Nikon Nikkormat FT2 black (same as Nikomat FT2)

Introduced in 1975, the Nikon Nikkormat FT2 black (identical to the Nikomat FT2 sold in Japan) was the final and most refined iteration of Nikon's successful Nikkormat series of 35mm SLRs. Positioning itself firmly below the flagship Nikon F2 yet above the consumer-level F-series bodies like the EL2, the FT2 represented the pinnacle of Nikkormat engineering and a highly capable, professional-oriented camera for serious enthusiasts and working photographers who desired reliability and precision without the F2's bulk or price. Its design followed the established Nikkormat aesthetic: a clean, functional black body (available alongside chrome), primarily constructed of robust metal, featuring a large, comfortable pentaprism viewfinder with bright focusing screens and a comprehensive array of controls logically laid out. The core innovation underpinning its appeal was the highly accurate and reliable through-the-lens (TTL) center-weighted light meter, coupled with the fully mechanical Copal Square focal plane shutter offering speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second plus B, ensuring consistent performance independent of batteries (though the meter required one battery). This combination of excellent metering, proven mechanical shutter reliability, and Nikon's renowned build quality made the FT2 a trusted workhorse for documentary, photojournalism, and serious amateur photography during the mid-1970s, valued for its straightforward operation and rugged dependability.

The FT2 maintained compatibility with Nikon's extensive F-mount lens ecosystem, a critical factor in its practicality and longevity. It incorporated the standard Nikkormat features like the automatic diaphragm lens coupling and the stop-down preview lever, providing full aperture priority operation when paired with an Auto-Nikkor lens. While not introducing radical new technology like the contemporary F2's optional DP-12 finder or the EL2's electronic aperture priority, the FT2 perfected the Nikkormat formula, offering a refined, no-compromise experience for photographers who prioritized robustness, mechanical simplicity, and excellent metering in a mid-range package. It stood as a testament to Nikon's commitment to building cameras built to last, embodying a practical and highly functional approach to 35mm SLR design that satisfied a significant segment of the professional and advanced amateur market before the rise of more advanced electronic bodies in the late 1970s.