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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? |
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#3
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
#9
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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 |
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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 |
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