Love my F2. It was with me from the day I bought in in 1980. It was the last of the run in 1979. It traveled with me in Japan to S. Korea and a visit to N. Korea at the DMZ and various us U.S. Air Force bases in the U.S. We military guys got our hands of great camera at great prices overseas. My friend got the Canon F1, I had the Nikon F2. Luckily, we had no social media so we enjoyed shooting and not arguing about which cameras was the best. We just had fun and blew through film like fish drink water. Do they drink water? I really can't say if it as the absolute best mechanical, but it was there on top with a few other makes.
Interesting that you mention the F-1. I’d have to say that it’s right up there with the F2. One of my top 5 choices for sure. And a strong competitor to the F2.
@@vintagecameradigest I was thinking of an F-1, but my heart was all Nikon F2. The F-1 is a brick, a very solid camera that could be used as a defensive weapon if attacked. Both Canon and Nikon came out of WW2 making some great rangefinders, Japanese style. And the rest is history.
I bought my first good SLR in 1979 , a new F2as. I traveled throughout the Middle East with that camera shooting Kodachrome and Kodak Plus-X. Like most photographers I've owned many cameras since, but when it was stolen many years later I replaced it with 2x excellent condition F2as bodies. These as well as the F3 are my favourites, even if I enjoy digital, these are cameras for a lifetime. Thanks for a great review, looking forward to your next video.
I think you nailed it with these F-series being “lifetime” cameras. As they are built to pretty tough standards. I’m def putting an F2AS on my wish list!
Love my Nikon f2s , My copy I believe it was hand assembled in Japan in 1974. Time's I just take it out to look at it. To anyone considering buying one I say . What product can you buy today that will outlast you , it is for life. So yes Buy one you won't regret it . Great video my friend and beautiful photos. Best wishes from Ireland
It’s a truly fantastic camera. I had this one CLA’d when I got it about 10 years ago. With that, I’m pretty sure it will now outlast me! I’ve never heard anyone say they regretted having one. Thanks for watching!
I always find your videos exciting and captivating. Thank you for producing such great content. You and your videos have been a great motivation for me to start with analog photography. Thank you for that! Greetings from Germany.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that. That’s been my hope all along - to inspire some film shooting and enjoy photography in a whole new way. Cheers!
Good to see you back! And glad you take your time for your life and prioritise your personal time. I hope you had a great time on that road trip. And you’re back with the Nikon F2, no less!
What an amazing trip 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I've seen a lot of national parks pictures but hands down the photos in this video definitely the best. It was an honor and pleasure to watch the video.thank you for sharing your trip
Great video and beautiful shots! Glad you and your wife got to take this special trip. My late wife and I took a very similar trip back in the early 90’s. Your trip brought back many fond memories. Thank you.
I always seem to get a burning sensation in my pocket when I watch one of your videos… Great video as always Steven. I actually gasped at the photos of Glacier National Park - beautiful work!
Man, I love your straight talking, no nonsense factual presentation. I've been looking at getting a fully mechanical Nikon to go with my Minolta SRT, and the F2 certainly looks like it might fit the bill.
The F2 has been my daily carry camera for years. Thanks for not being a cry baby about the weight, it's solid not heavy. Well done video useful information.
Yeah, weight isn’t really an issue with me. I mean, look at some of the more modern flagship cameras - especially the DSLRs like the Canon 1 DX’s. They’re huge. Almost the same size as my Pentax 67. I’ll choose build-quality over weight any day of the week.
How uncanny! I just bought a one owner F2 about two weeks ago and now an excellent video about it. Hard to believe my 50 year old version operates as nicely as it does. DP-1 Finder with a 55mm f1.2 lens. I wish more people had a chance to experience what you saw. The blue pill or red pill that seems to put us on edge as a nation just doesn’t seem to matter when you are looking at some of those vistas. You just thank God in heaven you get to call it “Home”! Thanks for taking us along, I appreciate it.
Serendipitous! The F2 is one of my favorites. Solid, mechanical and able to last a lifetime. And man, it was SO refreshing just to get out and see the beauty of this country without that red/blue “filter”, lol. The variety of geography we have here is just amazing. We’re lucky to have it.
I feel so bad... I had not seen any of your videos in a while and figured you was just taking a break.. Come to find out UA-cam was just not telling me.. I missed many videos and this is one.. I need to catch up :).. Great photos and I hope you had a great time on your vacation .
Great video on my favorite camera. I bought my F2 about 7 years ago. It was never used, still in its original packaging and stored in a warehouse all these years. I sent it to Sover Wong in the UK to be CLA’d. I have never used a finer camera. I simply love it.
@ Yes it was. It was truly like going back in time and purchasing a new F2 from a camera store with all the original enclosures still intact. Incidentally, I want to praise you for your 2 part videos on spot metering. I watched countless videos on the subject and none of them really helped until I watched yours. Your instruction and demonstrations were invaluable for me and as a result I subscribed to your channel. Thanks again.
I am, by all accounts, a medium format photographer. Have been since 1971. But I do keep two chrome 1971 Nikon F2 Photomic's in my camera locker, as well as a half dozen vintage Nikkor lenses. Watching your video, I had to pull them out again, mount all my old Nikkor lenses, and fire the shutters at a variety of speeds. I thank you for inspiring me to get them out of my locker, if for no other reason than to "play" with them a bit. I actually believe they were smiling!
My wife's uncle just sent me his pristine F2 from about 1974. I'm still running my first roll of film since the late 20th Century through it. It is indeed a lovely piece of machinery.
As a Pentax user, my favourite mechanical camera is the KX. It's essentially a larger, earlier version on its successor, the MX. I appreciate the love the F2 gets. I really liked seeing your colour photos, BTW.
Thoroughly enjoyed this mate!! The colour photographs were lovely and that film held up really well. I run an F2AS alongside a Rolleiflex 3.5f......both cameras are an absolute joy. Living in England i drool over Montana and Wyoming. Just subscribed 🙂
This was the camera that, when I first saw it on 1974, i said to myself: man, I gotta have one of these! Well, it took me a few decades to realize this dream, but I managed to get a mint 1977 black F2A in 2004, 3 decades after I felt in love with it. After that I also picked another F2, with the eyelevel finder, as a backup/parts. Except for the frame counter, it works perfectly. it look to have been a photojournalist camera for it's quite beaten, except for the finder, which is in very good shape. Curiously, I went for the nikon not only for I was passionate for it but because of tech and electronics 'trauma", caused by the two shutter failures of an amazing Canon T90 I had, along with an equally problematic T60, that only shot when it wanted... :) From then on, mostly mechanical cameras entered my life! I confess that, as I age, autofocus is needed sometimes. But for this feature I picked an F100. I also had an F3, which is also an incredible camera, but I was convinced by my wife that I had too much cameras. So, it went away, along an F2AS I had, to other owners. The fact I can use my D autofocus lenses on it, and AI and AIS lenses on the F100 is great. I think the AIS and D lenses are some of the best Nikon ever produced and prefer them to newer too contrasty lenses. The best description I've heard from the Nikon F2 is that the Japanese did not create a camera but a precision instrument that is able to take pictures perfectly, with an incredible consistency. And for years and years and years, without great maintenance requirements. I had my F2A CLA'd when I bought it. Ever since, saw no need. Even the 1S speed still goes for 1S, 20 years later. Love the way it handles, its weight (hate light cameras, they're shaky) and the assurance it gives me that it'll be there for whatever comes. It's been 20 years of pure joy! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for the technical details about F2. And thank you so so much for the rules of photographing in Yellow Stone. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Thanks for watching! And just to be clear - those rules apply to all national parks, even the national military battlefields and national monuments. Cheers!
