In praise of old Nikons...

[JoolsW]

The more I go into 'it', the more I love my old cameras. I have a modest collection of film cameras, and one digital.
This minty EM - yes I know it's 'prosumer' I suppose, fairly basic. But it does everything you REALLY need for 95% of circumstances.
The real point is that it's so compact -beautiful feel and great handling. I'm going to start using it as my 'street' camera (not that there are many streets 'round here).
Film of course yes, but I'm building a camaera/scan setup. I have been looking at getting a ZFc which perhaps is a D equivalent. I'll know on Sunday.

It weighs 440g and is 130mm wide.

 

[wobe]

Lovely camera. The thing with film cameras is they really are 'light boxes' with a very simple mission, meter the scene reasonably well, have an accurate shutter speed and don't keep breaking down - and that's pretty much it - the rest is up to the lens and the guy behind the camera.
The most important thing though, is how does it feel to shoot, if it's a joy to use and gives you that 'zing' every time you use it then its priceless for anyone who really enjoys photography.
If it's solid, quality, smooth to operate and ergonomic like this beauty then you are lucky - add a huge backlog of lenses to choose from and it's just about perfect!

 

[cgw]

Pet Nikon F Photomic FTn. Second owner, bought from an old camera club member. Meter/shutter speeds accurate. The Leica-style drop back was a carry-over from its rangefinder ancestor. Still catches me whenever I load it. Old school/all-metal, hand-built.

 

[nerwin]

I have 3 Nikon film cameras now. I guess I'm a fan.

 

[JoolsW]

Now nerwin, what's that forum saying?... "If it an't pictured, it didn't happen'.

 

[nerwin]

Now nerwin, what's that forum saying?... "If it an't pictured, it didn't happen'.

They are not worth showing, undesirable models nobody cares about. I'd just get flack for them.

 

[Rickbb]

They are not worth showing, undesirable models nobody cares about. I'd just get flack for them.

No you wouldn’t, I have several shelves full of Kodak brownies, instamatics and some Polaroids. Talk about undesirables! Anyone who’s gives us flack for crappy old cameras just doesn’t understand collectors.

 

[webestang64]

I had an F2 with a 55mm macro. Got taken during a break in at a house I was renting some years ago. Miss it greatly.

 

[nerwin]

No you wouldn’t, I have several shelves full of Kodak brownies, instamatics and some Polaroids. Talk about undesirables! Anyone who’s gives us flack for crappy old cameras just doesn’t understand collectors.

Well I plan on selling them. Just finished testing them all.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Old cameras with old glass.....

 

[JoolsW]

Beautiful ! (not sure the F5 is old enough, though the glass may qualify)
Oooh the Photomic - especially with the 'brassing' -Love it.

 

[nerwin]

Ok fine....here's mine. Not a great photo.

From left to right:
1994 N90s
1990 N6006 (F-601)
1985 N2000 (F-301)
1967? Nikkormats FTN

 

[JoolsW]

Nice team of Nikons, ta for the pic. Must say my old Nikkormat is a very good memory... but it had no meter! -it was an early one, ha! talk about sunny sixteen... and I shot tranny only BITD. (The pen holder is pretty cool too I must say!)
I've just been working on a two Canons, and it's just a random impression, but the quality of manufacture of Nikons always seem a level above to me. I'm sure Canonistas will disagree. (I don't want to start a war ) Both these Canons have/had Battery door problems. (I know the AE1 is famous for it).
But...

 

[nerwin]

Nice team of Nikons, ta for the pic. Must say my old Nikkormat is a very good memory... but it had no meter! -it was an early one, ha! talk about sunny sixteen... and I shot tranny only BITD. (The pen holder is pretty cool too I must say!)
I've just been working on a two Canons, and it's just a random impression, but the quality of manufacture of Nikons always seem a level above to me. I'm sure Canonistas will disagree. (I don't want to start a war ) Both these Canons have/had Battery door problems. (I know the AE1 is famous for it).
But...

The Nikkormat has a faulty meter. It powers on but it just doesn't read. I have seen NOS meters on ebay but it's like what's the point. They are just as old. It's a good camera for sunny 16 haha

What does shooting tranny only BITD mean? I have no idea lol, please explain

The pen holder is cool. I can't find one anywhere like that now. I got it for cheap on Amazon and the quality is impressive.

Just glad that I was able to save these cameras and soon they'll all have a new home. Although I think the Nikkormat is staying with me...it's pretty to look at and feel its levers and dials

I haven't worked on any canon, Pentax or minoltas yet. Just Nikon, Yashica and Fujica. But I really enjoy Nikons viewfinders, they are always bright and big.

 

[JoolsW]

BITD -Back In The Day.