I have this camera, except with silver features. I love it. It was a gift from a close friend and included the bag, 35 85 and 135 mm lenses. Tutorial was helpful in figuring out how to clean the mirrors as well as internal sections. I am new to photography, but after 9 rolls in two weeks, this has been a pretty fun camera to start on! From a cultural point of view, I like having the limits of film and time on my photographs. The phone lets me do whatever I want with pictures except zoom and take photos at night. I like conserving film for a better shot and the anticippppation of waiting for film to be developed. Thanks Buster!
Just bought this camera off of eBay after doing some intense research on the type of analog film camera I wanted and this video was very helpful! The F2 seems to me the most versatile of the classic 35 mm film cameras because it can operate with or without batteries, you can attach a flash and even an external motor, and extra battery life.
One of my favorite 35mm cameras off all times. I own three of them, a F2 Photomic, a F2A and a F2AS. All equipped with the motor drive MD-2, the battery pack MB-1, the secondary release MR-2 and the auto stop back MF-3, the needle prisms have also the illuminator DL-1 attached. These cameras are simple, durable and fool proof. Excellent design, everything is usable entirely without batteries even when the motordrive is attached that gives you extra stability and comfort. The F2 Photomic was my first SLR I bought in 1998 and I still like using the F2s a lot.
@@Funktrainer So, I have a Pentax KM with a 50mm f/2 and a 100mm f/4. Was looking into a new system, but not sure if I need one. If anything, was going to check out the mamiya 645 for image quality, but worried that it will be too cumbersome, I have a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens already that I bought for my dslr. Looking to transition into film, and have shot on the KM for about 6 months with no issues. A friend and the camera store recommended I check out Nikons, hence why I'm here. But maybe you can tell me what I need, because clearly I don't! LOL. (To answer your question: I intend to shoot portraiture and landscapes). Thank you for ~any~ advice!
@@ihmintz I recommend a 85mm lens for portraits or a 135mm for outdoor portraits. As you already have a Pentax I would recommend a Pentax lens for your KM. Get a 1/1.4 or 1/2 lens. The Mamiya 645 is a great medium format body, I don’t think that it is too large. The Mamiya lenses are great.
Great rig and this coming from a Canon shooter. While most of my career as a wire shooter, Canon was my mainstay back in the 80s, though I came very close to defecting to Nikon. Nikon for the most part owned the 70s and 80s, with regards to photojournalism and other photographic arenas. I would often walk into a sea of Nikkor glass attached to F2s and F3s, with my F1AE and A1while on a job, hearing some snickering at my Canon gear. I began to play around with Nikon, buying a beat up F2 from a fellow shooter, while I was very impressed with the build and ergonomics and even playing around with the F3HP, after a year, I was shooting Canon again. The costs of switching systems did not make sense, frankly while Nikon had a great system, I was in too deep with Canon and honesty I am glad that I toughed it out, Canon would soon rule the 90s into the early days of digital era.
Just got my Nikon F2 through eBay. Eventhough I own several Nikon pro digital cameras, I had always wanted a Nikon F2 since my childhood years. My next purchase will be a motor drive and battery pack for this beauty. I can hardly wait to load some film and try it out. Checked out your video because the camera did not come with a user guide and your video was helpful.
Big help thank you. Just picked one up from some guy for 60 bucks w/20mm lens, 55mm lens, 35mm lens, flash, light meter and other miscellaneous. So happy right now 😊
Just watched your F2 tour, thanks I learned a few things. Yesterday I purchased an assortment of Nikon equipment from a retired film photographer. He had not used any of it in over 30 years. There two F2 bodies, one of those is the 25th Anniversary edition model, and one similar body I have yet to determine its model. Also 7 lenses, all manual. Two Nikon teleconverters and an extension bellows for macro work. I am a digital Nikon shooter, 850, 750, 500, 700, and a few more. I wanted the glass he had, and he thru in the cameras. All for $500.00. He is a friend, so I did not quibble over money. I plan on shooting some film, and very much appreciate yours and others videos on the F2. eBay has that F2 Anniversary very pricey, not sure why it is so much..
recently snagged a Nikon F2 in mint condition without a single scratch on it with 3 lenses, full nikon leather camera case and vintage nikon hard case filled with vintage goodies for only $150 at a local pawn shop. my first film camera ever and most definitely my best purchase ever. cant wait to get the first roll developed
Inherited one when my Father in law died. Film noob, but I have taken literally about 10 pictures that will be God awful. I plan to try and use this as a tribute to him. Thanks for the overview, really helps.
