Which is the best of the metered Nikon F2s?

[rxmd]

For comparison: I just received a black F2AS with MD-3 and MB-2 that I got for 220 EUR. The camera is in good user condition, some brassing, otherwise nice, the motor drive is even a little bit nicer. Given that I need neither the MD-3 nor the MB-1 and am likely to sell them on, I don't think there's reason to complain pricewise.

Looks like I'll be looking for lenses now, a 24/2.8, a 50/2 or 50/1.4... The joys of GAS.

 

[former member]

MD-3's usually came with MB-2's- kept the combination lighter. Not light, but lighter...

Maybe you could post a trade for lenses?

On the 50/1.4: beware of early AIS lenses. Nikon used a lubricant that got into the aperture blades. I've never had that problem with other F-Mount lenses. I ended up flood cleaning a 50/1.4 myself after Nikon could not get it all out.

 

[Leica All Day]

Hey guys, I dont know much about Nikon cameras, but I am thinking about picking up a Nikon F and a 50mm 1.8 and 135mm 2.8.....I dont think these lenses are AI (I dont really care) ...the kit is at a good price 5000 baht (about 150usd)..everything is in good condition....I am thinking about picking it up so i can use the 135mm and possibly passing it on to a Thai friend in the future. Cameras tend to be more expensive out here, and I am not sure if this is a good deal back home (U.S.) but some old foreigner guy is selling it, and I am interested. What do you think about the Nikon F?...

 

[former member]

Condition is everything in regards to price. $150 is a good price for the camera and two lenses if all is in good working order and the camera looks decent. The 50/1.8 would be AI. The older Nikon 50/2 appeared earlier in non-AI. Make sure the 50/1.8 has the meter coupling prong for the Nikon F. the last ones did not.

 

[BillBingham2]

Look for scratches on the mirror, I find dust and stuff distracting in an SLR finder. Which finder comes on the F. The FTn was the easiest to use, but the FT was OK as a user also plain prism would be fine for that price too. Check the lenses to make sure the aperture springs open and closed with ease. Check for smooth focusing across the ranges (close to far). With both lenses in good shape and a clean finder it's worth $150. The F is a rock solid camera and still a lot of fun to use.

B2 (;->

 

[Leica All Day]

hey thanks Brian, I appreciate it.....I am going to get it...I dont really need it, but it will come in handy..I will probably pass it along to someone who needs it more than me down the road...cheers, michael

edit: hey Bill thanks, I think we must of posted at the same time and I didn't see your post....so thanks to you too...thanks for the tip, I will check the mirror for dust and the apertures on the lenses and the focus across the range....cheers,michael

 

[rxmd]

MD-3's usually came with MB-2's- kept the combination lighter. Not light, but lighter...

Maybe you could post a trade for lenses?

I just posted one, let's see what happens. It is an MB-2 after all. It's working nicely. I was just wondering how the motor communicates to the camera whether it's in the S[ingle] or C[ontinuous] setting; the motor apparently just rotates the crank for as long as you push the button.

These F2s are a mechanical marvel. I've never held a Nikon rangefinder in my hands, and I've only got an M5 to compare with, but if the Nikon RFs handle at all like the SLRs, they give the Leica a run for the money.

On the 50/1.4: beware of early AIS lenses. Nikon used a lubricant that got into the aperture blades. I've never had that problem with other F-Mount lenses. I ended up flood cleaning a 50/1.4 myself after Nikon could not get it all out.

Thanks for the warning.

 

[former member]

The linkage with the camera is all mechanical, a secondary release is on the bottot plate of the F2, along with the wind coupling. No electrical connection. With the MD-1 and MD-2, you have to remove a cover plate for the rewind shaft of the motor. The MD-3 is easier to use. On the MD-2 and MD-1, you MUST follow a sequence to rewind the film or run the risk of damaging the motor.

The Nikon RF's handle like the SLR's that were derived from them.