Nikon F2 hankering

[RokkorZ]

Okay so I've got myself in a pickle. I've been reading up on the F2 and gone and got myself looking for a nice example. I think I need some advice from folks who are more experienced than me.

Which models should I be looking to avoid and what would I miss/expect compared to the F3HP I'm currently using? Obviously no A mode on the F2, but being mechanical it'll be more reliable right?

If you're used to using one does the winder cause hand cramp like a reviewer said? Should I be concerned about meter accuracy? Will I get a bad back regularly carrying round my neck for 6hrs? Thanks!

 

[ChristopherCoy]

I went from never having shot an F2, to owning two inside of about three months time. An F2 is an F2, is an F2. There is no difference in the camera bodies. The difference is in the viewfinders. DP-1 is CDS cells with match needle readout, DP-2 I believe is LED readout, DP-11 is the same as the DP-1 but has a different coupling for AI/s lenses, and the DP-12 is the same as the DP-2 but also for AI/s lenses. With the DP-1 and DP-2 your lenses will have to have the rabbit ears on them to couple with the meter. With the DP-11 and DP-12 your lenses will have to have the notch in the rear of the lens to couple with the meter. As for reliability, it will depend on the condition of the camera you purchase as to how long it will last. Something used hard will be more prone to have issues as to something that wasn't, naturally. 97% of my shooting experience has been with auto advance cameras until now. I do not find that the winder causes any hand cramp, and I rather enjoy using it actually. Meter accuracy isn't going to be the same as today's meters obviously, but I've had good success thus far using the DP-1. It is an all metal body but it's not heavy by any means. I have started carrying my black F2 with me at all times so it's around my neck all day. The only time I take it off is if I'm on the couch, or in the bed sleeping.

 

[Tel]

Hand cramp? Seriously?

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

1) the F2 being mechanical it'll be more reliable right?
2) does the winder cause hand cramp?
3) Should I be concerned about meter accuracy?
4) Will I get a bad back regularly carrying round my neck for 6hrs?

1) No - it will be older and there is a good chance it has been ridden hard and put away wet.
2) No - how much winding do intend doing?
3) Yes - The meters, like the camera, are getting long in the tooth. The failure is the 'ring resistor,' and replacements are not available.
4) Yes/No - A sore neck, definitely; a bad back - depends on the current state of your back.

An F2 is a nice chunk of iron but no improvement over an F3 - it wouldn't be, would it?

 

[RokkorZ]

Hand cramp? Seriously?

Ha! Yeah I thought the same thing when the reviewer mentioned it. Never used one though so thought it may be a thing with these cameras. I'll happily put that question to rest!

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Ha! Yeah I thought the same thing when the reviewer mentioned it. Never used one though so thought it may be a thing with these cameras. I'll happily put that question to rest!

It's not a thing. It's a short throw advance and it's extremely easy to do with very little resistance.

 

[Paul Howell]

Of course the F2 is a top of line camera intended for hard daily use, if you find one that was not beaten to death by a working pro and have it CLA it is a good camera with great lens. I would pay the extra for the DE 1 head, no light meter, use a hand held meter. And the MD 3 motor winder, takes 4 AA batteries, 2 1/2 frames per second, not much weight. The MD 2 takes 10 batteries and has a larger motor, very heavy.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

if you find one that was not beaten to death by a working pro and have it CLA it is a good camera with great lens.

I got really lucky. The one that @SchwinnParamount was kind enough to give to me looks like it was relatively unused except for a little brassing where the strap connectors are. And the silver body that I picked up this past weekend doesn't have a scratch on it except for the bottom and they are superficial. The silver one still has the PC cover on it as well! The black one is scheduled for service by Sover next February/March.

 

[mshchem]

I've got a couple beautiful examples of the F and F2. They are antique. I bought my first, a Nikon F2s in 1973. It's long gone as people steal them. I would recommend a pristine example of an F3 HP, Japan based dealers have perfect copies. Find a nice half case and you have a beautiful camera.

 

[Nitroplait]

being mechanical it'll be more reliable right?

Where does this idea come from?

 

[Pieter12]

Remember the Nikon F series cameras were intended for professional, mostly journalism, use. They most likely will have seen heavy use and possible abuse, but will also have been maintained. Caveat emptor.

