1965 vintage Nikon F with original NIKKOR-S 50mm auto 1.4 lens
Jun 17, 2018 11:20:18 #
ELNikkor wrote:
The original clunker. I had no interest in The F line, nor the silliliy named "Nikkormat" (sounded like a washing machine!), but when the FM/FE line came out, I was into Nikon forever!
I had a Nikkormat FTn.
I still have my Nikon FTn.
I had an FM.
I had an F3 with MD-4 motor drive.
I still have an F3HP with Double-M Pin-registered back (used for multi-image slide compositions).
I hated the Nikkormat, because it lasted just two years before the glass resistor that is used to integrate ISO, shutter, and aperture settings into a meter reading deteriorated and became unreliable.
The FTn had many undesirable design quirks, like that silly back that must be removed to load it, and the shutter button most of us thought was too close to the back of the camera and way too small, but it was built like a tank! I put thousands of rolls through it.
The FM was simply reliable.
The F3 was my favorite. It was absolutely a joy to use. The only camera I’ve enjoyed more is my Lumix GH4 (which is just as rugged).
Jun 17, 2018 11:29:55 #
peterg
Loc: Santa Rosa, CA
billnikon wrote:
Old "Tick Mark" Nikkor lenses sell for over 10 times what non-Tick Mark lenses sell for. Google for more info.As an example, this is what a Nikon F body actuall... (show quote)
Jun 17, 2018 11:34:07 #
Back in the late sixties, I used 3 of them as a press photographer. Used one of them 'till the paint came off. They are almost indistructable.
Yours may still work even after long storage. Collectors value? Well, they are not rare in that many were produced. I would get some film, put it through its paces and keep it! You have good glass too!
Yours may still work even after long storage. Collectors value? Well, they are not rare in that many were produced. I would get some film, put it through its paces and keep it! You have good glass too!
Jun 17, 2018 11:34:52 #
burkphoto wrote:
I still have my Nikon FTn.
I still have my Nikon FTn.
Built like a tank, indeed! The FTn finder/meter/prism was the clunkiest around at the time, but full aperture metering was generally spot on (pun intended) and the best of its day by far IMHO.
I also shot with the straight prism and hand metering, as well as with the waist level finder at time.
Wish I still had them...
Andy
Jun 17, 2018 12:51:34 #
burkphoto wrote:
I had a Nikkormat FTn. br I still have my Nikon FT... (show quote)
You are the few that share my favorite. Many said the F2 was a better camera which I had and I love it but still the F3 is my favorite. Some said the F4 is the best manual focus Nikon SLR which to me is an oxymoron. The F4 is the camera I like the least among all the Nikon F series.
Something about the F3 that made me love it. I didn't like it but bought it in the early 80's only because it's less expensive than the MD-2/MB-1 motor drive combo for the F2. But it really grew on me and I love it now even without the MD-4. I love the Df but actually I think I may falling out of love for the Df (I think it's getting too fat for my taste
)Jun 17, 2018 13:18:04 #
LensWork wrote:
It will likely need to be serviced. Sitting unused for twenty years the lubricants have probably dried-up. The len’s focusing helical may be stiff and the shutter speeds off. The light seals on the camera back and mirror box are probably deteriorated. The battery may also be corroded. Not using a mechanical camera for long periods of time is the worst thing that you can do for it’s continued proper function.
I don’t mean to be rude, just the facts.
I don’t mean to be rude, just the facts.
What battery?
Jun 17, 2018 13:23:31 #
geezerguy wrote:
I took many thousands of amateur photos with this great camera, and as a Kodak employee, enjoyed free film processing and prints. It's been sitting in my closet for ~ 20 years, still in excellent condition. Does it have resale value?
They don't seem to have collector value unless it is untouched, still has box etc. Mint black bodies are a real plus.
They are up for sale in the 200-400 range in good working order and no damage with lens.
Still an excellent camera and worth it.
Jun 18, 2018 06:28:09 #
rcarol wrote:
What battery?
If it is one of the F models with a metered prism, i.e. Ftn Photomic, there is a battery in the prism for the meter.
Jun 18, 2018 12:30:26 #
True
LensWork wrote:
If it is one of the F models with a metered prism, i.e. Ftn Photomic, there is a battery in the prism for the meter.
Jun 18, 2018 12:35:58 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
LensWork wrote:
The light seals on the camera back and mirror box are probably deteriorated.
There are no light seals for the various backs, they slide into a track.
Jun 18, 2018 12:40:08 #
RWR wrote:
There are no light seals for the various backs, they slide into a track.
That's one of the reasons why that awkward arrangement was put on the old Nikon S. They went through the jungles and battlefields without developing light leaks.
Tanks.
Jun 18, 2018 13:20:53 #
RWR wrote:
There are no light seals for the various backs, they slide into a track.
I remember the back sliding off to change film, but I could not remember if there was any seals along the top and baseplate, but apparently there are. However according to this supplier of light seals: https://uscamera.com/product/nikon-f-custom-light-seal-kit/ “The door channel seals in this camera are made of a photo grade wool blend and rarely, if ever needs replacement”.
Jun 18, 2018 20:56:21 #
Yes. Probably the best made camera I've ever owned.
I really want to buy an S model rangefinder and some lenses, but they are getting almost as "collectible" as Leicas…. And our DSLR kit has to take priority.
Andy
I really want to buy an S model rangefinder and some lenses, but they are getting almost as "collectible" as Leicas…. And our DSLR kit has to take priority.
Andy
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