The DP-2 viewfinder used a High Sensitivity CDS meter which was slow to respond at levels under EV2. In the manual it was suggested to wait 5 seconds for the meter to stabilize before using it. The DP-3 was the first meter to use the Silicon Blue Cell sensor and the reason it was implemented was because it was near instantaneous in very low light. BTW, at 69 years old I am old enough to have purchased the F2 brand spanking new. In 1974 I purchased the Prism model because it was all I could afford. In 1977 I had squirreled away enough money to purchase my first DP-3. In the interim I used a cheap hand held meter or just used my eyes to estimate the exposure and after lots of trial and error using Plus-x or Panatomic-X I got pretty good at estimating the exposure. My weak area was in very low light, thus my waiting until I could afford the DP-3. The DP-12 used a reflected aperture ring image to provide the Aperture reading in the viewfinder and it inferior to the dial and string display on the DP-3. That alone was the reason why I never had any interest in the AI meter heads. As for that Aperture prong, I have made these out of basic metal blanks using 6061-T6 aluminum. 2 hours of work with a Dremel and Needle files while watching the Boob tube provided a meanes of relaxation. When I purchased my 180mm f2.8 EDIF AF Nikkor in 1988 I went whole hog and used a solid silver US Dime as the base material. BTW, if you keep two 52mm LINEAR polarizers in your kit with the F2 you can use them to make a variable density filter, which will allow the use of wide apertures on a bright sunny day. B& H actually has a large selection of Linear Polarizing filters but you have to specifically search for them. Because if you go to Polarizing filters all you will see are circular, which is now not required with mirrorless cameras and yes I have tested this. Linear works just find with mirrorless, because there are zero semi silvered mirrors in the light path for metering.
Thanks for such great info here. Yes, CdS cells are a bit slow to react, and we’re therefore eventually phased out in favor of the silicon cells. What I did NOT know was the method of aperture display on the later prisms. And it’s certainly a reason I do like the DP-1 meter. I’m usually happy with any method of transmitted aperture info, but I find it especially so on this prism. Also, good info on the linear polarizer trick AND on the metering prong construction. This is the type of thing that will have many of us asking for a Dremel this Christmas, lol. Many, many thanks!
Great video. I'm going to do some more research on Yellowstone photography rules. I bought my F2S brand new in 1975 and when on rare occasion when I shoot film, it still works great. I own about 8 pre-AI lenses from 20mm to 200mm plus a 500mm mirror Nikkor. Now I'm all into the Z system. In 1978 I moved to northeastern Wyoming to be nearer to the wonderful places you showed in this video. I could identify most of your Yellowstone locations.
That’s a beautiful area up there. Nothing like Georgia, lol. So it was a great trip - regardless of the National park rules. And as far as I can determine, those rules cover every national park - including national battlefields, as well.
Nice video! Thank you! I'm a lifelong resident of Western Montana (70 years) and your slideshow makes me want to get out for a road trip even though I have visited these places many times I never tire of them. The only time I have ever run afoul of any photography restrictions was at the National Bison Range at Moise, Montana, which I highly recommend seeing. I was using a Kiev 88 on a tripod and the ranger thought I must be a professional, go figure 🙂
I thought it was absolutely beautiful out there. Nothing like we’d ever seen. As for your ranger interaction, the tripod was the thing that got the attention, I’m pretty sure. The current published rules, though, do allow for a single tripod in most cases.
I haven't seen photos that looked like this in decades. Don't get me wrong, I shoot film (generally medium and large format) in national parks... but I'm so caught up "fine art landscape" mindset, where I shoot in the best format possible waiting for the most perfect (even unreal) golden hour or reflected light possible, that I've forgotten just how enjoyable it can be to look at 35mm shots that were simply shot in a more documentary style and take just when the photographer happened to be there. It really hits me in the nostalgia bone takes me back to the sort of photos I saw growing up in magazines (or the occasional slide show) that made me want to get into photography in the first place. I usually use digital for shots on those days with bright cloudless blue skies because film is expensive and if I was going to spend a bunch of money on it, I'd get more for my money with medium format (and being all perfectionist about using it), but I've forgotten the feeling of joy just being in the moment I used to get with a simple (to operate) 35mm SLR. Edit: Thinking about it, I'd also like to add that you have a really good eye for composition, many people probably could not take such engaging shots at midday.
Thanks for the great comment. And, yes, I agree - this style just takes me back to being a documentarian with a camera. Indeed, that may ultimately be my innate approach in general. Occasionally I’ll get lucky and all the light, shadows, clouds, colors will provide me with that lightning-in-a bottle shot. So, I’m always on the lookout for it. And hoping I’ll be in the right place at the right time. But if not, well, the photojournalism roots start to show. Cheers!
Most of it was. And I didn’t like it, but it was what I could get my hands on. There were also a couple of rolls of Kodak Gold 200 in there. But yeah, most was the Fuji 400.
I have one of the original Canon F-1 bodies, and I gotta say it’s one of my favorites. Definitely on par with the F2 in my book. With the added advantage of the meter being in the body and not the prism. Keeps the size down quite a bit.
For post I just converted using a Negative Lab Pro preset (Frontier scanner emulation) and cleaned up some dust here and there. It did add a little bit of saturation but not a lot.
Very nice pictures! Could I ask what time of the year it was when you took your photographs? It looks like autumn, with the long shadows and golden deciduous trees.
Looking forward to the film through airport scanners episode. It is a question I always have. I shoot digital and film but leave the film camera at home when flying. I was curious what you thought of the later FE2 from the mid 1980s in comparison to the F2. I've considered looking for a F2 but since I have the FE2, I haven't done so. The FE2 does go to 1/4000 shutter speed but I am rarely in that range. Enjoyed the shots from the Tetons, Glacier and Yellowstone. That is a trip I did in 2017 and I really enjoyed it. I'm actually in northern New Mexico this week photographing landscapes and old churches.
New Mexico will be the next trip! Already planning that one. As far as the FE2 goes, it’s technically superior to the F2 and even - dare I say it - the F3. Higher flash sync, greater shutter speed range. I guess the main difference could be build-quality. I’m sure the FE2 is as well-built as any Nikon (I do have one, and I enjoy it). But, the F2, F3, F4, etc, etc are just built to stand up to physical abuse. I fully believe that I could hammer nails with the base of my F4s. :-))
In 1971, when the F2 emerged, I still started with an Nikon F/FTN & Nikkor-H 1.8/85. As recently as 1976, I added an F2, and since then, I had owned some of them: with eyelevel and waistlevel and action finder as well. Today, at the age of 76, only one F2S remained, besides a Nikkormat EL, Nikon EL2, F801s, and a D300 as my today's digicam;-)) The only advantage of the Nikon F is a back without any sealing material because you have nothing to do but putting the back up into the fitting. For me the crucial advantage of the F2S is the light balance with two very big LED 'arrows' - particularly helpful in a dark environment. For normal light I don't need any meter - it's just experience. My 1974 F2S is now 50 years old but still going strong without any need for service. That's the point the F2 is the best manual analogue camera for me.
Wonderful evidence in favor of the F2 series! I agree that the LEDs would be a massive improvement over the needle. But SO many cameras of that time had no illumination in the finder. It’s really the only thing that every bothers me about shooting any of these old machines. I’ve absolutely been spoiled by the illuminated finders. Thanks for watching!
@@vintagecameradigest There was at least for the Nikon F/FTN Photomic an external 'Illuminator' you had to screw in the eyepiece, and the light came from above throug a little window into the Photomic.
@@vintagecameradigest Photomic Illuminator DL-1 for Photomic F/F2, just now at eBay for 48 EUR in Germany (Nikon original part, there's a battery 1,3 or 1,5 V inside)
Thanks! I had “issues” with the film I actually took along (that video will be out tomorrow, I think), so I had to scrounge up what I could find in Montana. Most of the color was Fuji 400, but I had a couple of rolls of plain old Kodak Gold 200. That’s probably what you’re referring to. It wasn’t bad…
I had the Nikkormat with the 50/1.2 as a teenager and used it mostly at live gigs and concerts. Then I progressed to the F2, and added the 35/1.4 and the 105/2.5. The best (and only) camera I have ever owned, and those 3 lenses are the best ever made. Now I have Blackmagic Cinema Cameras for motion pictures, because they are manual and not auto anything.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, as digital was storming to the top in photography, I bought analog film cameras very, very cheaply. I have literally hundreds of models from every major brand and have used all of them. The Nikon F2 is definitely at the top of my list, (ok in the top three) and I’ve had four of mine serviced by Sover Wong in the UK - the world’s best F2 authority - and each of those are virtually brand new in appearance and functionality now. I own about 25 or 30 Nikon F2 cameras, a few of each iteration. I’ve tried often to consider other cameras as possibly being “better”, but every time, the F2 wins again.
You might like to consider a CLA for the Nikon F2. My F2 was showing too much yellow in the trees. In fact it was a slow shutter, letting in excessive light, needing an adjustment. After the CLA, the yellow trees became green trees. Unless you deliberately over exposed the scene for the effect. Also other shots looked spot on! Maybe Golden Hour had a play...!
Could be. I do know some of the exposures varied and would create slight color differences from frame to frame. But, some of those trees were really that brightly colored. So different than the part of the country I’m in.
