How much is a Nikon F camera worth?
 

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?

in article , Brent at
wrote on 6/7/04 6:50 PM:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



Is it just the body, or is there a finder too? If so, which finder? If it
is a photomic finder, does the meter still work? Is there a lens with it?
What is the overall condition?

Depending upon the answers to these questions, the camera could be worth
everywhere from nothing to several hundred dollars (US).

Give us more information and we can help more.

Walt

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply. Here is some more information that I recieved from
the seller and a picture of the actual camera
http://members.accesscable.net/~brent/pics/nikonf.jpg :

============================================
Nikon F camera with working FTN exposure meter.

I took the picture myself with my digital camera...it is a recent
photo of the actual camera for sale. The original vendor appears to
be "Olden, 1265 Broadway, NYC".

The lens is a Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.4 f=50 mm No. 579301. There is a
Soligor 1A filter, 52 mm filter, and a non-original lens cap. There
is also a screw-on converter for a cable release, and a new Nikon
T-ring.

The lens is optically flawless, but the exterior is a bit scuffed and worn.

The shutter blind has some slight indentations, but the shutter
(totally mechanical) seems to work fine.

The major fault with the body is that the reflex mirror is a bit
sticky, and often does not return when the shutter releases. It will
drop down when "encouraged" with a finger tip. I believe that this
can be repaired by a knowledgeable (or courageous) person.

I bought the camera to use for astrophotography, as it has a bright
viewfinder and a good, fast lens, and I only wanted to use the "B"
setting.



=============================================

"Photodad" wrote in message
...
in article , Brent at

wrote on 6/7/04 6:50 PM:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



Is it just the body, or is there a finder too? If so, which finder? If
it
is a photomic finder, does the meter still work? Is there a lens with it?
What is the overall condition?

Depending upon the answers to these questions, the camera could be worth
everywhere from nothing to several hundred dollars (US).

Give us more information and we can help more.

Walt

Brent wrote:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



The year is 1968.
Great camera! Despite a few ergonomic quirks, it really is a joy to use.

The meter will probably need some work and the sometimes sticking mirror
is likely caused by a decomposing foam baffle. Replacing the baffle is
DIY job, and even CLA-ing the Photomic could be (if you're mechanically
competent - also several web pages explain how to).

A slight crinkling of the shutter curtains is no problem: Mine looks
like it was hit by a bullet, but the speeds are perfect (well as good as
the F can be...)

Apart from the meter and the foam, there isn't much that can go wrong on
these cameras.

Chris

First, let me mention that the first two digits of the serial number DO NOT
directly correspond to the year of manufacture. This is a commonly held
misconception. Here is a quote from Michael Grandy's excellent site:

"The F started production in 1959. The serial # of the first F was 6400001.
So the years and the bodies don't match to begin with.** By 1967, to the end
of production in May of 1974, serial numbers COINCIDENTALLY matched, at
least part of the time, the year of manufacture.* It was a rough match, not
an exact one.***

Nikon F production ended after 862,600 F's were made.** Last number was
7451052.* Note not all serial blocks were used."

Go to his site for a good historical review:

http://www.cameraquest.com/fhistory.htm

That said, it sounds like you are looking at a fairly average camera. The
market is pretty soft for Fs right now. You can find decent examples in
nearly every pawn shop. The larger stores, like B&H and Adorama, won't even
buy them right now.

I track Fs on eBay regularly. The body would probably only get about $100
on eBay right now, and the lens about $75, if in truly excellent condition.
Check the aperture blades for any sign of oil or any bends, and make sure
the focus is smooth through the entire range. I just bought the same style
photomic head, with working meter, for $55.

Check the shutter carefully. While it is true that they are nearly bullet
proof, it is also true that tiny light leaks can develop when the curtains
are creased.

The mirror is most likely the foam. Mine does the same thing, but returns
on its own when I advance the film. Replacing the foam is relatively easy
(kits are available on eBay), but any further repair can really start
setting you back big money in a hurry.

