arhphotographic

Almost all that I said here about the Nikkormat FT N applies to the FT 3. In fact the FT 3 could almost be viewed as a refined FT N. When looking through the sales manual for the FT 3 it mentions in it’s general introduction ‘performance features’ like “reinforced neck strap eyelets” and “plastic-tipped control levers”, its clear that this camera doesn’t have a lot to distinguish itself from what came before.

However there is one genuine standout feature that make the FT 3 worth considering. Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing. With the FT N, to use the built in light meter the lens has to be coupled with it. This involves engaging the coupling prong of the lens, the ‘rabbit ears’ which you can see in the photo above, to the pin on the camera and then rotating the lens to its minimum and maximum aperture settings before you can use the camera. This is often referred to as the ‘Nikon Shuffle’. However with the FT 3 all you have to do is attach a lens with a coupling ridge, lenses after 1977 like the one below, and your good to go.

If you have a lens that doesn’t have the ridge you can still use it, but you have to use the depth of field preview button, in the photo below it’s the black tipped button on the right, to close the chosen aperture down to meter.

Unlike the FT N the FT 3 takes a single 1.5v V357 battery to provide power for the light meter.

So what’s the camera like to use. Well..

The light meter on my FT 3 is not working properly, so for my first outing I used my trusty Weston Master III hand held light meter. I may/not explore if this can be corrected.

In the viewfinder not only do you get the familiar meter needle indicating exposure but also your selected shutter speed is displayed, nice 🙂

The last photo should actually be rotated clockwise by 90° but I prefer this version better!

I like the shutter speed dial located around the cameras lens mount. I feel quite at home changing both aperture and shutter speed without taking my eye away from the viewfinder because all the information I need is there in what has to be one of the brightest viewfinders around.

I really like these Nikkormats. Solid both literally and in their ability to make your photographic experience an enjoyable and satisfying one.

If an opportunity to use one of these cameras comes your way don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it.