The Nikon F Photomic is a single lens reflex camera. The 35mm camera was produced by Nikon. It is identical to the original Nikon F from 1959, but comes with a viewfinder with light meter.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. This is made possible by the Nikon F bayonet. Usually the camera is hit with the Nikkor Auto 50 mm f/1.4. The mechanical F bayonet was first developed by Nikon in the 1950s. Since then, it has been the norm at Nikon and was not discontinued with the introduction of an autofocus as other manufacturers did.
Other manufacturers of compatible lenses include Tokina, Tamron and Samyang. But one has to keep in mind that not all modern camera lenses can be used with the old film cameras. The Nikon F Photomic has no autofocus. Therefore you have to focus by hand.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter in the viewfinder. The metering cell is located on the viewfinder. The light meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 20 to ISO 6400. The photographer can choose the aperture and exposure time as desired. There is no automatic transfer of the measuring results.
A bulb mode is available for long exposures. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The 35 mm camera has a built-in self-timer. Additionally, there is a connection for a cable release and a thread for a tripod.
The camera requires two 1.3V mercury batteries for the light meter in the viewfinder.
Films for the Nikon F Photomic
The Nikon F Photomic needs photo film for taking pictures. Or more precisely 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced by different producers. A good choice for color and black-and-white pictures is the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab. The negatives of the camera have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film must be winded manually by the photographer.
The Nikon F Photomic can today only be found used. Prices for the camera vary depending on the state of the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 20 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x 1.3 V mercury batteries |
| Estimated value / Used price | 397,39 Euro 647,69586,34388,303087,99342,2266612,714647,40428,58 Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 13.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 376,04 Euro (406.98 US-Dollar) |