Re: [Leica] Self introduction and first info-seeking topic

[Rei Shinozuka <shino@ubspainewebber.com>]

i really enjoyed these links, dante.

although i haven't used my N*k*ns for a decade, i remember my F3s as
my last japanese cameras that were more machine than computer. and i do
think guigiaro sculpted a very good-looking machine.

it's sure fun to read about.

in answer to your question  about the F3, your own link gives an answer:

http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/rhnc/rhnc11shut2-e.htm

   However, Nikon's top SLR model --- the F3 (1980) --- still employed a
   horizontal-travel shutter. 
   Vertical-travel shutters were inferior to horizontal-travel shutters in a
     number of ways. 
  The vertical-travel shutter had lower bearing capacity in film advancing,
     lower durability, and it allowed more light to enter when the mirror
     was up.
  To apply a vertical-travel shutter to the the F3's successors, Nippon Kogaku
     (renamed as Nikon in 1988) had to first clear those hurdles.
  They continued studying and developing new shutter blades and related parts
     in order to create a higher-performance vertical-travel shutter for the
     F4.

thanks again for the links.

- -rei


> From: "dante@umich.edu" <dante@umich.edu>

> So why do Nikkormats have vertical shutters?  The Nikkormats were
> reengineered around the body casting.  With a vertical shutter you cut down
> the number of castings.  The Nikkormats were reengineered from the F:
> 
> http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/cousins/cousins05-e.htm
> 
> and the vertical shutters are cheaper to house.  It is noted that it is very
> tough to redo a body design, and with the huge popularity of the F, Nikon
> was probably nervous about changing the design.  When the F2 came about, it
> was necessary to retain most of the F's design:
> 
> http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/rhnc/rhnc04f2-e.htm
> 
> God only knows what was going on with the F3.  Probably tradition?  That
> probably also explains the M6 shutter - you have to keep it given the height
> of the camera.
> 
> Dante
- --
To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html