Would you trade an F5?

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

I hate these kinds of threads, so I’m going to post one anyway.

We’re traveling and I stopped into a glorious camera shop. Guy had a silver ‘76 F2 with a 50mm/2 on it. Both are very clean. He offered me the set for $190, but I’m thinking of trading my F5 for it.

the only reason I have kept the F5 is because I can meter with non cpu lenses, but I’ve been enjoying the all mechanical F2 and RB67 that the F5 is collecting dust.

I didn’t pay much more than his asking price for the F5 so I’m not losing any money.

Trying to figure out what to do and if I really want the silver sister camera to my black F2 enough to let the F5 go.

Horatio · Apr 23, 2021

Why have a second F2?

Bearman · Apr 23, 2021

Consider first whether you really need 2 F2s. Maybe your current F2 is due for a CLA? Spend $ on that. Better to have one solid CLA'd F2 than 2 mediocre ones.
However, if that 76 F2 is so cherry and in better shape than your current F2 and you really want it, buy it outright; save your F5.
You can always sell your F5 for at least $190 when you get home.

Huss · Apr 23, 2021

I dunno. $190 could go towards getting a sweet Leica M. At least a lens cap for one.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

Huss said:
I dunno. $190 could go towards getting a sweet Leica M. At least a lens cap for one.

I did the unthinkable while I was there. I allowed my virgin hands to hold an M6. I even put it to my eye and looked through the rangefinder! *GASP*

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

Horatio said:
Why have a second F2?

Because I’m fearful of holding on to a camera with so many electronics in it. If it takes a crap I’m stuck since there are no more circuitry parts being made.

cramej · Apr 23, 2021

The latest edition of WWCAT

At some point, you might miss the blistering AF and ability to accidentally waste an entire roll of film in 4.5 seconds.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

WWCAT?

Paul Howell · Apr 23, 2021

I really liked my F2, the F3P had additional features, still the F2 seemed to fit my hands better. But, rather than 2 F2s how about a FM2 or 3a, the 3 was lighter, faster shutter, flash syn 1/250.

cramej · Apr 23, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
WWCAT?

What Will Chris Ask Today?

I think you could have a thing going here....

In all seriousness, your posts do get some good conversation going!

Horatio · Apr 23, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
Because I’m fearful of holding on to a camera with so many electronics in it. If it takes a crap I’m stuck since there are no more circuitry parts being made.

Oh yeah, I forgot you had mentioned that. Sorry. That's the reason I bought an M3. Sorta.

Huss · Apr 23, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
I did the unthinkable while I was there. I allowed my virgin hands to hold an M6. I even put it to my eye and looked through the rangefinder! *GASP*

Well, the M6 has zinc covers and a flarey finder so that doesn't really count. You need to pick up a real M...

MattKing · Apr 23, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
Because I’m fearful of holding on to a camera with so many electronics in it. If it takes a crap I’m stuck since there are no more circuitry parts being made.

In what way does your existing F2 not meet your needs, where a 2nd F2 would?
The F5 will work with a few more manual focus lenses, and will work with a lot more auto-focus lenses than an F2 will.
There is at least as much chance (if not more!) that some part in a 41-50 year old F2 will fail and no replacement will be available as that some part in a 16-21 year old F5 will fail and no replacement will be available.
You are familiar with your F5 and, because of that, are more likely to be able to rely on it than another camera that you have no history with.
Both cameras were manufactured in significant numbers, so in both cases harvesting parts from non-functional bodies is a reasonable option.
By the way, your briefly owned 645e would have been repairable through the harvesting route, if the economics made sense.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

I

Huss said:
Well, the M6 has zinc covers and a flarey finder so that doesn't really count. You need to pick up a real M...

I think I did. It was an original from like the 30’s or 40’s if I remember correctly. Also handled an M4 before the M6. I can see the appeal of the M6, but I still don’t understand the price tag.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

MattKing said:
In what way does your existing F2 not meet your needs, where a 2nd F2 would?
The F5 will work with a few more manual focus lenses, and will work with a lot more auto-focus lenses than an F2 will.
There is at least as much chance (if not more!) that some part in a 41-50 year old F2 will fail and no replacement will be available as that some part in a 16-21 year old F5 will fail and no replacement will be available.
You are familiar with your F5 and, because of that, are more likely to be able to rely on it than another camera that you have no history with.
Both cameras were manufactured in significant numbers, so in both cases harvesting parts from non-functional bodies is a reasonable option.
By the way, your briefly owned 645e would have been repairable through the harvesting route, if the economics made sense.

