Nikon F Photomic

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

This page is dedicated to the superb Nikon F Photomic camera produced by Nikon between 1962 and 1966. When the Nikon F 35mm SLR camera was initially introduced in 1959 the only meter available was an external clipped on Selenium meter, although  this was coupled to the shutter speed dial and lens aperture ring it could not be used while looking through the camera. In 1962 Nikon introduced the Nikon F Photomic viewfinder, although TTL metering had yet to be invented it allowed the photographer to view the meter reading while looking through the cameras viewfinder by it's incorporation directly into the viewfinder head.

The Nikon F Photomic replaced the Selenium sensor with a CdS one, although this resulted in a battery dependant metering system the small area of the sensor allowed a incidence meter attachment or a 15 degree angle restrictor for medium telephoto lenses to be fitted over the metering aperture if required.

There are two versions of the original Photomic viewfinder, the early examples as

 

pictured below, had no on/off switch but instead used a "flag" to stop light reaching the CdS sensor, the resistance of the sensor then became so high that less than one micro-ampere would be consumed, this meant it would take many months to drain the batteries, it became apparent however that many photographers who did not use their camera often found this annoying (the shelf life of a mercury battery literally turned off could be up to five years) so the "flag" was replaced with a switch in later examples, this remained on all subsequent Photomic viewfinders.

 

photomic incidence and telephoto attachment stored on battery cover

Basic specifications of the Nikon F Photomic MF SLR Camera

Production period (later availability via stock)

1962 to 1966
Lens meter coupling type Nikon prong ("bunny ears")
Maximum aperture coupling range f/1.2 to f/4.5
ASA film speed range ASA 10 to 1600
EV range at ASA 100 EV 2 to 17
Meter sensor type if applicable Non TTL average 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 Single PX-625 1.3V mercury cells in head
Body weight without lens attached 840g with Photomic viewfinder fitted
 

VFM Flash Memory Cards

 

Nikon F photomic back view

Nikon F Photomic camera

 

Nikon F Photomic top view

 

Nikon
F Photomic

 

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