Starting a "new" film based SLR system (Nikon)

[David Murphy]

You can't go wrong with Nikon. I prefer the FM2 to the FM3 because of its mechanical shutter. Remember though that the FM2/3 use only AIS and AI lenses, cutting you off to a lot of great classic glass. You can still build a decent kit around the FM2 for $1000 though, but I'd prefer the F or F2 myself (late F2 technology combines good electrics with state-of-the art mechanics and glass IMO while keeping the all mechanical shutter and retaining broad lens compatibility).

 

[kjoosten]

Thank you all for the interesting discussion.


From a value vs performanace standpoint, would it still make sense to have a 2n/3a and a two zoom kit? (Say 25-50, 50-135) It seems to me that this is really going retro just for retros sake. The original idea was a prime set up augmented by a zoom or two, but I can't get that down to the price level I thought I could.

You have no shortage of opinions here, but I would go the prime route. I generally prefer the compositions I get with primes only. The 2n/3a force you into Ai/AiS Nikkors, and there are a bunch of good ones.

The 28/2.8 AiS is highly regarded if it is wide enough for you. I have one and like it a lot.

If you feel the need for a normal, almost any of the 50mm's are fine, but I have a special like for the 50mm/1.2 AiS which is more expensive than the fine f/1.4 or /2.

The 85mm/1.8 Ai is supposed to be quite good. I do not have this lens, but it's on my short list.

As many have mentioned, the 105/2.5 is an absolute classic going back to the rangefinder days. The AiS version has a nifty built-in hood.

The FM3a will probably break your budget. I'd go with a chrome FM2n, the 28/50/85 or 28/85/105 whichever fits your shooting style. These all share 52mm filters, BTW. This should be doable for ~$1K.

 

[David Murphy]

Don't forget the 24mm F2.8 in NAI, AI, and AIS. Another unmatched piece of Nikon glass is the 180mm F2.8 ED it you need to go a little long (which is where SLR's excel). For that matter the 55mm F1.2 recently blew me away with its wide-open performance, and for an F1.2 it's cheap. No shortage of great choices here. Come to think of it, I've not found a Nikon fixed focal length lens I don't like yet.

 

[ewoq]

Remember though that the FM2/3 use only AIS and AI lenses, cutting you off to a lot of great classic glass.

hm? i used my AF glass without any problems (35 f2, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8)...

 

[kjoosten]

hm? i used my AF glass without any problems (35 f2, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8)...

True, if you don't mind the loosey-goosey focussing.

The OP is building up a system from scratch and while the AFs you use are excellent, I think the performance can be equalled or bettered for lower cost with the MFs.

 

[filmfan]

I didn't read any of the post or the responses (yes I know...), but I use a Nikon F5 and F100 with 24mm/2.8 AF-D and 50mm/1.8 AF-D lenses and it is a great set-up.

 

[Frank Petronio]

I just bought a F100 to compliment my D200 with those same 24/50 lenses. I got sick of fretting over Leicas that I couldn't afford and rather put the energy into shooting. And the AF is great for my recently ageded eyes....

The Nikon film slrs are such an incredible bargain for what you get, I know it is the "dark side" but I get great photos....