Which manual Nikon to purchase next?

[CGW]

Get another F3, more glass, or an FM3A. F2 bodies are getting very elderly, pricey to fix, and even pricier to buy in better than beaten-to-death shape. I know they enjoy holy relic status but why bother now?

Late model AF bodies like the N90s and F100 are also worth a look. The N90s is bargain-priced now.

 

[Kisatchie]

...F2 bodies are getting very elderly, pricey to fix, and even pricier to buy in better than beaten-to-death shape. I know they enjoy holy relic status but why bother now?

I have 3 F2As and an F2S. None of my cameras was anywhere near beaten to death, and they all cost under $200 except for an almost mint F2A that I paid $280 for.

These cameras will outlast me. That's one reason to bother about.

 

[lxdude]

One thing about the F2-the higher shutter speeds can be set in between numbered speeds. Comes in handy at times. My personal favorite is the F2 with plain prism. It's lighter, less bulky and has better balance than with the Photomic finders. IMO.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

.. F2 bodies are getting very elderly, pricey to fix, and even pricier to buy in better than beaten-to-death shape. I know they enjoy holy relic status but why bother now?

Hmmm, the same could be said about F3's, especially since it costs more to overhaul an F3 than an F2. And, nice F3's sometimes cost more than nice F2's. Currently own a 34 year old F2AS that still works like new. Only thing that was done to it was to have the camera refoamed a couple years ago. Body cost me $200 in 2007 as an F2A. Traded the DP-11, a motor drive, and a non-AI 50/2 for the DP-12 that's on it today.

Since the camera will likely outlast everything but my F FTn and possibly my FM2n, I say that's a very good reason to bother now.

Besides, the original poster asked which fully-manual camera he should buy next, not the next autoexposure or AF camera to buy next. He also mentioned that he didn't care for the Nikon FM/FM2 metering system.

-J

 

[DaveO]

For the price, The F 100 at about $ 200-300 is hard to beat. Plus it works with G and VR lenses. Plus it is new enough that it still has a lot of life left in it.

DaveO

 

[D Saul]

I'd say another F3 or FM3a -- amazing little camera.

 

[Pumalite]

I also like and use a lot the Nikon F and F2AS ( they are NOT beaten to death)

 

[mablo]

My friend is offering me a nice black FM or an almost as nice black FA with a data back and a motor .. or.. a black F2A with a metering prism in good condition. I might need a back up and a bad weather camera for my current F100. My brain says FM but my balls say either FA or F2A. I've had both FM2n and a FE2 and liked them both very much. My lenses are mostly AI / AI-S.

Any advice?

 

[blockend]

The F2 is a good camera and not too expensive if you're patient. I bought a cosmetically tatty but un-dented and fully working F2AS last summer for £60 on ebay. However the metered head makes the F2 far heavier than it need and I'd always take my Nikkormats from choice. A plain prism makes the F and F2 a better option but they're a rarity and command a high price. Still haven't got over selling my utterly mint early number F with an unmetered prism some years ago (what was I thinking?!?)

Taking price, build quality and practicality in use, the Nikkormats are an absolute steal. I have six and they cost between £20 and £50.

 

[CGW]

I just love my F3hp and was wondering which full manual Nikon to look into next.Suggestions?

There are very few newer "full manual" Nikon bodies--I'm guessing you mean manual focus(?). Unless you're determined to make a retro fashion statement, an N90s or F100 works beautifully as a MF camera with the added advantage of being decades younger than a venerable F or F2. I have several oldies but prefer the newer AF bodies for their automation, accurate metering, aperture priority mode, and AF options. I love my late near-mint black F Photomic Ftn but appreciate that there's nothing inherently virtuous or superior about shooting an F/ F2--sorry.

 

[Pumalite]

Some of us are nostalgic