Nikon F2 Photomic or Canon F-1n?

logan2z · Jul 17, 2023

mshchem said:
I have an FT3 minty, paid a friend (who had it given to him) 33 bucks. Built like a tank. Has shutter adjustment on lens mount ?

Great camera and cheap. The last EL version gives auto exposure cheap

Built like tanks but not infallible. Mine is being repaired now for a stuck shutter. I bought mine after film camera prices spiked and paid quite a bit more than $33. Even at today's prices, they're pretty cheap, but yours was a screaming deal.

juan · Jul 17, 2023

You know you want both.

BrianShaw · Jul 17, 2023

juan said:
You know you want both.

... and a Nikkormat, too!

jimjm · Jul 17, 2023

As others have said here, the deciding factor should probably be how the camera feels and handles for you. For me, my F-1n feels a bit larger in the hand than any of my F2's. The Photomic finder on the F2 just adds weight over it's plain prism finder, but I like to use both. Both camera are similar in weight, but the F-1 body is about 5mm taller, so it feels larger when I wrap my hand around it. If you're just using 35 and 50mm lenses, you may not give a hoot about all the accessories that both systems have available. Nikon lenses are definitely more common than Canon's FD, and Nikon made a huge variety of 50mm and 35mm lenses (from '59) that will fit an F2. Mechanically, they're both the pinnacle of mechanical camera design and reliability. If the meter has problems, you can always swap the prism or go meterless with the F2.

juan · Jul 17, 2023

BrianShaw said:
... and a Nikkormat, too!

Now you've reminded me that I need a Nikkormat, too.

SodaAnt · Jul 17, 2023

How about a minty FM2n? Decades newer than an F2 or F-1 and not as likely to need major (or any) work to make it usable.

Not quite pro-class, but probably good enough for my purposes (street photography).

GregY · Jul 17, 2023

SodaAnt said:
How about a minty FM2n? Decades newer than an F2 or F-1 and not as likely to need major (or any) work to make it usable.

Not quite pro-class, but probably goid enough for my purposes (street photography).

All good choices...it's up to you. It's just a box to hold the film... & lens attached
Not necessarily decades difference. The FM2n production started in 1982....the F2 was discontinued in 1980.
It could be an endless debate....but the choice is yours. Having used F,F2,F3,F4,F5, FM..... et al..... if i were buying i'd take a black plain prism F2

logan2z · Jul 17, 2023

As others have said, no bad choices. I have an FM, an F, and a Nikkor FT3. All solid cameras and more than 'professional' enough for this rank amateur

SodaAnt · Jul 17, 2023

Some have suggested an F2 with the plain prism finder rather than a photomic finder since there's a good chance the meter won't be working anyway.

Assuming I get one with a bad meter, isn't a photomic still preferred for the shutter speed and aperture displays in the finder? Are there any drawbacks to using an F2 with a photomic finder with a dead meter versus the plain prism finder (other than weight, of course)?

juan · Jul 17, 2023

I have an F2 with erratic photomic finder. I leave the battery out and ignore the meter needle. I see no problem with that. I'd rather use my regular meter across all formats anyway.

Paul Howell · Jul 17, 2023

Depending on how much you want to spend, buy 2 with bad meters, use one with a handheld meter send the other to Steven Wong, be prepared to send one of the F2s next year. I understand that folks get attached to idea of owning a particular camera, but I would get a F4 with smaller battery grip, AIS 50mm 1.4 and 35mm F2 and shoot film. I have a F4, cannot say that I am attached to it, I only use MF lens, the focus confirmation works well, full information viewfinder, most have some LED bleed, but a real work horse. The reason I don't use my F4 as much as I have several Minolta AF A mount bodies, really like the 800SI, even more than my 9.

Ralphieboy · Jul 17, 2023

I have an F-1N and love it, except, it has no exposure lock. A feature I've used quite a bit untill now. I've learned to shoot without it, but, I still miss it.

Canon NFD lenses are some of the best analog lenses you can find at any price.

With all that has been said it comes down to your budget and what feels best when shooting.

Tony-S · Jul 17, 2023

Ralphieboy said:
Canon NFD lenses are some of the best analog lenses you can find at any price.

Well, except for their poor flare characteristics.

Tony-S · Jul 17, 2023

I don’t get all this allure for old mechanical shutter cameras. Give me a modern, electronically controlled shutter and meter just about any day.

And Nikon? What’s up with having to have the film advance lever sticking out to turn on the light meter? That’s a terrible design that I’m sure has led to many one-eyed photographers!

Let the flame-throw in’ begin!

