Couple of points having owned a F2 and Nikormat FTN since 1977 and used both as a working pro in the 80s. In the year 2024 the F2 is the better option for a couple reasons. While it will cost more, the number of spare parts available in 2024 is higher. Batteries are also a concern, the F2 can use a modern battery while the Nikormat FTN uses an OOP battery (at least in the USA). I still own the cameras I mention and the F2 is fully functional and recently serviced since I'm planning on using it when I retire soon. The FTN does work, but the meter is dead and while I'm thinking seeing if it can be repaired and adapted for more common batteries if I can't it'll stay on the shelf. If I were to recommend a manual focus all manual Nikon for someone now a FM or FM2n would be a smarter choice. I also have both and plan on using them along with a F3 as needed when I do start back into film next year. Right now I'm researching film scanners, I need something that can also handle 120 medium format to also use a Bronica ERTSI I have. It's understandable that you prefer the F3, since it is a newer design compared to the F2. I always go to the f2 mainly because i used it longer (didn't get a F3 until the end of their production run) and soon left the profession due to personal reasons
Btw removing the metered prism does not make the f2 into a waist level camera....for that you should probably use the dedicated waist level finder It would be similar to using the Bronica SQ-Ai or S2 with the waist level finder removed...not the greatest experience.
Actually, I see your point. I've had my F2 since '75, so using it is second nature to me. That said, most of the features that made it a professional camera- the interchangeable meters, motor drive, 250 shot backs, long shutter speeds aren't something that most modern photographers are going to need or use much. On the other hand, the 2000 shutter speed and and seeing both the shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder are nice features over the Nikkormats and similar cameras of the day. If you get into shooting with a totally manual camera (and there are plenty of reasons the prefer the semi or completely automatics that came later) the F2 is still arguably the best of them. You might want to try another roll and see what you think... Honestly, if you are shooting 35mm, you are doing because these old cameras are a blast to use. Enjoy!
Not controversial, facts 😅 Have the Nikomat FTn, FT2, Nikon F, F2, F3, F4, FE, FA, EM and FG. Shot with them all, and as far as manual cameras are concerned, you're not missing much by going with the FTn. A more close comparison with the F2 would have to be the FT2, imo, since the specs line-up a bit better. Although, the FT2 is heavier than the FTn, for some reason. Overall, I find myself going back to the F3 most of the time because it's handy. Although I don't rely on the lightmeter that much, it's useful to have it ready whenever, it's lighter, and it just works. Shooting with the F2 is somewhat of a nicer feel, overall. Must be the improved mechanics, still not as smooth as the F3 feels. Weirdly enough, I completely love the F4, even if it's an absolutely beast. That MF-23 data back is out of this world, and has features I haven't seen on any other camera since.
I concur. If your going for a Nikkormat, the FT2 is the better option- the hot shoe and 1.5 volt battery make it a better camera and they are not much more expensive than an FTn. The Nikkormat ELs are fun too, but like the F3, the electronics are getting old and are expensive to fix when they go south. By contrast, the older mechanical Nikons and Nikkormats will operate (with a bit of TLC) for as long as they continue to make 35mm film.
Honestly, as time has gone on and both my metered prism went down for my F2, I’ve really moved away from using it. It has a really solid feel that I enjoy, but now that I’ve run around with an FM2n and an FE, it feels more and more like a brick slung around me. Truth be told, the FE (which can be had for really cheap still. In fact, I’m selling one for around $100 with a lens) is becoming my go-to camera. Aperture priority mode is great for quicker shots and a I like the dual needle meter display.
lmao love this dude! I just tried sort of overview video about all 6F cameras AND I was not prepared how much info there is out there. Cool cameras for sure.
As a 71 year old who has shot with Nikons for half a century, my favorite film Nikon is the Nikomat FTn followed closely by the Nikon FM2 and The original Nikon F. ( I got an "F" in Geometry my Junior year in high school so I got a Nikon"F" to balance out my life story.) My favorite digital Nikons are the D700, D3, and D300.
