Canon F1n vs. Nikon F2? Really, is one better than the other?

dynachrome · Sep 9, 2020

Regarding Canon 85mm lenses, I bought an 85/1.8 FL lens for about $10 in rough condition some years ago at a camera show. I had it serviced and used it. It's very good. My other Canon 85 is an f/1.8 New FD but I use the FL lens more,in stop-down metering mode on FD cameras.

George Mann · Sep 9, 2020

Acticus said:
The Canon lenses were superb...generally better that Nikon's.

Technically perhaps, but I find the rendition of much of their lenses too clinical and sterile for my liking.

nicholasnicholas · Nov 7, 2023

Speaking of lenses, what are some of canons best FD / FL in terms of rendering with an “artistic” character / quality / imperfections ?

I love my nikkor PreAI lenses as they just have something modern lenses lost.
Looking to find a similar setup for my new to me Canon F1NEW

Sirius Glass · Nov 7, 2023

Both cameras were state of the art when they were introduced and both are great cameras. The important choice can be made by handling each on and seeing first how it fits in your hands and fits your style, and then the choice of features. How others feel about it has nothing to do with how the camera works for you and only you. Thus the reason that this thread has run 24 pages and 604 posts.

BMbikerider · Nov 7, 2023

SchwinnParamount said:
I have them both and love them both. Silly question, but should I love one more than the other? This question is all about personal opinion but is it possible to quantify the advantages of one vs. the other and then decide the best camera?

Let my attempt this:

F2: Heavier. F1n: Lighter
F2: The exposure information in the finder is brighter and easier to read. Aperture and shutter speed are at bottom of frame and both are bright.
F1n: Gorgeous matte black finish and lovely lines
F2: Says "Nikon" on the front of the prism...
F1n: Doesn't
F1n: Pleasing font used for "Canon" on prism.
F1n: 50mm 1.4 is great lens, focus to 1 foot.
F2: 50mm 1.4 is a great lens, does not focus as close as 1 foot.
F1n: Lighted exposure info in prism.
F1n: Has Aperture priority AE mode (Should I be comparing the F1n to the Nikon F3??)
Both: Wonderful clunk when shutter is fired.
Both: Can be used as weapons if you are being mugged.
Both: Exchangeable finders and focus screens
Both: Excellent lenses available in all interesting focal lengths
F1n: Lenses are cheaper.
F1n: Professes a like for HP5+
F2: Won't load HP5+ without a bit of whining.

Look at it this way. They were both discontinued around the same time, give or take a few years. How many F2 models do you see for sale still mostly functioning as they were designed when compared with the Canon version. I will leave you to work out the answer.

dave olson · Nov 26, 2023

I have two Canon F1 new model, I've used them for years. I was never sol on the big Nikons.

benjiboy · Mar 11, 2024

SchwinnParamount said:
I can get them at my local grocery store too. Same battery is used by the A1 and the AE1

The Canon F1n was designed to take 1 PX 625 1.35 mercury oxide battery, I think you mean the F1N or New F1. that uses a PX 28 silver oxide one, or a PX 28L lithium one.

benjiboy · May 20, 2024

Having owned both, I believe after more than thirty years of use there are more Canon F1ns on the used market nowadays than Nikon F 2 Photomics because the the carbon ring resistor in the metering head wears over time, and there are no replacements.
The Canon F1n uses a much better-designed meter that uses a beam splitter in the focusing screen to divert the light into the prism that isn't subject to the same mechanical wear.

eli griggs · May 20, 2024

benjiboy said:
Having owned both, I believe after more than thirty years of use there are more Canon F1ns on the used market nowadays than Nikon F 2 Photomics because the the carbon ring resistor in the metering head wears over time, and there are no replacements.
The Canon F1n uses a much better-designed meter that uses a beam splitter in the focusing screen to divert the light into the prism that isn't subject to the same mechanical wear.

YEAH!

skahde · Jul 5, 2024

After scanning through this thread it's interesting how things have developed. To me it's simple: Pick the camera you like better with respect to features and handling, build on the knowledge of others and pick the best lenses for either system depending on your needs. Both have so much great things to offer, it rely depends on the photographer to make the best out if it. In either case: Use to its strength, satisfaction guaranteed!

George Mann · Jul 8, 2024

benjiboy said:
Having owned both, I believe after more than thirty years of use there are more Canon F1ns on the used market nowadays than Nikon F 2 Photomics because the the carbon ring resistor in the metering head wears over time, and there are no replacements.

Sover Wong has replacement metal rings for these.

benjiboy · Jul 9, 2024

George Mann:
Sover Wong has replacement metal rings for these.
I know that (they are carbon rings) but he has a waiting list lasting years.

BradS · Jul 9, 2024

benjiboy said:
... the carbon ring resistor in the metering head wears over time, and there are no replacements.
...

George Mann said:
Sover Wong has replacement metal rings for these.

benjiboy said:
I know that (they are carbon rings) but he has a waiting list lasting years.

a long queue is significantly different from and certainly not the same as "there are no replacements".

http://soverf2repair.com/DP1_ring_resistors.html
http://soverf2repair.com/DP12_ring_resistor.html

Karl K · Jul 14, 2024

I've shot primarily with Nikons since the early '60's, and into the present digital era.
As I've mentioned before, the late Marty Forscher, legendary camera repair technician, owner of Professional Camera Repair in NYC, and inventor of many things photographic, told me that the Nikon F2 was the best built, best designed and easiest to service 35mm camera ever made....including any Leica.

My primary reason for choosing the Nikon F2 over the Canon F1n is:
Canon's exposure information visible through the viewfinder and the subject are in two different planes.
My eyes have to refocus each time I switch from one to the other view.

Nikon F2 (choose any Photomic), not so.
The exposure info and the subject are both in the same plane, at least that's the way my eyes see them.

YMMV.

I have found that there are many other advantages that the Nikon holds over the Canon, but I'm too lazy to list all of them right now.

Maybe later.

benjiboy · Jul 14, 2024

BradS said:
a long queue is significantly different from and certainly not the same as "there are no replacements".

http://soverf2repair.com/DP1_ring_resistors.html
http://soverf2repair.com/DP12_ring_resistor.html

I don't own a Nikon camera, but if I did at my age if I sent it to Sover Wong with his turnaround time I might not still be alive to receive it when it's returned..

Canon F1n vs. Nikon F2? Really, is one better than the other?

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