BillBingham2
Registered User
I got my 1974 F2 yesterday, came with the DP-11 finder and a DE-1 finder, everything had a CLA at Sover Wong some months ago. Nice leather case for the DE-1, ISO flash shoe (AS-1), extra matte screen and a AR-1 soft shutter release. All for 500 $, not bad...?
A wonderful camera tuned to perfection and a GREAT price.
I do wish Nikon came out with a black AR-1. I grew up on an AR-1 and could never get used to Tom A's releases on my Leicas. So I picked up some AR-10s.
Enjoy!
B2
raid
Dad Photographer
I never sold my F2 workhorse! It is not shiny, but it radiates confidence.
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
Thanks B2, I do like it even though I think the F looks better, and feels a bit better in my hands. Now, I haven´t been able to use the F2 much yet, got it yesterday, but I´ve loaded it with Delta 100 now and will learn to know her during this week. I´ve never used an AR-1 (or similar) before, but I like the feel and respons of it.
Raid; nothing is better than a camera that shows and gives you such a feel!
My F2 looks very clean and nice, but I´m not afraid of using it and I can see some beautiful brassing starting to show, there will be more of that in the years to come
Now I´m (still) looking for a good 35mm lens, I found a very nice Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 (zf.2) that might work with the F2. Maby...
Raid; nothing is better than a camera that shows and gives you such a feel!
My F2 looks very clean and nice, but I´m not afraid of using it and I can see some beautiful brassing starting to show, there will be more of that in the years to come
Now I´m (still) looking for a good 35mm lens, I found a very nice Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 (zf.2) that might work with the F2. Maby...
Vics
Veteran
I have two F bodies as well as two FM bodies, but I really want an F2. More space than the FM, which seems a bit crowded, and has the shutter release in the right place. I already have a prism for it, just waiting for a chrome body.
BillBingham2
Registered User
The 35/1.4 of the same era (metal focusing ring) looks very nice on an F2 body. The one I used from time to time was very sharp, not sure if that's most or I was just lucky.
Same with the 105/2.5, metal focusing ring, just says SOLID.
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
Vic; I hope ypu find a good F2 for your prism, I don´t have a FM, but FE and FE2, both are great cameras, but I understand what you mean about the space.
The 105/2.5 is my best lens, here on the F2, extremly solid built and performes better that any other lens I got. I´m aware of the 35mm/1.4 ai/ais lenses and considering that one too, looks more classic both on the camera and the results on film. Since I got a great 105 and a 50mm f/2 (K-verson), I need a 35 and a 24 now, so I have to stop buying cameras!
If I only had more money...
The 105/2.5 is my best lens, here on the F2, extremly solid built and performes better that any other lens I got. I´m aware of the 35mm/1.4 ai/ais lenses and considering that one too, looks more classic both on the camera and the results on film. Since I got a great 105 and a 50mm f/2 (K-verson), I need a 35 and a 24 now, so I have to stop buying cameras!
If I only had more money...
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
The 35mm f/1.4 ais has landed
GarageBoy
Well-known
Why is the DE1 Prism so popular ? I get it on the F, as the FTN meters are usually broken, but on the F2, the DP1 seems to be reliable
presspass
filmshooter
The classic look, of course. It's also just a bit brighter, and there's something special about focusing on a plain screen.
Highway 61
Revisited
The DP-1 and DP-11 (exact same construction apart from their F or AI couplers) have CdS cells which don't age well. It's not uncommon nowadays to get non-working DP-1 and DP-11 finders, especially in low light. The needle responds to light and does not jump, but the metering is totally off, and this cannot be fixed by adjusting the Hi-Lo trimpots. This is a bit vicious because the needle of DP-1 and DP-11 with dead CdS cells responds too much to light, so at first glance through the viewfinder we may think that the meter is punchy and in excellent shape...
Plus, there is also the problem of corroded "combs", which affects all the DP- finders.
So, in 2014 the DE-1 prism has become what the F Eyelevel one was in the late 1980s : the most reliable way to use an F2.
nobbylon
Veteran
There are however still thousands that do still work accurately. Sover Wong also has new cells which can be installed to make your DP1 and DP11 work as new for very little cost.
I don't think reliability has anything to do with the DE1 popularity. I honestly think it's more of an image that the user wants to portray to others. Dare I say 'hey i'm a purist film user and don't need a meter'
Could be wrong
nobbylon
Veteran
I still think the needle between a plus and a minus sign in the finder is the best method for exposure control if you want to use an in camera meter.
Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Minolta etc etc they've all done it. One can see exactly how much either side under or over exposure is being given.
Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Minolta etc etc they've all done it. One can see exactly how much either side under or over exposure is being given.
Highway 61
Revisited
Could be rightCould be wrong
In my own case, this is after a definite failure of the Lo CdS cell on my DP-11 that I got a mint chrome DE-1 eventually.
Dare I say - I paid $60 CDN for it, so having the DP-11 fixed was clearly not an interesting option for a purist Tri-X shooter.
Paulbe
Well-known
Melancholy--NICE!! You'll have lots of fun with that one. Looks big on the F2...is it heavy?
Paul
Paul
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
I prefere the DE1 because it´s big and clear, also no lightmeters or other things distracting me when I frame and compose the shot - for the same reason I prefere my M4 over the M6 TTL. I´ve always used a handheld lightmeter or Sunny16.
The DE1 prism also makes the camera look clean and more robust, I got a DP11 for it, but I´m not to familiar using it, so far.
My F2 just got a full CLA at Mr. Wong, including the DE1 and DP11 where he installed a new cell in the DP11.
You´re not wrongDare I say 'hey i'm a purist film user and don't need a meter'
Could be wrong
It´s big, but not that heavy, I think it balance very well in my hands when using it. Indeed a very nice lens, I´m looking forward to develope some rolls of Ilford during the weekend
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
Not a classic Nikkor, but I think me and the F2 will get along with the Planar!
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Optically it is the same as any DP finder (to the point that DP prism blocks can be used to repair the DE-1, if you manage to unglue the display appendices without damage).
Ironically, the DE-1 has the least protection for the top edge of the prism block, and many of them suffer from mechanical prism damage (a rarity in DP finders).
nobbylon
Veteran
I always wondered about this myself as some claim light loss due to meter cell diversion but I never saw any difference.
Good point re the DE1. They always seem to be more dinged and fragile than the DP's.
An F2 to me has to have a big meter finder on it. An F can have either metered or unmetered. That's just how I see it!
Melancholy
To grain, or not to grain
I do agree with you on your points, the finder is just as big and bright, I´ve just never used a DP finder before, so it just feels a bit big.
Ok, it´s your lucky night boys, a proper F2...
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
Purists pay dearly for those plain prisms.
Chris
Chris