35mm SLR Replacement for Nikon F2

Xmas · Sep 3, 2013

Get a De-1 for the F2 and a spot meter.

snay1345 · Sep 3, 2013

Nikon FE. Thing is a tank and can use all lenses that are worth using.

Cold · Sep 3, 2013

Other than the system (drives, flashes, etc.) and interchangeable lenses (natually a big part of an SLR), I'd suggest the Oly 35SP fixed-lens rangefinder. Full manual, auto, spot meter, fast sharp glass, plenty of info in the viewfinder, manual focus...

Xmas · Sep 4, 2013

snay1345 said:
Nikon FE. Thing is a tank and can use all lenses that are worth using.

a F or F2 in Nam stopped lead for a PJ might have needed some attention afterwards but he was ok he carried a second.

Built like a FSU T-34

Vilk · Sep 4, 2013

cool... my current herd of F2 bodies is what made me phase out all other cameras i had been using; don't even remember how they felt anymore

best of luck replacing The One!

ps. in a reasonably well-maintained F2 the shutter speed column turns easily at the tip of the index finger, no need to release the grip; eyeball and preset the exposure and you've saved yourself some shopping woes... of course, a new toy is always fun, go for it, all i'm saying is don't ditch the F2 just yet, it's a good one

Charles Wass · Sep 4, 2013

If you are still researching the Canon New F-1 you should look at:

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/film/data/1976-1985/1981_newf-1.html

and Dead Link Removed

and you could ask detailed questions at
http://www.photo.net/canon-fd-camera-forum/

gone · Sep 4, 2013

I use an old Nikon N8008s w/ a split prism focus screen installed for all of my manual focus shooting (but there's a Nikkormat FT2 and an EM in a drawer that never get used). It has pretty much everything you mentioned, and it cost me $20, shipped. The spot meter is fantastic, and it takes Nikon lenses and Leica R lenses w/ adapters. It doesn't look like a modern DSLR, it looks like a very ugly, old, "modern" film camera. Big, bright viewfinder, AE, AE lock, all sorts of neat things.

I generally decide on my lenses first, then decide on a camera, since there's a world of difference between different manufacturers lenses.

DaveO · Sep 6, 2013

F 4 might be the answer. FM2n has lighted diodes for exposure, but not ss. FM2n should be fairly inexpensive. F 4 might not be too expensive either. F 5 if you want to lug around a brick.

Marvin · Sep 6, 2013

I think the Nikon F5 would fit the bill, Color Matrix Metering, within the price you gave and lenses in that range. With the F5 you don't have to buy and accessory motor drive but it is a big camera. The F100 and N80 also good choices.

damonff · Sep 7, 2013

Second the F4.

Mark Feldstein · Sep 7, 2013

I still shoot a lot using F-2 or F2A bodies using DP3 viewfinder metering systems and pretty old Nikkor lenses. Although I feel the DP3 is accurate for many applications, I use a hand held meter like a Lunapro or Sekonic because I think those results are more accurate for a particular scene than the DP3. In that respect, why go to a whole new system without even lens interchangeability?

I wouldn't toss the baby out with the bath water, so-to-speak, keep your F2 and Nikkor lens(es) and just use a good handheld meter.
Mark

damonff · Sep 7, 2013

Mark Feldstein said:
I still shoot a lot using F-2 or F2A bodies using DP3 viewfinder metering systems and pretty old Nikkor lenses. Although I feel the DP3 is accurate for many applications, I use a hand held meter like a Lunapro or Sekonic because I think those results are more accurate for a particular scene than the DP3. In that respect, why go to a whole new system without even lens interchangeability?

I wouldn't toss the baby out with the bath water, so-to-speak, keep your F2 and Nikkor lens(es) and just use a good handheld meter.
Mark

Yes, totally agree.

SafetyBob · Sep 9, 2013

I am going to third a F4, with my reason is if you can get a nice one, it should last without any need for attention which I can appreciate your situation being in the middle of nowhere for service. With that F4 (may I further recommend a F4S), you will have zero issues with using all those Nikor lenses you already have AND if you decide you wish to do the autofocus thing, you have that option. I needed the AF to follow kids around, I just cannot focus like I used to anymore....I need autofocus. Perhaps you are not following around running kids and AF may not be a big issue. It's nice to have the option.

I would recommend an N90 or variant as a very nice substitute (and literally throw away price so if it dies, in the trash it goes!!), but with the AF thing, my F5 is really king and I use a TC-16A with it for my limited autofocus and slam a MF lens of any age infront of it (as I recall, any will work to include non-Ai, but I would have to check on that). That is how I beat the MF thing with the older MF lenses and have autofocus. If it's a meaningful photographic situation, I don't use this setup...this is for fun, casual stuff.

Mark's comment about a GOOD lightmeter and see if you can work that in your style. If it works, so much the better.....there aren't many cameras left that are as bullet proof as that old F-2 of yours.....

Bob E.

Mark Feldstein · Sep 11, 2013

I agree with Bob E too. I have two F4S' as well. Between the F2s and F4's, I'm told you can use them to pound fence posts AND they can also make nice photos. Great having the multi-function capabilities including using the Nikkor manual or auto-focus lenses. That's a real asset in my book. Pounding fence posts. . .nah, not so much but you never can tell in a crunch.
Mark

Tom1956 · Sep 11, 2013

With a decent F2, you couldn't trade it from me for a train load of the later models.

Besk · Sep 11, 2013

I suggest that you try the F3HP. (I use a F2 and N70 for 35mm SLR work but acknowledge that the F3HP might suit you better.

laroygreen · Oct 6, 2013

This is an old thread, but just for closure, I went with a Minolta XD11. I got it at a good price (still in transit so I don't have it yet) with two lenses (50 and 135) so decided to give it a go. It ticks most of my boxes and the only thing it doesn't have that I wanted was spot metering, but I'll see if I can live with the center weighted metering. Thanks everyone for the recommendations as always!

35mm SLR Replacement for Nikon F2

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