Nikkormat Type Specifications

Nikkormat Series (1965 – 1978) — Complete Timeline and Key Innovations

Model	Production Period	Main Innovations & Characteristics
Nikkormat FS	1965 – 1971	Simplified, meter-less version of the FT. Purely mechanical and highly reliable; now rare.
Nikkormat FT	1965 – 1967	First metered model. External CdS cells, match-needle system, full F-mount compatibility.
Nikkormat FTN	1967 – 1975	Introduced TTL metering and simplified lens indexing. Longest-running mechanical Nikkormat.
Nikkormat FT2	1975 – 1977	Added hot shoe, Type K focusing screen, and improved electronics. Fully mechanical operation.
Nikkormat FT3	1977	Short-lived AI-compatible version; transitional bridge to the Nikon FM.
Nikkormat EL	1972 – 1976	First electronic Nikkormat with aperture-priority AE; still offered full manual control.
Nikkormat ELW	1976 – 1977	EL with motor-drive capability (AW-1). Slight ergonomic refinements.
Nikkormat EL2	1977 – 1978	Final model; AI-lens compatibility, silicon metering, modern styling. Transition to FE line.

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Notes

• Continuity: All models used the Nikon F-mount, maintaining full lens interchangeability with the professional F-series.
• Division: The line splits between mechanical FT-series bodies and electronic EL-series bodies.
• Legacy: The Nikkormat family carried Nikon’s professional reliability into the hands of enthusiasts and paved the way for the compact FM and FE cameras of the late 1970s.