Thanks for the review. I've been wanting to back into film and thought it would be fun to have one of these old Nikon cameras because of their simplicity and as you said they are indestructible. I got the F but hated how the back came off. Loving this camera.
"T" and "L" stand for "Time" and "Lock." The F2 will take time exposures of 2-10 seconds using the "T" setting and the self timer, or more than 10 seconds ("T" setting; press the shutter release to open, and close by returning the ring to its normal position). For both operations the shutter speed dial must be set at "B."
Sally, it is inconceivable that an ignoramus like the author of this UA-cam video had the arrogance of describing this extraordinary camera without having any inkling of photographic technique or history. "T" has stood for "Time" exposure for more than a century. Thanks for your knowledgeable contribution. RCC.
I got one but there are black specks all over the inner side of the prism eye piece. I unscrewed the eye piece that's how I know. How hard is it to get in there and clean that off? Everything else works good.
Thanks for this informative video! I have the f2 (haven't used it yet), but the viewfinder/prism on mine doesn't have the aperture read out on it like yours. Do I have to do anything different when mounting the lens in order to he the meter to work?
recently got one in, cosmetically speaking, awesome condition. barely used. looking forward to shooting it this summer. didn't quite like the advance lever btw, felt that the resistance was a bit uneven. not like my rangefinder which is equally stiff all the way through when you advance. the f2 felt more like it advanced only the 2nd half of the turn, if you know what i mean.
Hopefully you have a "leader retriever"? I have one somewhere from my days of film in the last century. PS I've just dug out my F3, she is immaculate, getting batteries for the electronics, 8 x AA for the MD4 and she's good to go again 😊
Hi! just come across your video! Nice one for a new channel. just noticed the noise of your shutter speed dial! very rough. it seems it needs some lubrication! Would be great to have a link for your photos...maybe flickr! looking forward to listen about your favourite lens! Cheers!
Hi Buster! Just wanted to let you know I just recently inherited a Nikon F2 from my grandfather and I really want to jump into photography. The trouble is, I have no experience or knowledge of film terminology or terms! I thoroughly enjoyed your video and it was very helpful. I was wondering if you have any sources that I could turn to to define the terms you used in this video?? If so, please reply that would be amazing!
Josiah Lincoln no sources specifically. But I can define anything you have questions about. Just ask here and I’ll be happy to answer. Thanks for stopping by!
T is time. Now you can use shuttertimes from 10 seconds in combination with the selftimer lever. The E screen is also fantastic. Batteries 2 x1.5V or 1 3V. I have used the Nikon FE, F3, F4, and the F5. All fantastic cameras but the F2A is the one I will never sell.
i got one one of these NIKON F2 Black body and it got the Nikon Md1 and Nikon MB1 Motor drive also it got the ds1 expoure meter and i need to get the camera fixed and i need to get a expoure meter HEAD FOR IT AND I ONLY PAID £10.00 FOR ALL OF THEM
So I'm debating getting one of these, but I'm sorta stuck between a F2 and the classic F... Does anyone have insight as to what would be a better photographer's camera?
Luke Webster both are very similar. I’d say the F2 because of the swing door for film loading. The F requires the entire back to be slid off. And I’d say the light meter is better on the F2 if you care about that.
Buster Photo Thanks man, actually ended up getting a F2 last week... Went out shooting with it today and a seagull crapped all over it. Not pleased. Cool camera though.
