Nikon FT1

The Nikon FT-1 Mount Adapter is an official Nikon accessory that allows you to mount F-Mount NIKKOR lenses onto Nikon's CX-format mirrorless cameras from the Nikon 1 series (e.g., Nikon 1 J5, V3, V2, etc.).

In simple terms, it bridges the gap between Nikon's classic DSLR lens system and their now-discontinued advanced mirrorless camera system.

Key Features and Function

1. Mount Conversion: It physically adapts the F-mount (a large, 44mm throat diameter with a 46.5mm flange distance) to the much smaller Nikon 1 mount (a small, 40mm throat diameter with a 17mm flange distance).

2. Optical Element: This is a critical point. The FT-1 is not a simple tube of metal. It contains corrective optical elements (a lens) inside. This is necessary because of the massive difference in flange distance. Without this glass, you would not be able to achieve infinity focus, and optical quality would be severely degraded.

3. Electronic Communication: The adapter has electrical contacts that pass communication between the F-mount lens and the Nikon 1 camera body. This means:

   • Autofocus: Autofocus is supported, though its speed and performance depend on the specific lens and camera body.

   • Aperture Control: The camera can electronically control the lens's aperture.

   • EXIF Data: Lens metadata (focal length, aperture, etc.) is recorded correctly.

   • Vibration Reduction (VR): Lens-based VR is fully functional.

4. Effective Focal Length: This is the most important factor to understand. Nikon 1 cameras have a very small 2.7x crop factor.

   • The FT-1 does not change this crop factor.

   • Therefore, the effective focal length of any attached F-mount lens is multiplied by 2.7.

   • Example: A 50mm f/1.8 lens becomes a 135mm f/1.8 equivalent. A 300mm telephoto becomes an extreme 810mm equivalent.

This made the FT-1 an incredibly popular adapter for wildlife and sports photographers using the Nikon 1 system, as it provided enormous reach in a very small package.

mounted on Nikon V1

Why Did It Exist?

The Nikon 1 system (2011-2018) was Nikon's first mirrorless camera line. It had small, fast cameras but a limited native lens lineup. The FT-1 adapter was a strategic product that:

1. Leveraged the F-mount Ecosystem: It allowed existing Nikon DSLR users to use their extensive collection of NIKKOR lenses on the new, compact system.

2. Extended Functionality: It gave Nikon 1 users access to specialized lenses not available in the native mount, especially telephotos and macro lenses.

3. Provided a Marketing Advantage: It highlighted Nikon's strength of having a vast lens library to support a new camera system.

with Nikon 85mm F1.8 AF-S on V1

Compatibility

Cameras (Body Side):

• All Nikon 1 series cameras (e.g., J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, V1, V2, V3, S1, S2, AW1).

Lenses (Lens Side):

• Most AF-S, AF-I, and AF-P NIKKOR lenses are fully compatible with autofocus and all electronic features.

• Older AF-D and AF lenses that lack an internal focusing motor will not autofocus, as the Nikon 1 body lacks the mechanical screw-drive motor. They will function in manual focus mode only.

• AI and AI-S manual focus lenses will work in manual mode, but the camera cannot control the aperture, making them very difficult to use practically. The camera must be set to Exposure Mode A (Aperture-Priority), but you must set the aperture ring on the lens itself. Metering can be unreliable.

• Non-CPU Lenses (older pre-AI lenses) are not supported.

• The Nikon TC-14E, TC-17E, and TC-20E Teleconverters can be used between the FT-1 and a compatible lens.

with Nikon 85mm F1.8 AF-S on V1

The FT-1 Today

• Status of the Nikon 1 System: Nikon discontinued the 1 series in 2018 to focus on the larger Z-mount mirrorless system. Consequently, the FT-1 is also a discontinued product.

• Use Case: Its utility is now almost entirely for existing owners of Nikon 1 cameras who also own F-mount lenses. It is not a relevant adapter for owners of the newer Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

• FTZ vs. FT-1: For the modern Nikon Z-mount system, Nikon produces the FTZ Mount Adapter. The FTZ is a much more common and relevant adapter today. The FT-1 and FTZ are not interchangeable; they are for completely different camera systems.

• Value: Since the system is discontinued, the FT-1 can often be found on the used market. Prices vary but are generally lower than they were at launch.

In summary: The Nikon FT-1 is a specialized, electronic lens mount adapter with optical elements designed specifically to connect F-mount lenses to the discontinued Nikon 1 CX-format mirrorless camera system. It is a relic of that specific era in Nikon's history and is functionally obsolete for users of the current Z-mount system.