I’ll go to bed thinking about this and hope that the emotional response to the shop will pass by tomorrow. I’ve got some product photography to do tomorrow as well as fashion some sort of pinhole cover for the RB to try some pinhole on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday I’m going shoot multiple rolls in the state park and surrounding areas here. I’m hoping that all the shooting will also calm the F2 sticky fingers.

he did have a nice set of Nikon bellows though, which would pair nicely with the Helios 44-2 on an adapter...which I've been wanting to try for some close up stuff.

greg zinselmeier · Apr 23, 2021

In regards to keeping 2 cameras that are fully manual/ no electronics,. . . . fearfull it will take a crap . . . . . etc. I use to think that way too, for roll film, I had a Canon P, now I shot with Mamiya 645E, I can't say, that I look back!

ChristopherCoy · Apr 23, 2021

greg zinselmeier said:
In regards to keeping 2 cameras that are fully manual/ no electronics,. . . . fearfull it will take a crap . . . . . etc. I use to think that way too, for roll film, I had a Canon P, now I shot with Mamiya 645E, I can't say, that I look back!

You will when that 645E finally has the circuitry corrosion issues they’re known for. Do yourself a favor and start looking for the part now!

Sirius Glass · Apr 23, 2021

A F5, I would drop it like a hot potato! Sell, trade ... for almost anything. It is too heavy.

awty · Apr 23, 2021

You need all the cameras, buy it and eat noodles.....and you only need one kidney, so put a down payment on the M6.

pbromaghin · Apr 24, 2021

Being a Minolta guy with no rooting interest in the outcome, I say buy it. Then you can have 2 nearly identical, yet easily distinguishable, cameras loaded with different films for immediate reaction to different circumstances. Selling/trading the F5 is a whole separate issue involving your financial condition and living in the close quarters of a boat. You have mentioned before your lack of enthusiasm for the camera and you don't seem the kind of person to want to hold onto something that does not bring you joy. You won't miss it.

mshchem · Apr 24, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
You will when that 645E finally has the circuitry corrosion issues they’re known for. Do yourself a favor and start looking for the part now!

I bought a F2S in high-school. 1973. If you trade a functioning F5 you are nuts. If you have a F2 there's ways that the power from the batteries in the body won't make it to the two electrical pins on the top of the body. If you saw my 175 lb 6'2" body in 1973, and my 250lb 6'1" body today, well it needs more up keep. F5 is a beast. The last of it's kind, however a absolute classic. Why do you think every single digit di$*tal camera, looks like a F5?
I would find a nice used AF-D 85 1.8 for a couple hundred.
I have F, F2 F3 bodies they are beautiful, plain prisms etc. I never get them out

toyoboyo · Apr 24, 2021

F5's have been going for closer to $250-$350 on the bay or other marketplaces. Might be worth considering selling it separately instead of trading.

Down Under · Apr 24, 2021

Trade? For an M10 with Summicron 50, try me! For anything else, well, huh.

But then I don't own an F5 anyway, so it's all hypothetical. Dream on!

John Bragg · Apr 24, 2021

If you have no sentimental or emotional attachment to the F5, then go ahead and trade it. If however like me you see it as the end of the line and the most highly developed Pro Nikon film camera, then consider it as an investment that will only appreciate in value. I bought mine in 2013 for £160 and it was in barely used condition. To replace it now (like for like) would be nearer £500. The lack of F6 availability is driving up the price as well.

MartinCrabtree · Apr 24, 2021

The F6 holds no interest for me. I wouldn't get rid of my F5 for any reason I'm likely to encounter. But that's just me. I tend to avoid worrying about things that may or may not occur. Waste of time. The F5 is so stout,versatile and competent I see nothing else that will replace it. My apparent immunity to the Leica virus seems fortunate if ya asks me.

Would you trade an F5?

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