I got a Nikkormat when in High School and an F2 in college (and a number of lenses from 28 & 55 macro to 350). I just got the F2 rebuilt 2 years ago after a couple decades of disuse. Last year I took some photos with the F2 in Glacier, including some in the area of the Many Glacier Hotel (in your photos). I also use a D750. The old F2 is certainly a great camera.
I wish I’d had more time to spend on that side of the park. We had hoped to hike to the Grinnell glacier overlook, but just didn’t have the time. I’ll put that on my list to revisit, though. I think the F2 would be up for it.
Love it, just wish those later metered prisms weren't so expensive and there were more technicians willing to work on it. Sover Wong is basically completely unavailable and it seems no one else really works on them.
I have two Nikon F2’s. One with a motor drive, which I bought new, the other I bought used from a friend who was a professional photographer. The light meter on the used one does not work. Do you know where and if I can get it repaired? I really enjoyed your photographs! I have been to Utah but never where your adventure took you to.
Thanks for the kind words. Interestingly, I think Utah is one of the prettiest places on the planet. Hope to make that on a trip next year maybe. But, yes, these places are just wonderful. And, unfortunately, cameras don’t do it justice. But, hey, we can try :-) As for your meter question, I have no specific recommendation, sadly. But there is a repair shop in Atlanta that is “old school”. Been in business many, many years. I’ve sent in “vintage” gear to them on multiple occasions, and they get it straightened out. They go by the unique name of Camera Service Company. I’d give them a call. Let me know if you get it worked out. I’d love to report good news like that.
@ Thank you for the name of the camera repair shop in Atlanta! I looked them up on Google maps. I have driven on I285 so I know about where it is. I will call them next week. Maybe they can fix my Nikkormat light meter too.
I have an F2 Titan with a DP12-AS prism. The lens is a new Voigtlander 40mm F2 which can actually be quite tricky to focus wide open. I love this camera, I also shoot Pentax 67, Contax G2 and Yashica Mat 124G but for me this is the halo camera of my collection, so well built and just a joy to use! Yes probably the greatest 35mm SLR ever made, undisputable really. The Nikon F2 is the next "hype camera" for sure so snap one up before they rocket up in price!
I have an F5, F4, and F3. I've been tempted by cheap F's and F2s, but I'm being patient until I can find nice copies in good condition to complete my collection someday
I think an “F” needs to be in any collection if for nothing more than historical importance. The F2, though, is certainly worth owning as a solid user. And opt for an F2A or F2AS to be completely compatible with so many Nikon lenses.
Thanks for the video. I heard about the F2 when I was in college in the early 1970s. No money. lol I bought a brand new 35mm Nikon FM from a photo store in 1978. Back then I didn't know jack about the 'view' of lenses. The FM came with 50mm 1.4 so that's what I bought. I used that combo all through the five years my wife and I lived In Jackson WY. We traveled and backpacked WY, the Tetons, Yellowstone, MT, and the backcountry of NW WYO. Skip forward to the early 1990s. I found Galen Rowell's photography ideal. Galen used an FM with a 24mm lens. So I bought a used 24mm 2.8 Nikkor. Man that 24 is a SWEET lens. I wish I had bought that 24 as my prime lens at the very start. I recently read that the 'look' of photos and video taken with todays iphones is about the equivalent of a 28mm lens on a 35slr. I know my 24 is perfect for all around shooting, so it's no surprise the 'look' people like on an iphone is ~ 28. That kinda validates that 24mm is an ideal lens. At least for me. Thanks again for the video. The sound track on this vid is super btw.
Glad you enjoyed the music! Would love to try a 24mm on this thing at some point. I was surprised, though, at how much I enjoyed using the 20mm. Thanks for the comment!
I have one of those waiting in the wings for its opportunity to challenge the F2 :-) It, also, is a fantastic choice. And the meter isn’t tied to the prism. Nice!
I really think the Canon F1 takes the cake for best all time mechanical camera. That or the FTB. Just so reliable and lovely to shoot. The F2 is no slouch, but the metering is notorious for failing and it’s overall not as smooth at the canons.
I agree the original F-1 is right up there in the same league for me. I like that it’s meter isn’t tied to the prism. I’ll be doing an episode on it before too long.
I was told by my camera repair person that they wouldn't attempt a CLA on my beloved F1 because the meter follower must be removed before the mirror box can be removed and it usually gets damaged and there are no parts available for this. So take that into consideration if you want to crown the F1 as best it would probably be one without a working meter.
It’s a great one for sure. But has an electronically-controlled shutter - which I think put off a lot of pros at the time. They didn’t want to be dependent on a battery. BUT, I’ll have the F3 HP in a review in the next few months. Cheers!
I traveled worldwide with another photographer who used Nikon gear, and my Canon F1s were clearly more robust... On a trip to Europe, he had 3 cameras fail, 2 of them fatally... A simple 75 cm drop of his F5 actually damaged the frame, compared to my F1n falling about 1.8 m, with a 600/4.5, landing upside down, smashed the finder, and broke the lens mount off, but the body required no repair, other than replacing the finder!
I have one of the original F-1 bodies, and it is indeed pretty well-built. I don’t think it’s one I’d choose to part with. Definitely a strong competitor to the Nikons of the day (even the F5 as it sounds).
I own many cameras. I usually take two from my collection just to see whether or not they are worth keeping. In addition, I spool my own black and white film so am able to create 10 to 12 shots film cartridges for testing purposes. I normally take a dependable film camera such as a Contax, Canon A-1 or a Topcon SLR alongside my Nikon F2. The Nikon F2 is the most reliable and frankly I do not want to invest in traveling and find out that I screwed up somewhere along the line. It happens. When I do take color photos, I only use my Nikon F2 since it fully mechanical and fully dependable.
I hated my F2 until I put the eye level non metered prism on it. After that it felt amazing. Once I bought my M2 and a reissue M6 I never touched the F2 again. I refuse to sell it though because it's such a beautiful camera and I would love to use it again some day. I also like the F2 over my Canon F-1 because the film advance lever feels better to me.
I do think the advance lever is pretty smooth. Nikon got that figured out after the “F”. Just about every other Nikon body I’ve picked up has such an elegant wind-on feel. Now I don’t know how it compares to a Leica, tho 😁
I have the F2as with the DP12, and I agree it's the greatest fully mechanical SLR ever. Another plus is that most lenses are inexpensive. I also have the F3 and the FM3A, and they are fabulous as well. The FM3A has the advantage of operating fully mechanically throughout the full shutter speed range, or having aperture priority with a battery, and it's MUCH lighter. But I will never sell my F2.
Yes, absolutely. The F2 is legend. The only thing better than the original F2 is the F2AS, which I had the pleasure to own and take fantastic images with. Rugged and tough and sharp - every click was like bestowing a blessing on the world. Circumstances intervened and I had to sell my F2AS along with the fantastic Nikkor 28 mm and 55 mm macro lenses. I loved that equipment more than I loved life. Oh well.
I agree that the F2AS is probably the pinnacle of old-school SLR design. I’d love to be able to easily pair newer NIkkor optics that don’t have the metering prong.
Thanks for watching! You certainly can’t beat the size of the OM compared to the Nikon. I don’t even think Nikon attempted to address size until the FG.
@vintagecameradigest I've actually just shot an ME-F for the 1st time today as well. I had no idea the focus confirmation works with regular lenses. It's my new favorite thing, especially since my eyes are getting old quickly 😵💫 I had tried a Minolta X-600 (too automated) and Canon AL-1 (felt cheap). The ME-F with 40mm pancake is just so much fun!
I’ve never had the privilege to use one, but it is really cool regarding the regular lenses. How does it compare in size to the MX? The “regular” ME and ME Super were known to be tiny.
@vintagecameradigest I've not compared the MX, ME, and ME-F side by side directly, but having used all three, they are all almost the same weight and size. I was worried the viewfinder would be smaller on the ME-F, but it's still huge.
Interesting…. I do notice a similarity between those slow speed mechanisms now that you mention it. And, are you referring to the original F-1? Or the New F-1? I can attest to liking my original F-1 “almost” as much as the F2 :-)
@@vintagecameradigest Keep in mind that it was after the completion of WW2 that the Japanese optical companies started making cameras. Since Japan was occupied, Nikon, Canon, etc. sold oodles of cameras to American. And as a note, the model S was a copy of a Leica rangefinder. The model S was used by the photographer who took the picture of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald. Interesting. I do have the F2A, 1979 manufacture and last year the F2 was made. I was stationed in Japan, Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. Love that 4-year tour of duty. Also picked up the FE2 and a number of lenses. Before that I was into the Pentax Spotmatic F. Another great camera. I do agree, the F2 was and is the best mechanical camera ever made. And, as you probably know, the Japanese optical companies copied a lot from the German cameras. Only that they made them better.
