NIKON NIKKORMAT FTN

Name: Nikon Nikkormat FTn
Brand: Nikon

The Nikon Nikkormat FTn is a 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera that Nikon introduced in 1967 as an improved version of the original Nikkormat FT. It was built for serious amateurs and professionals. It has through-the-lens (TTL) metering with center-weighted light measurement and takes the full Nikon F-mount lens system. Nikon used it to sell a high-performance SLR at a lower price than the flagship Nikon F.

Overview

The Nikkormat FTn was developed during a pivotal era in 35mm photography, when SLRs were rapidly replacing rangefinders as the preferred tools for both professionals and advanced amateurs. Released in 1967, the FTn built upon the foundation of the 1965 Nikkormat FT, incorporating several refinements—most notably, a redesigned metering system optimized for use with Nikon’s new line of "Automatic" (AI) and "K-type" lenses that featured the Instant Return Stop-Down Metering (IRSM) mechanism. Despite sharing the F-mount and many design cues with the professional-grade Nikon F and F2, the Nikkormat series was manufactured under the Nippon Kogaku "Nikkormat" brand to distinguish it as a more cost-effective alternative, both in production and pricing.

The FTn was aimed at advanced amateurs and semi-professionals. It offered mechanical reliability, manual exposure control and precise TTL metering, all in a rugged, all-metal chassis with a vertically-traveling focal-plane shutter. It was one of the first cameras to use center-weighted metering in a production SLR. That gave better exposure accuracy in real-world conditions than the simpler center-averaged systems of earlier models. The FTn stayed in production until 1975, when the Nikkormat EL series replaced it and introduced aperture-priority automation.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24x36mm frame size
Years Produced	1967–1975
Lens Mount	Nikon F-mount (with aperture coupling lever for AI and pre-AI lenses)
Shutter	Vertical-travel focal-plane shutter, speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Metering	Through-the-lens (TTL), center-weighted, CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) meter
Exposure Modes	Manual only; stop-down metering
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism, eye-level, approximately 0.92x magnification, 94% frame coverage
Dimensions	148 × 90 × 57 mm (5.8 × 3.5 × 2.2 in); weight: ~705 g (24.9 oz) body only (without battery or lens)

Key Features

TTL Center-Weighted Metering: One of the first SLRs to implement center-weighted metering, emphasizing the central 12mm diameter of the frame for more accurate exposure in typical compositions.
F-Mount Compatibility: Full mechanical compatibility with Nikon F-mount lenses, including pre-AI, AI, and early Series E lenses; requires stop-down metering for non-automatic lenses.
Stop-Down Metering System: Meter coupling via a mechanical lever linked to the lens aperture, activated by pressing the stop-down lever on the camera body.
Mechanical Shutter Operation: Fully mechanical shutter at all speeds except for metering (which requires battery), ensuring functionality even without power.
Interchangeable Focusing Screens: User-replaceable focusing screens, including split-image rangefinder and microprism collar options, for improved manual focusing.

Historical Context

Nikon brought out the Nikkormat FTn while it was expanding beyond the professional photojournalist base served by the Nikon F. The Nikon F remained the gold standard for ruggedness and modularity, but its high cost limited who could buy one. The Nikkormat line was sold under a separate brand name but made by the same company. It let Nippon Kogaku offer a camera with nearly identical optical and mechanical performance at a lower price. That suited enthusiasts and working photographers who needed reliability without paying for the full system.

The FTn's biggest advance over the original FT was its updated meter coupling system, designed to work best with newer Nikon lenses that had the "instant return" aperture mechanism. The lens stays wide open for focusing and stops down only when the exposure is made. That gives a brighter viewfinder and easier focusing. Competitors at the time included the Canon FX (1964), Pentax Spotmatic (1964), and Minolta SRT-101 (1966), all of which offered TTL metering. The FTn set itself apart with its sturdy build, precise metering, and fit with the rapidly growing Nikon F-lens ecosystem.

Collectibility & Value

Today collectors and film photographers value the Nikkormat FTn for its mechanical reliability and excellent viewfinder. Adapters also let it work with modern Nikon DSLR and mirrorless systems. It is not as rare as the Nikon F2. It is considered a solid mid-tier vintage SLR with steady demand. In good working condition, prices typically range from $150 to $300 USD, depending on shutter accuracy, meter functionality, and included accessories such as original strap or lens.

When buying an FTn, check the shutter at all speeds, look for mirror bounce or sluggish return, and inspect the light seals, which often degrade and should be replaced. The CdS meter takes a 1.35V mercury battery (PX625 or equivalent), now obsolete. Modern substitutes like Wein Cells or zinc-air batteries can work but may need recalibration. A dead meter is common but not critical, since the camera operates mechanically. Lenses with the "N" designation (e.g., Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 "N") are particularly desirable pairings for their optical quality and historical significance.

Similar Cameras

Pentax Spotmatic F – 35mm SLR with TTL metering, M42 screw mount, produced 1973–1976
Minolta SRT-101 – 35mm SLR with CLC metering, SR-mount, known for bright viewfinder and rugged build
Canon FTb – 35mm SLR with TTL metering, FD mount, produced 1971–1978
Olympus OM-1 – Compact 35mm SLR with full manual control, introduced 1972
Yashica TL Electro-X – 35mm SLR with stop-down metering, M42 mount, produced 1973–1975

Repair & Maintenance

The Nikkormat FTn uses a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery to power its CdS light meter. Mercury batteries are no longer manufactured, so users often substitute 1.5V alkaline PX625 equivalents or Wein Cell silver-oxide batteries (1.35V). The Wein Cell may need slight meter recalibration. The mechanical shutter works without battery power, so you can still make exposures using an external meter or the sunny-16 rule.

Common issues include degraded light seals (leading to light leaks), sticky shutter curtains at slow speeds, and weakened return springs on the mirror or shutter. CdS cells can deteriorate over time, giving inaccurate or dead meter readings. Professional CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) service is recommended for heavily used bodies. Replacement focusing screens and foam seals are available from specialty vintage camera suppliers. Thanks to its modular design and widespread production, parts availability remains relatively good, and repair difficulty is moderate for experienced technicians.