Paul Howell · Jul 17, 2023

I agree with Tony S, for a day to day shooter, F100, N80, N75, Canon EOS 3 or, Minolta 3, 5, 7. On the other hand there are times I like to shoot with an older body, Konica T, Minolta 101, even a Topcon Auto 100, or a Argus C3, right now Nikon F, but when shooting something that I need to get right, one of my AF Minolta's.

beemermark · Jul 17, 2023

Paul Howell said:
It is becoming difficult to find a F2 with a working meter, I have not seen as much concern about the Canon as the meter is in the body. .

I agree whole heartily with this post. I have one Canon F1 (new) and the meter works perfectly even thought the camera is a beater. I've had numerous Nikon F2, F2S, F2A cameras and the meters always needed work. I like the F2 more than the Canon and have an F2 recently CLA with the meter calibrated.

Sirius Glass · Jul 17, 2023

Tony-S said:
I don’t get all this allure for old mechanical shutter cameras. Give me a modern, electronically controlled shutter and meter just about any day.

And Nikon? What’s up with having to have the film advance lever sticking out to turn on the light meter? That’s a terrible design that I’m sure has led to many one-eyed photographers!

Let the flame-throw in’ begin!

Some do not want to depend on batteries except for light meters. I prefer that for my Hasselblad with 120 film most of the time, but I use Nikon AF SLRs which use batteries when I choose to use 35mm film.

4season · Jul 17, 2023

SodaAnt said:
Some have suggested an F2 with the plain prism finder rather than a photomic finder since there's a good chance the meter won't be working anyway.

Assuming I get one with a bad meter, isn't a photomic still preferred for the shutter speed and aperture displays in the finder? Are there any drawbacks to using an F2 with a photomic finder with a dead meter versus the plain prism finder (other than weight, of course)?

A lot of Leica M cameras display neither aperture nor shutter speeds in their viewfinders, and it's many non-features are greatly sought after.

GregY · Jul 17, 2023

SodaAnt said:
Some have suggested an F2 with the plain prism finder rather than a photomic finder since there's a good chance the meter won't be working anyway.

Assuming I get one with a bad meter, isn't a photomic still preferred for the shutter speed and aperture displays in the finder? Are there any drawbacks to using an F2 with a photomic finder with a dead meter versus the plain prism finder (other than weight, of course)?

The plain prism version is smaller, lighter, better balanced. You don't really need to see the aperture or shutter speed in the finder. There's a lot to be said for clean minimalism.

Thesecondone · Jul 18, 2023

I have two F2s , join the nikon club.

benjiboy · Jul 19, 2023

The metering system in the Canon F 1n is a better design than the Nikon F 2 that has the metering cell in the camera body not in the a metering prism using a carbon ring resistor , that over time in most cases has worn out.
The Canon F1n uses a beam splitter in the focusing screen to divert the light coming through the lens to the meeting cell in the camera body that isn't subject to the same wear as the F 2, therefore after more than thirty years since both models were discontinued, you will find a hell of a lot of lot more Canon F1n's on the used market with working light meters than Nikon F 2's.

faberryman · Jul 19, 2023

Why do people post pictures of their cameras? Particularly common cameras like Nikons and Leicas?

BMbikerider · Jul 19, 2023

I have a Nikon F2a (late model circa 1979.) and I cannot fault it. The manual metering is pretty well spot on all the time. I use a 6V lithium battery that last for centuries far better than silver oxide and about the same price. Mine appears to have very little use and because I bought it with an original case it is outstandingly unmarked. My usual lens if I am out walking is a Tamron adptall2 35mm/135 but that can be paired up with a Nikon 20/35AFD and occasionally a Nikon 80/200 F4

Some Tamron AD11 lenses could be a bit 'iffy' with quality, but the 35/135 will print easily up to 12x16. they make a great pair.

The F2a has a DP11 finder that still can be repaired in UK because there is a repairer has made a number of new sensors for the meter. Mechanically the F2 models are the closest thing to being bomb proof. The titanium shutter curtains can be easily damaged when loading - unloading so check the shutter curtains carefully

As a back up I have a poor mans F2 in the shape of a Nikormat FT3 which is a lot lighter than an F2 but handles just as well and also uses the same Ai lenses. Plus none of these silly electronic releases but a good old fashioned cable release when using it on a tripod.

GregY · Jul 19, 2023

faberryman said:
Why do people post pictures of their cameras? Particularly common cameras like Nikons and Leicas?

Well when you're discussing size & design.....with someone who's making a decision to buy....why not?

faberryman · Jul 19, 2023

GregY said:
Well when you're discussing size & design.....with someone who's making a decision to buy....why not?

We are discussing the Nikon F2 vs. the Canon F1. Still no photo of the Canon F1. Yet in comes a photo of someone's Leica. Apparently, any time is a good time for a photo of a Leica.

Nikon F2 Photomic or Canon F-1n?

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