While I started in photography seriously around 1959 with a used Contax II, I lauched a lifetime of Nikon use with a Nikkorex F/50mm 1.4 in 1962 (I know, Mamiya). The hobby was shelved mostly from 1964 to 1975 for college, law school, and starting a law practice. As a result, I missed the NIkon F and the rise of the F2. In 1975, I return to photography with a new Nikomat FT2 purchased in Japan with several more lenses. While I loved the form and function of the FT2, my subject interests pushed me into the first FM and motor drive, which lead to a series of "upgrades" ending with an FE2, which I still have, mostly for sentimental reasons. Then came an F3. An FG came, went, and later came back, a wonderful, much undervalued Nikon body-the sleeper of the manual Nikons, IMO. Having converted all of my non-AI lenses and acquired more AIs and D-autofocus lenses, I later bought a mint FT3, just for fun and metering compatibility. As it aged, the F2 was plagued with meter problems, thus my Nikomat alternative. If I had to go back to one manual Nikon to rule them all, it would be the Nikkormat/Nikomat FT3. Solid build, mostly non-electronic, using modern meter batteries, and fully functional with the widest range of Nikon lenses that fit any one body.
The F3 is the best 35mm SLR I've had the chance to use (almost perfect)... But the F2, being fully mechanical, will probably last longer... In the end winner is, of course, Pentax 17. Now when honeymoon phase is over (I assume), are you still using LX?
I love my Nikon FE2. My uncle gave it to me because he went totally digital. I only used it twice but will use it again. Especially since I found out there is a double exposure lever.
I absolutely love the F2. I only spent $220 on mine with a working meter prism and 35/1.4 non ai lens. I like the F2 so much because it has a stepless fully mechanical shutter, which means I can shoot in aperture priority much more precisely than most other cameras. I had a nikkormat EL, which is a wonderful camera. It's basically a bulkier, non-ai only FE. My gripe with the F2 is the connection between the meter prism and body can get some corrosion over time and the difficult to reach shutter dial with a metered prism. On the other hand, you can use the meter without looking through the viewfinder with the readout on top of the meter housing which is handy.
Your 35mm 1.4 is the sleeper in that deal. It is an incredibly good lens. Were it mine, I'd have it converted with a real Nikon AI conversion kit, if you can find one, rather than one of the "cut and file" jobs, as I had my non-AI lenses converted to AI by Nikon when I bought the first version of the FM when it came out.
@randallstewart1224 I love the 35/1.4, it basically lives on my f2. It's also useful for milkyway astrophotography on digital if you don't pixel peep. On one hand I'd like to get it converted to ai, on the other hand I'd like to get a 35/2 ais, I've heard it is sharper.
To me, the f2 is the end-all be-all, go anywhere, survive it all slr. I shoot mine all the time and am always stunned by how well it shoots after almost 50 years. My meter has gone out but i can easily swap the finder to something else however i external meter anyways.
Sounds like a solenoid issue. I would check with a place like Authorized Photo Service if your in the US and see what they say. They charge $210 for CLA's and include repairs like that in the cost IIRR. The meter on my 1 F2 was off and they repaired that
Well, given this experience, wouldn't it make sense to rather compare the F3 to the FE? Where, like you say, the functional differences have declined over time and it comes down more to shooting experience since those pro features are not so meaningful in the modern age. But yeah. I shot a roll in my Nikon F the other day and really enjoyed it for the first time - on a tripod... being able to scan the edges of the 100% finder coverage in composing. But at the same time, I'd recently sourced a Spotmatic F for my dad and tbh that's a way more pleasurable shooting experience practically than the F - which is a bit of a clunky brute of a camera.
Did you by chance have the F2 before the F3? I may have said in the video but I think if I had the F2 first I might like it more than the F3 but I also am a sucker for Auto exposure so who knows
@ I actually had the F3 first, still have it. It’s a great camera. Would love to have a grip for it though. I like the more hardy mechanical feel of the F2.
I think there's a bit too much emphasis on cost here. The F2 is literally indestructible and infinitely customizable. It will outlive you. Leica, the king of rangefinders, goes for far more money than an F2. I love the F2 with a DP-11 match needle and AI lens support. I don't disagree the FT3 is a fine camera, but for my money, the EL2 is a much nicer camera to use. Cheers
I am unfortunately a very cheap guy haha but also I think it's important to talk about the benefits of more affordable cameras so people just getting into film don't feel inadequate because they can't afford the Leica's and the F2's. I appreciate your feedback a lot though and thank you for watching!
