Nikon F2 Review - Shooting with the Classic 35mm Camera 

Thanks so much dude! I recently found your channel and love what you've been putting out man. Rip the Bronica, but loving the Pentax shots lately!

Oh awesome. This is the first I've heard about using different DP systems. Fascinating. Thank you for this!

@@loganguybaker Nice and relaxed approach in your video, easy to handle. I definitely second DAT_ISHIMURA's recommendation. The main difference between all the F2 models was the metering head used. The DP-3 & DP-12 will give you about 3 stops more sensitivity, use LEDs instead of the needle and are easier to see in low light. The main difference between the DP-3 & DP-12 is that the former couples to pre-AI Nikon lenses while the latter couples to either pre- or AI lenses. The 50mm f1.4 lens you show in your video, since it appears to be an AI lens that still has the "rabbit ears," should be able to couple with either of the two heads. They are heavy, but they will last forever and there are tons of lenses out there for them.

I’ve heard fantastic things about the Olympus. Might need to check it out in the near future.

An Olympus OM-1 with an Olympus Zuiko 35-70mm f3.6 zoom was the camera of choice for André Kértesz in his later career.

Bless you

Yeah, its a bit of a tank. I will say though, for a careful, important metered shot that's worth taking, I'd definitely feel comfortable using the F2.

Heck yeah. So since posting the video, I think I actually had faulty batteries. I kept putting more in from the same pack but I eventually figured out the entire pack I had bought was dull.

I have an F2 as my first slr and I would love to know why of all those cameras you shot with F2 is your favourite?

@@wildernessandme1744 I prefer 35mm small format cameras to medium format and large format cameras because they are more portability. The small size and light weight of 35mm small format cameras make it easy to conceal and carry. I prefer 35mm small format cameras to medium format and large format cameras because of their versatility. It is easy to adapt a 35mm to any assignment. For example, compared to medium format and large format cameras, it is much easier to configure the 35mm to shoot macro and astro subjects. I prefer 35mm small format cameras to medium format and large format cameras because of their lens speed. Compared to medium format and large format cameras, it is easier to obtain lenses faster than f/1.8. I prefer SLR style cameras to rangefinder and TLR cameras because the through-the-lens viewing is more accurate. I prefer cameras that are well-built and reliable. The first 35mm SLR I owned was well designed but it was not reliable. It broke on me too many times. The other photographers at the newspaper where I worked suggested that I get a Nikon SLR to replace my Miranda Sensorex because the Nikon was more reliable. I made the replacement and have been very satisfied. I prefer manual/mechanical cameras that do not depend on batteries and electronics for their operation. The Nikon F SLR, Nikon F2 SLR, Leica M6 rangefinder, Mamiya medium Format TLR, Fuji GW670 medium format rangefinder, RB67 medium format SLR, and the Calumet 4x5 inch view camera are examples of cameras I used that did not require batteries and electronics to operate. I could manually focus, adjust aperture, adjust shutter speed, and advance the film without batteries in the camera. Of the cameras I listed, only the Leica M6 has a built-in light meter. The Leica light meter needed batteries, however, the Leica would still operate without batteries in the camera. My Nikon F and F2 bodies did not have a built-in light meter; however, I could have added a battery operated metered viewfinder to the body. I did not add the metered viewfinder but I did add a battery operated motor drive to the body when I needed to shoot sports. I preferred adding the motor drive to the F2 because the drives for F2 bodies were interchangeable from one F2 body to another. The motor drives for Nikon F were customized and could not be transferred from one F body to another. Two other reliable manual/mechanical 35mm SLR camera I liked and used were the Pentax Spotmatics and the Fuji ST705. However, since they did not have the modular design of interchangeable viewfinders, interchangeable backs, and interchangeable view screens, I preferred the Nikon F and F2. I also preferred the Nikon bayonet lenses compared to the Pentax and Fuji M42 screw-mount lenses.

@@Narsuitus Awesome! Thank you for sharing such an insight!

You are right on. In the Air Force, I did a tremendous amount of shoot for the base newspaper, and shot a lot as a tourist. It is still with me, but has also been in Okinawa, Japan, South Korea and for a brief amount of time, at the DMZ. It also has been on both coasts of the U.S.and in between. I learned to master the meter, knowing it main weakness, it is center weighted and can give wrong readings if one is not careful. Today it is still in nearly perfect condition with almost no cosmetic blemishes.