My uncle passed away and he was a 35mm enthusiast. He had several cameras and this F2 is one. Your video is great. I was able to follow it easily. One question though - when trying to remove the light meter. I can’t seem to get it to release. Other than the two batteries on the bottom, does the light meter need to have batteries? Also if the light meter doesn’t move but you can still engage the shutter is it batteries? Thanks.
The batteries under the camera operate the light meter. So if your light meter isn't working then the batteries are bad or the light meter has stopped working. The shutter will still fire in all speeds with no batteries. Sorry for the late reply. I hope this info is still useful for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Rose Mary Miller I’m sorry that you lost your uncle. I hope you have many great years shooting his camera. Have you shot a roll yet and had it processed?
sir, I really like your videos and your entire camera collection, I hope you continue to make videos of your photographs and of the photography style you do, on the other hand I wonder if you know how to do a CLA in a Nikon f2AS and I would also like to know if you know how to repair a light meter of the nikon f2as the one on my camera works but it is measuring a little badly, I use this camera for professional work and I like the camera to work 100%, I would appreciate it if you make a video of how to make a cla or if you could give me some information of where I could send my nikon f2as for a little tuneup thanks for your help
why would you? without the viewfinder you don’t have a meter. I’m sure you know this, but changing the ISO on a film camera doesn’t do anything apart from affect the metering ;)
8:10 If you put the right hand edge into the body first you can just let it rest on the tabs that stick out on the left, and a simple press of the button lets the screen drop in. Low risk and very simple.
You didn't mention how to use a standard cable release with this camera. An adapter is needed, the same one that is needed on a Yashica Mat. I have an F2 and a 1957 Yashica Mat and I carry the adapter attached to a standard cable release in my bag. The adapter is very small, so it could easily be lost. Alternatively, you can use the self timer to avoid shake on a tripod.
The outer ring on the shutter button marked T->L has THREE positions. The shutter will operate in T or the middle position. If you want to do a B mode shot say for a longer exposure you set the shutter speed to B, turn the shutter ring to T, press the shutter button, when time is up then you turn the shutter ring to the center position and this releases the shutter to close. Really if you intend to do reviews, or how to's of cameras at least learn how the camera works!
I have this camera, except with silver features. I love it. It was a gift from a close friend and included the bag, 35 85 and 135 mm lenses. Tutorial was helpful in figuring out how to clean the mirrors as well as internal sections. I am new to photography, but after 9 rolls in two weeks, this has been a pretty fun camera to start on! From a cultural point of view, I like having the limits of film and time on my photographs. The phone lets me do whatever I want with pictures except zoom and take photos at night. I like conserving film for a better shot and the anticippppation of waiting for film to be developed. Thanks Buster!
Just bought this camera off of eBay after doing some intense research on the type of analog film camera I wanted and this video was very helpful! The F2 seems to me the most versatile of the classic 35 mm film cameras because it can operate with or without batteries, you can attach a flash and even an external motor, and extra battery life.
One of my favorite 35mm cameras off all times. I own three of them, a F2 Photomic, a F2A and a F2AS. All equipped with the motor drive MD-2, the battery pack MB-1, the secondary release MR-2 and the auto stop back MF-3, the needle prisms have also the illuminator DL-1 attached. These cameras are simple, durable and fool proof. Excellent design, everything is usable entirely without batteries even when the motordrive is attached that gives you extra stability and comfort.
The F2 Photomic was my first SLR I bought in 1998 and I still like using the F2s a lot.
What would you recommend for someone just looking? Thanks!
@@ihmintz Camera body, lenses? What do you like to photograph? What do you mean with “just looking”?
@@Funktrainer So, I have a Pentax KM with a 50mm f/2 and a 100mm f/4. Was looking into a new system, but not sure if I need one. If anything, was going to check out the mamiya 645 for image quality, but worried that it will be too cumbersome, I have a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens already that I bought for my dslr. Looking to transition into film, and have shot on the KM for about 6 months with no issues. A friend and the camera store recommended I check out Nikons, hence why I'm here. But maybe you can tell me what I need, because clearly I don't! LOL. (To answer your question: I intend to shoot portraiture and landscapes). Thank you for ~any~ advice!