@RompingBronco Cost matters, I do agree. There are so many poorly-built cameras that have been hyped to the Moon with price tags ridiculously inflated. At the same time, I think the pro bodies of yesteryear still warrant a premium. I've lost count of the number of film cameras I've dealt with over the last decade that had issues, and it's only getting worse. The Minolta SRTs are solid, so are the Nikon prosumer bodies. Pentax? They will die - I gave up on the MX after my second mint-looking one died. The Canons, A and T series, dead walking. Etc. etc.
Don't forget the f2 has a forward advance Shutter button lock. It's helped and fucked me over countless times, but it's the only thing that I wish the ftn has. I keep dumping frames a bit.
I like the F and the F2 is just better than the F. I dislike the electronics on the F3. if I'm going to shoot with electronics, I'll use my n90, f100, or f80.
My Nikkormat FT3 sees a lot more action than my F, even with non-Ai lenses. The Nikkormats are great cameras. The professional camera will have a higher build quality in most (but not all!) aspects, more customization, but you gotta weigh how much of that you'll actually use
@@zjohn6879 The Nikomat FTN has an even more robust build than the Classic F. Build quality is superb and was used in Vietnam as a dependable 2nd body to the F.
Couple of points having owned a F2 and Nikormat FTN since 1977 and used both as a working pro in the 80s.
In the year 2024 the F2 is the better option for a couple reasons. While it will cost more, the number of spare parts available in 2024 is higher. Batteries are also a concern, the F2 can use a modern battery while the Nikormat FTN uses an OOP battery (at least in the USA).
I still own the cameras I mention and the F2 is fully functional and recently serviced since I'm planning on using it when I retire soon. The FTN does work, but the meter is dead and while I'm thinking seeing if it can be repaired and adapted for more common batteries if I can't it'll stay on the shelf.
If I were to recommend a manual focus all manual Nikon for someone now a FM or FM2n would be a smarter choice. I also have both and plan on using them along with a F3 as needed when I do start back into film next year. Right now I'm researching film scanners, I need something that can also handle 120 medium format to also use a Bronica ERTSI I have.
It's understandable that you prefer the F3, since it is a newer design compared to the F2. I always go to the f2 mainly because i used it longer (didn't get a F3 until the end of their production run) and soon left the profession due to personal reasons
Btw removing the metered prism does not make the f2 into a waist level camera....for that you should probably
use the dedicated waist level finder
It would be similar to using the Bronica SQ-Ai or S2 with the waist level finder removed...not the greatest experience.
Actually, I see your point. I've had my F2 since '75, so using it is second nature to me. That said, most of the features that made it a professional camera- the interchangeable meters, motor drive, 250 shot backs, long shutter speeds aren't something that most modern photographers are going to need or use much. On the other hand, the 2000 shutter speed and and seeing both the shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder are nice features over the Nikkormats and similar cameras of the day. If you get into shooting with a totally manual camera (and there are plenty of reasons the prefer the semi or completely automatics that came later) the F2 is still arguably the best of them. You might want to try another roll and see what you think... Honestly, if you are shooting 35mm, you are doing because these old cameras are a blast to use. Enjoy!
Not controversial, facts 😅
Have the Nikomat FTn, FT2, Nikon F, F2, F3, F4, FE, FA, EM and FG. Shot with them all, and as far as manual cameras are concerned, you're not missing much by going with the FTn. A more close comparison with the F2 would have to be the FT2, imo, since the specs line-up a bit better. Although, the FT2 is heavier than the FTn, for some reason.
Overall, I find myself going back to the F3 most of the time because it's handy. Although I don't rely on the lightmeter that much, it's useful to have it ready whenever, it's lighter, and it just works.
Shooting with the F2 is somewhat of a nicer feel, overall. Must be the improved mechanics, still not as smooth as the F3 feels.
Weirdly enough, I completely love the F4, even if it's an absolutely beast. That MF-23 data back is out of this world, and has features I haven't seen on any other camera since.
