This is the DEFINITIVE video on my favorite camera of all time, the Nikon F2. Well done and thank-you for posting. IMO it beats the F because in actuality it is an improved Nikon F. It also is better than the F3 because for me I prefer the fully mechanical F2 over the F3.
@@TechHeritage My backup camera is actually a Nikon FE. It was my father’s camera that I inherited after he passed. I will watch your FM2 video though.👍
Thank you for a great video! I used Nikon F Photomics back in 1969-1971 when I worked for my college newspaper, but now, fifty-three years later, I decided to buy a Nikon F2 Photomic with DP-1 viewfinder for personal use. You showed me some things about the F2 I had not seen before in other videos, which will be a big help as I become more comfortable with the F2 and start taking pics with it.
Two more cameras would complete the historic set for you. The original Nikon F non- photomic and the Nikon F Photomic. It’s like having the box set of original Star Wars DVD’s. Then you can go for the prequels and start again with Nikon S to SP.
Thank you! Just got mine. My older brother used to have the Nikon F2 when we were growing up, and we lost it. That is why I have to have it when a friend offered to sell his.
There is nothing like a vintage camera to bring back the good memories. The same thing happened to me and the original Nikon F. Getting a new one a few years ago was like re-living my university days. I am sure this time, losing it is not an option.
Thank you for putting out high quality researched content ! This is the type of content that I was looking for in my current search for my first SLR. Unfortunately, I'm still not too sure which Nikon I'll get 😅 , but your videos have given me a passionate and educated perspective on these great cameras. Looking forward to finishing the series and hopefully then I'll finally be able to rest and buy my first SLR camera.
If it is your first SLR film camera, I would suggest either Nikon FM2n or Nikon FE. There are videos on both of these. They are semi-pro and are often used as backup for professional cameras. Highly recommended!
Thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful F2 review and video ! I am a proud owner of a F2 (1980 model) Chrome with DP 11 finder ! Some amazing insights into rarely discussed features (like the screen compensations !) . I am a BIG Nikon and classic camera fan. Will certainly be looking at your other vids. Keep them coming !!!
Very informational video,i have a question though,about what you said for the focusing screen 22:57, i have a dp-11 view finder, how do i know which number i have to set it on? Thank you
It is written in the instructions that come in the little box for the focussing screen. I am guessing that you don't have that box? If not, do a light measurement off a fixed subject on a reliable hand held light meter for a common situation in the daylight. See what the camera meter recommends. If it is off, then try different light conditions. It they are all off the target in the same direction (ie always one stop too low), you can try to change the adjustment number until the results match the hand held light meter.
Good luck. Right now KEH have a Nikon F2 in black for $194 in the BN category. The code for it is 246455. For F2 in mint condition it should be about double that price. Probably from the Japanese camera shops selling on Ebay with guaranteed return policy.
Great review! Like you, I really don't like that the film advance lever has to be out from the body to turn on the meter. I'm a left eye shooter too. I have two F3's and that is not required as you are well aware, I'm sure. I can't believe this functionality was carried over into the FE and FM bodies too, and carried a step further in that you can't even take a picture without the lever being pulled out. A big fail of these camera bodies, imho. I do want an F2 though, but maybe with the meterless viewfinder. Then it's not an issue at all.
I am currently using Nikon FA for film test in preparation for a review video. The same problem persists and causes me to curse a lot (internally of course). You have to jump to Nikon F4, 5 and 6 to get rid of that problem. My recent experience with Nikon F6 was like heaven. The best, most refined experience ever. But quite expensive.
Excellent review. I have a Nikon F2AS with a 55mm f1.2 lens. This combination is MASSIVELY heavy though. It's truly wonderful to use, but carrying it around all day is no fun at all. Before buying one, I'd question whether or not all the (let's face it) 'ancient pro-features' are really necessary. Perhaps the FM/FM2n or the FE/FE2 would be a more practical choice.
I would seriously consider Nikon FM2n. The same argument was implied in my video on FM2n here: ua-cam.com/video/OYqwdZe9dqM/v-deo.html You can also consider Olympus OM-1 which I reviewed here: ua-cam.com/video/FWCtrj4cN60/v-deo.html Having said that, I personally like slightly heavier cameras. They give me a sense of precision and the weight is a form of analog sensor stabilization.
@@TechHeritage I do own two Olympus Om2n's (which include the same features when set to 'manual'). To be honest, I hadn't considered weight as image stabilization - I thought that's what tripods were for. (sorry to be argumentative - I'm drunk).
F2 is a fully mechanical camera. That is why it is highly regarded today. The battery is only for the light meter. The shutter and everything else will work without a battery. Battery controlled shutter was introduced with the next model, F3.
The F2 is the New King. I love my F2AS. I bought it in the late 70s and am still shooting with it.
Thanks for sharing. The F2 will outlast you, I think. Never give up, Never sell.
keep up the good work, you are easily my favorite channel covering film gears so far!
I'll keep making more, so stay tuned!
I will have an F2 soon. This video gave me great views of the functions and landmarks that I've got to learn. Thank you very much.
Glad it was helpful!
This is the DEFINITIVE video on my favorite camera of all time, the Nikon F2. Well done and thank-you for posting. IMO it beats the F because in actuality it is an improved Nikon F. It also is better than the F3 because for me I prefer the fully mechanical F2 over the F3.
Thanks for your feedback. Based on your preferences, you may also like to watch our Nikon FM2n video as a backup camera body.