Yes, you can’t talk about the history of camera production without considering both Pre-War and Post-War scenarios. Very interesting turn of events. Think of what we wouldn’t have without it.
They’ll fit perfectly. The only thing is that they’ll need to have the metering prong to interface with the meter. And I think just about all the Nikon manual-focus lenses have that. You should be good to go.
I used the Nikon F2AS during the late 1980's thru 1990's when I did fashion photography in New York City. It's a excellent camera system. Even going back to the Nikon F series. The lenes are very very good and a bargain now. However one major flaw in my opinion regardless which Nikion F2 or F camera used. It's a dust magnet around the removable prism area and the indexing pin area of the prism.
I've had that camera back when I was a teenager, which I bought with money I've earned over the summer. Used of course. And it was a magnificent camera. Not perfect but magnificent nevertheless. And yes, the only thing that bothered me about it was the light meter blindness when I was shooting in the darkness... BTW, for colour photos form the negative film like the ones displayed here, Kodak Ektar would be my first choice, since Kodak Gold 100 and Fuji Superia 100 are long gone. I don't mind shooting with ISO 100 or less films, course my hands are still rock steady 🤣
@@vintagecameradigest I''ve tried ProImage 100 a few times. I didn't scanned it yet, but if I'm ordering pictures I'm always asking my lab to add a stop of contrast and a stop of magenta, otherwise those pictures are too muddy, at least to my taste. Would be tough quite interesting if Kodak would release that film in 120 format...
That’s probably my 2nd favorite Minolta. First would be an early model 102. And it’s a good candidate for an F2 competitor. It’s definitely solidly built.
I have story about film and airport scanners XD . In my country film coats much more expensive than in USA, and i decided to offer some rolls to save some money on it. I found a company that delivers packages from the USA to Uzbekistan and charges money for the weight of the package. And it is very economical considering that a pack of film weighs only 100 grams. And without thinking twice I went to BH photo video and got myself a pack of Fuji 200. I bragged to everyone that I did it and paid for 3 rolls as for 1 here (delivery cost exactly 1 dollar). But when the parcel was on the way I realized that all these scanners and x-rays spoil the film .... now I have 2 rolls of undeveloped film in the refrigerator ....
You know, you’re correct. And it’s something that I had forgotten about. Most international packages are going to go through some sort of scanner or X-ray machine. And you never know how many times. At least here, domestically, it makes sense to mail film back home or even to the destination, if possible.
The Nikon F2 is the best mechanical Nikon camera made. It is probably the most serviceable professional Nikon 35mm film camera due to it being mechanical.
I ask myself which of the following will come to pass first: 1, my F2 mechanical dies. 2, my F3 electronics die. 3, film manufacturing ends? hmmm, I don’t think i need to worry about whether i have a mechanical or electronic film camera body. :/
Just about any film camera before they required a battery is the best all mechanical film camera ever. My FM2 requires a battery for the metering which I don't use so it too is an all mechanical camera.
It's an awesome camera, no doubt about it. I just think it is a bit bulky. The original F (without a Photomic filter of course) or the F3 look just a bit smaller and sleeker even if they probably aren't. Looking forward to your large format vids!
Had most Nikons from the F to F5, all of which were impressive in both engineering and performance. Now use a D810, but the quality is still top drawer. The only issue I have with your review, is the Americanisation of the brand name. In Japan and everywhere else in the world, the name is pronounced NIKON. For some unaccountable reason, Americans insist on pronouncing it NEYECON. Almost as annoying as the mispronouncing of Aluminium and Solder. Why?
But beginning with the F3 the cameras were electronically-controlled and not mechanical. However, the FM series might give it good competition. Cheers!
I have the original Canon F-1 that competed directly with the F2. It’s another favorite of mine, to be honest. And I think their SCC lenses are pretty good, too. Cheers!
I think the Pentax LX was the most complete mechanical SLR ever produced; having both mechanical and electronic operation, unlike the F3 or Canon F1, with full sealing against the elements and fully modular construction. Sadly, they got very expensive just as I was able to afford one, so I ended up switching to Nikons instead. The LX was much lighter than its main rivals, better made and better specced, and the SMC lenses were every bit as good.
Love my F2. It was with me from the day I bought in in 1980. It was the last of the run in 1979. It traveled with me in Japan to S. Korea and a visit to N. Korea at the DMZ and various us U.S. Air Force bases in the U.S. We military guys got our hands of great camera at great prices overseas. My friend got the Canon F1, I had the Nikon F2. Luckily, we had no social media so we enjoyed shooting and not arguing about which cameras was the best. We just had fun and blew through film like fish drink water. Do they drink water? I really can't say if it as the absolute best mechanical, but it was there on top with a few other makes.
Interesting that you mention the F-1. I’d have to say that it’s right up there with the F2. One of my top 5 choices for sure. And a strong competitor to the F2.
@@vintagecameradigest I was thinking of an F-1, but my heart was all Nikon F2. The F-1 is a brick, a very solid camera that could be used as a defensive weapon if attacked. Both Canon and Nikon came out of WW2 making some great rangefinders, Japanese style. And the rest is history.
I love the details shared about usage and functionality, as well as the results from the field. Thanks for a great video!
Many thanks for watching!
I bought my first good SLR in 1979 , a new F2as. I traveled throughout the Middle East with that camera shooting Kodachrome and Kodak Plus-X. Like most photographers I've owned many cameras since, but when it was stolen many years later I replaced it with 2x excellent condition F2as bodies. These as well as the F3 are my favourites, even if I enjoy digital, these are cameras for a lifetime. Thanks for a great review, looking forward to your next video.
I think you nailed it with these F-series being “lifetime” cameras. As they are built to pretty tough standards. I’m def putting an F2AS on my wish list!
I always wanted to see Montana with its gorgeous views, and now you made video of these beautiful places with my favorite camera series. Thank you!
My pleasure 😊 Thanks for your support!
Love my Nikon f2s , My copy I believe it was hand assembled in Japan in 1974. Time's I just take it out to look at it. To anyone considering buying one I say . What product can you buy today that will outlast you , it is for life. So yes Buy one you won't regret it . Great video my friend and beautiful photos. Best wishes from Ireland
It’s a truly fantastic camera. I had this one CLA’d when I got it about 10 years ago. With that, I’m pretty sure it will now outlast me! I’ve never heard anyone say they regretted having one. Thanks for watching!
Phenomenal images! Your "eye" is most gifted. Thanks for the images.
Many thanks, my friend!
I always find your videos exciting and captivating. Thank you for producing such great content. You and your videos have been a great motivation for me to start with analog photography. Thank you for that! Greetings from Germany.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that. That’s been my hope all along - to inspire some film shooting and enjoy photography in a whole new way. Cheers!
Great to see you back!! Another incredible and insightful video. Thanks again!
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
Good to see you back! And glad you take your time for your life and prioritise your personal time. I hope you had a great time on that road trip. And you’re back with the Nikon F2, no less!
Good to be back! But I wouldn’t trade that trip for anything. It was spectacular, and I was hard pressed to convey it with a camera!
What an amazing trip 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I've seen a lot of national parks pictures but hands down the photos in this video definitely the best. It was an honor and pleasure to watch the video.thank you for sharing your trip
Thank you for the very kind words! And for watching!
14:23 "...and I needed all of this to fit into a carry-on backpack." *gulp* I know this feeling all too well haha
For real, lol. Playing that give-and-take game of what can I get by with.
This is my favorite UA-cam channel!!!! as always thanks for sharing your time and knowledge.
Wow, thanks! I do appreciate that!
Great video and beautiful shots! Glad you and your wife got to take this special trip. My late wife and I took a very similar trip back in the early 90’s. Your trip brought back many fond memories. Thank you.
It was a wonderful trip - and one I know we’ll have fond memories of for years. Worth every penny.
I always seem to get a burning sensation in my pocket when I watch one of your videos… Great video as always Steven. I actually gasped at the photos of Glacier National Park - beautiful work!
Hahaha! Sorry about that :-)). Yes those burning pockets can be a problem. But this Nikon is really nice.
Man, I love your straight talking, no nonsense factual presentation. I've been looking at getting a fully mechanical Nikon to go with my Minolta SRT, and the F2 certainly looks like it might fit the bill.
