Nikkormat / Nikomat – Model Overview
Overview of all Nikkormat (Nikomat) 35 mm SLR bodies and their key specifications, including the closely related Nikon EL2.
| Model | Production | Exposure & Metering | Shutter & Sync | Lens Mount & Coupling | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical F-series | |||||
| Nikkormat FT | 1965–1967 |
Manual exposure. TTL full-frame averaging meter (CdS), match-needle display in viewfinder and top deck. |
Mechanical vertical-travel metal shutter (Copal). 1 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI). Requires “rabbit-ear” meter coupling shoe. Manual maximum-aperture setting on body after each lens change. |
First Nikkormat with built-in TTL meter. Mirror lock-up; two PC sockets (M and X); no built-in accessory shoe. |
| Nikkormat FS | 1965–1971 | No built-in light meter (unmetered body). |
Same mechanical shutter as FT: 1 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI). No meter coupling needed. |
FT stripped of meter and mirror lock-up. Relatively rare compared to FT. |
| Nikkormat FTn | 1967–1975 |
Manual exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter (CdS), match-needle with +/- markers, shutter-speed info in finder. |
Mechanical vertical shutter. 1 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI) with “double-twist” indexing: after mounting, turn aperture ring from minimum to maximum and back to couple max aperture. |
Choice of focusing screens (Type J microprism or Type A split-image). |
| Nikkormat FT2 | 1975–1977 |
Manual exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter (CdS). |
Mechanical vertical shutter. 1 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI). Same “double-twist” indexing as FTn. |
Fixed ISO hot shoe on prism; PC sockets combined into one. 1.5 V silver cell (S76 / SR44) instead of mercury cell. New Type K focusing screen (split-image + microprism). |
| Nikkormat FT3 | 1977 (sold into 1978) |
Manual exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter (CdS), as FT2. |
Mechanical vertical shutter. 1 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount with AI coupling. Supports AI (and most AF) Nikkor lenses with full-aperture metering. |
Essentially an FT2 updated for AI lenses. Last mechanical Nikkormat body; very short production run.{index=14} |
| EL-series (electronic, aperture priority) | |||||
| Nikkormat EL | 1972–1976 |
Manual or aperture-priority auto-exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter (CdS), match-needle (two needles) in finder. |
Electronically controlled vertical metal shutter. 4 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. Mechanical backup speed 1/90 s without battery. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI) with “double-twist” indexing for max aperture. Compatible with rabbit-ear Nikkors. |
First Nikon / Nikkormat with electronic auto-exposure. Choice of Type J or Type A focusing screens. |
| Nikkormat ELW | 1976–1977 |
Manual or aperture-priority auto-exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter (CdS). |
Electronically controlled vertical shutter. Auto range extended to 8 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. Mechanical backup 1/90 s without battery. |
Nikon F-mount (non-AI) with “double-twist” indexing (as EL).:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21} |
EL modified to accept Nikon AW-1 autowinder (up to ~2 fps). New standard Type K focusing screen. |
| Nikon EL2 | 1977–1978 |
Manual or aperture-priority auto-exposure. TTL 60/40 center-weighted meter using silicon photodiodes |
Electronically controlled vertical shutter (as ELW). Auto range up to 8 s – 1/1000 s + B; X-sync 1/125 s. |
Nikon F-mount with AI coupling. Full-aperture metering with AI (and most AF) lenses.:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} |
Successor to ELW; retains ELW features but adds AI support and SPD meter. Drops “Nikkormat” name; positioned as Nikon-branded body leading into FE.:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25} |