Nikon F Photomic FTn

A brief outline of the Nikon F Photomic FTn manual focus SLR film camera

This page is dedicated to the superb Nikon F Photomic FTn camera produced by Nikon from 1968 to 1971. The Nikon F Photomic FTn is a slight variation the the preceding Nikon F variant the Nikon F Photomic TN, the functionality is in fact identical in use, the only improvement was with the lens coupling engagement. on the preceding Photomic heads the photographer had to align the meters aperture coupling rod within the "bunny ears" whilst engaging the lenses bayonet mount. It is normally no real problem to align the viewfinder, lens and camera body at once but in poorly lit environments and when every second counts it was an annoyance. Nikon developed a quite ingenious mechanical linkage to ensure that if the lens was correctly fitted or removed to light meter coupling would look after it's self. The new coupling system was fully automatic and so reliable that it remained until replaced in 1977 with the the introduction of AI (Automatic maximum aperture Indexing) which dispensed with the famous and distinctive Nikon prong or "Bunny ears", these are still fitted to all Nikon's manual focus lenses as standard for backward compatibility with all pre 1977 Nikon 35mm SLR metered bodies, this

carries forward the concept of Nikon system compatibility into the 21st century.

In 1972 minor changes occurred to the Nikon F body, these had no effect on the cameras performance but updated the appearance in line with that of the Nikon F2 body, although their was no official change in designation they have become known as the "Nikon F Apollo" following Nasa's use on Apollo 15 in July 1971 of a Nikon F Photomic FTn on the Lunar Roving Vehicle's exploration trips.

Basic specifications of the Nikon F Photomic FTn MF SLR Camera
Production period (later availability via stock)	1968 to 1971
Lens meter coupling type	Nikon prong ("bunny ears")
Aperture coupling range	f/1.2 to f/5.6
ASA film speed range	ISO 6-6400
EV range at ASA 100	EV 2 to 17
Meter sensor type if applicable	TTL 60/40 centre weighed CdS photo sensor
Shutter type and curtain material	Horizontal Titanium foil focal-plane mechanical
Shutter speed range	1 to 1/1000 of a second + Bulb
Auto exposure modes available	None
Flash exposure type and maximum sync speed	Flash bulb & 1/60 sec Electronic flash sockets
Interchangeable focusing screens	Yes - 17 + others by third parties
Interchangeable viewfinder heads	Yes -
Interchangeable backs	Yes - Bulk Film - Motor Drive - Polaroid
Film advance method	Single stroke lever
Motor drive or Auto winder availability	F36 or F250 motor drives
Film rewind method	Manual folding crank
Self Timer	Yes - 3 to 10 seconds
Battery type and number required	Two PX-625 1.3V mercury cells in head
Body weight without lens attached	850g with Photomic FTn viewfinder fitted

Nikon
F Photomic FTn

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