Ignoring the fact that I have more cameras than any sensible person should have – I have acquired a 1973 Nikon F (S/no says manufactured between JUL 1973 to SEP 1973) with an FTn finder.
Wanted one of these cameras for years, but would not (could not) justify the prices being asked – but this was a sensible price and more importantly, in good condition & with a working meter system: not bad for a camera nearly 43 years old ! Thanks Freyja 🙂
The only thing I found was that the meter seemed to be about one & a half stops out, but consistently over many different ‘f’ & ASA settings: which meant the ring resistor was probably just dirty. Or it had been modified to take the modern equivalent of a 1.35volt mercury battery (several methods available – all unknown on a newly acquired camera) suspicion aroused because it contained two mercury batteries that still indicated 1.3volts; how old were these I ask myself….. especially as they have been unobtainable for years.
As rumour has it that I am an electronics engineer, one of these heads should not be outside my capabilities for cleaning and minor adjustment; given the right documentation (find out were the access screws are hidden !!! ) under the top leatherette as it happens.
It turned out that at some point in time the battery-box -lead wire had corroded and this being replaced along with some judicious application of Isopropyl alcohol gave the whole thing a new lease of life, it now only reads about half a stop out compared to my Nikon D800.
All in all a happy bunny……….
David A Lockwood 
Wow, hope you get many years out of it. (But I still say Canons are better)
Thanks & I will bite – just a little 🙂
How many times has Canon change their lens mount ??
David.
Canon is best because the day I wanted to buy a SLR the local camera shop had a special offer on an EOS and two lenses in a nice silver case.
All my stuff still fits going back to the late 90’s but I’ve never tried a canon from earlier than that.
Almost the same; when I thought it was time for me to move on from the Zenit B I had been using.
I now have several Nikon cameras – some gifts, some given when the person went digital and a couple I spent hard earned cash for.
Gave my Daughter an AE-1P, liked the FD lenses a lot.
David.
Congrats! I haven’t used film in years but just can’t let go of my old F.
BTW, have you ever tried the PMK film developer developed by Gordon Hutchings? It’s a two part liquid developer with excellent storage capabilities until mixed. It produces a unique edge effect and is extremely good at not blocking up highlights. It used to be my only developer wit FP4+ but works well with just about anything.
Thanks.
No I have never tried a Pyro type; quite often mix a Stoeckler variant two-bath developer though, for similar results with the Highlights. Chemicals are rather non-existent here in Oman, so bring stuff back from UK. That is difficult now with all the new regulations.
David.
Ahh…what a nice old workhorse..Photomic meter head and all. Yes, get some Tri-x. That’ll complete yer walk down history.
I am very pleased – well apart from that is, the desire for a nice F (NAi) lens: now that would really compliment the Tri-x.
No no, get thee behind me !
I’ll be reading Don McCullin books next. 😎
David.
I that camera came out before Ai lenses. Those old pre-74 lenses with the D-coupler are throw away cheap. (here in BC anyway.)
I have never looked for any of the F lenses upto now, although my F4 has the flip up latch so no excuse really.
My next acquisition: that should keep me out of mischief for a while.
David.
“out of mischief” I doubt that.
Congrats on your new toy, David.
Do wear it out all at once 🙂
Thank you – I shall need some Tri-x now 😉
David.
I bought a well used one from a friend years ago and the meter was about 1 stop under consistantly. I just reset the ASA to reflect that. I remember being concerned that the finder was delicate but it really was more roust than I gave it credit for. After years of use I traded it for an FM, my all time favorite camera.
Curiosity got the better of me and as it happens you are right, big chunky gears and a typical 60’s PCB.
David.
Congrats!
Thanks – perseverance, I knew if I had patience I’d find one eventually.
David.