Rediscovering Nikon SLRs

raid said:
I also have returned to theNikon SLR system to complement my RF system. The Nikkor 105mm/2.5 is an awesome lens. I use it on a Nikon FE2 that is one of the most useful Nikon SLR cameras ever made by Nikon. I recently bought a Nikkor 24mm/2.8 and I already have a few other Nikkors, such as the 55mm/3.5 micro and 50mm/1.4. The optics are first class.


Raid
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example of 105 2.5... shot wide open... Definately my favorite lens.

the_world__from_upside_down____by_NL2377.jpg
 
VinceC said:
This is certainly a good time to buy old SLRs. Everyone is selling them. I use my F2 when I need a long lens, usually for my kids' sports photos.
Click to expand...
I've noticed the prices of Nikkormats and F's holding fairly firm lately. The just don't make many cameras like these any more. A good eye level prism for an F can easily get $100 now, and this used to be considered the economy finder for that model.
 
Interesting to note how many equate SLRs and Nikons. When I decided I wanted a "fancy" camera, I started purusing the PX catalogue in Vietnam. I thought the Canon was way overpriced. A lot of versatility, but you paid for it dearly. In those days, Minolta just didn't impress me for some reason. I don't know exactly why, but it just didn't seem worth it, even though many pros used the venerable SRT 101. Nikon was nice for sure and intrigued me, but again, pricey for what I thought I wanted to pay.

I settled on a Yashica TL Super. I have come to believe it was the poor man's Nikon. Rugged, suprisingly good lenses (Yashinons, not Yashikors), sensitive TTL metering, and just as easy to use. I got a lot of mileage out of that camera, even though my first two extra lenses were Yashikors, and the third was a Spiratone 18mm. I still love that 18mm.

But my real first SLR love was the Fujica ST 901 I got in Korea when I really got back inot photography. What superb lenses! The camera was small and light weight, and had an EV -3 (30 seconds at f/1.4) to 18 auto exposure. What not to like. Add some more lenses from Fuji, and Vivitar and I have been happy ever since. The Super Press 23 was the surprising compliment to that system.

I have tried a lot of other things. The Contax 139Q was great, and I do like the Yashica FX 103. But nothing compares to the Fujica for me. And if you don't like auto exposure, try the ST 801.

The Fujica like of screw mount cameras and lenses is great. Try it, you'll like it. 😀 😀
 
Rf is something 🙂 but SLR is no less 😱 (I know, I know.. but that's me ok!😱), still shoot almost weekly with them 😛 (plus the F3T, F4.. hmm not much with F5 lately...).
It's good to have them all (I'm a big heart!😎 ) and they have been with me for a long long time, it's good to have options and not being fundamentalist I guess!😉
 

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>>Nothing special with Zeiss ZF lenes, trust me, I am more with a nikon AI-s lenses <<

I think Zeiss is mainly filling a marketing niche now that Nikon has quit selling most prime non-AF lenses.
 
I have a black FM2N that I like very much, but I am slow to acquire Nikkor lenses. I am looking to try a 105/1.8 AIS if I can find one.
 
Funny you should start this thread--I took my F2as and a 24/ 2.8 out for a spin yesterday streetshooting in color instead of my usual RF gear and B&W. I had hoped for some anti-USA FTA protest rally shots--but they take the day off on Sundays! The only day they have off. I filmed some tamer pursuits instead.
 
I shoot about 80:20 rangefinder: SLR. I too have a F3HP and a bunch of AI/AIS lenses. The F3 is the ultimate manual focus SLR.

I plan to pick up a Nikon D200 for business purposes in the near future. I thought about selling my F3 kit because it is in excellent shape. But some clients may prefer the look of film (antiques, vintage cars, boats and aircraft) so the F3 might be worth keeping. I'm not sure.

My Nikkor Ai/AIS lenses (200/4, 105/2.5. 50/1.4. 35/2. 24/2.8, 28-85/4) produce lovely negatives. The 35 and 24 are the CRC type which have a minimum focus of ~1 foot (very useful).

My Zeiss Ikon M lenses out perform the Nikkors, but not by much. The 105/2.5 and 35/2 are the best.

For me, there's nothing like a rangefinder for low-light, unobtrusive photography. However there are some shoots where a SLR excels.

Nice F3 bodies are easy to find. My local camera store always has one or two on hand. If you're thinking about playing around with a SLR, the F3 is a great way to go.

wille
 
I still have all my Nikon gear, except the Nikkormat FTn and 43~86 zoom that was stolen. I had my 1972 F2 overhauled by Stephen and it is like a new camera. My favorite Nikon glass is the 2/35, followed closely by the 2.5/105. Only the weight and bulk of the F2 keep me from using it more often.
 
I love my Nikon F3, its one of the the best camera's I own, and as one poster said, it's damn sexy too. Easy to focus and built like a tank! Digitals will come and go but I will never be parted with my F3, ever!
 
Years ago i had a black Nikon F and three years ago i got a F3-P with MD4 +50/1.2, 85/1.8 and a NPC Polaroid Back. Great cameras and lenses. Sadly they've both gone but i still have the Polaroid Back in a drawer somewhere....
 
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