My best advice is to not jump at the first F you see. There are a lot of
them around. Take your time and you can find some great deals. I wouldn't
pay more than $200 to $225 for this one.

Hope that helps.

Walt

in article , Brent at
wrote on 6/7/04 11:30 PM:

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply. Here is some more information that I recieved from
the seller and a picture of the actual camera
http://members.accesscable.net/~brent/pics/nikonf.jpg :

============================================
Nikon F camera with working FTN exposure meter.

I took the picture myself with my digital camera...it is a recent
photo of the actual camera for sale. The original vendor appears to
be "Olden, 1265 Broadway, NYC".

The lens is a Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.4 f=50 mm No. 579301. There is a
Soligor 1A filter, 52 mm filter, and a non-original lens cap. There
is also a screw-on converter for a cable release, and a new Nikon
T-ring.

The lens is optically flawless, but the exterior is a bit scuffed and worn.

The shutter blind has some slight indentations, but the shutter
(totally mechanical) seems to work fine.

The major fault with the body is that the reflex mirror is a bit
sticky, and often does not return when the shutter releases. It will
drop down when "encouraged" with a finger tip. I believe that this
can be repaired by a knowledgeable (or courageous) person.

I bought the camera to use for astrophotography, as it has a bright
viewfinder and a good, fast lens, and I only wanted to use the "B"
setting.



=============================================

"Photodad" wrote in message
...
in article , Brent at

wrote on 6/7/04 6:50 PM:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



Is it just the body, or is there a finder too? If so, which finder? If
it
is a photomic finder, does the meter still work? Is there a lens with it?
What is the overall condition?

Depending upon the answers to these questions, the camera could be worth
everywhere from nothing to several hundred dollars (US).

Give us more information and we can help more.

Walt

Thanks for the info. He is only asking for $70 for everthing, so it looks
like a good deal :)

"Photodad" wrote in message
...
First, let me mention that the first two digits of the serial number DO
NOT
directly correspond to the year of manufacture. This is a commonly held
misconception. Here is a quote from Michael Grandy's excellent site:

"The F started production in 1959. The serial # of the first F was
6400001.
So the years and the bodies don't match to begin with. By 1967, to the end
of production in May of 1974, serial numbers COINCIDENTALLY matched, at
least part of the time, the year of manufacture. It was a rough match, not
an exact one.

Nikon F production ended after 862,600 F's were made. Last number was
7451052. Note not all serial blocks were used."

Go to his site for a good historical review:

http://www.cameraquest.com/fhistory.htm

That said, it sounds like you are looking at a fairly average camera. The
market is pretty soft for Fs right now. You can find decent examples in
nearly every pawn shop. The larger stores, like B&H and Adorama, won't
even
buy them right now.

I track Fs on eBay regularly. The body would probably only get about $100
on eBay right now, and the lens about $75, if in truly excellent
condition.
Check the aperture blades for any sign of oil or any bends, and make sure
the focus is smooth through the entire range. I just bought the same
style
photomic head, with working meter, for $55.

Check the shutter carefully. While it is true that they are nearly bullet
proof, it is also true that tiny light leaks can develop when the curtains
are creased.

The mirror is most likely the foam. Mine does the same thing, but returns
on its own when I advance the film. Replacing the foam is relatively easy
(kits are available on eBay), but any further repair can really start
setting you back big money in a hurry.

My best advice is to not jump at the first F you see. There are a lot of
them around. Take your time and you can find some great deals. I
wouldn't
pay more than $200 to $225 for this one.

Hope that helps.

Walt

in article , Brent at

wrote on 6/7/04 11:30 PM:

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply. Here is some more information that I recieved
from
the seller and a picture of the actual camera
http://members.accesscable.net/~brent/pics/nikonf.jpg :

============================================
Nikon F camera with working FTN exposure meter.

I took the picture myself with my digital camera...it is a recent
photo of the actual camera for sale. The original vendor appears to
be "Olden, 1265 Broadway, NYC".

