View source for Nikomat/Nikkormat

'''Nikomat''' (within Japan) and '''Nikkormat''' (elsewhere) is a brand name used by Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō (later renamed [[Nikon]]) in the late 1960s and early 1970s for two kinds of [[SLR]] cameras that were cheaper than those sold as "Nikon". (One model, the EL2, was sold as Nikon within Japan.)

==Mechanical-shutter models==

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat FT/FS|Nikomat/Nikkormat FT]]''': Introduced in 1965. Original Nikomat body with averaging metering (like the Nikon F Photomic T). No shutter speed display in viewfinder, meter needle brackets are thin without "+" and "-" markings, and the meter is manually indexed against the film speed.

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat FT/FS|Nikomat/Nikkormat FS]]''': Introduced in 1965. Non-metered version of above. No mirror lockup.

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat FTN]]''': Introduced in 1967, is an updated FT with the classic Nikon centerweighted metering pattern, semi-automatic indexing, redesigned meter needle with "+" and "&minus;" on brackets in viewfinder. Signified by "N" above external meter window. Early examples have FT style shutter release without threads for AR-1 or AR-2, take-up spool with white shroud (same as FT and FS), and the meter coupling pin only goes to f/22. Around 1969, the FTn got the threaded shutter release, FT2 style take-up spool, and f/32 compatibility. In 1971, the back gained a guide roller for the film transport mechanism. At the same time, the A screen became an option. Sometime around mid-1972, the mirror box was redesigned to get rid of the rattle that the earlier Nikomat bodies produced when fired. At the same time, the later strap lugs were added. About a year later, the FTn received a makeover with some of the FT2 cosmetics, FT2 leatherette, and eventually, the K focusing screen.

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat FT2]]''': Introduced in 1975. Updated FTn with hot shoe, threaded synch contact, lock on shutter speed tab for ASA dial, black tipped depth-of-field preview button and lens release button. Font on nameplate changed to EL style. Black nameplate made out of plastic with built-in spacers, instead of the older metal plate with brass spacers.  External meter window gains "+" and "&minus;" markings. 1.5 volt battery (V76PX, instead of V625PX used in FTn) with smaller battery box. A or K focusing screen, instead of J screen of earlier bodies. Later examples in the lower 53xxxxx range and in the 54xxxxx range, serial-wise, gained the FT3-style ASA index.

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat FT3]]''': Introduced in 1977. AI version of FT2. The [[Nikon FM]] would be similar, minus mirror lockup but with a motor drive coupling and a newer CdS meter.

One interesting thing about the FT series Nikomats (and FM): 1/125th is actually 1/100th. Perhaps the Copal Square S shutter couldn't reliably fire a flash at 1/125th, so they knocked it down to 1/100th.

==Electronic-shutter models==

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat EL/ELW|Nikomat/Nikkormat EL]]''': Introduced in 1972. Aperture-priority automatic exposure camera, with CdS cell meter. 

'''[[Nikomat/Nikkormat EL/ELW|Nikomat/Nikkormat ELW]]''': Introduced in 1975. Black version of EL, with secondary power switch around shutter release, plus contacts for AW-1 autowinder.

'''[[Nikon EL2]]''': SPD metering cells, 8 second slow shutter speed, AI coupling, etc. Still runs off a PX28, and still uses the AW-1. Replaced by the [[Nikon FE]].

[[Category:Nikon]]
[[Category:Japanese 35mm SLR]]