Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰
Main Photography Discussion
Nikkormat Batteries
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
Aug 26, 2022 16:52:49   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
BebuLamar wrote:
One example is the Canon EF but that one work just fine on alkaline because although it takes mercury batteries it doesn't rely on constant battery voltage for correct metering.


I'm not familiar with the Canon EF, but if it doesn't rely on constant battery voltage, then it has a voltage regulator built in. The Nikon cameras that used mercury batteries (Nikon F with any Photomic finder, Nikkormat FTn) did NOT have a voltage regulator and did rely on constant battery voltage for the meter to function properly. The Nikkormat FT2 and FT3 can function properly with silver oxide or alkaline batteries because they DO have voltage regulation built in. Bottom line. Nikon cameras that used mercury batteries do not have voltage regulators built in, and the best substitution is silver oxide with an adaptor that corrects the voltage to match that of mercury batteries.

Reply
Aug 26, 2022 17:02:25   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 

--Bob
therwol wrote:
I'm not familiar with the Canon EF, but if it doesn't rely on constant battery voltage, then it has a voltage regulator built in. The Nikon cameras that used mercury batteries (Nikon F with any Photomic finder, Nikkormat FTn) did NOT have a voltage regulator and did rely on constant battery voltage for the meter to function properly. The Nikkormat FT2 and FT3 can function properly with silver oxide or alkaline batteries because they DO have voltage regulation built in. Bottom line. Nikon cameras that used mercury batteries do not have voltage regulators built in, and the best substitution is silver oxide with an adaptor that corrects the voltage to match that of mercury batteries.
I'm not familiar with the Canon EF, but if it does... (show quote)

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 06:06:45   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
jerryc41 wrote:
I now have several Nikkormat cameras, for some reason. At least two of them work, but they need one of those coin batteries, probably #625. I see that some Nikkormats have a cylindrical battery inside the camera under the mirror. I don't think I have one of them. I think only two of these even use the little coin battery that goes into the bottom. I'll have to look them up by serial number and see exactly what I have. I have no experience with the NIkkormat. I had the F Photomic.

I found a couple of rolls of film, so if can get the meters working, I might give them a try.

Well, I can't stay on the computer all day. I have to bring recycling and buy ice cream.

EDIT: Well, this is interesting. I probably won't be able to tell the date of manufacture by the serial number. That's supposedly a myth. Also, the Nikkormat isn't considered a Nikon. It's a Nikkormat, made by Nikon, "Nikkormat cameras, produced from 1965 until 1978, were simpler and more affordable than Nikon-branded cameras, but accepted the same lenses as the Nikon F series cameras."
I now have several Nikkormat cameras, for some rea... (show quote)


I use 625A batteries.
They are about 1/3 stop different than my other modern cameras so I set ISO 1/3 stop lower.
For negatives even that is likely not needed.
I tried the hyper expensive air types and they failed quicker than worth it and no better results.
So just grab a cheap 625A and compare your camera with a known meter or camera make the slight ISO setting and off you go, no worries.
I have posted several sets here and no one suspected the wrong battery or ISO.

Reply
 
 
Aug 27, 2022 07:23:41   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
therwol wrote:
One more thing about mounting lenses on the Nikkormat cameras that require the prong for metering. Step one is to set the lens to f/5.6 before mounting. Push the coupling prong on the camera all the way to the right facing the camera. Then when you mount the lens, the meter coupling will match. Mount the lens. Turn the lens to the smallest aperture and listen for a "twang" from a spring inside of the camera. Then turn it to the largest aperture to let the camera know the largest aperture of the lens. You will hear a series of clicks as you do this. That's all. You have to do this each time you mount a lens to these cameras.
One more thing about mounting lenses on the Nikkor... (show quote)


Yes, I had to remember that from the old days.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 07:26:56   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
rmalarz wrote:
Jerry, if the batteries you need are the mercury oxide batteries, such as those used in the F, there is a solution. I use these with 386 batteries. The adapter has a voltage regulator that drops the 1.5 volts of the 386 to the 1.33 volts needed by the Niko* cameras. Thanks to these adapters, I can still use my F, along with a number of other bits of photo equipment that used those mercury oxide batteries.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-KANTO-camera-mercury-battery-adapter-conversion-type-MR-9-JAPAN-326/323976304794

