Field tested Nikon F (Page 4): The Nikon F is definitely an icon in the film world. A professional who shot for National Geographic once told me that he liked the weight, because it...

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Quinn 4 wrote:

First: I writing about Nikon F with Photomic FLN l... (show quote)

The Nikon F is definitely an icon in the film world. A professional who shot for National Geographic once told me that he liked the weight, because it helped him steady the camera. It may be possible to get the same battery or another one that fits and has the same voltage. Google it, or try batteries.com. When you contact them or another company, give them the number of the original and they will find a match if possible. >Alan

BebuLamar

Quinn 4 wrote:

That right you have no excuse for not use the Nikon. I would question using that film you have, if it is one year over date of ex , can the film. Don't get all hung up on batteries for the light meter. Go with "Sunny 16" or call "16 rulers of light".

I wouldn't buy mercury battery substitute. They are expensive and don't last long. Meters based on these batteries are so old and even with the correct battery they aren't that accurate. I would much rather not using the meter. If you really need a meter use a good hand held meter.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

BebuLamar wrote:

I wouldn't buy mercury battery substitute. They are expensive and don't last long. Meters based on these batteries are so old and even with the correct battery they aren't that accurate. I would much rather not using the meter. If you really need a meter use a good hand held meter.

If there is a substitute, it may not be a mercury batt, but a lithium ion.

BebuLamar

aellman wrote:

If there is a substitute, it may not be a mercury batt, but a lithium ion.

As suggested the substitutes are silver oxide with voltage dropping diode. Zinc Air batteries which after activation has a short life. Lithium Ion has much too high voltage. The requirement for these cameras are 1.35V for almost entire battery life.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

BebuLamar wrote:

As suggested the substitutes are silver oxide with voltage dropping diode. Zinc Air batteries which after activation has a short life.

I yield to your greater knowledge.

therwol Loc: USA

aellman wrote:

I yield to your greater knowledge.

The adapters I provided the link to provide the voltage dropping diode, and they're the correct size for this camera and many others of that era. The accuracy is said to be good enough. When they announced that they were going to stop making mercury batteries, I stockpiled them in the fridge and freezer, but after many years I discarded them. I was already phasing out using the camera.

I still have the adapters. They were much cheaper when I bought them in perhaps 1990 from the same source. I don't know if I'll ever use the camera again, but I have them. I think about it. Digital is just so much more convenient. That's my opinion, but I certainly have nothing against people getting pleasure out of using vintage equipment. The Nikon F was really an awesome camera for its time.

bobsisk Loc: Chandler, Arizona

Quinn 4 wrote:

That right you have no excuse for not use the Nikon. I would question using that film you have, if it is one year over date of ex , can the film. Don't get all hung up on batteries for the light meter. Go with "Sunny 16" or call "16 rulers of light".

This Nikon F must have been the 'zeroth' edition because it has no light meter built-in. Hence, no batteries to worry about. However, there is a GE model DW-68 separate light meter with it that requires no batteries either. The film? Well, yeah, it's 800 speed Kodak Max and it is just in the plastic cans; there's no expiration date on the cartridge. I'm reasonably sure that it's well over a year past it's expiration date, so I'll try it on some things that don't matter much, but will let me know if it's good, bad or 'eh'. Then I'll find some new film and try it out too just to make sure.

therwol Loc: USA

bobsisk wrote:

This Nikon F must have been the 'zeroth' edition b... (show quote)

Yes, the camera was sold in versions that had a prism without a light meter. You could also buy a waist level finder without a meter. The last metered prism (FTn) could not mount on the early cameras without modification. The basic Nikon F had a 14 year run, starting in 1959. I don't remember when, but later versions had a titanium shutter. This is an almost indestructible camera. It is fairly heavy as well. Built like a tank.

therwol Loc: USA

bobsisk wrote:

This Nikon F must have been the 'zeroth' edition b... (show quote)

PS to that. I believe that this camera with good lenses can take pictures as well as any film camera. There are pros and cons to film, of course. I personally think that the pictures I take with my Nikon D810 are better than any film pictures I ever took. My only suggestion if you're serious about this camera and decide to take slide film is that you're going to want a really good light meter. Transparency film is unforgiving of exposure error.

bobsisk Loc: Chandler, Arizona

therwol wrote:

PS to that. I believe that this camera with good lenses can take pictures as well as any film camera. There are pros and cons to film, of course. I personally think that the pictures I take with my Nikon D810 are better than any film pictures I ever took. My only suggestion if you're serious about this camera and decide to take slide film is that you're going to want a really good light meter. Transparency film is unforgiving of exposure error.

Thank you for reminding me; I do understand about slides because I started my semi-serious photography life with SLRs. Some of my favorite slides are of the wall in Berlin in 1964. I now own a Nikon D5100 and my SLRs have been languishing in storage bags and cases on the closet floor since I started going through the steadily increasing quality and capability of digitals.

Quinn 4

Boesisk: Yet, let me known how you come out using the out film. I could be wrong. I not into slide pictures.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

therwol wrote:

The last metered prism (FTn) could not mount on the early cameras without modification.

Could you elaborate on the modification?

therwol Loc: USA

RWR wrote:

Could you elaborate on the modification?

Starting in 1965, the metered finders interfered in some way with the camera's name plate, and each successive one, T, Tn and Ftn required further modification. The cameras delivered with each successive metered finder were modified by the factory. I seem to recall that the modifications can be made after the fact, but they would amount to a file job and probably decrease the value of the cameras. I doubt if Nikon would do this any longer. You'll find this information buried in this article.

https://www.cameraquest.com/nfinder.htm

Quinn 4

Great information to have, thank you. I have a Photomic FTN on my Nikon F

therwol Loc: USA

Quinn 4 wrote:

Great information to have, thank you. I have a Photomic FTN on my Nikon F

Get the battery adapters and go for it!