Does anyone still use their Nikon F2 regularly?

[Xmas]

Thanks, Richard. But I was asking about the resistor, not the CdS cell, but I'm just as tickled to know I can get new cells. Thanks for the link.

I did not think there were any spare DP-1 resistors the replacements are for later meters?

 

[Vilk]

...tell tale signs of shutter bounce.

...I photographed an immigration march...

motorized or hand-cranked?

 

[marcmarc]

Vilk, this was hand cranked. The F2's have a well deserved reputation, but eventually time catches up and these cameras, as great as they were, are awful long in the tooth and given that they were the pro level in the Nikon line, many may have seen heavy use. These days, I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one. I went with the F3 simply because they are newer and I figured they have less mileage on 'em and so far I've had less headaches with them. I'll probably sell my two F2 bodies to KEH for parts; one even has a DE-1 finder which if things have not changed is probably worth more then the body its attached to.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

My last F3P had shutter bounce issues, just like my backup F2AS. So, it can happen on the later cameras as well.

Maybe see if Sover would take your two F2 bodies in trade for one that is in good working order. I bet he would do that.

With respect to the DP-1 resistors, I suspect he does have some on hand, either as new old stock, or in parts DP-11 finders.

-J

 

[Vilk]

i asked because on both occasions when i saw irregular shutter behaviour it was me setting wrong speeds on the MD-2. overall, i've had more troubles with F3s, that's why i kept none of them while i still rotate my four F2s regularly. go figure... :confused: but generally, yes, i agree with your argument, can't wait for that one half-decent digicam that will make me honourably discharge the F2s

 

[Tom1956]

.i can open up a camera and tell if it was a used-up up pro camera. A lot of times you can tell just by looking at it. I wouldn't give up on F2's just yet.

 

[Xmas]

HiTom

But you take yours apart yourself Sover says buy a replacement F2 when the shutter needs replacing I just used fabric paint on mine.

Repair costs can be large.

The paint is ok on pin prick damage.

Noel

 

[Paul Goutiere]

My F2 just arrived from Sover Wong in the UK. Very nice so far.

-Looks better than it did, he cleaned it up very well.
-Advance much smoother than it was.
-Light meter isn't jumpy now.

So far is very good.
Now has a full role of Fuji Pro 160S.......we'll see!

 

[Chris Livsey]

My F2 just arrived from Sover Wong in the UK. Very nice so far.

Just transferred payment to sover for my F2AS. Really interesting to see the pics of the finder opened up, I wouldn't do that myself. He described it as quite dusty, if that is quite I would hate to see very. Ring resistor not bad but replaced as it can only deteriorate, looking forward to the return, at least mine is internal UK.

 

[Tom1956]

Just transferred payment to sover for my F2AS. Really interesting to see the pics of the finder opened up, I wouldn't do that myself. He described it as quite dusty, if that is quite I would hate to see very. Ring resistor not bad but replaced as it can only deteriorate, looking forward to the return, at least mine is internal UK.

I just finished working on my first DP1 finder a few days ago. What a bag of worms. But I did a beautiful job. and it now works perfectly. Before, the needle was bobbing all over the place, and inaccurate when it wasn't wiggling everywhere. Boy, was that an exercise in patience.

 

[Xmas]

With respect to the DP-1 resistors, I suspect he does have some on hand, either as new old stock, or in parts DP-11 finders.

-J

Hi John

Whoops think you are correct replacement is an option during service.

Noel

 

[John_Nikon_F]

Noel,

Yup, if it needs it, he'll replace it. I guess I'm only sending him my DP-12. Due to financial concerns and the fact that I'd like a good working F3P, I'm selling off the other F2AS instead of sending it along with the finder.

-J

 

[Nate10]

If I had Nikon lenses, I'd use a Nikon F2 regularly.

 

[Chris Livsey]

Back from Sover

Seals replaced on the body, speeds very good so no extended service required. AS head full service and new ring resistor fitted, old one was not bad but no reason to skimp and she is good for the lifetime of the next photographer when I go!!

Constant feedback from Sover throughout, pictures of the disassembly and chart of speed tests, his assessment of what work required and not done unless authorised. Never had a service like this from other independents, Leica or Hasselblad. I wish I had another to send in, just for the experience.

Biggest difference: The finder is clean and clear, was very dusty internally.

"using their F2 regularly" absolutely

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Congratulations Chris! Have fun!

 

[D1v1d]

Yes it's my primary 35mm shooter. I get maximum creativity out of this. Desert landscapes at year end with Eastman Double X


http://d1v1d.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Desert/G0000.CALXwHotug/I0000geMFpKXzikc

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

This is such a funny thread. Goes to sleep for months, then awakes for a few days, sleeps for a few days then wakes up, then back to sleep for a few days...or months, then.....

