Nikon F2 vs Nikon FM2

[monkowa]

I'd pick the F2. Only reason being that the viewfinder is larger and it's easier on my eyes. I own both and they're both phenomenal cameras.

 

[abruzzi]

I prefer the F2 because it works with pre-AI lenses, and most pre-AI lenses are much cheaper than AI or AIS lenses, and I'm cheap.

 

[flavio81]

Thank you for an informative response. One would have thought that the Japanese algorithmic steps for bringing a camera to market would have strongly studied this, especially because not having done this would have compromised the perceived quality of their lenses. I really think that this was a serious matter and, although I have no reason whatsoever to doubt you, I also find it hard to believe that the Japanese simply glossed over this manufacturing criterion. - David Lyga

Hi David,

The Nikkormat was an amateur camera while the F2 was the professional camera. The Nikkor lenses were intended for the Nikon F camera originally, a pro camera. The Nikkorex appeared soon and believe me, there's nothing 'smooth' about the Nikkorex, so, yes, the Japanese at Nippon Kogaku can 'gloss over' some refinements. The Nikkormat was to follow the Nikkorex.

Now, the build quality of the Nikkormat is excellent, of course, as is its precision. As I said, i'm not sure how real would be the impact of the vertical Nikkormat shutter on actual pictures. I got fine pictures with my Nikkormat, but a real test would have to be done with slow shutter speeds and a "control" camera for comparison.

 

[DonW]

This would be perfect as a signature text here at Photrio.



What's your impression of the Canon F-1, compared to the F2?

I preferred the Nikon F2. The Canon is a good camera though, nothing wrong with it. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

 

[flavio81]

I preferred the Nikon F2. The Canon is a good camera though, nothing wrong with it. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

Wow, this is a great reply.

 

[John Koehrer]

The shock may be from the difference of travel time* between copal and horizontal travel.
Copal runs about 6.5ms and horizontal is about 12 ms

*travel time is the speed at which both blades of the shutter move across the film aperture.

 

[flavio81]

The shock may be from the difference of travel time* between copal and horizontal travel.
Copal runs about 6.5ms and horizontal is about 12 ms

*travel time is the speed at which both blades of the shutter move across the film aperture.

However the Canon New F-1 has 7.5±0.2ms of travel time (source: Service manual), and it's very smooth.

The Nikon F3, having similar flash sync speed, should have a very similar curtain travel time. And its shutter is extremely smooth and gentle.

I think it has something to do with the refinement of the shutter. Many vertical shutters are intended so for compactness above all, and the mechanism is very small compared to a horizontal shutter. Thus i'd bet the braking system, etc, is less sophisticated.

 

[Huss]

The shock may be from the difference of travel time* between copal and horizontal travel.
Copal runs about 6.5ms and horizontal is about 12 ms

*travel time is the speed at which both blades of the shutter move across the film aperture.

Not surprising. Traveling vertically the shutter blades need to only cover 24mm, while horizontally 36mm.