Nikon F2-S vs SB vs A

ColColt · Jun 25, 2016

I agree

CMoore · Jul 8, 2016

cuthbert said:
The SB and AS are more or leess the same, one is non AI, the other AI, both prisms were specifically meant to be used in low light photography.

The A is the AI version of the traditional F2 with photomic head.

I personally have a F2A (with DP11 head) and a F2AS (with DP12), while the DP12 is obviously superior in low light for every day shooting I prefer the DP11.

I was happy you responded with all this info, and then i forgot to ask..........i do not have an SB, i have the S. The SB adds a third LED if i understand correctly, and that would be cool, i think i would prefer that over my S if i had a choice.
But, most of what i do with a 35mm involves constantly changing light.
Usually, i have an aperture in mind that i want to use for a certain look, so i adjust for exposure via the shutter speed, and i seem to prefer looking at the "old fashioned" needle in that situation than watching LED's.
I realize the SB/AS are more sensitive (maybe more accurate.?) but i seem to do OK with the older technology.
Am i reading your comment correctly, do you prefer the DP-1 over the SB/AS also.?
Thank You

ColColt · Jul 8, 2016

Not cuthbert but, I do prefer the old F2 Photomic and F2A over my F2AS. I guess I'm basically a needle type of guy.

cuthbert · Jul 8, 2016

CMoore said:
I realize the SB/AS are more sensitive (maybe more accurate.?) but i seem to do OK with the older technology.
Am i reading your comment correctly, do you prefer the DP-1 over the SB/AS also.?
Thank You

Yes the AS is clearly much more sensitive to the change of light and answers quickly, but the position of the leds inside the viewfinder makes it difficult to read.

If you need quick response usually gallium is the way to go, the MX lightmeter is so quick that sometimes I find annoying. The LX also has one of the best lightmeters ever, but then if your lightning conditions change quickly perhaps you need something with a spotmeter or partial meter, so the F1N might also be indicated.

ColColt said:
Not cuthbert but, I do prefer the old F2 Photomic and F2A over my F2AS. I guess I'm basically a needle type of guy.

It's not a matter of needle, I find the position of the leds of the DP12 annoying and difficult to read, I like the leds inside the Pentax LX and Praktica B, they are easy to read and intuitive....also counterlight they don't disappear like the ones of the F2AS.

ColColt · Jul 8, 2016

Regardless the position of the LED's, I like the needle best. The original FM had Gallium Photocells and I found that camera to be more responsive than the F2AS.

CMoore · Jul 8, 2016

ColColt - No Problem...Happy to get your opinion as well.

cuthbert - If the AS is similar to my S, i know what you mean. The LED's are across the bottom and a little change in eye position make the LED hard to see.
I was lucky to get my A in excellent shape, for 150 USD delivered. I was under the impression (my mistake) that its meter had a needle, but that the electronics were "more modern" than a DP-1. I am glad I did not pay a bunch of money for a camera that was only better in my imagination.

ColColt · Jul 8, 2016

IIRC, the LED's on the FM were on the right side. I had one back in 1979 so, memory is a little fuzzy.

mshchem · Jul 8, 2016

My first Nikon was an F2S, LEDs were very cool in 1973! Camera was stolen, replaced it with an F2 standard meter prism, much easier for me. Now I seem to have about every F2 variant. Except the SB. Anymore I use a non meter prism and a incident meter. Or I shoot my F5 in aperture priority auto☺

cooltouch · Jul 9, 2016

The "A" is a handy finder if you have AI and AIs lenses, but the "S" is more useful for low-light work. The SB (and AS) have the same slow speed dial, but because the SB is a rare head, it usually commands a significantly greater amount of $$$ to buy. True even more for the AS head. The S is more pedestrian, and odder looking with that big hump, but it is just as useful.

Nikon F2-S vs SB vs A

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