Since there are eight
models in total for the Nikkormat (Five Mechanical and three electronic models),
and most of the mechanical models are quite similar in nature, varies only in some
features that differentiating the designation, (Take the example of the Nikkormat
FS, it was a Nikkormat FT - only came without an exposure meter and was given an
"FS" designation to distinguish it from FT, while the Nikkormat ELW was
a Nikkormat EL that have motor winder coupling
for it to be used with the dedicated Auto Winder AW-1). The FT in 1965 was the first
medium range SLR since its debut with the professional Nikon F in 1959. While the
Nikkormat EL was the first Nikon that incorporated with a electronically controlled
shutter and also the first Nikon that has a auto exposure (Aperture Priority AE).
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Thus, there could be many duplicating resources if we go through model by model in its operations. In order to avoid that, We have selected a Nikkormat FTn, and the most well featured embedded among all mechanical Nikkormat bodies, a AI (Automatic Indexing) Nikkormat FT3 as a reference for detailed discussion. The first Nikon electronic body, the EL and the last of the series, also an AI version, the Nikon EL2 were both chosen to represent the electronic version. The Nikkormats ELW and Nikon EL2 are the only two few models that have motor drive coupling at the base to permit the use with the motor winder AW-1. |
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First is the setting of the ASA/ISO film speed scale, next is the way how to handle stopped down metering and last is the slight differences in the flash photography. Other than the Model FS, where it doesn't has a built-in metering capability and the first model, the Nikkormat FT, where it incorporated with an average meter to read scene across the whole picture field, all later models (except the FS) used center weighted average metering. Both the FT3 and the Nikon EL2 are the only two models that have automatic indexing (AI). All Nikkormats except the FT, FS and FTn have accessory hot shoe mount (But ALL have with a PC terminal). The FT2, FT3, and the EL series incorporated with an automatic MX-switching, where one PC terminal works for syncronizing either flash bulb or electronic flash. |
The biggest difference in camera handling between the mechaincal Nikkormat F and the electronic EL series are the setting of the shutter speed other than EL has a electronically controlled shutter that require battery to power (But came with the same 1/90 sec mechanical back up speed in case battery fails to function normally). The Nikkormat F series has its shutter speed lever, ASA setting, focusing ring and aperture control at and around the lens/lens mount. While the clear departure of this four features control system was in the electronic version, where the input of shutter speed and ASA/ISO values has been moved to the top panel of the body.
Others:
- The electronic Nikkormats ELW and Nikon EL2 are the few models that have motor drive coupling at the base to permit the use with the motor winder.
- Again, the The Nikkormats FT2, FT3, ELW and Nikon EL2 are the models that use a 1.5v silver oxide battery, while the Nikkormat FT and FTn use a 1.35v battery cell. The Nikkormat FS is the only model that doesn't require any cell to power (Since it has no meter). Other Mechanical Nikkormats need battery cell only to power its metering while the EL series need battery to power its metering as well as the electronic shutter (All EL series models has a back-up mechanical speed of 1/90 sec in case the battery fails to function in extreme of temperature changes or due to exhaustion).
- All Nikkormats (Except the Model FS) have Mirror Lock Up feature.
- All Nikkormat F- series (except FS), ASA/ISO is set at the small lever coaxially with the shutter ring (Beneath the lens mount/Shutter speed ring).