It’d be a great choice!
The F2 has been my daily carry camera for years. Thanks for not being a cry baby about the weight, it's solid not heavy. Well done video useful information.
Yeah, weight isn’t really an issue with me. I mean, look at some of the more modern flagship cameras - especially the DSLRs like the Canon 1 DX’s. They’re huge. Almost the same size as my Pentax 67. I’ll choose build-quality over weight any day of the week.
Weight; sorry..all my DSLRs weigh more…and a Nikkormat weighs more than a F2.
How uncanny! I just bought a one owner F2 about two weeks ago and now an excellent video about it. Hard to believe my 50 year old version operates as nicely as it does. DP-1 Finder with a 55mm f1.2 lens.
I wish more people had a chance to experience what you saw. The blue pill or red pill that seems to put us on edge as a nation just doesn’t seem to matter when you are looking at some of those vistas. You just thank God in heaven you get to call it “Home”!
Thanks for taking us along, I appreciate it.
Serendipitous! The F2 is one of my favorites. Solid, mechanical and able to last a lifetime. And man, it was SO refreshing just to get out and see the beauty of this country without that red/blue “filter”, lol. The variety of geography we have here is just amazing. We’re lucky to have it.
You photos are always great
Thank you very much!
I feel so bad... I had not seen any of your videos in a while and figured you was just taking a break.. Come to find out UA-cam was just not telling me.. I missed many videos and this is one.. I need to catch up :).. Great photos and I hope you had a great time on your vacation .
Shame on UA-cam! :-) Glad to hear from you, though! Enjoy catching up. Our trip was fantastic. Ready to go again.
Great video on my favorite camera. I bought my F2 about 7 years ago. It was never used, still in its original packaging and stored in a warehouse all these years. I sent it to Sover Wong in the UK to be CLA’d. I have never used a finer camera. I simply love it.
Man, I bet that was nice to see it in the box like that. Would be like an archaeological find!
@ Yes it was. It was truly like going back in time and purchasing a new F2 from a camera store with all the original enclosures still intact.
Incidentally, I want to praise you for your 2 part videos on spot metering. I watched countless videos on the subject and none of them really helped until I watched yours. Your instruction and demonstrations were invaluable for me and as a result I subscribed to your channel. Thanks again.
many, many thanks for the kind words. I’m so glad that was helpful! And thanks for the sub!
@@vintagecameradigest 👍
I am, by all accounts, a medium format photographer. Have been since 1971. But I do keep two chrome 1971 Nikon F2 Photomic's in my camera locker, as well as a half dozen vintage Nikkor lenses. Watching your video, I had to pull them out again, mount all my old Nikkor lenses, and fire the shutters at a variety of speeds. I thank you for inspiring me to get them out of my locker, if for no other reason than to "play" with them a bit. I actually believe they were smiling!
They missed you! Glad you got them out and gave them some exercise :-)
My wife's uncle just sent me his pristine F2 from about 1974. I'm still running my first roll of film since the late 20th Century through it. It is indeed a lovely piece of machinery.
Do you mean you have been shooting a roll of film for three decades?
Hope the thrill of film is still there for you! Enjoy that camera!
As a Pentax user, my favourite mechanical camera is the KX.
It's essentially a larger, earlier version on its successor, the MX.
I appreciate the love the F2 gets. I really liked seeing your colour photos, BTW.
Many thanks! The KX is one I’ve yet to try out. I do have a K2 that I think is great, though not mechanical. Cheers!
@vintagecameradigest I've got the K2 and LX as well. I just keep going back to the KX.
beautiful pictures!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thoroughly enjoyed this mate!! The colour photographs were lovely and that film held up really well. I run an F2AS alongside a Rolleiflex 3.5f......both cameras are an absolute joy. Living in England i drool over Montana and Wyoming. Just subscribed 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the sub!
Very good video as always. A very interesting program for the next videos!
Thank you very much! Yes, we’ll see how these next ones go. Been thinking of that for a while now.
Loved the video. Great shots.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was the camera that, when I first saw it on 1974, i said to myself: man, I gotta have one of these! Well, it took me a few decades to realize this dream, but I managed to get a mint 1977 black F2A in 2004, 3 decades after I felt in love with it. After that I also picked another F2, with the eyelevel finder, as a backup/parts. Except for the frame counter, it works perfectly. it look to have been a photojournalist camera for it's quite beaten, except for the finder, which is in very good shape.
Curiously, I went for the nikon not only for I was passionate for it but because of tech and electronics 'trauma", caused by the two shutter failures of an amazing Canon T90 I had, along with an equally problematic T60, that only shot when it wanted... :)
From then on, mostly mechanical cameras entered my life! I confess that, as I age, autofocus is needed sometimes. But for this feature I picked an F100. I also had an F3, which is also an incredible camera, but I was convinced by my wife that I had too much cameras. So, it went away, along an F2AS I had, to other owners.
The fact I can use my D autofocus lenses on it, and AI and AIS lenses on the F100 is great. I think the AIS and D lenses are some of the best Nikon ever produced and prefer them to newer too contrasty lenses.
The best description I've heard from the Nikon F2 is that the Japanese did not create a camera but a precision instrument that is able to take pictures perfectly, with an incredible consistency. And for years and years and years, without great maintenance requirements. I had my F2A CLA'd when I bought it. Ever since, saw no need. Even the 1S speed still goes for 1S, 20 years later. Love the way it handles, its weight (hate light cameras, they're shaky) and the assurance it gives me that it'll be there for whatever comes.
It's been 20 years of pure joy!
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for such a great testimony to this camera!
Thank you for the technical details about F2. And thank you so so much for the rules of photographing in Yellow Stone. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Thanks for watching! And just to be clear - those rules apply to all national parks, even the national military battlefields and national monuments. Cheers!
The DP-2 viewfinder used a High Sensitivity CDS meter which was slow to respond at levels under EV2. In the manual it was suggested to wait 5 seconds for the meter to stabilize before using it. The DP-3 was the first meter to use the Silicon Blue Cell sensor and the reason it was implemented was because it was near instantaneous in very low light. BTW, at 69 years old I am old enough to have purchased the F2 brand spanking new. In 1974 I purchased the Prism model because it was all I could afford. In 1977 I had squirreled away enough money to purchase my first DP-3. In the interim I used a cheap hand held meter or just used my eyes to estimate the exposure and after lots of trial and error using Plus-x or Panatomic-X I got pretty good at estimating the exposure. My weak area was in very low light, thus my waiting until I could afford the DP-3.
The DP-12 used a reflected aperture ring image to provide the Aperture reading in the viewfinder and it inferior to the dial and string display on the DP-3. That alone was the reason why I never had any interest in the AI meter heads. As for that Aperture prong, I have made these out of basic metal blanks using 6061-T6 aluminum. 2 hours of work with a Dremel and Needle files while watching the Boob tube provided a meanes of relaxation. When I purchased my 180mm f2.8 EDIF AF Nikkor in 1988 I went whole hog and used a solid silver US Dime as the base material.
BTW, if you keep two 52mm LINEAR polarizers in your kit with the F2 you can use them to make a variable density filter, which will allow the use of wide apertures on a bright sunny day. B& H actually has a large selection of Linear Polarizing filters but you have to specifically search for them. Because if you go to Polarizing filters all you will see are circular, which is now not required with mirrorless cameras and yes I have tested this. Linear works just find with mirrorless, because there are zero semi silvered mirrors in the light path for metering.
Thanks for such great info here. Yes, CdS cells are a bit slow to react, and we’re therefore eventually phased out in favor of the silicon cells. What I did NOT know was the method of aperture display on the later prisms. And it’s certainly a reason I do like the DP-1 meter. I’m usually happy with any method of transmitted aperture info, but I find it especially so on this prism. Also, good info on the linear polarizer trick AND on the metering prong construction. This is the type of thing that will have many of us asking for a Dremel this Christmas, lol. Many, many thanks!
Just came across your channel, very well spoken, explained en beautiful photos.
Thank you kindly! And thanks for watching!
Hi, my uncle had one. Very sturdy camera! Best wishes from Germany, Ralf
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I'm going to do some more research on Yellowstone photography rules. I bought my F2S brand new in 1975 and when on rare occasion when I shoot film, it still works great. I own about 8 pre-AI lenses from 20mm to 200mm plus a 500mm mirror Nikkor. Now I'm all into the Z system. In 1978 I moved to northeastern Wyoming to be nearer to the wonderful places you showed in this video. I could identify most of your Yellowstone locations.