The lens is a Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.4 f=50 mm No. 579301. There is a
Soligor 1A filter, 52 mm filter, and a non-original lens cap. There
is also a screw-on converter for a cable release, and a new Nikon
T-ring.

The lens is optically flawless, but the exterior is a bit scuffed and
worn.

The shutter blind has some slight indentations, but the shutter
(totally mechanical) seems to work fine.

The major fault with the body is that the reflex mirror is a bit
sticky, and often does not return when the shutter releases. It will
drop down when "encouraged" with a finger tip. I believe that this
can be repaired by a knowledgeable (or courageous) person.

I bought the camera to use for astrophotography, as it has a bright
viewfinder and a good, fast lens, and I only wanted to use the "B"
setting.



=============================================

"Photodad" wrote in message
...
in article , Brent at

wrote on 6/7/04 6:50 PM:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



Is it just the body, or is there a finder too? If so, which finder?
If
it
is a photomic finder, does the meter still work? Is there a lens with
it?
What is the overall condition?

Depending upon the answers to these questions, the camera could be
worth
everywhere from nothing to several hundred dollars (US).

Give us more information and we can help more.

Walt

in article , Brent at
wrote on 6/8/04 9:31 AM:

Thanks for the info. He is only asking for $70 for everthing, so it looks
like a good deal :)


At that price, it would be hard to go wrong. Welcome to the world of
classic cameras. I still use my F nearly every day. Make sure he shows you
how to load and rewind the film and index the lens. Fs do it differently
than about any other camera.

Walt

Thanks again for the info. You've been a big help.

Brent

"Photodad" wrote in message
...
in article , Brent at
wrote on 6/8/04 9:31 AM:

Thanks for the info. He is only asking for $70 for everthing, so it
looks
like a good deal :)


At that price, it would be hard to go wrong. Welcome to the world of
classic cameras. I still use my F nearly every day. Make sure he shows
you
how to load and rewind the film and index the lens. Fs do it differently
than about any other camera.

Walt

How do I know if the meter is not working properly?

"Chris Loffredo" wrote in message
...
Brent wrote:

Someone has one for sale and I'm thinking of buying it. The model is
6825306. Anyone know the year of that one?



The year is 1968.
Great camera! Despite a few ergonomic quirks, it really is a joy to use.

The meter will probably need some work and the sometimes sticking mirror
is likely caused by a decomposing foam baffle. Replacing the baffle is
DIY job, and even CLA-ing the Photomic could be (if you're mechanically
competent - also several web pages explain how to).

A slight crinkling of the shutter curtains is no problem: Mine looks
like it was hit by a bullet, but the speeds are perfect (well as good as
the F can be...)

Apart from the meter and the foam, there isn't much that can go wrong on
these cameras.

Chris

Brent wrote:
How do I know if the meter is not working properly?


1) Compare it to another at various light levels framing the exact same,
evenly illuminated, subject. Keep in mind that no two meters will ever
agree perfectly, but if they're within +/- 1/2 a stop of each other,
that's pretty good.
Also, keep in mind the battery being used: If the difference between the
Photomic and the reference you're using is constant, that's ok too.

2) Fiddle with the diaphragm & shutter speed dials: The meter needle
should move smoothly & regularly. If not, turn the diaphram through its
range a few dozen times and check again.

Make sure your lens is "indexed" properly and the battery is ok (press
top meter button down to check).


Often the variable resistor and/or the on/off button contact inside the
Photomic are dirty. This results in a "jumpy" meter needle and
non-linear results at different light levels.
This is a fairly easy fix for the dedicated fiddler, and there was a guy
with a web page offering Photomic overhauls for $90 as well as a good
how-to descrition.

The worst case scenario is that the CdS cells have lost sensitivity and
need to be replaced (though that's rarely the case). While new original
parts are no longer available, any good repairperson should be able to
get hold of parts one way or another (millions of these cameras were made).

Chris