I concur. If your going for a Nikkormat, the FT2 is the better option- the hot shoe and 1.5 volt battery make it a better camera and they are not much more expensive than an FTn. The Nikkormat ELs are fun too, but like the F3, the electronics are getting old and are expensive to fix when they go south. By contrast, the older mechanical Nikons and Nikkormats will operate (with a bit of TLC) for as long as they continue to make 35mm film.
Honestly, as time has gone on and both my metered prism went down for my F2, I’ve really moved away from using it.
It has a really solid feel that I enjoy, but now that I’ve run around with an FM2n and an FE, it feels more and more like a brick slung around me.
Truth be told, the FE (which can be had for really cheap still. In fact, I’m selling one for around $100 with a lens) is becoming my go-to camera. Aperture priority mode is great for quicker shots and a I like the dual needle meter display.
lmao love this dude! I just tried sort of overview video about all 6F cameras AND I was not prepared how much info there is out there. Cool cameras for sure.
As a 71 year old who has shot with Nikons for half a century, my favorite film Nikon is the Nikomat FTn followed closely by the Nikon FM2 and The original Nikon F. ( I got an "F" in Geometry my Junior year in high school so I got a Nikon"F" to balance out my life story.)
My favorite digital Nikons are the D700, D3, and D300.
I hope I was able to do the FTn some justice and I think the FM2 is high up on my list of favorites too! Thanks for watching
While I started in photography seriously around 1959 with a used Contax II, I lauched a lifetime of Nikon use with a Nikkorex F/50mm 1.4 in 1962 (I know, Mamiya). The hobby was shelved mostly from 1964 to 1975 for college, law school, and starting a law practice. As a result, I missed the NIkon F and the rise of the F2. In 1975, I return to photography with a new Nikomat FT2 purchased in Japan with several more lenses. While I loved the form and function of the FT2, my subject interests pushed me into the first FM and motor drive, which lead to a series of "upgrades" ending with an FE2, which I still have, mostly for sentimental reasons. Then came an F3. An FG came, went, and later came back, a wonderful, much undervalued Nikon body-the sleeper of the manual Nikons, IMO. Having converted all of my non-AI lenses and acquired more AIs and D-autofocus lenses, I later bought a mint FT3, just for fun and metering compatibility. As it aged, the F2 was plagued with meter problems, thus my Nikomat alternative. If I had to go back to one manual Nikon to rule them all, it would be the Nikkormat/Nikomat FT3. Solid build, mostly non-electronic, using modern meter batteries, and fully functional with the widest range of Nikon lenses that fit any one body.
The F3 is the best 35mm SLR I've had the chance to use (almost perfect)... But the F2, being fully mechanical, will probably last longer... In the end winner is, of course, Pentax 17. Now when honeymoon phase is over (I assume), are you still using LX?
I love my Nikon FE2. My uncle gave it to me because he went totally digital. I only used it twice but will use it again. Especially since I found out there is a double exposure lever.
I absolutely love the F2. I only spent $220 on mine with a working meter prism and 35/1.4 non ai lens. I like the F2 so much because it has a stepless fully mechanical shutter, which means I can shoot in aperture priority much more precisely than most other cameras. I had a nikkormat EL, which is a wonderful camera. It's basically a bulkier, non-ai only FE. My gripe with the F2 is the connection between the meter prism and body can get some corrosion over time and the difficult to reach shutter dial with a metered prism. On the other hand, you can use the meter without looking through the viewfinder with the readout on top of the meter housing which is handy.
Your 35mm 1.4 is the sleeper in that deal. It is an incredibly good lens. Were it mine, I'd have it converted with a real Nikon AI conversion kit, if you can find one, rather than one of the "cut and file" jobs, as I had my non-AI lenses converted to AI by Nikon when I bought the first version of the FM when it came out.
@randallstewart1224 I love the 35/1.4, it basically lives on my f2. It's also useful for milkyway astrophotography on digital if you don't pixel peep. On one hand I'd like to get it converted to ai, on the other hand I'd like to get a 35/2 ais, I've heard it is sharper.
Just bought an F2 and am stoked. Not stoked about the fact that I have exactly zero Nikon lenses but, alas.
Oh, I also love the one continuous metal advance lever.
So why is anyone trying to use the focus screen without the proper magnifying loop that comes with one of the waist level viewfinder accessories.
