The best single digit Nikon Fs, are the even number ones.

Nitroplait

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Huss said:
Nikon F2
Nikon F4
Nikon F6

The best.
Click to expand...
Slow day today?

I kind of agree, but I would personally choose an F over an F2. The F is just more charming.
I would choose a F3 over any other electronic F, because it is simple and compact.
 

Craig75

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I think it was Jup Habermas that worked out that the log of bayonet diameter * model number in a fibonacci sequence allows you to identify the last digits in the serial number which are statistically the best assembled cameras on the production line.
 

bdial

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I only had the odd numbered ones until an F2 begged to be adopted into my home for wayward cameras. I don't expect to be adding a 4 or 6, but who knows?
 

Mark Crabtree

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Nikon F
Nikon F3
The two best cameras Nikon ever made. Leica, maybe even numbers slightly better, but kind of a draw there too. And 6 is too high a number for me in either.

Okay to the first even number one is okay if it doesn't have the Photomic growth on top; I have to admit that is what I've been using lately, but that is mostly the novelty of a "new" camera.
 

Horatio

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Frank53 said:
F6 is the first and only Nikon I ever owned, so I can’t compare, but I can’t imagine they ever built a better slr.
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The F2 is arguably the best all-mechanical Nikon. Perfect if one doesn't need auto-everything. I like the F4, but the control locks are a PITA.
 

narsuitus

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In my opinion, the lower numbered single digit Nikon Fs are the best.

I have owned and used the F, F2, F3, and F4. They were so good that I never saw the need for an F5 or F6.
 

RDW

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1 - The first in a legendary series and a new direction for the makers, it is still remembered with affection while seeming solid but rather clunky; many would hope for something lighter and more engaging.

2 - Often regarded as the high point of the series, this was an improvement on its predecessor in every way and still stands up as a classic today, the one that got everything right.

3 - For some, this was a rather disappointing sequel, 'good, but not great', and many of the ideas that went into it would be better served later.

4 - Well received at the time, and still a favourite for many, this is very much a product of its time and seems curiously dated today.

5 - Technically well-executed with some significant departures from its predecessors, but probably the hardest in the series to love.

6 - Another high point and made with the knowledge that this was the end of an era, the makers would bow out at the top of their game with this sophisticated product.

But that's enough about the Star Trek movies.
 

Paul Howell

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I liked the F2, felt right in my hands, but in terms of functionality the F3P, weather sealed, built in hot shoe, auto exposure if I needed it, faster motor drive, nothing I did not need like the self timer.
 

jimgalli

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Well, there's 35 seconds I'll never get back ................
 

4season

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I've never tried F5 (too big) or F6 (too expensive).
F4 is alright if you can get the smaller battery pack. Great as a manual focus camera if bulky due to it's reliance on AA batteries.
F3 is the design icon by Giugiaro which made the raised grip a must-have and made red accents a signature Nikon look. I liked the companion MD4 motor when I had it, but in 2021 that particular accessory seems quaint.
For the way I shoot film in 2021, F and F2 w/ meterless prisms are fine, because they're well-made and relatively simple.
No point in challenging digital feature-for-feature with film cameras, when today's pocket cameras can shoot 90 fps bursts and lock focus onto fast-moving subjects.
 

gone

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I never got on w/ my silver and black F2 Photomic. In looked sorta like a Frankencamera, and was just too big and funny looking. Nothing seemed ergonomically placed either. Same w/ the Nikkormats. On the other hand, my F4s was a wonderful camera! Loved the analog controls, and the viewfinder was pretty amazing.

Alas, my left shoulder has given me trouble for over 30 years from lugging it around w/ an ED 80 200 2.8 zoom attached. The F6 I never needed after moving to MF lenses. I always end up w/ an early AF camera like my n8008s. It's an ugly duckling but has tons of features, meters w/ any of the old classic MF lenses, has user replaceable screens, etc.
 

George Mann

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Cholentpot

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My F3 would beg to differ but I always feel like I'm living on borrowed time and the meter will randomly die on me some day. At that point I'll have to get an F2...
 

Moose22

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Cholentpot said:
My F3 would beg to differ but I always feel like I'm living on borrowed time and the meter will randomly die on me some day. At that point I'll have to get an F2...
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Just put a little meter in the hot shoe...


oh.
 

Paul Howell

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Moose22 said:
Just put a little meter in the hot shoe...


oh.
Click to expand...

The meter is not likely to be the problem, the electronic shutter will fail leaving a nice paperweight. If the meter on a F2 fails, buy a new to you replacement head or use a hand held meter. If I were to buy any F to F5 I would by a working beater body for parts. I just bought a beater Minolta 9 for parts in case my 9 goes south.
 

MattKing

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I always like these Nikon comparison threads - they make me think of threads where people tell us which one of their children they love the most.
 

Cholentpot

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MattKing said:
I always like these Nikon comparison threads - they make me think of threads where people tell us which one of their children they love the most.
Click to expand...

I mean it's not much of a contest here. I have an F3, FG, Nikkormat, N80, 6006, N70, N60, N50 and I'm sure a few others bouncing around.
 

Moose22

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Paul Howell said:
The meter is not likely to be the problem, the electronic shutter will fail
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But I can't make fun of that.

MattKing said:
I always like these Nikon comparison threads - they make me think of threads where people tell us which one of their children they love the most.
Click to expand...

This year I decided to try a few older nikons. I got an F3, an FA, an FM3A. The plan was just to sell off ones I don't care for once I'd picked a favorite. I also have an F6 and recently got an F100, obviously different animals.

They're all just fine. Kind of wish I hated one so I could sell it and get more of another that was clearly superior, but... they're all fine. I like the F3 less than the Fm3A with the needle meter, the exposure lock, and the little button to drop a stop off the flash fill, but like the centerweight 80/20 meter of the F3 more in some places. And the FA seems to be the reheaded stepchild so it was dirt cheap, but meters well both matrix AND spot which is 75/25 so narrow enough to peek into shadows. The silly grip is nice, too.

Yeah, electronic blah blah... I don't care. I just want to take photographs. When I bought the F6 I got a high serial number US model, because then I could get it maintained by Nikon right? The very next week Nikon announced the F6 production end. Heh.

I figure 35mm is on borrowed time, and so am I. Neither of us are like to be working 25 years from now. If I want to do this, now's the time. So, for now, they're good cameras, they work, and none of them are fatally flawed. If it meters fine and fits my glass I seem to be able to get good photos out of it.
 
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