If you are going to plan on using the camera, they are worth it. BEWARE!!! There are some adapters being sold that do not have the regulator. They are cheaper but may damage your camera's electronics due to the higher voltage.
--Bob
Jerry, if the batteries you need are the mercury o... (show quote)


Thanks. Shooting with that camera is on my list, but it's not at the top. I had ordered a few batteries, but I was able to cancel the order when I realized they were the wrong klind.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 09:39:40   #
StanMac Loc: Tennessee
 
Architect1776 wrote:
I use 625A batteries.
They are about 1/3 stop different than my other modern cameras so I set ISO 1/3 stop lower.
For negatives even that is likely not needed.
I tried the hyper expensive air types and they failed quicker than worth it and no better results.
So just grab a cheap 625A and compare your camera with a known meter or camera make the slight ISO setting and off you go, no worries.
I have posted several sets here and no one suspected the wrong battery or ISO.
I use 625A batteries. br They are about 1/3 stop ... (show quote)


Best overall solution to the problem. No extra parts needed to lose or keep track of.

Stan

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 09:45:49   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
StanMac wrote:
Best overall solution to the problem. No extra parts needed to lose or keep track of.

Stan



Reply
 
 
Aug 27, 2022 10:27:19   #
BartHx
 
I have been using my FTn since it came out and it is basically bomb proof. At that time many had not yet bought into in camera meters and considered them unreliable. I never worried about a battery but carried a GE Golden Crown meter (also no battery) that fit easily into my shirt pocket. I have never had an issue with that combination and they both still work perfectly. I have, however, since switched to Gossen meters for the FTn, my medium format, and my view camera. Yes, I am one of those strange people who happily works with both film and digital and would resist giving up either.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 10:49:13   #
BebuLamar
 
Architect1776 wrote:
I use 625A batteries.
They are about 1/3 stop different than my other modern cameras so I set ISO 1/3 stop lower.
For negatives even that is likely not needed.
I tried the hyper expensive air types and they failed quicker than worth it and no better results.
So just grab a cheap 625A and compare your camera with a known meter or camera make the slight ISO setting and off you go, no worries.
I have posted several sets here and no one suspected the wrong battery or ISO.
I use 625A batteries. br They are about 1/3 stop ... (show quote)


I found using the 625A battery vs the one with correct voltage both result in inaccurate meter but in different ways. So for me it's not worth it to use a voltage dropping device or zine air battery. My approach is to use them without battery.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 10:51:09   #
Erkibler
 
jerryc41 wrote:
The one I have in front of me right now is an FT2.


There is also a Nikkormat EL. It uses a cylindrical battery the goes behind the mirror. If I wasn’t so lazy, I’d get it and provide more information.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 10:53:23   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
I'm not going to rush into this because there are different batteries, and I'd prefer to get the right one. I'm working on other things now, but I'll get back to the Nikkormats.

Reply
 
 
Aug 27, 2022 10:54:03   #
BebuLamar
 
Erkibler wrote:
There is also a Nikkormat EL. It uses a cylindrical battery the goes behind the mirror. If I wasn’t so lazy, I’d get it and provide more information.


The battery for the Nikkormat EL is available today. For the EL without battery you only 1 shutter speed so you do need the battery for the EL but you can buy the correct battery today.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 10:54:25   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Erkibler wrote:
There is also a Nikkormat EL. It uses a cylindrical battery the goes behind the mirror. If I wasn’t so lazy, I’d get it and provide more information.


Yes, I saw that online - strange. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3i62mLITE4&t=148s

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 11:19:30   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
BebuLamar wrote:
I found using the 625A battery vs the one with correct voltage both result in inaccurate meter but in different ways. So for me it's not worth it to use a voltage dropping device or zine air battery. My approach is to use them without battery.


Fine, as I said 1/3 difference is nothing for negatives and I just adjust ISO.
I never ever have incorrect exposures with the 65A in my F-1, FTb, EF and several other cameras.
It is most likely your cameras are broken if they don't work.

Reply
Aug 27, 2022 11:24:17   #
BebuLamar
 
Architect1776 wrote:
Fine, as I said 1/3 difference is nothing for negatives and I just adjust ISO.
I never ever have incorrect exposures with the 65A in my F-1, FTb, EF and several other cameras.
It is most likely your cameras are broken if they don't work.


I only use the 625A in the EF.

Reply
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections
Contact us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | DMCA
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.