john_van_v
Well-known
Hi all, I have been successfully using an FM w/ an f1.2, and I am thinking that maybe a "professional" camera would be even better. What are your thoughts on the F2 / F3?
Just fishing for opinions...
Just fishing for opinions...
FrankS
Registered User
What do you want the new camera to do that your FM can't? The F3 offers aperture priority exposure mode. Both the F3 and F2 are heavier than your FM.
Armoured
Well-known
F100?
F100?
Not trying to push any one solution, but I agree that FM is a great, light, durable little camera. If you want to supplement it with something heavy, add a camera that adds some capabilities and will use your old lenses, and autofocus for lazy days. You should be able to pick up an F100 for a couple of hundred bucks.
(I'm biased, I added an F100 to my FM).
Of course, we don't know what it is you want this for. Ignore if it doesn't make sense.
Actually, if you don't have a digital SLR, that would round out your kit far more - assuming that's what you're looking for.
F100?
Not trying to push any one solution, but I agree that FM is a great, light, durable little camera. If you want to supplement it with something heavy, add a camera that adds some capabilities and will use your old lenses, and autofocus for lazy days. You should be able to pick up an F100 for a couple of hundred bucks.
(I'm biased, I added an F100 to my FM).
Of course, we don't know what it is you want this for. Ignore if it doesn't make sense.
Actually, if you don't have a digital SLR, that would round out your kit far more - assuming that's what you're looking for.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Better at what? Besides already mentioned things, both have faster motors, interchangeable viewfinders (if you should ever need them), mirror lock-up (needed for about three exotic and expensive lenses) and 100% finders - the latter being about the only relevant thing for their current use. Whether that is worth the extra weight is up to you - but the relevance of camera bodies is often overestimated...
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
Get the F3HP. It is a newer model and underpriced on the market. As for the removalable pentaprism...I like it and have used it. Therw is no battery issue with the F3. I do not know about that with the F2. You need to determine if what batteries the F2 takes. The F3 has a built in grip and when placed next to an M6 is not much bigger.
jarski
Veteran
how about interesting new lens for your FM ? bodies are just light tight boxes, and yours is quite capable already (am FE user myself) 
nzhang
Member
With F2 and F3 you can also have exchangeable focus screen to help your manual focus. I like the H2 screen which turns a SLR to rangefinder experience, and you can focus anywhere on the screen. The Nikkor-o 21mm f4, which can be used on a f2 is very nice for BW.
john_van_v
Well-known
Thanks,
It happens like this: you didn't know you needed till you got it -- sales.
You didn't how much you needed till its gone (?) -- a good functioning brain.
Let's see, here is a wish list then:
Just as an off-topic aside, I just had my best SLR experience yet: a Praktica BMS -- but it only lasted for an hour, then the electronics gave out. (How did the seller know?) It was great; it showed the meter-suggested exposure range in LED, and the actual aperture in blinking LED. The diagonal split screen was bright and inspiring! And it had a mechical release. So now I have two Practicon lenses (said to be Bokeh monsters) and no working East German rear lens cap.
It happens like this: you didn't know you needed till you got it -- sales.
You didn't how much you needed till its gone (?) -- a good functioning brain.
Let's see, here is a wish list then:
- Mirror lock-up (actually getting important for night photog)
- -2 or -3 EV metering
- Dust proof and mildly weather proof
- Respect from my peers
- non-AI (which I get w/ the FM, I think)
- Waist-level view finding
- Hi-testosterone prisms (goes w/ getting respect)
- One speed mechanical (meaning it also has a mechanical wind-up and release)
Just as an off-topic aside, I just had my best SLR experience yet: a Praktica BMS -- but it only lasted for an hour, then the electronics gave out. (How did the seller know?) It was great; it showed the meter-suggested exposure range in LED, and the actual aperture in blinking LED. The diagonal split screen was bright and inspiring! And it had a mechical release. So now I have two Practicon lenses (said to be Bokeh monsters) and no working East German rear lens cap.