@@ihmintz I recommend a 85mm lens for portraits or a 135mm for outdoor portraits. As you already have a Pentax I would recommend a Pentax lens for your KM. Get a 1/1.4 or 1/2 lens. The Mamiya 645 is a great medium format body, I don’t think that it is too large. The Mamiya lenses are great.
I just got one for my birthday !!! First professional film camera I can’t wait to shoot!
I just got this camera today! Still figure it out how to shoot with it, but so excited to use it! Thanks for your video, really helpful!!!!
Thank you. I have had this camera for quite some time and didn’t get a few things. Now I do! Thank you for that! Very much appreciated.
Great rig and this coming from a Canon shooter. While most of my career as a wire shooter, Canon was my mainstay back in the 80s, though I came very close to defecting to Nikon. Nikon for the most part owned the 70s and 80s, with regards to photojournalism and other photographic arenas. I would often walk into a sea of Nikkor glass attached to F2s and F3s, with my F1AE and A1while on a job, hearing some snickering at my Canon gear. I began to play around with Nikon, buying a beat up F2 from a fellow shooter, while I was very impressed with the build and ergonomics and even playing around with the F3HP, after a year, I was shooting Canon again. The costs of switching systems did not make sense, frankly while Nikon had a great system, I was in too deep with Canon and honesty I am glad that I toughed it out, Canon would soon rule the 90s into the early days of digital era.
Just got my Nikon F2 through eBay. Eventhough I own several Nikon pro digital cameras, I had always wanted a Nikon F2 since my childhood years. My next purchase will be a motor drive and battery pack for this beauty. I can hardly wait to load some film and try it out. Checked out your video because the camera did not come with a user guide and your video was helpful.
Joe Diaz thanks for stopping by Joe. I’m glad my video helped you. Have fun!
Big help thank you. Just picked one up from some guy for 60 bucks w/20mm lens, 55mm lens, 35mm lens, flash, light meter and other miscellaneous.
So happy right now 😊
Lucky you
Where’d you find it?!
i just picked one up for $25 🤯
Thank you so much for this very clear and to the point tutorial. Excited to play around this one :D
Just watched your F2 tour, thanks I learned a few things. Yesterday I purchased an assortment of Nikon equipment from a retired film photographer. He had not used any of it in over 30 years. There two F2 bodies, one of those is the 25th Anniversary edition model, and one similar body I have yet to determine its model. Also 7 lenses, all manual. Two Nikon teleconverters and an extension bellows for macro work. I am a digital Nikon shooter, 850, 750, 500, 700, and a few more. I wanted the glass he had, and he thru in the cameras. All for $500.00. He is a friend, so I did not quibble over money. I plan on shooting some film, and very much appreciate yours and others videos on the F2. eBay has that F2 Anniversary very pricey, not sure why it is so much..
recently snagged a Nikon F2 in mint condition without a single scratch on it with 3 lenses, full nikon leather camera case and vintage nikon hard case filled with vintage goodies for only $150 at a local pawn shop. my first film camera ever and most definitely my best purchase ever. cant wait to get the first roll developed
Where can I see the photos from those rolls?
Great video - I'm getting back up to speed with my F2 so thanks!
Inherited one when my Father in law died. Film noob, but I have taken literally about 10 pictures that will be God awful. I plan to try and use this as a tribute to him. Thanks for the overview, really helps.
Brian Furman thank you for sharing Brian. If you need any help taking pictures with it please let me know.
it's a great feeling once you've learned how to master a camera well enough to take decent photos in full manual mode.
Love the Nikon F series cameras!!! I have nine Nikons currently!!
Thanks for the review. I've been wanting to back into film and thought it would be fun to have one of these old Nikon cameras because of their simplicity and as you said they are indestructible. I got the F but hated how the back came off. Loving this camera.
"T" and "L" stand for "Time" and "Lock." The F2 will take time exposures of 2-10 seconds using the "T" setting and the self timer, or more than 10 seconds ("T" setting; press the shutter release to open, and close by returning the ring to its normal position). For both operations the shutter speed dial must be set at "B."
