Nikon F | A Legendary Camera
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- Опубликовано: 16 дек 2022
- The Nikon F is an incredibly important camera in the history of photography so when I saw one in Tokyo I just had to buy one.
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I have been a working photographer for a bit over fifty years. When I was about to enter film school I was gifted a Nikon FTn Photomic and two lenses by my Aunt and Uncle. I had already had my first published photo in Time Magazine covering the 1972 Presidential Conventions in Miami. I used a Yashica TL Electro, which at the time was all I could afford. When I unboxed the Nikon I felt overwhelmed. I still have it with both lenses. Even now, when I pick it up the emotional response is still with me.
It definitely is an iconic camera, but for me the Nikon F2 (preferably in black) is the one 😍
I recently picked up a 1970 Nikon F BP plain prism (also here in Tokyo, I live here). I've been doing photography for 4 1/2 decades and this is my first Nikon! I'm loving it and today I went to the Nikon Museum here in Shinigawa, Tokyo to admire the history and legacy of Nikon. A friend gifted me the Nikon proprietary soft shutter release, it's a small thing but improves the shooting experience immensely! Enjoy your classic, wonderful Nikon F!
Way better than a Leica or another rangefinder . Good choice
Just dug my Nikon F1 & F2 & checkede the serial no of my F1 & it starts with 64, thanks for the info.
When I was a sophomore in high school taking a photography class, another student's father bought him a new Nikon F with prism meter and with a 58mm 1.4 Nikkor lens (frankly, a bit of a dog). It cost $414 at the time. In today's money that would be $4,122. He liked to show off the camera, but he never really learned how to use it. He was a jerk, but we all coveted his camera.
Thanks for this…I especially appreciated the historical context and the pictures that made this iconic cameras reputation. Brilliant.
This video made me go out and buy a nikon f
I would just disagree on the statement that the F metered prisms are often non-functional these days. This meter holds up remarkably well and is easily repaired. Although the F2 models are better bargains these days, I wouldn't trade my F models for all the proverbial tea in China. Andy
thank you for sharing the history of this beautiful camera
Excellent video! Nice explanation of the various function of the F.
Beautiful pictures and great to hear the story and passion of this spectacular camera.
I just got my first Nikon F as a Christmas present from my wife and am so much looking forward to shoot some film. Have been using Nikons for a long time and its going to be great see how some of my lenses are performing on the F.
Thanks again.
Greetings from Denmark.
Br.
Jesper
I have a Nikon F with the Ftn Photomic metering prism head. Purchased it four years ago mine is circa late 1971/early 1972. The example in the video has the 'Nippon Kogaku' logo on top of the camera indicating it is of older vintage. A while after I purchased the camera I purchased a Nippon Kogaku 50mm f1.4 'S' lens and original fitted case to go with it. I have some other newer Nikon AI and other manufacturer lenses I use on it as they have the meter coupling prongs on them. A wonderful 'tank' of a camera what strikes me is the robust construction..old school mostly metal very few plastic bits on them. The meter on mine works fine I did have to get voltage-correcting battery inserts to allow use of modern equivalent silver oxide batteries (to power the light meter only). Love using an iconic piece of photographic equipment.
Nice video. Thanks for that. I acquired my first F 5 and a half years ago when Nikon was in the midst of their Centennial celebration which involved the usual T shirts plus a couple of unnecessary and over-priced trinkets-one of which was a small model of the iconic F. My thinking at the time was "why not look for the real thing?". I found one with the F2 50mm lens for just under $200. It has worked flawlessly since I got it. They are the superb yet sublime tanks of the photographic world. You can keep your over-hyped Leicas.
I have an FTN and it is so fun to shoot with, also really easy to use since the shutter speed is right behind where the lens sits
Amazing camera. Has a lot of gravity amongst other cameras before and after
Cracking review, thanks for posting. I recently bought the F2AS with a 55mm 1.2 lens and didn't realise how heavy these early Nikons are.
They are tanks. I also want an F2A/AS but went with the F for its charm.
Absolutely! I got 1969 F-FTn Photomic TTL w/ F-36 Winder. It was usable even in 2001 w/ its 7 fps. That's right, even the 1959 F tuned right get 7 fps. I like Photomic meter look.
Decide what version you want as these bits are not easily changed around later. I mean they can, but w/ a skilled tech. My 1959 F Eye Level was an original owner fitted w/ Photomic Meters & F1 250 back & optional F36 motor w/ external battery. This motor drive is so huge, the battery bank takes C cells & has to hang on belt .
