Would you trade an F5?

[ChristopherCoy]

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]

Why have a second F2?

 

[Bearman]

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]

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

 

[ChristopherCoy]

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]

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]

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]

WWCAT?

 

[Paul Howell]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[awty]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.