That’s a beautiful area up there. Nothing like Georgia, lol. So it was a great trip - regardless of the National park rules. And as far as I can determine, those rules cover every national park - including national battlefields, as well.
Nice video! Thank you! I'm a lifelong resident of Western Montana (70 years) and your slideshow makes me want to get out for a road trip even though I have visited these places many times I never tire of them. The only time I have ever run afoul of any photography restrictions was at the National Bison Range at Moise, Montana, which I highly recommend seeing. I was using a Kiev 88 on a tripod and the ranger thought I must be a professional, go figure 🙂
I thought it was absolutely beautiful out there. Nothing like we’d ever seen. As for your ranger interaction, the tripod was the thing that got the attention, I’m pretty sure. The current published rules, though, do allow for a single tripod in most cases.
This video is amazing. Thank you for sharing this information!
Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the kind words!
I haven't seen photos that looked like this in decades. Don't get me wrong, I shoot film (generally medium and large format) in national parks... but I'm so caught up "fine art landscape" mindset, where I shoot in the best format possible waiting for the most perfect (even unreal) golden hour or reflected light possible, that I've forgotten just how enjoyable it can be to look at 35mm shots that were simply shot in a more documentary style and take just when the photographer happened to be there. It really hits me in the nostalgia bone takes me back to the sort of photos I saw growing up in magazines (or the occasional slide show) that made me want to get into photography in the first place. I usually use digital for shots on those days with bright cloudless blue skies because film is expensive and if I was going to spend a bunch of money on it, I'd get more for my money with medium format (and being all perfectionist about using it), but I've forgotten the feeling of joy just being in the moment I used to get with a simple (to operate) 35mm SLR. Edit: Thinking about it, I'd also like to add that you have a really good eye for composition, many people probably could not take such engaging shots at midday.
Thanks for the great comment. And, yes, I agree - this style just takes me back to being a documentarian with a camera. Indeed, that may ultimately be my innate approach in general. Occasionally I’ll get lucky and all the light, shadows, clouds, colors will provide me with that lightning-in-a bottle shot. So, I’m always on the lookout for it. And hoping I’ll be in the right place at the right time. But if not, well, the photojournalism roots start to show. Cheers!
Wonderful images! Thanks for this. I caught the part about the B&W film being TMax 100, but it was the 400 speed colour film?
Most of it was. And I didn’t like it, but it was what I could get my hands on. There were also a couple of rolls of Kodak Gold 200 in there. But yeah, most was the Fuji 400.
Great film & wonderful photography.
The F3 screams of quality.
Thanks for watching!
great review and stunning images, must but be super high res scans ?
Thanks! I scanned these with my Canon DSLR and converted using Negative Lab Pro. So not super hi-res, but about 32MP.
Great camera, back in the day I had a Canon F1 and I loved it.
I have one of the original Canon F-1 bodies, and I gotta say it’s one of my favorites. Definitely on par with the F2 in my book. With the added advantage of the meter being in the body and not the prism. Keeps the size down quite a bit.
@ cheers.
It’s a wonderful addition to my collection and a pleasure to use. Thanks for all the great information. Question. Did you do much in post processing?
For post I just converted using a Negative Lab Pro preset (Frontier scanner emulation) and cleaned up some dust here and there. It did add a little bit of saturation but not a lot.
Thanks for the review of the F2 and mostly I really enjoyed your approach. Low key and really great approach! Sometimes simpler is best.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Very nice pictures! Could I ask what time of the year it was when you took your photographs? It looks like autumn, with the long shadows and golden deciduous trees.
Thanks! It was the last 2 weeks of September. Beautiful colors.
Love your videos!
Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!
Looking forward to the film through airport scanners episode. It is a question I always have. I shoot digital and film but leave the film camera at home when flying. I was curious what you thought of the later FE2 from the mid 1980s in comparison to the F2. I've considered looking for a F2 but since I have the FE2, I haven't done so. The FE2 does go to 1/4000 shutter speed but I am rarely in that range. Enjoyed the shots from the Tetons, Glacier and Yellowstone. That is a trip I did in 2017 and I really enjoyed it. I'm actually in northern New Mexico this week photographing landscapes and old churches.
New Mexico will be the next trip! Already planning that one. As far as the FE2 goes, it’s technically superior to the F2 and even - dare I say it - the F3. Higher flash sync, greater shutter speed range. I guess the main difference could be build-quality. I’m sure the FE2 is as well-built as any Nikon (I do have one, and I enjoy it). But, the F2, F3, F4, etc, etc are just built to stand up to physical abuse. I fully believe that I could hammer nails with the base of my F4s. :-))
In 1971, when the F2 emerged, I still started with an Nikon F/FTN & Nikkor-H 1.8/85. As recently as 1976, I added an F2, and since then, I had owned some of them: with eyelevel and waistlevel and action finder as well. Today, at the age of 76, only one F2S remained, besides a Nikkormat EL, Nikon EL2, F801s, and a D300 as my today's digicam;-)) The only advantage of the Nikon F is a back without any sealing material because you have nothing to do but putting the back up into the fitting. For me the crucial advantage of the F2S is the light balance with two very big LED 'arrows' - particularly helpful in a dark environment. For normal light I don't need any meter - it's just experience. My 1974 F2S is now 50 years old but still going strong without any need for service. That's the point the F2 is the best manual analogue camera for me.
Wonderful evidence in favor of the F2 series! I agree that the LEDs would be a massive improvement over the needle. But SO many cameras of that time had no illumination in the finder. It’s really the only thing that every bothers me about shooting any of these old machines. I’ve absolutely been spoiled by the illuminated finders. Thanks for watching!
@@vintagecameradigest There was at least for the Nikon F/FTN Photomic an external 'Illuminator' you had to screw in the eyepiece, and the light came from above throug a little window into the Photomic.
I’ve never seen one of those. Or if I did, I didn’t know what it was. But that makes perfect sense. I might see if I can find one that works. Thanks!
@@vintagecameradigest Photomic Illuminator DL-1 for Photomic F/F2, just now at eBay for 48 EUR in Germany (Nikon original part, there's a battery 1,3 or 1,5 V inside)
Excellent video again!! What film did you use towards the end? Nice colors and sharp!
Thanks! I had “issues” with the film I actually took along (that video will be out tomorrow, I think), so I had to scrounge up what I could find in Montana. Most of the color was Fuji 400, but I had a couple of rolls of plain old Kodak Gold 200. That’s probably what you’re referring to. It wasn’t bad…
The Nikon F2 - Greatest Mechanical SLR Ever?
Yes!
Simply put :-))
@@vintagecameradigest And with the motordrive mounted, even if it is not necessary, it sounds much better taking pix ;-)
:-))
I had the Nikkormat with the 50/1.2 as a teenager and used it mostly at live gigs and concerts. Then I progressed to the F2, and added the 35/1.4 and the 105/2.5. The best (and only) camera I have ever owned, and those 3 lenses are the best ever made. Now I have Blackmagic Cinema Cameras for motion pictures, because they are manual and not auto anything.
Have you adapted those lenses for use on your BMCC?
I love your Battlestar Galactica poster
Man, that show was awesome to 11-yr-old me :-)) Glad you can appreciate it!
Another great review! 😁
Glad you enjoyed it!
In the late 90s and early 2000s, as digital was storming to the top in photography, I bought analog film cameras very, very cheaply. I have literally hundreds of models from every major brand and have used all of them. The Nikon F2 is definitely at the top of my list, (ok in the top three) and I’ve had four of mine serviced by Sover Wong in the UK - the world’s best F2 authority - and each of those are virtually brand new in appearance and functionality now. I own about 25 or 30 Nikon F2 cameras, a few of each iteration. I’ve tried often to consider other cameras as possibly being “better”, but every time, the F2 wins again.
Wow! So given your use of these, which other cameras would you include in your top 3?
You might like to consider a CLA for the Nikon F2. My F2 was showing too much yellow in the trees. In fact it was a slow shutter, letting in excessive light, needing an adjustment. After the CLA, the yellow trees became green trees. Unless you deliberately over exposed the scene for the effect. Also other shots looked spot on! Maybe Golden Hour had a play...!
Could be. I do know some of the exposures varied and would create slight color differences from frame to frame. But, some of those trees were really that brightly colored. So different than the part of the country I’m in.
@@vintagecameradigest
If that were the case I wouldn't worry...!