Sally, it is inconceivable that an ignoramus like the author of this UA-cam video had the arrogance of describing this extraordinary camera without having any inkling of photographic technique or history. "T" has stood for "Time" exposure for more than a century. Thanks for your knowledgeable contribution. RCC.
Thanks! Just acquired one of these beauties.
great video, thanks for the info
Great video man. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Great explanation, my father has 2 of these plus another a handful of others, he’s now passed away & I’m trying to clean them up for sale. Thanks ✨👍
Have u sold them?
@@ElReySupr3me yes all sold now
Excellent video
Just picked one up . Great Video .
I got one but there are black specks all over the inner side of the prism eye piece. I unscrewed the eye piece that's how I know. How hard is it to get in there and clean that off? Everything else works good.
Thanks for this informative video! I have the f2 (haven't used it yet), but the viewfinder/prism on mine doesn't have the aperture read out on it like yours. Do I have to do anything different when mounting the lens in order to he the meter to work?
really appreciate this video ❤
Loved that "oh shit" moment
Yep. Still got a silver & a black. Love em.
recently got one in, cosmetically speaking, awesome condition. barely used. looking forward to shooting it this summer. didn't quite like the advance lever btw, felt that the resistance was a bit uneven. not like my rangefinder which is equally stiff all the way through when you advance. the f2 felt more like it advanced only the 2nd half of the turn, if you know what i mean.
I didn't remember much about the advance lever since I always used a motor drive with my Nikon F2A.
Instead of wasting a frame you could have covered the lens then use the multi-exposure lever.
Hopefully you have a "leader retriever"? I have one somewhere from my days of film in the last century. PS I've just dug out my F3, she is immaculate, getting batteries for the electronics, 8 x AA for the MD4 and she's good to go again 😊
I heard the shutter when you activated the timer. Hahaha
Hi! just come across your video! Nice one for a new channel. just noticed the noise of your shutter speed dial! very rough. it seems it needs some lubrication! Would be great to have a link for your photos...maybe flickr! looking forward to listen about your favourite lens! Cheers!
Thanks for the info! I'll look into that.
Hi, I have this model and my light meter on the view finder stopped working. Do you have any advice of what can I to know what the problem is?
I grew up on Canon, but I've always liked the aesthetics of the Nikon cameras. I may purchase one some day, but they seem so foreign.
Hi Buster! Just wanted to let you know I just recently inherited a Nikon F2 from my grandfather and I really want to jump into photography. The trouble is, I have no experience or knowledge of film terminology or terms! I thoroughly enjoyed your video and it was very helpful. I was wondering if you have any sources that I could turn to to define the terms you used in this video?? If so, please reply that would be amazing!
Josiah Lincoln no sources specifically. But I can define anything you have questions about. Just ask here and I’ll be happy to answer.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I saw your other review on the F2 with a DW-1. I just got an F2 with a DW-1, but how do I change the ISO/ASA with a DW-1? Thanks.
You don’t need to change the ISO as the camera becomes unmetered with the DW-1. The Dial to change the ISO is part if the metered heads.
Why do you prefer that certain focus screen if you don't mind elaborating?
T is time. Now you can use shuttertimes from 10 seconds in combination with the selftimer lever. The E screen is also fantastic. Batteries 2 x1.5V or 1 3V. I have used the Nikon FE, F3, F4, and the F5. All fantastic cameras but the F2A is the one I will never sell.
i just want to know whether the ASA gets the real function relevant with the speed or just use it only for remind u what type of film u had used.
s ho when setting the Asa it also tells the light meter what film speed you are shooting at. If you have a viewfinder that has a working light meter.
i got one one of these NIKON F2 Black body and it got the Nikon Md1 and Nikon MB1 Motor drive also it got the ds1 expoure meter and i need to get the camera fixed and i need to get a expoure meter HEAD FOR IT AND I ONLY PAID £10.00 FOR ALL OF THEM
So I'm debating getting one of these, but I'm sorta stuck between a F2 and the classic F... Does anyone have insight as to what would be a better photographer's camera?