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FrankS
Registered User
F3's are a steal these days. (I've bought 3.)
kshapero
South Florida Man
FM3A, its the latest and greatest.
The F2SB uses non-AI lenses and meters down to EV-2. It meters in less light than the F3.
An F2SB will run much more than an F3HP. The latter has better eye-relief for thick glasses. Though, I do not have any problem with my F2's with glasses.
I tend to grab the F2SB or F2AS over the F3HP. But the F3HP is nice, no regrets buying it. I like the MF-14 date back on it.
An F2SB will run much more than an F3HP. The latter has better eye-relief for thick glasses. Though, I do not have any problem with my F2's with glasses.
I tend to grab the F2SB or F2AS over the F3HP. But the F3HP is nice, no regrets buying it. I like the MF-14 date back on it.
john_van_v
Well-known
Thanks for all the advice.
I think the F2P is what I am looking for because it is sealed w/ o-rings and gaskets. I am not sure where the F2P is wrt to EV, as the F2 does not seem to have the following of, say, the Spotmatic, Fujicas, or the FSUs. Heh, all screw mounts.
I think I will be OK for a while w/ my FM, which only cost $34 w/ a pancake Nikkor 50mm.
Right now there is concern about the RF situation, as Cosinas not worth $200 new are now going for $500 used. I rashly bought a Zorki 4 for 25$ just now :/
I think the F2P is what I am looking for because it is sealed w/ o-rings and gaskets. I am not sure where the F2P is wrt to EV, as the F2 does not seem to have the following of, say, the Spotmatic, Fujicas, or the FSUs. Heh, all screw mounts.
I think I will be OK for a while w/ my FM, which only cost $34 w/ a pancake Nikkor 50mm.
Right now there is concern about the RF situation, as Cosinas not worth $200 new are now going for $500 used. I rashly bought a Zorki 4 for 25$ just now :/
Since you're using an FM, an F2 is probably the closest in operation (fully manual) but an F2 is a loooot heavier. Though, personally I'd go for an F3.
F2P?
Maybe you mean the F3P?
The F3P is missing several things that you may miss later on - i,.e no self timer. Why not go for an F3/T instead. They have the same weather sealing as an F3P.
besk
Well-known
Based on what I have read over the years the F2 and F3 professional level cameras will have less camera shake at low speeds that the FM and its siblings when used handheld.
You are using one of Nikon's fastest lenses (50/1.2) - I assume you are doing this partiallly at least so to use it in dim light levels. It seems that the F2 would extend the usable handheld speeds about two stops. That alone is a good reason to have one.
You are using one of Nikon's fastest lenses (50/1.2) - I assume you are doing this partiallly at least so to use it in dim light levels. It seems that the F2 would extend the usable handheld speeds about two stops. That alone is a good reason to have one.
historicist
Well-known
The F2 and F3 are both a lot nicer than the FM - which is a fairly unexceptional camera in every regard. The viewfinders are so much nicer and the feel of the camera is much improved.
A body is more than a light tight box - we have to look through it, and hold it in our hands. Even if amateurs like us don't need the extra reliabilty, the improved feel still makes the shooting experience better.
Anyway, as to F2 or F3? Neither have problems obtaining batteries, both are ridiculously cheap second hand, both feel great and are reliable. I must be the only person here who would recommend a F2 over a F3, I have owned both and didn't like the F3 because:
- it's a battery dependant camera without a battery meter. When the battery is low, the first thing you know about it is that the camera only erratically works. The batteries last a long time, so it's not a major problem but unless you're the disciplined type who always brings spare batteries with you, you can be left without a camera.
- the LCD screen in the viewfinder which tells you what shutter speed the camera is using in AE or the meter reading in manual is illuminated from outside the camera. If it's dark outside, you can't see it. Nikon thoughtfully provided a lamp, but made the button for it so incredibly small and awkwardly positioned it's very hard to turn it on. If you do a lot of photography in the dark, this is a major pain.
