Nikkormat FT
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Nikkormat FTEntry/Object ID
372Tags
WorkhorseDescription
The Nikkormat FT was Nikon’s first successful foray into providing a consumer-priced alternative to their professional F-series, while maintaining total compatibility with the legendary Nikkor lens system. Renowned for its "built-like-a-tank" all-metal construction, the FT features a unique shutter speed ring located around the lens mount rather than on the top plate, a design choice intended to allow photographers to adjust all exposure settings with their left hand without moving their eye from the viewfinder. It utilizes a mechanical Copal Square metal-blade shutter and a built-in "Match-Needle" light meter powered by a 1.35v mercury battery. One of its defining operational traits is the requirement of the "Nikon Shuffle"—a process where the photographer must rotate the lens's aperture ring to its minimum and then maximum setting after mounting to index the meter correctly. Despite its age, the FT remains a highly respected tool for film students and enthusiasts due to its absolute mechanical reliability and access to over half a century of Nikon optics.Category
Camera, 35mm Film, SLR
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