It is ironic that someone who unceremoniously has dumped his vintage gear both acquired and used in the 60 - 70's, should have this "treasure trove" come his way. In fairness, my old gear was dumped when cash was decisevely more important than nostalgia. But here we have nostalgia! All this largess is due to a beneficient uncle who thought I might enjoy trying film again! We have, Nikon F, FTN, circa 1968-69, micro Nikkor-P-C 55mm, f/3.5 complete with M2 adapter and HS-4 hood, (I'd say mint condition,) a Nikkor-P-C 105mm, f/2.5 and and the only AI lens, Zoom-Nikkor 35-105, f/3.5-4.5. Finally, what I prize the most, an absolutely mint Nikkor-P-C 400mm, f/5.6. This lens was acquired in Japan, directly, and used only once.
Today, right out of the gate, I was lucky and located a factory conversion kit #55 for the 400mm!!! I fear my luck will not persist in locating the #63 kit (micro 55mm) and #39 kit (105mm.) However, the M2 will mount on a modern camera and I can use the micro with that anyways. The 105mm will have limited use for now. I do not want to cut into the lens ring for the "home made" adaptation and would rather sit, wait and see.
I have to laugh since my aunt (she is wiser because only a couple weeks older than I) asked what I would do with that "heavy thing" - meaning the FTN. My reflexive response was, "makes a great doorstop!"
I remember, in photography school, around 1971, I was a little jealous of my well heeled fellow students who sported this expensive state of the art Nikon gear. I certainly did not shoot Nikon then! Look what I missed and now so much fun to play with and fabulous historic fabrication to admire. I know the camera has very little monetary value, but its the thoughts that count!
BTW, I'm appreciative to still be a member of NikonGear, but, alas, my photography has suffered after a year of avoidance due to bad arthritis in neck and wrists. Hence, in the timeliness of sharing this gift, I wish everyone the best for Christmas!