The F2 in contrast will work without batteries, has shutter speeds up to ten seconds, really well thought out details (like a bayonet rather than screw fitting for the battery cover, no more fiddling around with tiny threads). Out of any camera I have ever owned, it felt the most solid.
This site http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/index.htm gives details on the differences between the various models of F2 (it has a good section on the F3 too)
The only negative points are that the better meter prisms are more expensive than F3s and that they look rather clunky (I had a plain prism one which looks great but lacks a meter). Plus I guess if you want a motor drive they are quite expensive, and there's no TTL flash, but neither of these things will be an issue for most people using film cameras today.
F3s are dirt cheap though, and for the price they offer great value.
A body is more than a light tight box - we have to look through it, and hold it in our hands. Even if amateurs like us don't need the extra reliabilty, the improved feel still makes the shooting experience better.
Anyway, as to F2 or F3? Neither have problems obtaining batteries, both are ridiculously cheap second hand, both feel great and are reliable. I must be the only person here who would recommend a F2 over a F3, I have owned both and didn't like the F3 because:
- it's a battery dependant camera without a battery meter. When the battery is low, the first thing you know about it is that the camera only erratically works. The batteries last a long time, so it's not a major problem but unless you're the disciplined type who always brings spare batteries with you, you can be left without a camera.
- the LCD screen in the viewfinder which tells you what shutter speed the camera is using in AE or the meter reading in manual is illuminated from outside the camera. If it's dark outside, you can't see it. Nikon thoughtfully provided a lamp, but made the button for it so incredibly small and awkwardly positioned it's very hard to turn it on. If you do a lot of photography in the dark, this is a major pain.
The F2 in contrast will work without batteries, has shutter speeds up to ten seconds, really well thought out details (like a bayonet rather than screw fitting for the battery cover, no more fiddling around with tiny threads). Out of any camera I have ever owned, it felt the most solid.
This site http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/index.htm gives details on the differences between the various models of F2 (it has a good section on the F3 too)
The only negative points are that the better meter prisms are more expensive than F3s and that they look rather clunky (I had a plain prism one which looks great but lacks a meter). Plus I guess if you want a motor drive they are quite expensive, and there's no TTL flash, but neither of these things will be an issue for most people using film cameras today.
F3s are dirt cheap though, and for the price they offer great value.
Of course the Nikon FM is Nikon's only camera that used Gallium Arsenide Photodiodes. Less sensitive to IR, so it did not require an integrated IR blocking filter as with Silicon based photodiodes.
REMARKABLE!
But now, f2 glamor shots.
REMARKABLE!
But now, f2 glamor shots.
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Roger Vadim
Well-known
I've got me a F3 lately and i found it sooo much nicer to use than my load of FM, FE FE2, Fg & EL bodys. Its heavier, alright, but the finder is truly splendid, it feels very robust, but not clunky, smooooth film advance. The FM is my second/ backup body but its just not as sexy...
Remember that the designer of the F3 is Italian: shooting the F3 feels like wearing an Armani suit: understatement and perfection.
really really love the thing...
Remember that the designer of the F3 is Italian: shooting the F3 feels like wearing an Armani suit: understatement and perfection.
really really love the thing...
Frank Petronio
Well-known
The F3HP finder is so nice, I wouldn't spend the extra for a F3T or F3P unless you got a good deal, instead you could buy two F3HPs or get a mint one/CLA, etc.
I think motor drives are the worst part of these 80s cameras... heavy. But the F3 body isn't that heavy and it balances the 50/1.2 AIS nicely. They wind on as smooth as an M too, you can't say that about the FM/FE series.
I think motor drives are the worst part of these 80s cameras... heavy. But the F3 body isn't that heavy and it balances the 50/1.2 AIS nicely. They wind on as smooth as an M too, you can't say that about the FM/FE series.
Richard G
Veteran
What Roger said. The F3HP is the closest thing to Leica in SLR that I have held. I bought one for my daughter and she won't let me touch it now.