To me, the f2 is the end-all be-all, go anywhere, survive it all slr. I shoot mine all the time and am always stunned by how well it shoots after almost 50 years. My meter has gone out but i can easily swap the finder to something else however i external meter anyways.
I loved my F2. Never shot it. It was just way too heavy to lug around. But the sound it made running on the motor drive was so cool.
You could have eft the motor drive and saved some weight 😁
"It's a Nikomat"
I resemble that remark. I too have a Nikon Nikomat, bought from Japan. I love it's size, weight, and build quality.
Thinking of getting one because my FE just crapped itself
What's the issue? It might be worth fixing
@donaldflynn9193 it fires by itself when I wind the the advance lever
Sounds like a solenoid issue. I would check with a place like Authorized Photo Service if your in the US and see what they say. They charge $210 for CLA's and include repairs like that in the cost IIRR. The meter on my 1 F2 was off and they repaired that
Well, given this experience, wouldn't it make sense to rather compare the F3 to the FE? Where, like you say, the functional differences have declined over time and it comes down more to shooting experience since those pro features are not so meaningful in the modern age.
But yeah. I shot a roll in my Nikon F the other day and really enjoyed it for the first time - on a tripod... being able to scan the edges of the 100% finder coverage in composing. But at the same time, I'd recently sourced a Spotmatic F for my dad and tbh that's a way more pleasurable shooting experience practically than the F - which is a bit of a clunky brute of a camera.
I have both the F2 and F3, both fantastic cameras. I like using the WLF on the F3, but enjoy shooting the F2 slightly more.
Did you by chance have the F2 before the F3? I may have said in the video but I think if I had the F2 first I might like it more than the F3 but I also am a sucker for Auto exposure so who knows
@ I actually had the F3 first, still have it. It’s a great camera. Would love to have a grip for it though. I like the more hardy mechanical feel of the F2.
I like the F2, far easier to have repaired than the electronics in the F3.
I think there's a bit too much emphasis on cost here. The F2 is literally indestructible and infinitely customizable. It will outlive you. Leica, the king of rangefinders, goes for far more money than an F2. I love the F2 with a DP-11 match needle and AI lens support.
I don't disagree the FT3 is a fine camera, but for my money, the EL2 is a much nicer camera to use.
Cheers
I am unfortunately a very cheap guy haha but also I think it's important to talk about the benefits of more affordable cameras so people just getting into film don't feel inadequate because they can't afford the Leica's and the F2's. I appreciate your feedback a lot though and thank you for watching!
@RompingBronco Cost matters, I do agree. There are so many poorly-built cameras that have been hyped to the Moon with price tags ridiculously inflated. At the same time, I think the pro bodies of yesteryear still warrant a premium. I've lost count of the number of film cameras I've dealt with over the last decade that had issues, and it's only getting worse. The Minolta SRTs are solid, so are the Nikon prosumer bodies. Pentax? They will die - I gave up on the MX after my second mint-looking one died. The Canons, A and T series, dead walking. Etc. etc.
Which lenses can be used with the FTN? Ai?
Pre Ai,Ai,Ais all F mount lenses except the "G".
Don't forget the f2 has a forward advance Shutter button lock. It's helped and fucked me over countless times, but it's the only thing that I wish the ftn has. I keep dumping frames a bit.
The Ftn is a underrated solid camera. I prefer the F2 just because of the ability to swap out focus screens.
I like the F and the F2 is just better than the F. I dislike the electronics on the F3. if I'm going to shoot with electronics, I'll use my n90, f100, or f80.
My Nikkormat FT3 sees a lot more action than my F, even with non-Ai lenses. The Nikkormats are great cameras.
The professional camera will have a higher build quality in most (but not all!) aspects, more customization, but you gotta weigh how much of that you'll actually use
@@zjohn6879 The Nikomat FTN has an even more robust build than the Classic F. Build quality is superb and was used in Vietnam as a dependable 2nd body to the F.
F2 looks like a tank, I love it.
Wrong! The Nikon FG is the best
@@Analog_Ad Wrong again.
i loved that BRICK f.t.n. of mine now i replaced it cheap £150 F4s.....still use n.a.i.