Nikon F or F2

[msbarnes]

All I want is a mechanical camera. I do not care about color, weight, size, and metering. I'll take the inooperative photonic hood for economy over the plain prism. The lenses that I plan on acquiring are the 28mm, 50mm, and 105mm non-ai. The only technical benefit that I can find on the F2 is the 1/2000 top shutter, which is a minor plus.

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/NikonF.html

It seems that the F2 has some advances but I'm not sure if they are relavant to me. The only thing that would concern me on the F is the prism. The F2 "locks on", does the F not? Any not-so-obvious reasons for why one would prefer one over the other?

 

[Ronny]

F - No doubt - "Not so plastic"!

 

[Vickko]

The F has a removable back, the f2 has a swing back. Very different handling to load.

In both cameras, the prism locks on securely; no worries there.

For the things you care about, there aren't any other differences.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

F2. The F is a fantastic camera but the F2 is the greatest camera Nikon ever produced, in my opinion.

Phil Forrest

 

[tunalegs]

The F2 also has a non bizarre shutter button location...in most respects the F2 is a better camera than the F, but only subtly better.

 

[JMQ]

Both are wonderful mechanical cameras. The major differences have been listed above.

 

[_goodtimez]

I need to say that either one you will get first, the other one will follow 🙂
I am in total love with the F and F2.
Have fun

 

[James24]

Get both. Better still, several copies of each.

 

[KoNickon]

Mirror lockup with the F causes you to lose a frame; not an issue with the F2. The other differences have been noted -- 1/2000; shutter button location; whether the back detaches or swings open. If you are able to find one of these with a metered finder that is working, keep in mind that batteries for the F2 finders are much more easily obtained.

I'd go for the F2 myself -- a little lighter and definitely smaller, and the controls and features are more advanced. Also, I think the Fs are pricier these days, maybe because they have more of a "classic" status.

 

[sparrow6224]

You could also get a FAR cheaper and very good FM2, and don't put a battery in. Done.

 

[kshapero]

F baby

 

[ruby.monkey]

The F2 has its shutter release button in the right place; the F still thinks it's an S.

 

[Spicy]

F if you want awesome and classic.
F2 if you want awesome and are a more focused shooter.

I use my father's F that he bought new in college. If I didn't care about sentimental value or the fact that the F is an icon, I'd pick an F2. I didn't realize the metered heads were different (I'd go plain prism either way, but whatever).

As mentioned earlier, F2 has the shutter release in the "correct" spot (F's is towards the back of the body, meaning you have this sort of F Claw grip, similar to the Contax grip. You get used to it, but all else being equal, I'd prefer it if it were towards the front of the body.

Also, the only practical difference in handling is the swing back of the F2 vs take-off of the F. Taking it off is a pain (3 hands, anyone?), but I've never used an F2, so I don't know the alternative. Also, if you're doing lots of long exposure stuff, burning a frame getting the mirror locked up on the F will be annoying.

 

[mfogiel]

I have recently had a bit of a fight with my Nikons, here are the conclusions:
1- The best of the best undisputably, is Nikon F3, the fear of electronics is completely irrational, just reconsider the thing
2- Nikon F2 is a great piece of machinery, but if you want to use the motor drive, it weighs a ton
3- If you plan shooting wide open, it will take you some time, before you figure out which focusing screen gives you the correct focus with which lens
4- Do not pass over the issue of prism so easily, especially if you do not want internal metering, the DE-1 prism for F2 is a wise choice, for better view and much less weight
5- The 50/1.4 Nikkor is so and so, probably the 50/2 version is a better choice, but the old 105/2.5 is pure magic (remember to get the shade)

 

[Vics]

The F2 also has a non bizarre shutter button location...in most respects the F2 is a better camera than the F, but only subtly better.

I think the swing back with its easier loading and the WAY more ergonomic placement of the shutter release are the most important features of the F2. Every tikme I pick up one of my f bodies, I have to search for the release. Go for the F2. You also may someday want a good meter.

 

[Shac]

I have both (in multiples) and like/use both - one point I don't think mentioned above in favour of the F2 besides the swing back is the shorter swing of the advance lever. I prefer this even though both have ratchet advances

 

[FrankS]

Simple choice, get both. 🙂

Let the camera find you, then search out the other one.

 

[rbsinto]

I have and use both an F and an F2.
Yes the F is a little more primitive with respect to some of its controls and features than the F2, but they are both solid, reliable, basic bodies with all the essentials one needs for serious photography.
You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Harry Lime]

I have both the F and F2 and have shot them extensively.

IMO the F is a masterpiece. It just feels right. Can't explain exactly why, but it does. It may be my all time favourite camera.

A few gripes...

Nikon F:

- It is a PIA to load, if you are in a hurry (the whole back comes off).
- The prism is not very well sealed and you have to come to grips with the fact that you will always have dust in your finder.
- The name plate on the plain prism is somewhat flimsy.
- The rewind knob is tiny, making the job a lot more difficult than it should be.
- Not all bodies are set up for the motor drive, which is big and heavy.
- Some people complain about the square cornered body being uncomfortable to hold. Personally it's never been an issue for me.

Other then that there is not a lot to complain about. But be aware that it is becoming quite difficult to get the F serviced, due to lack of parts and experienced technicians. My beloved F has been sitting on the shelf for the past 2 years, because of lack of parts.


Nikon F2:

Think of the F2 as a more refined F.

First off you are going to have a difficult time finding another camera that is more solidly built than the F2. It is a tank and even the F looks dainty in comparison. My service technician sent me some pictures of the disassembled camera and it looks like the inside of an old washing machine. Solid steel and brass everywhere.

Minus:

- Mirror / shutter noise. The F2 is not a quiet camera. Whereas the F made a quiet 'snick!', the F2 announces itself with a loud 'clank!'.
- The prism is not very well sealed and you have to come to grips with the fact that you will always have dust in your finder. But it is better than the F in this respect.
- The motor drive is huge.


Pluses:

- 1/2000th top speed (vs 1/1000th)
- Easier to load with swing away back.
- Bigger rewind knob
- Rounded body corners make it more comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
- As reliable as the F is, I simply have the feeling that the F2 is even more so. It is so overbuilt, that you would probably experience 'operator failure', before the camera gave out.
- More sophisticated metering prism (DB-12)
- The plain prism is much better constructed than on the F.
- Easier to get serviced. There is a fellow in the UK who does brilliant work.

Personally I choose the F2 over the F, if I am travelling or doing something that requires high reliability. But I prefer the way the F 'feels' and shoots. Ultimately the F2 ends up in the bag, for practical reasons.

I also highly suggest the F3. I have two of the F3-P variants and it is a brilliant camera (that can still be serviced). Ultra reliable and rugged.

 

[rich815]

F baby

So sweet.... 😀