 

[Tel]

For many years my only camera (by choice) was an F. Later I picked up a couple more F bodies. More recently, I switched to F2; the camera is more ergonomic to my way of shooting and just as solidly built as the Fs were. I've also added some MF gear and a bunch of LF cameras, but the F2 is my go-to 35mm. I own more than a few--somewhere north of 6 but who's counting? For me it's intuitive; I can shoot it like I did with my F--almost without thinking about what I'm doing. I've never wanted auto focus or exposure or even in-camera metering, so a dead meter in the head is not an issue for me. I'm sure others will disagree, but when I started using the F2 I knew I didn't need any other 35mm SLR. I also have a Rollei 35 for travelling, solely because it's tiny and packs well; when I get back home I pull out the F2 to soothe my nerves.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Where does this idea come from?

I think he means in the since that they'll last longer than anything with electronics.

For me it's intuitive; I can shoot it like I did with my F--almost without thinking about what I'm doing. I've never wanted auto focus or exposure or even in-camera metering, so a dead meter in the head is not an issue for me. I'm sure others will disagree, but when I started using the F2 I knew I didn't need any other 35mm SLR.

I would have never thought I would agree with you, but I do. My Nikon 35's have been the F5, two F100's, and a "gen 2" FM. Before being given an F2, I thought they looked cumbersome, and awkward. I probably would have never bought one myself, had John not been so kind. But using one is a very different experience than anything I've ever had before. There's not much to get in the way and distract you. About the only thing I find slightly awkward is having to reach up and change the shutter speed while holding the camera to my eye. I'm used to controlling apertures and shutter speed either with my index finger or thumb depending on which wheel I need to turn. I like it's compactness too. It's not like having that cinder block of an F5 between you and your scene. The F2 wears very nicely too, I can carry it around my neck all day without issues.

 

[Pieter12]

I think he means in the since that they'll last longer than anything with electronics.

Mechanical is no guarantee of reliability, and electronic is not inevitable failure.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Well why don't we all just argue about it then and ruin another thread? Sound good?


The general opinion "out there" is that mechanical cameras last longer because circuit boards short out, battery wires corrode, and LCD's fade/bleed. So when the OP said "it will be more reliable", I am ASSUMING that's what he meant, and only wanted to explain it to the person who questioned it, since we don't know if the OP meant reliable in longevity, or reliable as in accurate?

So can we all just take a step back, inhale deeply, and chill for a second?

 

[Willy T]

Mechanical is no guarantee of reliability, and electronic is not inevitable failure.

Yes, but often has a little greater potential for maintainability,

 

[Willy T]

Well why don't we all just argue about it then and ruin another thread? Sound good?


The general opinion "out there" is that mechanical cameras last longer because circuit boards short out, battery wires corrode, and LCD's fade/bleed. So when the OP said "it will be more reliable", I am ASSUMING that's what he meant, and only wanted to explain it to the person who questioned it, since we don't know if the OP meant reliable in longevity, or reliable as in accurate?

So can we all just take a step back, inhale deeply, and chill for a second?

Copy dat; inhaling in 5, 4, 3, ...

 

[narsuitus]

Over the years, I have owned and used the Nikon F, F2, F3, and F4. All are excellent cameras. I currently own and use three F2 and two F4 bodies. I no longer own or use the F or F3.

The F2 is my personal favorite because I prefer manual/mechanical cameras vs. automatic/electronic cameras. I prefer the non-metered prism on my F2s because they have no electronics. I have owned and used one of my F2 bodies since 1971.


Nikon F2 by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Copy dat; inhaling in 5, 4, 3, ...

Violet, you're turning violet Violet!!

 

[MattKing]

similar to poorly designed mechanical mirror stop in Mamiya 645 Pro.

Another internet fueled exaggeration, if not myth.

 

[awty]

Everyone needs a f2 I have 3, one in sexy black with a matching retro strap. A great fashion accessory, women and me won't be able to leave you alone.

 

[Kino]

So the F2 is the Hai Karate of cameras?

 

[logan2z]

Another F2 thread, ugh. I recently got over wanting one of these. Or so I thought...

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Everyone needs a f2 I have 3, one in sexy black with a matching retro strap. A great fashion accessory, women and me won't be able to leave you alone.

Well hey there sailor. That’s a mighty big...... lens you have there.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

If prices rise on the F2 next week, we’ll have nothing but this thread to blame.