@@TechHeritage My backup camera is actually a Nikon FE. It was my father’s camera that I inherited after he passed. I will watch your FM2 video though.👍
Perfect, since our very next video is Nikon FE.
Thank you for a great video! I used Nikon F Photomics back in 1969-1971 when I worked for my college newspaper, but now, fifty-three years later, I decided to buy a Nikon F2 Photomic with DP-1 viewfinder for personal use. You showed me some things about the F2 I had not seen before in other videos, which will be a big help as I become more comfortable with the F2 and start taking pics with it.
Glad it was helpful!
Having F3, F4, F5 and F6, I finally ordered a nice copy of the F2A today 😊
Two more cameras would complete the historic set for you. The original Nikon F non- photomic and the Nikon F Photomic. It’s like having the box set of original Star Wars DVD’s. Then you can go for the prequels and start again with Nikon S to SP.
Thank you! Just got mine.
My older brother used to have the Nikon F2 when we were growing up, and we lost it. That is why I have to have it when a friend offered to sell his.
There is nothing like a vintage camera to bring back the good memories. The same thing happened to me and the original Nikon F. Getting a new one a few years ago was like re-living my university days. I am sure this time, losing it is not an option.
Thank you for putting out high quality researched content ! This is the type of content that I was looking for in my current search for my first SLR. Unfortunately, I'm still not too sure which Nikon I'll get 😅 , but your videos have given me a passionate and educated perspective on these great cameras. Looking forward to finishing the series and hopefully then I'll finally be able to rest and buy my first SLR camera.
If it is your first SLR film camera, I would suggest either Nikon FM2n or Nikon FE. There are videos on both of these. They are semi-pro and are often used as backup for professional cameras. Highly recommended!
After watching your Nikon videos, including the recent FE one, I'll be starting my SLR journey with the FE2 and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens !
Very cool video! Love it
Thanks so much! Please also watch the rest of the professional Nikon F series and subscribe.
Thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful F2 review and video ! I am a proud owner of a F2 (1980 model) Chrome with DP 11 finder ! Some amazing insights into rarely discussed features (like the screen compensations !) . I am a BIG Nikon and classic camera fan. Will certainly be looking at your other vids. Keep them coming !!!
Glad you enjoyed it! I recommend that you watch the Nikon series in order from F to F5. Then go back and see the Canon series for a counter-point.
nice instructional video, I started with the F-3T in the Nikon cameras
Thanks for the positive comment. I hope you have kept your F-2T. You should also see the episode on the F3.
I just got a F2 1977 with perfect DP-12 finder. It's a beautiful thing.
I'm happy to hear about it and hope you found my review useful. Enjoy and pass on to the next generation.
Very informational video,i have a question though,about what you said for the focusing screen 22:57, i have a dp-11 view finder, how do i know which number i have to set it on? Thank you
It is written in the instructions that come in the little box for the focussing screen. I am guessing that you don't have that box? If not, do a light measurement off a fixed subject on a reliable hand held light meter for a common situation in the daylight. See what the camera meter recommends. If it is off, then try different light conditions. It they are all off the target in the same direction (ie always one stop too low), you can try to change the adjustment number until the results match the hand held light meter.
I am definitely scouting the internet sites to find a good one in black. Thank you for such a detailed review. I learned a lot.
Good luck. Right now KEH have a Nikon F2 in black for $194 in the BN category. The code for it is 246455. For F2 in mint condition it should be about double that price. Probably from the Japanese camera shops selling on Ebay with guaranteed return policy.
Great review! Like you, I really don't like that the film advance lever has to be out from the body to turn on the meter. I'm a left eye shooter too. I have two F3's and that is not required as you are well aware, I'm sure. I can't believe this functionality was carried over into the FE and FM bodies too, and carried a step further in that you can't even take a picture without the lever being pulled out. A big fail of these camera bodies, imho. I do want an F2 though, but maybe with the meterless viewfinder. Then it's not an issue at all.
I am currently using Nikon FA for film test in preparation for a review video. The same problem persists and causes me to curse a lot (internally of course). You have to jump to Nikon F4, 5 and 6 to get rid of that problem. My recent experience with Nikon F6 was like heaven. The best, most refined experience ever. But quite expensive.
@@TechHeritage - Yeah, and the F3. The problem doesn't exist on it as well. I'll take a look at the F6. Again, thank you for a GREAT review.
Excellent review. I have a Nikon F2AS with a 55mm f1.2 lens. This combination is MASSIVELY heavy though. It's truly wonderful to use, but carrying it around all day is no fun at all. Before buying one, I'd question whether or not all the (let's face it) 'ancient pro-features' are really necessary. Perhaps the FM/FM2n or the FE/FE2 would be a more practical choice.
I would seriously consider Nikon FM2n. The same argument was implied in my video on FM2n here: ua-cam.com/video/OYqwdZe9dqM/v-deo.html
You can also consider Olympus OM-1 which I reviewed here: ua-cam.com/video/FWCtrj4cN60/v-deo.html
Having said that, I personally like slightly heavier cameras. They give me a sense of precision and the weight is a form of analog sensor stabilization.
@@TechHeritage I do own two Olympus Om2n's (which include the same features when set to 'manual'). To be honest, I hadn't considered weight as image stabilization - I thought that's what tripods were for. (sorry to be argumentative - I'm drunk).
Is it, when battery dies, shutter doesn't work?
F2 is a fully mechanical camera. That is why it is highly regarded today.
The battery is only for the light meter. The shutter and everything else will work without a battery.
Battery controlled shutter was introduced with the next model, F3.