The MD-2 has a plastic gear that loves to self-destruct. Get an MD-1 or consult Sover Wong for an easy fix for the MD-2. I have an MD-1; it's damned heavy but I can't imagine life without it, mostly because I like having a hand grip (I don't use a camera strap; my camera needs to be in my hand, ready to go, or else it doesn't get used).
If you can get a battery pack with the AA holders, lithium batteries work great. They make the camera top-heavy though.
Bradley, what serial range are we talking about? Only well-used late model drives develop the problem. The one I had was in the 446xxx range.
Mine range from 425xxx on the F2(DE1)bodies to 460xxx + on the F2A/F2ASs. At what vintage of drive do the problems appear?
I do like following threads where people extol the reliability and build quality of their equipment. I like hefty, well constructed and (sometimes) well-crafted and tactile cameras. But reading through this thread from the first post on just highlighted the clichés used like cheap currency. "Built like a tank" - please, stop saying that. Is it a good thing? Heavy, unwieldy... just over-used phrase and not at all meaningful any more. And "hammer nails with it" - really? Has anyone tried it? Don't think any camera will stand up that. And it is also a boring, banal statement. "It's a weapon" - yes, in as much as any moderately heavy object can be. So what. Your camera is heavy. Big deal.
Like this thread though - nice info and love for a good camera.
Ran about 1/2 roll of XP2 through one of my F2's today. I'll finish it off during the week. I love the weight and feel of this camera.
I do like following threads where people extol the reliability and build quality of their equipment. I like hefty, well constructed and (sometimes) well-crafted and tactile cameras. But reading through this thread from the first post on just highlighted the clichés used like cheap currency. "Built like a tank" - please, stop saying that. Is it a good thing? Heavy, unwieldy... just over-used phrase and not at all meaningful any more. And "hammer nails with it" - really? Has anyone tried it? Don't think any camera will stand up that. And it is also a boring, banal statement. "It's a weapon" - yes, in as much as any moderately heavy object can be. So what. Your camera is heavy. Big deal.
Like this thread though - nice info and love for a good camera.
I remember buying my first Nikon F2, used, in 1985. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
Occasionally I take it out as a second body to My F3 or F4, but for the most part it sits on a shelf.
It's not that I use a lot of 35mm these days preferring my medium format cameras and their great negatives, but I wonder if
perhaps I should use the F2 a bit more.
Does anyone use their F2 on exclusively or on a regular basis?
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I do like following threads where people extol the reliability and build quality of their equipment. I like hefty, well constructed and (sometimes) well-crafted and tactile cameras. But reading through this thread from the first post on just highlighted the clichés used like cheap currency. "Built like a tank" - please, stop saying that. Is it a good thing? Heavy, unwieldy... just over-used phrase and not at all meaningful any more. And "hammer nails with it" - really? Has anyone tried it? Don't think any camera will stand up that. And it is also a boring, banal statement. "It's a weapon" - yes, in as much as any moderately heavy object can be. So what. Your camera is heavy. Big deal.
Like this thread though - nice info and love for a good camera.
I love my F2AS, and its a wonderful camera, but when you walk around holding your camera (not a fan of straps), you notice it real quickly
I want to try an MD-3...
Anecdotal evidence, I know, but still--nothing but (reliability) grief with MD-3; gave up on them altogether entirely after missing shot after shot. I work my drives relatively hard, pretending the digi revolution never happened--MD-2 is worth its weight in gold... Hey, just think you're holding a gold bar, it might work!
PS. Have you tried lithium AAs in the MD-2? Noticeably lighter and faster.
Did the gears in your MD-3 break?
I LOVE lithium batteries. I started using them for their lighter weight, but they also seem less likely to leak.
Did the gears in your MD-3 break?
I LOVE lithium batteries. I started using them for their lighter weight, but they also seem less likely to leak.
^ That's funny but sad.
My F2 stopped working the other day; I'm quite upset about it. I'm not sure what happened, but I think the motor drive may have been seated improperly and jammed the shutter. It won't budge. Plus, the film in the camera tore in half when I tried to rewind it. I'm in contact with Sover, and may send it to him. Unfortunately, if the shutter is dead, I think it's more economically feasible to replace the whole body.
So bummed. It's been my daily shooter for a couple of years now. I guess I'm lucky to have backup cameras available (F3HP and FM2N). So it could be worse.
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