Best MF SLR to pair up with a 50mm f/1.2?

[Steve M.]

I had an F4s (great, but BIG and HEAVY camera) and I'm surprised you had focusing issues w/ the AF. Mine worked very well w/ any lens, including an AF 85 1.4. Just ck the DOF w/ the preview button on the front. First I've heard of any focusing problems w/ this model. Love the AF on these, as there's so much torque available you definitely know when it locks focus.

Oh, I see. You're using a MF lens on the camera. Just pick up a good Nikon MF body that meters w/ your lens. The F is a good model, but there's a lot of choices available.

 

[keytarjunkie]

My vote would go for the original F, with either a Photomic head or the standard prism. The split prism focusing screen on that is incredible. I had my 50/1.2 mounted to that camera for a long time. I also had it on a FM2n, and it was much harder to focus. Huge difference. Get a F 🙂

 

[NaChase]

F2AS. Huge, bright finder and all around fantastic camera.

 

[migtex]

I use my 50/1.2 & 55/1.2 mostly with the F2's and F3's rather than with the F4.
B Screen will do!

 

[jaredangle]

the top shutter speed of 1/8000 on the F4

This is why I'm probably going to stick with the F4 for this project.

I would also suggest looking at the E-Screen, like the B screen but with gridlines. Might help with the composition of the car's lines. A P-Screen has the split image and horizontal/vertical lines.

I have the E screen, but I'm still not so sure I'd like to use it because I'd have trouble focusing the lens, but a great time getting nice compositions. I usually only have the E screen in my F4 when I am shooting portraits with my AF 85mm 1.8 because it helps with rule of thirds compositions when shooting horizontally. So I understand the P screen is basically the E screen with split image in the middle? That sounds like something I would like to use. Thanks! I'll have to look into that.

Do consider using Efke KB-25, it is a beautiful film. Lots of tone when processed in Rodinal 1:50 or Kodak D-23, scans very well due to its poly film base which is flat, absolutely no curl.

I'll see if BH has any of this.

 

[former member]

The P screen has a lines to divide the screen into quadrents: one line down the middle of the screen, horizontal and vertical. The split prism is at 45degree angle, which I find useful.