Introduction to the Nikkormat FTn: Video 2 of 2

Introduction to the Nikkormat FTn: Video 1 of 2

Here is part one of the Nikkormat FTn video series. Nikon built the FTn as a complement to the professional-level F models. These durable camera introduced many Nikon users to the Nikon professional camera lineup and accompanied many professionals as backup bodies.

Made mostly of metal components, these mechanical cameras, through each of our senses, convey solidness. The weight and substance, feel, response, sound, and even smell tell the users that these are serious cameras for serious users.

A Year in Photos: Here's what's coming

I'm starting to get back on my feet after two months without walking. In fact, today I took one of my Calumet cameras (a CC-401), my Ilex Caltar 165mm 1:4.7, and six pieces of Lucky 4X5 sheet film out to test the camera and lens. And, you know what, it works. The shots aren't remarkable in the slightest, but when they're scanned I'll post them. One of my goals this year is to learn how lens movements work and how to capitalize on them for my work. And, what I learn, I'll pass along.

In the mean time, for the next two weeks, at least, I'll post two entries a week on how to use different cameras. These will be from my YouTube feed. This week we'll look at the Nikkormat FTn. Next week, the Canon AE-1 will be the featured camera. As I record more of these, they'll be shared here, too.

Digitizing Film Photos

I can honestly say, I wish I had figured this out a year ago. I have wanted to use my DSLR to digitize film negatives instead of my scanner. The scanner has some resolution issues at times, is slow, and has a limited useful range (in terms of negative exposure range.)

After numerous different tries and configurations, I finally managed to find a way to digitize 35mm (and smaller) negatives with a crop-sensor DSLR. This video shows you how to do it:

Here's a clickable link.



I've found the results are very good and significantly faster than scanning. To simply digitize slides without any processing takes a tiny fraction of the time. For black and white negatives (which require inversion), it takes about the same amount of time as slides, though, because the negatives come in strips and can be fed through the setup more easily.

Color negatives are still vexing. The red film base gives the DSLR some problems in terms of scanning the color accurately. What I need is an unexposed frame and to then correct the white balance to make that frame clear. Then I can scan color negatives correctly, I think.

See you again in a week!