Just glancing at this... a long, long time ago (1978?) I handled what I think I can recall as being an F2 Photomic? Is this what this camera is? For my small hands back then, it must have been quite a haul-up (being confined to a wheelchair with distrophy at that time, since long, long recovered). But a few years later I was the owner of a Nikon F3, probably the next new kid on the block after the F2? Fascinating that the F2 workhorse is still in use and much loved by so many. I vaguely recognised it from the photo in the posts. I haven't seen one second hand for many years so I guess they are rare.
Does anyone still use their Nikon F2 regularly?
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- Thread starter Paul Goutiere
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OP
OP
Yes.
Not too rare. Ebay has quite a few for sale in various states of repair.
Out of date?
My F ('68) is the newest camera I use regularly. The other stuff goes back to 1905 or so, and I use that pretty regularly, too.
Out of date? really?
Correct. You need a Graphic or Graflex with the slow traveling shutter curtain, use a low tension setting and the smallest slit.
Ah yes...the Photomic. The only problem is you have to replace the nuclear pellet inside it every 650 years.
My main camera is the F2 Photomic.
Although I got a Canon F1 from my Grandfather recently with a MUCH larger assortment of lenses and accessories, I still prefer the feel and use of the Nikon for some reason.
Although I got a Canon F1 from my Grandfather recently with a MUCH larger assortment of lenses and accessories, I still prefer the feel and use of the Nikon for some reason.
I wish I'd never gotten rid of mine. With the plain prism they had great balance and were such sweet, simple machines.
The F with plain prism has a similar feel and balance.
I have a black F2 Photomic and a chrome F2 with a meterless prism. One or the other get used at least weekly.
I do, two with DP-1 meter heads (one black, the other chrome) and a black F2S.
I haven't used one since 1984 when someone stole my F2AS. I would probably still use it often today if I still have it.
OP
OP
The F2 when coupled with the motor drive is an impressive looking machine. I've never owned or used the motor drive, and I have a F4s so I likely don't need another camera with a motor drive, but one day I'll get one anyway.
Any preferences for a motor drive? MD-1, MD-2 ??
Any preferences for a motor drive? MD-1, MD-2 ??
I would say get the MD-2. I was still my dream to have the F2 with the MD-2/MB-1 combo. As far as real performance the MD-2 isn't as great as the MD-4 for the F3.
In there somewhere. It's quite small. You don't have to worry about it until sometime after the year 2600. I'm sure Sover Wong will have replacements.A what?
Where!?
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.
Please explain how adding batteries to the bottom of the camera make the camera "top-heavy."
'cuz they're light
to the original question--three in rotation, at least one works every day
Paul,
At the moment, my two main cameras are a Nikon F Photomic FTn (late "apollo" version - seen in my avatar) and a Nikon F2AS. I also have a Nikomat FTn that I use from time to time, and a Nikon F4s that needs a couple pieces to be useable (MS-21 insert for MB-21 and the DP-20). Both the F and F2 currently have motor drives on them. The F wears an F-36 with cordless pack that's missing the little contact plug, and the F2AS has an early MD-2/MB-1 drive on it. To make the drive lighter, I have lithium AA's installed.
Re: the nylon gear issue, it only affects later MD-2's, usually the ones with the black plastic anti-twist tabs. You'll probably be safe with a motor drive in the 400xxx-429xxx serial range. Mine is in the 423xxx serial range and works fine.
-J
At the moment, my two main cameras are a Nikon F Photomic FTn (late "apollo" version - seen in my avatar) and a Nikon F2AS. I also have a Nikomat FTn that I use from time to time, and a Nikon F4s that needs a couple pieces to be useable (MS-21 insert for MB-21 and the DP-20). Both the F and F2 currently have motor drives on them. The F wears an F-36 with cordless pack that's missing the little contact plug, and the F2AS has an early MD-2/MB-1 drive on it. To make the drive lighter, I have lithium AA's installed.
Re: the nylon gear issue, it only affects later MD-2's, usually the ones with the black plastic anti-twist tabs. You'll probably be safe with a motor drive in the 400xxx-429xxx serial range. Mine is in the 423xxx serial range and works fine.
-J
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Dia,
Why not replace it? They're very cheap these days, at least, when you compare their prices to what they were 3-4 years ago. KEH has BGN grade black F2AS bodies for $254.00, plus shipping. The MD-2/MB-1 drives have also come down in price. Not uncommon to be able to get one for about $100.
If you've the funds necessary, head on over to the KEH site and pick one up. Who knows, it might even wind up being your old camera.
-J
I use it a lot... along with a Hasselblad 500CM
I use an F2AS/MD2-MB1 as my "insurance policy" whenever I am shooting on back-country excursions, when batteries have a curious tendency to fail. As well, I rotate in and out throughout the year an F2A and a pair of F2s (DE1s, all with drives) in order to keep all in working order. No techno-phobe, I also use an F6 and a trio of F5s...
As evidenced by my .sig, I now have a pair of F2's. Black AS with MD-2/MB-1 and a chrome A.
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