Luke Webster both are very similar. I’d say the F2 because of the swing door for film loading. The F requires the entire back to be slid off. And I’d say the light meter is better on the F2 if you care about that.
Buster Photo Thanks man, actually ended up getting a F2 last week... Went out shooting with it today and a seagull crapped all over it. Not pleased. Cool camera though.
The F with the FTn or TN finders use mercury batteries which are no longer available.
@@eminusipi you can easily mechanically adjust the meters of the FtN to work with standard batteries.
Hi Buster- if a DW-1 is on the F2, can you change/set the ISO at all? Thank you.
No.
Because there is no lightmeter, ASA/ISO is irrelevant.
My uncle passed away and he was a 35mm enthusiast. He had several cameras and this F2 is one. Your video is great. I was able to follow it easily. One question though - when trying to remove the light meter. I can’t seem to get it to release. Other than the two batteries on the bottom, does the light meter need to have batteries? Also if the light meter doesn’t move but you can still engage the shutter is it batteries? Thanks.
The batteries under the camera operate the light meter. So if your light meter isn't working then the batteries are bad or the light meter has stopped working. The shutter will still fire in all speeds with no batteries. Sorry for the late reply. I hope this info is still useful for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Rose Mary Miller I’m sorry that you lost your uncle. I hope you have many great years shooting his camera. Have you shot a roll yet and had it processed?
sir, I really like your videos and your entire camera collection, I hope you continue to make videos of your photographs and of the photography style you do, on the other hand I wonder if you know how to do a CLA in a Nikon f2AS and I would also like to know if you know how to repair a light meter of the nikon f2as the one on my camera works but it is measuring a little badly, I use this camera for professional work and I like the camera to work 100%, I would appreciate it if you make a video of how to make a cla or if you could give me some information of where I could send my nikon f2as for a little tuneup thanks for your help
Send the F2AS to Sover Wong and you will get your camera and DP-12 back better than they were new.
How much for that camera with 50mm 1:1.4 lens from nikkor?
Hey, can you still change the ISO somehow when only having the waist level finder?
why would you? without the viewfinder you don’t have a meter. I’m sure you know this, but changing the ISO on a film camera doesn’t do anything apart from affect the metering ;)
I push the finder release button but there is no response :( Can that be repaired?
Have you tried pushing it with something pointy? I’m sure it can be fixed if it’s broken but I’d keep trying to get it off.
6:42 remove view finder
8:10 If you put the right hand edge into the body first you can just let it rest on the tabs that stick out on the left, and a simple press of the button lets the screen drop in. Low risk and very simple.
hmmm...the fact you span the rewind lever round a few times..doesnt that indicate there's no film in?
That's a good point. But there was absolutely film in there. you can see that I stop spinning when I felt some resistance from the film.
Can you post the picture you took with the self timer? Lol
DAPPER I can’t. It’ll ruin my secret identity.
Anyone know what batteries available today will work to power the light meter?
LR44..
You didn't mention how to use a standard cable release with this camera. An adapter is needed, the same one that is needed on a Yashica Mat.
I have an F2 and a 1957 Yashica Mat and I carry the adapter attached to a standard cable release in my bag.
The adapter is very small, so it could easily be lost.
Alternatively, you can use the self timer to avoid shake on a tripod.
Just found out that I’ve been doing the timer wrong so those pictures will look questionable...
Only the non-metered viewfinder can be interchangeable between Nikon F and F2, not the Photomic finders
I have just got a huge collection of cameras f-2 f-3 rolliecord poloaroid 800’s German Cameras. I could use all the help I can get.
The foam bits look deteriorated.
T is for the timer
you seem to like japan
The outer ring on the shutter button marked T->L has THREE positions. The shutter will operate in T or the middle position. If you want to do a B mode shot say for a longer exposure you set the shutter speed to B, turn the shutter ring to T, press the shutter button, when time is up then you turn the shutter ring to the center position and this releases the shutter to close. Really if you intend to do reviews, or how to's of cameras at least learn how the camera works!
T- time
Once you go black you don't go back.