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Nikon F2 questions

trondsi

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Jun 29, 2015
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35mm
Hi folks! I have been looking at a Nikon F2 in a local store, and I thought it looked pretty good. Meter seems to work correctly and they tell me the shutter speeds are correct (sounded fine to my ears). But the draw of the lever for advancing the film felt a bit uneven, compared to my Nikon FM. Not sure how to describe it; maybe even pull at first and then a bit harder (my FM is very smooth). Do you think this could be a big problem or is it typical for F2? Anything else I should look out for?
 
The F2 has a very short winding stroke so it's quite heavier to advance the film than the FM.
 
The winding lever for the F2 has a standoff position for the meter, which might make it feel a bit odd, perhaps. Firm but positive, I would say. I'd check the self-timer too, check that all lids are there on the bottom. No black spots or anything in the viewfinder. No big dents on the bottom or by the lever wind. Larger dents on top of the meter one should also look out for.

The good thing is that there were quite a few made, they are robust and most things are repairable from what I understand.

Mine still is still going strong, after a trip to Sover Wong 10+ years ago.
 
I'd also suggest examining the meter more than the usual amount. In my experience the photomic head can be futzy requiring moving to "way over exposed" to wake the meter up before returning the aperture and shutter close to correct values.
 
I've never owned or used an FM, but the film advance on my F2 is smooth and not hard to throw. As someone already mentioned, it does have that bit of stand-off for the meter which, I suppose, can make the wind-on feel a little different. Anyway, also check the seals because they do dry out and need to be replaced. I bought my F2 brand new in the mid-70's and it's still going strong today!
 
Just checked my F2 cameras - the winding stroke is totally smooth and even.

There is the standoff, as mentioned above.
 
Was there film in the camera?
 
Thanks everyone! By "stand off" I suppose you mean that you first turn the meter on. My FM is locked and off too, and the winding starts after it coming on, but it's definitely smoother than the F2 I tried. There was no film.
 
No doubt all these older cameras can use an occasional CLA. Compared to an FM max shutter of 1/1000, the F2's 1/2000 might offer a little bit more tension? Just an observation at this time comparing models of the same brand with different shutter speeds as I haven't worked on any of my cameras yet. I suppose you can isolate the source of tension with mirror locked and unlocked as there are a few more gears in play when the mirror is down.
Of course compared to the Nikon F3 all my Nikons aren't as smooth as it has the smoothest and most effortless film advance.
 
The F2 film advance lever throw is shorter and does require more "pull" than the pull needed to advance the FM.
 
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