Not getting on with the Nikon F

[AFenvy]

Many good points (to my mind, mostly minor compared to the lower weight and superior ergonomics) -- but this one is not one correct. I'm left-eyed and have used FE's and FM's for two decades with nary a problem. It's hardly "impossible."

That is impressive. I sold my FE over a year ago because the wind lever constantly poked me in the face, and I am right eyed! Also I found the viewfinder quite bad, I had the bright screen from the FM3A in it -- made a barely noticeable difference, still small and dark. The build quality of the camera was fantastic though, and I loved the ergonomics.

I now have 2 Nikon F cameras, a plain prism and a Photomic FTN. Best cameras I have ever used in my opinion, everything you need, nothing you don't. The experience may not be for everyone, but I recommend trying it if you haven't before.

 

[leicapixie]

Not getting on with the Nikon F.

Not getting on with the Nikon F.

In my usage of cameras, the Nikon Fe that you love and use, for me a weaker softer camera. I know they are nice. A tool doesn't have to be nice! It must work. Anywhere at anytime, no matter what! Battery dependence in freezing winters of Canada(not this past one) causes difficulties for my M6 and F3.
The Leica M uses frames that are more and more optimistic about the area covered, as the models "improved". Read inaccurate.
The rangefinder usable in poor light, where hand holding may cause shakes at the needed slow speeds. In using a viewfinder/rangefinder the frames are used to compose. There is no show of depth of field. You are dependent on the rangefinder spot for exact point of focus. It is not that accurate with longer lenses. In digital almost useless with high speed aperture long lenses. Yes you can have lens and body individually adjusted by Leica. I like that everything in the frame is sharp, it can help composition and a feeling of whats happening in the area.
If you are a rangefinder buff, it will come as a shock to you but not the OP that the depth of field of normal lenses at 7~25' seem to have miles of sharpness.In using wide angles this is even further amplified. Using a wide angle on a SLR like the Nikon F is a joy! Small placements of the lens can change perspective very much, a feat RFDR cannot. You don't see thru the lens or feel the look of the lens. You can imagine it only.
The screen on the F is very bright and useful. There are other screens matched to some lenses!
I prefer seeing what i am getting. The RF makes me worry about depth of field. Working by scales useful on both systems but truly only needed on the Leica.
The Leica is quieter, faster to focus.The F is way more durable and easier to use.Loading early Leicas is as time consuming as the F. Practice makes everything faster!