Let's talk Nikon F...

[90s Photog]

So I ordered a Nikon F2 Photomic, because everyone says that it is "the" Nikon F camera. I guess I'll find out in a few days when it arrives. Then I was like, "Well, I already own the F3HP, F4s and F5. I might as well get an original F to round out the "Actually Used By Photojournalist" cameras." So my questions is this... Which F do I want? The standard eye level finder or the Photomic? Thoughts and opinions?

 

[madNbad]

Late models have a lot of features that were developed for the F2 like stainless steel inserts in the strap lugs and plastic tips on the controls. The later finders are threaded for diopters and other accessories. A plain prism will bring a higher price but there are plenty of technicians who can work on the metered prism. With the plain prism cameras you don’t have to do the aperture dance when mounting a lens. Good luck and you’ll get plenty of advice.

 

[Mark Crabtree]

I like the plain prism finder F and F2 about equally, but can't warm up to the Photomics.

 

[Cholentpot]

I've have a plain prism black F with the MD that takes AA. I like it better than my F3 in some ways.

 

[GregY]

I've used a bunch of them from plain prism to FTn to F2AS....
My preference hands-down is for the plain prism version in black. The 'Apollo' touches like the plastic tipped winder don't make any difference to me. The plain F handles well and is such a fine workhorse.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Enjoy it and shoot more film.

 

[JerseyDoug]

Considering the other Nikons in your collection a plain prism F seems like the most appropriate addition. My only manual focus 35mm SLR's are a pair of plain prism F's - chrome and black.

 

[awty]

The real question is...is your chest hairy enough? Can you grow a moustache?
Otherwise best you just get something less manly like a Canon, or Minolta.

 

[GRHazelton]

I have a Nikon F, plain prism. To my eye the Photomic is ugly; the clean lines of the original are marred by the finder. My F shows signs of use, as is appropriate for a camera of its age and lineage, as does my Nikon S2. I find both excellent for every-day use; carrying a light meter is no problem.

 

[90s Photog]

The real question is...is your chest hairy enough? Can you grow a moustache?
Otherwise best you just get something less manly like a Canon, or Minolta.

I have a goatee... does that count? Or do I need to shave my chin and go porn 'stache to truly run the F? lol!

 

[90s Photog]

Any recommendations on a light meter?

 

[madNbad]

Any recommendations on a light meter?

Sekonic 308X. It’ll do everything, one AA battery last forever, incident and reflective. Plus it will fit in a shirt pocket.

 

[Bronson Dugnutt]

Eye level finder, preferably in silver. Strap on a decent lens and snap away.

 

[Cholentpot]

The real question is...is your chest hairy enough? Can you grow a moustache?
Otherwise best you just get something less manly like a Canon, or Minolta.

The wise photographer who gifted me his worn world weary F told me that the plain prism would give me 'cred'

 

[awty]

I have a goatee... does that count? Or do I need to shave my chin and go porn 'stache to truly run the F? lol!

That would be great! Its important to maintain certain standards when adorning yourself in public with The F

 

[awty]

The wise photographer who gifted me his worn world weary F told me that the plain prism would give me 'cred'

Absolutely! The youngsters will think you are a god and want to take your picture.

 

[250swb]

I like the plain prism best. But the watchword is 'de-silvering', so a good prism should be high on the list and above the romantic dream of a brassed and slightly battered F. You may have to buy one in better condition than you would like, which is an ironic twist.

 

[Nitroplait]

Without doubt, the metered prism would be my choice. That brutal utilitarian look wins hands down in my eyes:

 

[guangong]

The F with simple prism finder is well balanced handheld. I found the prism finders awkward. My first F acquired in 1964 and still going strong. I have an F2 with prism finder, also very comfortable to hold. For on board meter, I prefer my Leicaflex SL. I can still hold a camera steady and have good vision, so I am not attracted to auto focus, etc. And I never have the correct batteries with me, so I try to avoid battery dependent cameras.
The F may not have been the first 35mm SLR, but it changed the history of photography. The overwhelming success of the Leica M3 provided the impetus for Nikon’s F.

 

[Cholentpot]

Absolutely! The youngsters will think you are a god and want to take your picture.

You kid but I've been stopped by teens/young adults hanging around and have had them ask me to take their photo. They follow me on instagram and after I develop I send them the photo.

 

[Jim Jones]

I bought a new Nikon F with the TTL FT finder in the late 1960s. Exposure accuracy promptly improved over the Weston Master II that had been old faithful for many years, and continued to be so for many more years with other cameras. However, that FT meter was top-heavy and more cumbersome to use. Eventually I reverted to a plain prism finder.

 

[Rayt]

I learned photography with the F. As a poor student I could only afford the WL the cheapest option which then eventually led to Rolleiflex.

 

[Les Sarile]

Given the extreme latitude of most color negatives and b&w film, i don't need a meter for daylight shooting conditions. So that makes the plain prisms more desirable . . .

F_F2_F by Les DMess, on Flickr

 

[Cholentpot]

Given the extreme latitude of most color negatives and b&w film, i don't need a meter for daylight shooting conditions. So that makes the plain prisms more desirable . . .

F_F2_F by Les DMess, on Flickr

I need an F2...

 

[Paul Howell]

I would get one of each, in most situations the non metered prism works well, but if shooting an action scene a metered finder speeds the process up.