around $40 apiece, they would "bust the budget." if $100 is the goal for a camera/lens.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

therwol wrote:

When I mentioned mercury batteries, I was thinking of film cameras circa late 60s, early 70s like the Nikon or Nikkormat FTns or just about any other film camera of that era. Those cameras did not have voltage regulators in them and relied on the constant voltage of the mercury batteries as they discharged. Adapters for newer batteries do exist, but at around $40 apiece, they would "bust the budget." if $100 is the goal for a camera/lens.

Oh yeah. Different era....

therwol Loc: USA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Oh yeah. Different era....

Like this one. Okay, most of the camera is out of focus in this picture. It's a hand held shot in a dimly lit room at a pretty large aperture, so if you're a perfectionist, please forgive me for that. Setting up two tripods for a proper shot would have been too much of a hassle just for this. I've owned this camera since it was new, which should tell you my approximate age. The lens you see is worth around $300 in its pristine condition. I took good care of my gear. I haven't actually used it in awhile, but I have the battery adapters that make the light meter work properly.

(Download)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Classic.

therwol Loc: USA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Classic.

My father bought this camera for me as a present when I was going away to college.

This camera had a 14 year run as the most important film SLR of its time and perhaps of all time. This is the camera that was used to photograph the Vietman war and all of the important historic events of the 60s and early 70s. If you were a professional photographer shooting 35mm film during this time, this was likely the camera that you used. It was built like a tank. Nothing else has ever felt the same in my hands, solid, reliable and completely satisfying.

I may never use it again (still up in the air), but I'll never sell it.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

therwol wrote:

My father bought this camera for me as a present w... (show quote)

Great story. Thanks for sharing....

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I haven't read the entire thread so sorry if this is a repeat but have you thought about a Holga or some other cheap toy camera? Also, do you have access to a 3D printer? If so, you can print a pinhole film camera in less than a day, even panoramic models.

Holga:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?setNs=p_PRICE_2%7c0&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7c0&ci=18685&srtclk=sort&N=4136148238+4291417164&

Printed cameras:
https://www.thingiverse.com/search/page:1?q=film+camera&sa=&dwh=68591e7a37b17db

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I don't have access to a 3D printer--but I'm quite intrigued by the potential. I'm not that interested in a pinhole camera but perhaps some accessories could be printed using this device....

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

Check eBay for the poor boy's Leica also known as the Canon QL17 GIII for about $60-70 delivered. It has F1.7, 45mm fixed lens and shutter to 1/400 sec. Be sure that the seller has replaced the camera back seals or replace them yourself with foam strips available online.

alolewis wrote:

Unfortunately all our lens are DX so I guess I better look at camera and lens. Thanks for the input.

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

I have some adapters from Thailand that take the silver oxides and the price delivered is half or $20. Found them by Googling.

therwol wrote:

When I mentioned mercury batteries, I was thinking of film cameras circa late 60s, early 70s like the Nikon or Nikkormat FTns or just about any other film camera of that era. Those cameras did not have voltage regulators in them and relied on the constant voltage of the mercury batteries as they discharged. Adapters for newer batteries do exist, but at around $40 apiece, they would "bust the budget." if $100 is the goal for a camera/lens.

BebuLamar

delkeener wrote:

Check eBay for the poor boy's Leica also known as the Canon QL17 GIII for about $60-70 delivered. It has F1.7, 45mm fixed lens and shutter to 1/400 sec. Be sure that the seller has replaced the camera back seals or replace them yourself with foam strips available online.

I got my for $3 at garage sale in good condition. $60 is rich man canonet

therwol Loc: USA

delkeener wrote:

I have some adapters from Thailand that take the silver oxides and the price delivered is half or $20. Found them by Googling.

Do they drop the voltage from 1.55 to 1.35? That's important.