I have been using my F2AS since the early 1980’s. I must say it’s an extremely reliable camera.. love it 100%. Once a famous photographer said Using “modern day digital cameras is like eating at a fast food restaurant whereas a mechanical film camera is like our delicate home cooked meals… eat with real enjoyment & deep appreciation “

Interesting! Definitely going to look into the FM. The more I think about it... I’ll probably hang onto the F2 for a couple months then will definitely move on

Logan Baker if you look at the FM, also check out the FE, which is similar but has an aperture-priority mode. Similar to the F3, it’s very much what you describe wanting in the video, but smaller and lighter than the F series cameras. Personally, I have the F2 and the FE for the same reason. Cheers from DC and nice video!

Thank you!

It’s a beast for sure. Thanks for the kind words!

I've heard great things about the FM. Definitely going to look into it! Since posting this vid I've officially decided to move to something a little lighter. Thanks for the rec, Leroy!

Thank you! That's a great idea, I hadn't even thought about using it for street. Report back with how the shoot went!

Thanks, William!!

Oh wow thank you so much for this. I’ve heard amazing things about the FM2. My next move will definitely be towards that. Don’t think Leicas are in my future just yet. I’ve heard great things about Sover Wong. Thanks for the recommendation!

Danielle Castano thank you!! Will definitely look into the M7. The more I read about it, Leica seems like the way to go.

Another option thats just like the m7 is the Konica haxar rf

Thank you! Using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

@@loganguybaker I was actually debating between buying the 4k or the 6k. Which lenses do you use? Do you use a metabones? Appreciate your videos and thanks for answering! Looking forward for more of them

Thanks, Mariano!!

Thank you!!

Thanks, Derek! I’ve heard good things about the F4.

Same design team that did the Nikon F3 and F4 interestingly

Thanks so much!

Thank you!

Thank you! The Leica is definitely coming. Just need to save up for a little bit.

Thank you! I believe it’s Sansita, a free font through Google.

The F3 is indeed the answer to the reviewers gripe that he was reviewing a totally manual camera. Aside from that, the F2 is the last truly mechanical Nikon camera. Never again will a camera be manufactured that has the build quality to last and perform for a hundred years or more. My F2 was purchased in 1971 and is now just about 50 years old and looks barely used. The lenses have always been stored with caps on both ends and a skylight or other filter on the front when in use. A brush or lens tissue has never been taken to the lens elements nor the mirror. If the next person who owns it (I won't live that long!) takes care of it the way I did, there is no reason why it won't last at least a hundred years. I have less faith in the longevity of electronics. Being an ameteur clockmaker, I have clocks over 150 years old that still function as they did when new. Anything using electronics will never last as long. Solid State is a myth. Incidentally, my Exakta VX 35mm camera from the 1950s and is still around. It could use an overhaul to restore the shutter speed accuracy and one day I will get around to it.... maybe. But the F2 is a camera in a totally different league. The Nikon lenses that were made for it were of a quality that you just won't see today. I have a Nikon DSLR where the lenses are a joke compared to the quality of the 1970's lenses. Sure they have optical stability and auto focusing, but in terms of mechanical and optical quality, nope! For what you paid for the F2, why would you sell it? But consider an F3 if you want a still camera that is slightly more point and shoot.

Yo dude!! It’s pretty heavy man. Honestly it’s probably the heaviest 35mm camera I’ve gotten my hands on. Hope you’re well!

Definitely! I had a few in mind that are my current favorites. Any in particular you'd want to see?

Logan Baker I just ordered ilford hp5 400. I don’t have much experience yet so really anything would help lol

I'm trying to get my dad's old F2's to work and he said one of the models (the only one we've been able to find) had an issue with a resistor in the meter. So that may very well be it.

@@cvbattum Yes. This is what I’m talking about. I’ve never had mine apart, but I believe a skilled repairer can reset the ring so the wiper follows a new track. Back in the day, replacement parts were available. Another option is to simply use an external light meter. I believe there is even a Light meter App for a smartphone - ?

Thanks dude!!

I use Pocket Light Meter. I’ve had it for so long that I don’t remember how much it costs but I don’t think it’s much. It works pretty well except it doesn’t allow you to get too specific with the “ISO” setting.

You bet. petapixel.com/2020/01/27/the-leica-m6-ttl-85-is-the-best-35mm-film-camera-ever-conceived/

Logan Baker thanks man appreciate that. really enjoy your videos!

M6 and then I’d love to try a Mamiya 7 someday

Thanks for the kind words?

Hey Brooke, thanks for the response! I definitely was over and under exposing for many of them. The video didn't really communicate how "all over the place" the camera experience was, which is my fault. There were many times where I bracketed, shooting what the camera read, what I thought was correct, and what my meter said. That way I'd have a better understanding of how accurate the camera was, since its a review. I definitely need to get more comfortable with not relying on the meters because you're right, I'd rather be in a situation when I don't have it and be okay. I've heard good things about the Olympus systems so I'll definitely look into them! Thanks for watching!

You're going to absolutely love my other videos