I have an early F (S/N starts with 64) and three F2s, ranging from a 71 to a 78. I'm fond of my F because it is the first model with a metered finder -- the non-TTL Photomic finder. It's so ungainly it's cute. Plus, it works and it's reasonably accurate. But if I'd rather choose a sleeker look, I have the non-metered prism finder for it also.
Nonetheless, I prefer the F2. The 71 F2 I've owned for almost 30 years and it's never missed a lick. I have the DE-1 non-metered prism, the DP-1 (Photomic), and the DP-2 (Photomic S) finders for it. I prefer the F2 over the F for the following reasons:
Ergonomically, I find the F more awkward and less refined. The placement of the shutter release is awkward to me. The body's hard angles are less than comfortable.
The motor drive option for the F is a pain to implement, requiring drilling, and the motor drive isn't all that hot anyway. I don't like that the back and bottom come completely off the camera when it's time to change film.
The F2 has a much better placement of its shutter release. It has a unique capability for a mechanical camera -- stepless shutter speeds. It has the capability with three of its finders to meter down to 10 seconds and, via the self-time, to time shutter speeds down to as long as 10 seconds.Two of the F2 finders (DP-11 and DP-12) accept both pre-AI and AI style meter couplings. The F2 accepts what is arguably one of the finest motor drives ever designed and produced -- the MD2/MB1. The F2 has a traditionally hinged back for easy film changes. The F2 was available as a Titan model. The F2 was Nikon's last -- and finest -- hand-built camera.
There's undoubtedly more, but that's all I can think of for now.
