FT-2 ask

Hi guys...

I won a nice FT-2 camera at auction.
It comes complete with cassettes and the seller assures it is in working order. He is not here with me yet and so I have decided to gather information.
There are 3 main questions:

1)How do i load the film into the cassette? Can the cassette be opened or does it push like in the rapid system?

2)it's the old model with the tensioner on the bottom ... how do i know if this tensioner needs to be changed from its current position? Is there a correct procedure to possibly modify the tensioner?

3)somewhere I read that the keys that determine the shutter speed have a position even for 1/60 ... It's true?

Many thanks and happy new year !!!

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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

Hi!

Yes, the cassettes do come apart so it's easy to load film. My mistake is always to load too much. They should hold 36 exposures fine, but I use bulk film so have sometimes tried to cram too much in.

As for the tensioner... I don't know, I've never adjusted mine.

The fourth setting exists, but playing with my two cameras it is quite difficult to tell if it is slower than the 1/100 setting. It makes a very similar sound. Has anyone actually tried two exposures and compared them?

It's a great camera - one of my favourites.

Michael.

quote:

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Originally posted by perkinsmg

Hi!


As for the tensioner... I don't know, I've never adjusted mine.

The fourth setting exists, but playing with my two cameras it is quite difficult to tell if it is slower than the 1/100 setting. It makes a very similar sound. Has anyone actually tried two exposures and compared them?

It's a great camera - one of my favourites.

Michael.

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Many thanks Michael !!! ... but ... in what position should the keys be set to get 1/60 (pseudo) ???

when it arrives I will not touch the tensioner


http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/30122020_188388026.jpg





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Only dead fish follow the stream ...
http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/30122020_188388027.jpg


http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/30122020_188388028.jpg


http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/30122020_188388029.jpg


http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/30122020_188388030.jpg

The two levers each have two positions, so that makes four possibilities. Only three appear on the instruction plate. The fourth, with both levers pointing away from each other, is the mystery setting.

The hard thing with this camera is getting the horizon in the right place. Looking through the viewfinder, it's difficult to tell whether you're pointing too much towards the ground or the sky. If anyone knows a good way to avoid that, let me know - I've had a few nice photos spoilt by cutting off the bottom or top of objects.

I also find the viewfinder underestimates the width of the photo - you seem to get a lot more panorama than you expect.

Finally, one of mine doesn't catch very well when re-cocking the shutter. So it's easy to let it slip out of your fingers when cocking and get a double exposure. Grip the cocking lever well and make sure you feel it catch before letting go.

Like I said though, despite these small issues I love this camera - you've made a great purchase. One of mine is just like yours, with the same case. The other is a later export version, without the tensioner and a different case.

Michael.

many thanks Michael ... the serial number is 610531.

I have enough experience with pinhole photography; Also this technique has virtually no viewfinders ... but so sometimes I apply a peephole of those for doors with the correct viewing angle. this is 120 ° .

https://www.ebay.it/itm/Spioncino-Ottico-per-Porta-a-2-Lenti-Visuale-120-Diametro-12mm-in-Ottone-/152106669858

I'll do some tests.

BR and happy new year



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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

the camera has arrived and it is beautiful.
I loaded the spool and inserted everything without problems.
I turned the knob 3 and a half turns and placed the indicator on frame 1.

I'm ready for the first shot.
Now ... after I take the shot, how far do I have to turn the knob to position the film for the second frame ???

Many thanks to all !!!

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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

Hi!
Glad you're happy with the camera!
It's three complete revolutions per shot.
If you want to count the frames taken then do three complete revolutions plus enough to take you to the next number - e.g. wind from 1 to 1 to 1 to 2.
Michael.

great information Michael !!! Thanks a lot !!

so if I understood correctly,I have to do three full laps every time I want to advance the frame and the counter will position itself on the correct number.

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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

Yes, three full revolutions of the counter. And advance to the next number if you want (there's nothing automatic about the counter increment. I also don't get frame overlap even if I don't move to the next number).

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/322021_ft2.jpg




http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/322021_ft2-1.jpg




http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/322021_ft2-2.jpg




http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/322021_ft2-3.jpg



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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

quote:

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Originally posted by perkinsmg

Yes, three full revolutions of the counter. And advance to the next number if you want (there's nothing automatic about the counter increment. I also don't get frame overlap even if I don't move to the next number).

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perfect !!!

I have attached a piece of old film so as not to waste a shot.
I loaded a 24 exposure film ... will I get 8 frames?

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Only dead fish follow the stream ...

You should do. I think I got 12 from a 36exp. These days I usually load bulk film.