Which Nikon SLR to sell? F, F2A, F3?

[Robert Lai]

As you can tell by the title, I'm trying to decide which of my SLR film Nikons to let go of. Or, if they should all go. All have been recently serviced. Why sell at all? The commander in chief is getting tired of my film cameras, and she is demanding that they be sold. I'm thinking of having one survivor - who should it be? (Yes, my Leica M7 is also on the chopping block).

F with plain prism, E (grid) screen. Camera looks and feels like new now.

F2A - sold to me by our own A. Wilder right after it had been serviced by APS. Smooth camera. I got an MD-3 for it from Clarence Gass for free, but I had to send it to Sover Wong to get a replacement brass gear. Meter, motor drive, everything works smoothly.

F3 non-HP with MD4, MF-18 databack. I've had this since 1983, but it looks new. Works like a champ. Everything serviced last year - camera, MD4, and all my AIS lenses. Unfortunately, this is the one that I know my wife wants me to be rid of, because I can burn up film very quickly when I do use this rig.

So, in my shoes, should I sell all, or keep one? I'm leaning towards keeping the F2 for now. Or, perhaps sell all and get a DF? I don't think she'd like to see another camera in the house, even if it is digital.

 

[xayraa33]

Sell the F, it is the least useful one of the bunch.

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

Yesssssss.

The best advice I received from a friend was: "never give advice about affairs of the heart".

I fear that you're on your own, so far as I'm concerned. 😉

 

[Ronny]

Sell F2A and F3. Keep the F without doubt.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Sell the F and the F3.

Phil Forrest

 

[back alley]

time for a new commander in chief...

 

[Jan Pedersen]

time for a new commander in chief...

Absolutely agree 100%

 

[Robert Lai]

No new commander in chief

No new commander in chief

Sorry guys,
Can't have a new CIC. That would be treason, and I'd be shot.

 

[FrankS]

You're fairly young, right? Not married too long?
Put your foot down now. Life is long. Do you really want to spend it being bossed around and oppressed?
This is the perfect opportunity for you to stand up for yourself and set the tone of your relationship moving forward. How would she like it if you told her that she had to get rid of half her shoes, purses, and wardrobe?

 

[wakarimasen]

This situation has 'ends badly' written all over it

 

[JChrome]

Sorry guys,
Can't have a new CIC. That would be treason, and I'd be shot.

Hahahaha!

My CIC has been the incumbent for a year and no amount of camera legislation/sanctions will oust her...

Our deal is that I have to sell something to buy (so staying at the same investment level). It's a reasonable request so I honor it.

As to your question... I am of the philosophy that cameras should be used*. I don't like having things on the shelf that aren't used. So if there are cameras that just sit there... it bugs me! If you don't use any of the cameras, then sell them all. Otherwise, find which one you like the most to use and then sell the others.

 

[aizan]

lol, sell me the F!

 

[Platinum RF]

Sorry guys,
Can't have a new CIC. That would be treason, and I'd be shot.

nah, you will be bankrupt.
All cameras are fairly cheap now, worth near nothing compare the CLA cost. donate to school or give away. or keep them on the shelf.

 

[Red Rock Bill]

Who gets the money ?......

 

[DC1030]

make a wish for christmas! Nikon F / F2 / F3.
So your wish would be not having to sell one of them.

 

[Highway 61]

Leaving the puerile CIC question aside : sell the F3.

Why ?

Because it has an electronic shutter which can fail at any moment, and a LCD display which will first "bleed" then die.

And because when it comes to film cameras in 2013, only 100% mechanical ones should be kept if you can't afford keeping them all.

 

[besk]

Leaving the puerile CIC question aside : sell the F3.

Why ?

Because it has an electronic shutter which can fail at any moment, and a LCD display which will first "bleed" then die.

And because when it comes to film cameras in 2013, only 100% mechanical ones should be kept if you can't afford keeping them all.

I totally agree! I have 2 Nikon F2's, recently CLA'd, stored away.

Also from a previous post: "I am of the philosophy that cameras should be used*. I don't like having things on the shelf that aren't used. So if there are cameras that just sit there... it bugs me! If you don't use any of the cameras, then sell them all. Otherwise, find which one you like the most to use and then sell the others."

 

[Timmyjoe]

I am of the philosophy that cameras should be used*. I don't like having things on the shelf that aren't used. So if there are cameras that just sit there... it bugs me!

I feel the same way and have been operating under this philosophy for many years. Though it has come back to bite me in the backside a few times when I've had a camera that only got used every other year or so for certain type of projects, and so I sold it, then one of those projects came up and I wish I hadn't let it go.

 

[bgb]

Is it only the Nikons that are for the chop of is it all of your film cameras except one?

The only one I have any experience with is the F and that's a very nice camera if you like old fashioned quality stuff.

My $00.02 if I had to choice between the Nikons and the M7 I would grab the M7 and run like I stole it .... spending the money from the sold cameras on glass for the Leica.

Pick the one you like the most 🙂

 

[mfogiel]

Sell the commander in chief. In some places, that could fetch several camels.
As an alternative, make a "buyout" plan: for example work overtime for a few weeks, and pay the commander in chief a ransom, and keep the cameras.
If I had to rationalize, I would certainly sell the F, as this is a less useful camera in practice. Between F3 and F2, the F3 is certainly a better camera, but the F2 will be more durable.
BTW, how many lipstics does she have? Make her sell most of these.