I got a Nikkormat when in High School and an F2 in college (and a number of lenses from 28 & 55 macro to 350). I just got the F2 rebuilt 2 years ago after a couple decades of disuse. Last year I took some photos with the F2 in Glacier, including some in the area of the Many Glacier Hotel (in your photos). I also use a D750. The old F2 is certainly a great camera.
I wish I’d had more time to spend on that side of the park. We had hoped to hike to the Grinnell glacier overlook, but just didn’t have the time. I’ll put that on my list to revisit, though. I think the F2 would be up for it.
Love it, just wish those later metered prisms weren't so expensive and there were more technicians willing to work on it. Sover Wong is basically completely unavailable and it seems no one else really works on them.
Agree, agree, and agree. Some of the prices I’ve seen for just the prisms would be as much as an F2 body and the same prism. Crazy.
Nice work
Thanks so much!
I have two Nikon F2’s. One with a motor drive, which I bought new, the other I bought used from a friend who was a professional photographer. The light meter on the used one does not work. Do you know where and if I can get it repaired? I really enjoyed your photographs! I have been to Utah but never where your adventure took you to.
Thanks for the kind words. Interestingly, I think Utah is one of the prettiest places on the planet. Hope to make that on a trip next year maybe. But, yes, these places are just wonderful. And, unfortunately, cameras don’t do it justice. But, hey, we can try :-)
As for your meter question, I have no specific recommendation, sadly. But there is a repair shop in Atlanta that is “old school”. Been in business many, many years. I’ve sent in “vintage” gear to them on multiple occasions, and they get it straightened out. They go by the unique name of Camera Service Company. I’d give them a call. Let me know if you get it worked out. I’d love to report good news like that.
@ Thank you for the name of the camera repair shop in Atlanta! I looked them up on Google maps. I have driven on I285 so I know about where it is. I will call them next week. Maybe they can fix my Nikkormat light meter too.
I hope so. Please let us know how it turns out.
I have an F2 Titan with a DP12-AS prism. The lens is a new Voigtlander 40mm F2 which can actually be quite tricky to focus wide open. I love this camera, I also shoot Pentax 67, Contax G2 and Yashica Mat 124G but for me this is the halo camera of my collection, so well built and just a joy to use! Yes probably the greatest 35mm SLR ever made, undisputable really. The Nikon F2 is the next "hype camera" for sure so snap one up before they rocket up in price!
I’ve noticed the prices creeping up over the last few years. In this instance, I think they’re mostly justified. What a creat camera.
Great photos , iv got Nikon F-2 as well but my photos are not as good as yours , I must not have the right exposures correctly
Thank you! I did do some exposure bracketing on a lot of these shots just to make sure I didn’t underexpose anything.
I have an F5, F4, and F3. I've been tempted by cheap F's and F2s, but I'm being patient until I can find nice copies in good condition to complete my collection someday
I think an “F” needs to be in any collection if for nothing more than historical importance. The F2, though, is certainly worth owning as a solid user. And opt for an F2A or F2AS to be completely compatible with so many Nikon lenses.
Thanks for the video. I heard about the F2 when I was in college in the early 1970s. No money. lol I bought a brand new 35mm Nikon FM from a photo store in 1978. Back then I didn't know jack about the 'view' of lenses. The FM came with 50mm 1.4 so that's what I bought. I used that combo all through the five years my wife and I lived In Jackson WY. We traveled and backpacked WY, the Tetons, Yellowstone, MT, and the backcountry of NW WYO. Skip forward to the early 1990s. I found Galen Rowell's photography ideal. Galen used an FM with a 24mm lens. So I bought a used 24mm 2.8 Nikkor. Man that 24 is a SWEET lens. I wish I had bought that 24 as my prime lens at the very start. I recently read that the 'look' of photos and video taken with todays iphones is about the equivalent of a 28mm lens on a 35slr. I know my 24 is perfect for all around shooting, so it's no surprise the 'look' people like on an iphone is ~ 28. That kinda validates that 24mm is an ideal lens. At least for me. Thanks again for the video. The sound track on this vid is super btw.
Glad you enjoyed the music! Would love to try a 24mm on this thing at some point. I was surprised, though, at how much I enjoyed using the 20mm. Thanks for the comment!
Canon F1 😍
I have one of those waiting in the wings for its opportunity to challenge the F2 :-) It, also, is a fantastic choice. And the meter isn’t tied to the prism. Nice!
I really think the Canon F1 takes the cake for best all time mechanical camera. That or the FTB. Just so reliable and lovely to shoot.
The F2 is no slouch, but the metering is notorious for failing and it’s overall not as smooth at the canons.
I agree the original F-1 is right up there in the same league for me. I like that it’s meter isn’t tied to the prism. I’ll be doing an episode on it before too long.
I was told by my camera repair person that they wouldn't attempt a CLA on my beloved F1 because the meter follower must be removed before the mirror box can be removed and it usually gets damaged and there are no parts available for this. So take that into consideration if you want to crown the F1 as best it would probably be one without a working meter.
@ good to know!
F3 HP ❤
It’s a great one for sure. But has an electronically-controlled shutter - which I think put off a lot of pros at the time. They didn’t want to be dependent on a battery. BUT, I’ll have the F3 HP in a review in the next few months. Cheers!
@ For me it’s all about the viewfinder 😊
Yes, it is! 😄
Enough said…. :-)
Wow Wyoming looks great
Oops I meant Montana
It was amazing. Wyoming wasn’t bad either. The colors on the Snake River and in and around Grand Teton were stunning.
Nikon F2 - AS daily in use.
Not surprising!
How you fix rabbit ears onto the 20 mm? The divids are only markings and not holes for screw.
I’ve personally never done it. Those divots are probably there for a repair or service tech to utilize to convert it easily.
I traveled worldwide with another photographer who used Nikon gear, and my Canon F1s were clearly more robust... On a trip to Europe, he had 3 cameras fail, 2 of them fatally... A simple 75 cm drop of his F5 actually damaged the frame, compared to my F1n falling about 1.8 m, with a 600/4.5, landing upside down, smashed the finder, and broke the lens mount off, but the body required no repair, other than replacing the finder!
I have one of the original F-1 bodies, and it is indeed pretty well-built. I don’t think it’s one I’d choose to part with. Definitely a strong competitor to the Nikons of the day (even the F5 as it sounds).
I really enjoyed the F2 I had. Currently I decided to sell it and I bought a nikon FM2n. I hope I did it right haha
Yeah, I think you made a good move there. Not to slight the F2, of course.
I own many cameras. I usually take two from my collection just to see whether or not they are worth keeping. In addition, I spool my own black and white film so am able to create 10 to 12 shots film cartridges for testing purposes. I normally take a dependable film camera such as a Contax, Canon A-1 or a Topcon SLR alongside my Nikon F2. The Nikon F2 is the most reliable and frankly I do not want to invest in traveling and find out that I screwed up somewhere along the line. It happens. When I do take color photos, I only use my Nikon F2 since it fully mechanical and fully dependable.
Agree! The F2 is not likely to let me down. Thanks for watching!
I hated my F2 until I put the eye level non metered prism on it. After that it felt amazing. Once I bought my M2 and a reissue M6 I never touched the F2 again. I refuse to sell it though because it's such a beautiful camera and I would love to use it again some day. I also like the F2 over my Canon F-1 because the film advance lever feels better to me.
I do think the advance lever is pretty smooth. Nikon got that figured out after the “F”. Just about every other Nikon body I’ve picked up has such an elegant wind-on feel. Now I don’t know how it compares to a Leica, tho 😁
I have the F2as with the DP12, and I agree it's the greatest fully mechanical SLR ever. Another plus is that most lenses are inexpensive. I also have the F3 and the FM3A, and they are fabulous as well. The FM3A has the advantage of operating fully mechanically throughout the full shutter speed range, or having aperture priority with a battery, and it's MUCH lighter. But I will never sell my F2.
My dream camera is the FM3A! And I suppose - everything considered - IT might be the best mechanical camera ever? Quite possibly.
Yes, absolutely. The F2 is legend. The only thing better than the original F2 is the F2AS, which I had the pleasure to own and take fantastic images with. Rugged and tough and sharp - every click was like bestowing a blessing on the world. Circumstances intervened and I had to sell my F2AS along with the fantastic Nikkor 28 mm and 55 mm macro lenses. I loved that equipment more than I loved life. Oh well.
I agree that the F2AS is probably the pinnacle of old-school SLR design. I’d love to be able to easily pair newer NIkkor optics that don’t have the metering prong.
