Nikomat/Nikkormat
FT: Introduced in 1965. Original Nikomat body with averaging metering (a la 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.
FS: Introduced in 1965. Non-metered version of above. No mirror lockup.
FTn: Introduced in 1967, is an updated FT with the classic Nikon centerweighted metering pattern, semi-automatic indexing, redesigned meter needle with "+" and "-" on brackets in viewfinder. Signified by "N" above external meter window. Early FTn's 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.
FT2: Introduced in 1975. Updated FTn with hot shoe, threaded synch contact, lock on shutter speed tab for ASA dial, black tipped DOF 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 "-" 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 FT2's in the lower 53xxxxx range and in the 54xxxxx range, serial-wise, gained the FT3-style ASA index.
FT3: Introduced in 1977. AI version of FT2. Essentially a Nikon FM in the Nikkormat FT form factor with mirror lockup and no motor drive coupling, as well as the older CdS meter.
One interesting thing about the FT series Nikkormats: 1/125th is actually 1/100th. Guess the Copal Square S shutter couldn't reliably fire a flash at 1/125th, so they knocked it down to 1/100th. Same thing about the FM.
EL: Introduced in 1972. Great-grandfather of the Nikon FE. CdS cell meter. Camera is considered a tech's nightmare, due to the hardwiring of the electronics. Runs off a PX28 6.2 volt silver-oxide battery, inserted into a chamber inside the mirror box. Goes down to 4 seconds.
ELw: Introduced in 1975. Black version of EL, with secondary power switch around shutter release, plus contacts for AW-1 autowinder.
EL2: Essentially a Nikon FE in the EL form factor. SPD metering cells, 8 second slow shutter speed, AI coupling, etc. Still runs off a PX28, and still uses the AW-1. At least, it finally is equipped with a modern FPC board.
---(originally posted in flickr Nikomat (or Nikkormat users) forum by John_Nikon_F)---
