Not sure why but I'm suddenly craving a classic Nikon SLR

[NB23]

Nikon F3, the perfect SLR. Nothing beats it, it beats them all.
Perfectly balanced, ratcheted winding action allowing multiple strokes, the viewfinder, the warmth in hand. It’s all there.

The F3, like the Xpan, like the Leica MP 0.58 and M5 are cameras that I feel were made expressly for me. It’s obviously not the case but that’s how they feel in my hand. The F3 particularly, feels extra perfect.

 

[AgX]

There are a whole bunch of odd bits of foam inside the body that I assume act as something to absorb noise. Their decay shouldn't cause any light seal issues and they seem tucked away enough so that they shouldn't affect any of the mechanisms. In the FM bodies that I've dismantled most of this foam has rotted and not caused any issues. The mirror damper foam is important to check and replace though, but it's an easy DIY job, just careful not to touch the mirror with anything.

I see the danger of morsels of "internal" foam falling into the mechanics and there over time at decay forming a sticky mess.

 

[logan2z]

I see the danger of morsels of "internal" foam falling into the mechanics and there over time at decay forming a sticky mess.

I've checked the foam in my FM and it looks pretty much new. I'll keep an eye on it for decay and replace it when it looks suspect.

 

[Russ - SVP]

The 35/2.0 AI or AIS is a great lens, for not too much $. I had the 35/2.8 AI for a few years but was not too impressed with it. The 35/1.4 is an option if you need the speed, but is obviously a lot pricier.
For telephotos, the classic is the 105/2.5. Pretty much every version of this lens is great. Older pre-AI lenses are a different optical design from the later AI and AIS lenses and you may prefer the results from one design over the other. The 85/1.8 and later 85/2.0 are good lenses, I prefer the older 1.8 lens.

I’m loving my Nikon O 35 f/2 glass.

 

[Taz777]

I've had a Nikon itch that desperately needed scratching for a couple of months now. I finally bought a Nikon FM which should be with me late next week. I limit myself to around a maximum of 150GBP when buying vintage cameras so finding a decent Nikon with a lens for that price was quite a challenge. It'll be interesting to see how it compares to my Olympus OM-1 which is fantastic.

 

[AndyH]

I've been having the same urges, and I will eventually succumb. Here's why:

If you're going to use vintage gear, it makes much more sense to specialize for the purposes you have in mind. I have slowly acquired a fairly comprehensive vintage L39 Leica kit, and I use it for general shooting, candids, architectural, and "street" images. But I don't force the issue by using it for long telephoto shots or extreme wide angle images. My Leica range is 28 to 135mm exclusively, which is its natural strength.

By the same standards, I have other old outfits for particular purposes or styles - full Hasselbad rig, Super Ikonta, Rolleiflex, and 35mm SLR outfits in Pentax and Rollei SL35 form. They are fun to use.

The old Nikon F series were the most capable lines in the 35mm realm for decades (although Canon users can also make a fair case) and are real beasts in the durability area. Available lenses include everything from the PC to macro, and all are of top optical and mechanical quality. You can do almost anything that a modern DSLR will do, and they are at bargain prices.

I think I've talked myself into it now. Go slow, get the stuff you'll use most first, but don't pass by an unusual bargain when you find one. In a couple of years, you won't be able to do it at twice the price. Look at what's happened to prices of Hasselblads, Pentax 6x7, Mamiya 7, and other lines that have seen dramatic increases as the younger generations rediscovering film fall in love all over again. The price is right because so many were made, but when the supply dwindles, they'll be out of the range for many of us.

Just wait till I get the best bargains before you start acquiring!

Andy