Great video, always liked Nikon cameras but think the OM1N despite its limitations is a better all mechanical camera.
Thanks for watching! You certainly can’t beat the size of the OM compared to the Nikon. I don’t even think Nikon attempted to address size until the FG.
I think it's the most resilient, definitely. I'll take the Pentax MX for a camera to carry though 😊
Yes, I imaging the MX is probably half the size and weight!
@vintagecameradigest I've actually just shot an ME-F for the 1st time today as well. I had no idea the focus confirmation works with regular lenses. It's my new favorite thing, especially since my eyes are getting old quickly 😵💫 I had tried a Minolta X-600 (too automated) and Canon AL-1 (felt cheap). The ME-F with 40mm pancake is just so much fun!
I’ve never had the privilege to use one, but it is really cool regarding the regular lenses. How does it compare in size to the MX? The “regular” ME and ME Super were known to be tiny.
@vintagecameradigest I've not compared the MX, ME, and ME-F side by side directly, but having used all three, they are all almost the same weight and size. I was worried the viewfinder would be smaller on the ME-F, but it's still huge.
The shutter slow speeds protocol was stolen from Exacta! I still feel the Canon F-1 was the better camera!😁
Interesting…. I do notice a similarity between those slow speed mechanisms now that you mention it. And, are you referring to the original F-1? Or the New F-1? I can attest to liking my original F-1 “almost” as much as the F2 :-)
@@vintagecameradigest Keep in mind that it was after the completion of WW2 that the Japanese optical companies started making cameras. Since Japan was occupied, Nikon, Canon, etc. sold oodles of cameras to American. And as a note, the model S was a copy of a Leica rangefinder. The model S was used by the photographer who took the picture of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald. Interesting.
I do have the F2A, 1979 manufacture and last year the F2 was made. I was stationed in Japan, Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. Love that 4-year tour of duty. Also picked up the FE2 and a number of lenses. Before that I was into the Pentax Spotmatic F. Another great camera.
I do agree, the F2 was and is the best mechanical camera ever made. And, as you probably know, the Japanese optical companies copied a lot from the German cameras. Only that they made them better.
In my experience the Nikon F2 was built better and has lasted longer than Canon's F1 (old).
Yes, you can’t talk about the history of camera production without considering both Pre-War and Post-War scenarios. Very interesting turn of events. Think of what we wouldn’t have without it.
The F2 is indeed the best fully mechanical SLR ever made. Closely followed by the original Canon F-1/F-1n.
I’ll agree with that. I have one of the original F-1s and do think it’s a pretty close second.
Can AI or AIS lens be attached to a F2 Photomic? pls tell cuz im so new to this analog world 🙏🏼
They’ll fit perfectly. The only thing is that they’ll need to have the metering prong to interface with the meter. And I think just about all the Nikon manual-focus lenses have that. You should be good to go.
@vintagecameradigest thankyou Sir fyi 🙏🏼 GBU
No, there‘s none mechanical best. All have their own „best“. It surely is up there in the game.
Agreed. I think there are a lot of “bests”. This one is def one of them.
I used the Nikon F2AS during the late 1980's thru 1990's when I did fashion photography in New York City. It's a excellent camera system. Even going back to the Nikon F series. The lenes are very very good and a bargain now. However one major flaw in my opinion regardless which Nikion F2 or F camera used. It's a dust magnet around the removable prism area and the indexing pin area of the prism.
Yes, I can see how that could be a vulnerable spot. Great system, though!
I've had that camera back when I was a teenager, which I bought with money I've earned over the summer. Used of course. And it was a magnificent camera. Not perfect but magnificent nevertheless. And yes, the only thing that bothered me about it was the light meter blindness when I was shooting in the darkness...
BTW, for colour photos form the negative film like the ones displayed here, Kodak Ektar would be my first choice, since Kodak Gold 100 and Fuji Superia 100 are long gone.
I don't mind shooting with ISO 100 or less films, course my hands are still rock steady 🤣
Ektar would be my first choice for this, as well. But I’m really liking what I’m able to get from their ProImage 100 at a lower price.
@@vintagecameradigest I''ve tried ProImage 100 a few times. I didn't scanned it yet, but if I'm ordering pictures I'm always asking my lab to add a stop of contrast and a stop of magenta, otherwise those pictures are too muddy, at least to my taste. Would be tough quite interesting if Kodak would release that film in 120 format...
I almost said that in my comment! Would be a game changer for me, I think.
I shot with a Minolta SRT-101 for 15 years and it was a tank. From Vietnam with MC Rokkor 58mm f/1.2 lens. Unfortunatly it was stolen.
That’s probably my 2nd favorite Minolta. First would be an early model 102. And it’s a good candidate for an F2 competitor. It’s definitely solidly built.
I have story about film and airport scanners XD . In my country film coats much more expensive than in USA, and i decided to offer some rolls to save some money on it. I found a company that delivers packages from the USA to Uzbekistan and charges money for the weight of the package. And it is very economical considering that a pack of film weighs only 100 grams. And without thinking twice I went to BH photo video and got myself a pack of Fuji 200. I bragged to everyone that I did it and paid for 3 rolls as for 1 here (delivery cost exactly 1 dollar). But when the parcel was on the way I realized that all these scanners and x-rays spoil the film .... now I have 2 rolls of undeveloped film in the refrigerator ....
You know, you’re correct. And it’s something that I had forgotten about. Most international packages are going to go through some sort of scanner or X-ray machine. And you never know how many times. At least here, domestically, it makes sense to mail film back home or even to the destination, if possible.
The Nikon F2 is the best mechanical Nikon camera made. It is probably the most serviceable professional Nikon 35mm film camera due to it being mechanical.
Very true!
I ask myself which of the following will come to pass first: 1, my F2 mechanical dies. 2, my F3 electronics die. 3, film manufacturing ends? hmmm, I don’t think i need to worry about whether i have a mechanical or electronic film camera body. :/
Hopefully that doomsday is yet a while away…
Nikon F2/F3/F6 best film cameras,
These are all very good choices!
Just about any film camera before they required a battery is the best all mechanical film camera ever.
My FM2 requires a battery for the metering which I don't use so it too is an all mechanical camera.
Yes, if there are any cameras that might challenge this one, they’ll be any of the FM2 and FM3 series.
It's an awesome camera, no doubt about it. I just think it is a bit bulky. The original F (without a Photomic filter of course) or the F3 look just a bit smaller and sleeker even if they probably aren't. Looking forward to your large format vids!
The F3 is indeed smaller. I think it was the smallest “F” produced. Cheers!
Nikon F 2 is my favourite out of all of them from F to F-6 ,, I like F-6 but no money to buy , ridiculous prices, second choice is F3,
I’d like to try an F6 at some point. But as you said, the prices are just too high for me to justify owning one at present.
Had most Nikons from the F to F5, all of which were impressive in both engineering and performance. Now use a D810, but the quality is still top drawer.
The only issue I have with your review, is the Americanisation of the brand name. In Japan and everywhere else in the world, the name is pronounced NIKON. For some unaccountable reason, Americans insist on pronouncing it NEYECON.
Almost as annoying as the mispronouncing of Aluminium and Solder.
Why?
Apparently that’s just the way we say it. Hope you were able to enjoy the video despite that :-)
The world's best mechanical camera? I guess, but that's only because the electronic DP1 photomic finder meter is probably dead. Most of them are.
Mine still works! Although I’d love to swap it out for a DP-12.
I picked up an F2 with eye level finder and it’s such a beautiful machine. I love it and it’s so fun to shoot
Awesome! It is a fantastic camera, for sure.
No, the F3 then the F6, better in every way, imo.
But beginning with the F3 the cameras were electronically-controlled and not mechanical. However, the FM series might give it good competition. Cheers!
Dumb question..... OF COURSE IT IS!
:-))
Canon cameras are more reliable, the Canon F1 is far better than the F2, BUT Nikon made better lenses back in the days......
I have the original Canon F-1 that competed directly with the F2. It’s another favorite of mine, to be honest. And I think their SCC lenses are pretty good, too. Cheers!
thats the beauty of competition, we get highly polished products and we can then choose, or have both if our pocket is deep enough
I think the Pentax LX was the most complete mechanical SLR ever produced; having both mechanical and electronic operation, unlike the F3 or Canon F1, with full sealing against the elements and fully modular construction. Sadly, they got very expensive just as I was able to afford one, so I ended up switching to Nikons instead. The LX was much lighter than its main rivals, better made and better specced, and the SMC lenses were every bit as good.