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Page last updated: Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Nikkormat FS (1965 to 1971)
The Nikon F was, of course, designed as a camera for professionals. With its innovative features, serious hobbyists desired to join the legions of Nikon owners, but weren't necessarily prepared to pay the significant amount of money commanded by the F. After a brief attempt to placate these users with the Nikkorex F, Nikon released the first Nikkormats in mid-1965. The feature rich Nikkormat FT was embraced by amateur photographers, while the FS, which lacked a mirror lock up and built-in light meter, was pushed to the back of the shelf. Although on the market much longer than the FT, the FS did not sell as many units. For what it's worth, the FS was only produced in chrome.
Failure to sell in the 1960's has led the FS to arguably be the most collectable of the Nikkormat series. While an average FT or FTn will bring $30 to $50, a well-documented, even a broken FS is sure to fetch more than $100. In recent months, moderately used FS bodies have commanded more than $150 each in online auctions.
As of April 19, 2008, I've completed my FS collection. One if a Nikkormat FS, which is in great shape. The other, a Nikomat FS, has a frozen shutter, and some dings on the top. Still, neither was more than $80, shipped. This just shows that bargains may still be had, if one is willing to look for them.
This is my Nikkormat FS, cleaned up and tricked out with a vintage 50mm f/1.4 lens, as well as a chrome Nikkor L39 filter!
"The Nikkormat FS is identical to the FT except that it does not have through-the-lens reading or the mirror lock-up feature."
And Comon and Evans (Who were Comon and Evans?)
"This is a simplified and less expensive version of the FT without built-in meter or lock-up capabilities. Identify by: 1) 'Nikkormat' inscribed on the front of the prism. 2) 'FS' preceding the serial number on the top of the body."
The price guide indicates the FS had a list price of $114 in chrome. It was not released in black.