 

[Vilk]

This is such a funny thread. Goes to sleep for months, then awakes for a few days, sleeps for a few days then wakes up, then back to sleep for a few days...or months, then.....

like our F2s, just like our F2s...

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Yes it's my primary 35mm shooter. I get maximum creativity out of this. Desert landscapes at year end with Eastman Double X


http://d1v1d.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Desert/G0000.CALXwHotug/I0000geMFpKXzikc

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Very nice shot. I have some XX in a bulk loader that I have to spool up this weekend...

 

[Paul Goutiere]

About two weeks ago I received my F2 Photomic back from Sover Wong in the UK. He overhauled the body and DP-1 finder.
It took me that long to get around to finishing a roll of Fuji 160s and the results are pretty much typical from a camera
after having been overhauled by this guy.

Before I sent it to him the camera's DP-1 finder was fairly jumpy and it made it hard to really be confident in the exposure
and the advance was not nearly as smooth as my other F2.

All that has changed. The camera feels much different. The meter is not at all jumpy and the film advance is smooth as silk. (relatively speaking)
Each exposure I took on the roll of film was accurate and the spacing between the frames perfect.

I'll not be hesitant to use the camera now.



There is something about a specialist who only works on one model of anything, be it camera or car; he's pretty much seen everything and
fixed everything.

If you can do it, I'd recommend you send your camera to him. It will take a while but the results are well worth the wait and cost.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

Paul,

So, I guess the other F2 will be boxed up and sent to him as well?

-J

 

[Paul Goutiere]

Paul,

So, I guess the other F2 will be boxed up and sent to him as well?

-J

I'm not sure yet. Perhaps. The other works pretty well at this point.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

I'm not sure yet. Perhaps. The other works pretty well at this point.

Cool...

Oh, a pic of my two...



Taken with the DPUG gear, but... The Soverized one is the body on the right, btw.

-J

 

[jbcrane]

I just read through the entire thread and guess it might be time to wake it up again ;-). Thanks all for the GREAT information, especially regarding the MD2 serial number/gear issue and the DP-1 resistor issues. I'm recently the (very) pleased owner of 2 F2's. Well, three really - but 2 active. A chrome F2 Photomic (74XXXX) and a black F2s (75XXXXX) with the MD2/MB1. I've had a ball hunting and gathering various components, parts and pieces; like a treasure hunt. A little late to the party I know, but after only a few short months I've fallen hard for these cameras. I also have and use the F (FTn Photomic), the F4s, F5, F6 and for digital work the D3s. Acknowledging a tendency to be infatuated with the most recent, new-to-me camera, in context of his older and younger brothers I do believe the F2 is special. What makes him special are all the things you've already commented on, as well as his unique position in history: the fact the camera is the last hand-assembled, all-mechanical camera produced by Nikon. The other F's and other cameras have their unique attributes too - but the F2 seems to embody the attributes Nikon became so well known for; durability, longevity, toughness, that stout beauty we love to hold.

The chrome F2 was purchased for $65 and listed in "top condition." It was not. A common failing of the F2; the plastic battery compartment had shattered, sending bits and pieces of plastic into the shutter mechanism jamming the camera. I was disappointed but had it repaired by a local shop here in northern Colorado for $160. I picked up a very nice condition DP-1 ("late" serial number 60XXXX) for $50 that appeared jumpy and inconsistent when placed on the broken body due to intermittent contact from the broken battery compartment. Now the battery compartment is repaired the DP-1 works perfectly and I feel extremely fortunate to have very nice - but not perfect - shooter. I've nick named him Humpty Dumpty.


The F2s was purchased from Japan listed in excellent+++ condition. It is, except for the bottom plate which is slightly deformed, and a unfunctioning LED in the DP-2 indicating over exposure. The MD-2/MB-1 is mounted to the black F2s and it is a formidable set up, earning the nickname The Hulk. I'll send the F2s into Sover this winter for the gear replacement, whatever CLA is needed and a LED replacement. For now it's plenty shootable, using under exposure as the starting point then calculating from there.

Thanks again all for the terrific information and enthusiasm surrounding this beautiful hunk of a camera. I'm now using my 2 F2's regularly; one typically loaded with Portra 400, the other with Pan F50, and running E-6 in the F6. I only shoot the D3s when I'm being paid and need the fast turn around. The rest of the time it's film and I couldn't be happier - until I get the Hulk back from Sover.

Happy shooting, JBC

 

[John_Nikon_F]

^John,

I think, once you shoot with The Hulk after servicing, you'll be wanting to send Humpty over as well. I have my F2AS loaded up with a roll of Portra 400, which will be used at the annual greek festival in Seattle next Saturday. Feeling a little bit like a traitor today though, but going to take the F3P out with me this afternoon and burn some Ektar. Removed the MD-4 from it and am using it in F3 Limited mode (no drive, regular film back).

-J