A Love Letter to the Nikon F: Almost 70 years of Analog History and why I still shoot it daily.

[Benedikt Schlereth]

Hi everyone,

Today it’s about the OG - the Nikon F. Even in 2026, with all the hype around newer film cameras, there’s something about the brick with its 100% viewfinder thats just super appealing to me.

I’ve put together a massive guide/review because I noticed a lot of the info out there is 10+ years old and doesn't account for current prices, modern battery solutions for the Photomic finders, or finding a reliable CLA service today.
A few things I covered:

• The "Prism Rot" issue: What to look for before buying.
• Non-AI Lenses: Why these are the best-kept secret for budget-conscious shooters (the 105mm f/2.5 is a dream).
• The "Nikon Shuffle": A quick tip for those struggling with the film loading quirk.

If you're looking to pick one up or just want to see some high-res scans and a technical breakdown, you can check it out here:

I’d love to hear from fellow F shooters—do you prefer the clean Eye-level finder or the bulky Photomic look? I’m a Photomic boy but am thinking about getting that sleek simple finder just for the sake of it.

Cheers!

 

[steveyork]

I learned Sunny 16 with a plain prism F. Like the M3, they generally got it correct on the first go round. Great optics too, the non-ai lenses shine in B&W. But like any SLR, a lot of shutter vibration....

 

[Benedikt Schlereth]

By the way here is the link to the blog:

Nikon F Review 2026: The Best Mechanical 35mm Film Camera Ever Made? — Faceoflightphotography

Nikon F Review 2026: The Best Mechanical 35mm Film Camera Ever Made?

www.faceoflightphotography.de

 

[ellisson]

You prefer the F photomic over the F2 version with hinge door back for film loading?

 

[keytarjunkie]

For what it's worth, AI generated slop like this is why I no longer participate in this forum.

 

[KoNickon]

For what it's worth, AI generated slop like this is why I no longer participate in this forum.

And yet, here you are commenting....

What makes you think this is AI generated? I note the poster appears to be a native German speaker, so I'm going to cut him a lot of slack if he needed assistance with the English.

 

[Leon C]

That's a nice site, even translated.

 

[KoNickon]

I just read Benedikt's writeup -- very little to quibble with! I would however suggest a couple of modifications/additions to the lens list. I'd go with the 35/2.8 -- excellent lens and very cheap (because it's a slow-ish 35). And I'd add the 200/4, especially one of the early versions with the smaller focusing ring and the large amount of chrome on the barrel -- a lovely piece of mechanical-optical equipment.

Regarding the metered finder -- having to remove it to get at the battery compartment is a chore -- you need a strong thumbnail or maybe a screwdriver to push on the rear release (while pushing on the front release at the same time).

The batteries -- I don't know why Benedikt doesn't mention simply using alkaline 625 batteries and adjusting the film speed one stop -- set it to 200 for 400 speed film. Yes, I know all about the uneven voltage of alkalines, but really this is not a big deal.

About setting the film speed: I only have experience with non-CLE'ed finders, but I find it very difficult to pull up and twist the film speed dial. I mean, very difficult. I think it partly is due to the ridges on the dial being vertical (coined is the term, I think). The F2, with horizontal ridges, is a dream by comparison.

Both the F and F2 are great, but as an everyday use camera, it's the F2 for me all the way.

 

[Alpsman]

The Nikon F exerts a certain, inexplicable charm on me.
The disadvantages – what disadvantages?

 

[38Deardorff]

The Nikon F exerts a certain, inexplicable charm on me.
The disadvantages – what disadvantages?

Yes..what disadvantages??

 

[38Deardorff]

Still keeping an eye out for a chrome nose early 105mm 2.5 (Sonnar formula).
My choice...pentaprism everytime....& hand held meter....

 

[Zuiko-logist]

Nice write up and comments. Nice to see so many photos of lovely Nikon Fs.

 

[Muggins]

Yes..what disadvantages??View attachment 4890322

It breaks your toes if you drop it?

 

[ddutchison2]

Fun read but I have to agree that the F2 is the F in it's perfected form. That said, I still use an F, the only real flaw for me is the backside location of the shutter button - a problem an AR-1 solves nicely.

 

[38Deardorff]

Fun read but I have to agree that the F2 is the F in it's perfected form. That said, I still use an F, the only real flaw for me is the backside location of the shutter button - a problem an AR-1 solves nicely.

the thing about perfection.....it's not always the be-all, end-all.
The F2 is perfect (especially the Titan !), but then again so is the F in its own way.....

 

[Alpsman]

It breaks your toes if you drop it?

You don't wear safety shoes when using your F?

 

[Alpsman]

Fun read but I have to agree that the F2 is the F in it's perfected form. That said, I still use an F, the only real flaw for me is the backside location of the shutter button - a problem an AR-1 solves nicely.

All my Fs have the shutter button a little bit more rear than other common, ordinary cameras. But that's nothing to be mentioned - at least for me.
The AR-1 is nice to have when a metering Finder is mounted, because there is no difference in height to the shutter time reel. With a prism finder mounted I dont use it.

 

[Alpsman]

the thing about perfection.....it's not always the be-all, end-all.
The F2 is perfect (especially the Titan !), but then again so is the F in its own way.....

Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. - Antoine de Saint Exupery

 

[Muggins]

You don't wear safety shoes when using your F?

I don't have an F, tbh, but I do have a pair of safety shoes that will come in handy next time I use the Nikkormat or the Contax.

 

[trix4ever]

I find it very hard to pick between mine but I do like the uncluttered viewfinder of the F. I also like the F36 sounding like a Gatling gun. I'm that mad I've even used it for street work.