Which F2 for low light?

TheTrailTog · Apr 3, 2015

So I've been shooting for a while now with an F2 Photomic and am loving it. I'm thinking about getting a second body though so I can have one loaded with FP4+ for day time and one with pushed HP5+ for low light situations. I really like the DP-1 finder for day time, but it can be hard to see in low light conditions. I know they make a little accessory light and that Sover does mods for it, but am curious if the DP-2 (F2S) or DP-3 (F2SB) finders are any easier to see in the dark?

benjiboy · Apr 3, 2015

The F2 AS is the best in the dark.

TheTrailTog · Apr 3, 2015

Thanks for the quick feedback The F2A and F2AS are off the table for now as I only have non-Ai lenses. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the F2AS and the F2SB are the same finders, just one for Ai and one for non-Ai?

benjiboy · Apr 3, 2015

The reason I suggested the Silicon Blue cell in the AS head is because it's much more sensitive in low lighting situations than any CdS metering cell in the other Nikon metering prisms, and because the O.P made no reference to what lenses he wanted to use his camera with.

TheTrailTog · Apr 3, 2015

benjiboy said:
The reason I suggested the Silicon Blue cell in the AS head is because it's much more sensitive in low lighting situations than any CdS metering cell in the other Nikon metering prisms, and because the O.P made no reference to what lenses he wanted to use his camera with.

Sorry Ben, I should have stipulated about the lenses up front. Am I correct though that the DP-3 would offer me the same results as the DP-12?

benjiboy · Apr 3, 2015

Xia_Ke said:
Sorry Ben, I should have stipulated about the lenses up front. Am I correct though that the DP-3 would offer me the same results as the DP-12?

Why not get your lenses converted to Ai ?.Here are details of all the F2 finders http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_F2

Les Sarile · Apr 4, 2015

Xia_Ke said:
Sorry Ben, I should have stipulated about the lenses up front. Am I correct though that the DP-3 would offer me the same results as the DP-12?

You are correct and can check out the specs for all the F2 metered prisms -> Nikon F2 prisms.

However your initial question is about seeing better in dark settings in which case maybe a new screen is what you need -> Nikon F2 screens

Lamar · Apr 4, 2015

I have two F2's. One with a DP-1 and one with a DP-3. For daylight I like a match needle a little better than the LED's in the DP-3 but I like the DP-3 much better for low light. I would say go with the DP-3 and send it to Sover Wong for an overhaul. You will have a good bit of money in it when your done but if you intend to keep and use it, and can afford it, it is money well spent.

Xia_Ke said:
So I've been shooting for a while now with an F2 Photomic and am loving it. I'm thinking about getting a second body though so I can have one loaded with FP4+ for day time and one with pushed HP5+ for low light situations. I really like the DP-1 finder for day time, but it can be hard to see in low light conditions. I know they make a little accessory light and that Sover does mods for it, but am curious if the DP-2 (F2S) or DP-3 (F2SB) finders are any easier to see in the dark?

TheTrailTog · Apr 4, 2015

Thanks again everyone for the input

Ben: Converting is something I'm thinking about for down the road, but right now all my Nikon gear is non-Ai so there is no benefit to doing it right now.

APUGuser19: I certainly like the price point of the F2S better than the SB! Will have to save my pennies and keep an eye out for good deals.

Les: I can see fine to focus with my current selection of screens. The issue I'm having is difficulty seeing the needle for metering. Figured the S/SB would be better for this in low light because of the LEDs.

Lamar: Wish I had the funds to get a nice SB AND get it Soverized. First though, I think I'd rather have my current F2 Photomic sent off to get CLA'd and get the CDS cells replaced (they are fine for now though)

Xmas · Apr 4, 2015

I prefer a DE-1.

Chan Tran · Apr 4, 2015

Back in 1977 I bought the F2AS instead of the F2A because the meter is good for down to EV-2 @ISO100 with the f/1.4 lens. Today I don't see that matter much but I was a kid then.

TheTrailTog · Apr 4, 2015

I'm sure the DE-1 is great, but not my cup of tea. Call me lazy, but for 35mm I like having at least a basic built-in meter. I've sold off all of my meterless 35mm cameras with the exception of a plain prism black Nikon F and even that isn't seeing any use sadly. I guess my basic question has been answered here though and that is if the LED finders are easier to use in low light than a DP-1. Thanks

benjiboy · Apr 4, 2015

I just had a thought, the Nikon Photomic Illuminator DL1 might solve your problem in seeing the needle in poor light.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=n...=941&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=p_kfV
I used to sell a lot of these to customers who were F2 owners when I worked at a professonal dealers in the early 1980's
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cameras-P...n+dl1+photomic+illuminator&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2

DCB12 · Apr 4, 2015

F2S.

The LED's actually light up the f-stop and shutter speed....great for low light.

My F2S's meter is as accurate as my D700.

Peace

Which F2 for low light?

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