I don't advise mudding a clean collectors F as you gotta cut into the finder area And as for the Motor-Drive, it requires timing adjustment to match or it jams up. But it can be done.
Indeed, a camera w/ history but fun to use w/ its Sports Action finder (TV Finder) in a divers underwater box. No electronics, it just works. And yes, all the F singles digit bodies I used have mirror lock up , F,/2/3/4/5. So I can only guess the F6 does but then it was trimmed down from the pro set by then.
Hi, I just purchased a Nikon FTN with the motor drive and attached battery pack. It hasn't arrived yet so I don't know if it works. Could you let me know what type of timing adjustment is necessary. I probably will send it to my repairman to do a once over. Cheers, RIck
Nikon F2 is a much better buy these days.
Thats true, but its not an F. Each for its purpose, and in this case the F have the historic value. If you think of daily driver, i suggest an FM since more lightweight perhaps?
@@vha42 Guess I would differ with you. I've owned 2 Nikon F's and the F2. The F2 is definitely a better camera in pretty much every respect (my opinion only).😎
I got a Nikon F2 black body and I got the 2 parts motor drives and i need to buy a Expousre meter HEAD and have it REPAIRED and I only paid £10.00 for it from a second hand camera shop in LONDON in 2023
I have an F2 with a non-metered finder but lately I’ve been thinking about picking up a classic F. Awesome video and breakdown of this important and still accessible camera
Its a cool camera, the F2 is a better camera but the F is such and important camera.
You already have a classic F with the improvements that make your life easier like a hinged back, 1/2000 speed shutter and with you non metered prism a vision more clear and with better coverage than the F,. Enjoy it!!!
I’ve never been to Japan, but a former colleague of mine, who is 6’5” (the same height as me), said that people stared at him. Anyway, I’ve recently bought an F4 and I’m looking forward to developing my first roll of film shot with it. I’d like to buy a Nikon F at some point.
I had the height issue. I was there 2 weeks after they opened and I'm 6'4" so I got a lot of looks. I find it funny and it doesn't bother me at all.
Awesome I have 6 from a 1961 to my F2A they are amazing (photographer since high school )1973 they are classic like to have a Leica out of my price range but these are as classic they are very cool!
The true like a Leica would be an SP tho.... And I may have a video in the works for one I picked up in Tokyo as well. Also an F2A or F2AS is in the wish list as well.
@@SprocketHoles yes mine is F2AS they are amazing my others are 1961
What a classic amazing piece of engineering. I owned one for a few years, but it died an unfortunate death involving a small human and a long fall with a hard landing:/
I favor the looks of the silver Canonflex with black prism and swing open film door from that same period. I could never get used to the trigger style film winding on that body though.
By the way - I've been testing a Pentax K70 vs my E-M5ii for dedicated pixel shift digitization. I got it for $300 in bargain condition. I don't know what black magic Pentax is doing with their de-mosaic and pixel shift, but the 24mp raw files coming out of that K70 are stunning. The Pentax 24mp vs Olympus 56mp downsampled, the Pentax wins handily. Olympus wins when scanning medium format though, where 48mp square and 64mp 4:3 make a big difference.
Cheers
I tried an s5 for it's pixel shift and it's horrible. It's creating a Bayer version of the high Res file so the main advantage is gone. Currently using a d850 with a coolscan lens. Once I have the right camera I'll be making a video on it.
@@SprocketHoles That's why I mentioned it:) I tried a Panasonic G9 and the results were diaper poo. I worked with a Sony A7R4 myself as well, but that was crazy overkill and annoying to process. The grain and other factors with the Olympus pixel shift is great, and the thing is dirt cheap, but there were some shots where the dynamic range was lackluster, where I felt it was impacting detail. That's why I tried the Pentax, because they seem to focus on perfecting demosaicing + DR, if that makes sense.
@@SprocketHoles Also worth mentioning - I have found a pretty significant benefit of using the smaller sensors is the larger depth of field and easier sweet spot lens coverage. The APS-C TTArtisan 40mm out-resolves the Olympus across the entire sensor surface and costs a hundred bucks brand new. The cheap Pentax 100mm FA, old version, appears to out-resolve the K70 too using a USAF resolution test frame.
Better than a rangefinder
Cheaper
Better made
100% view finder
Better focus accuracy
Better lenses
Better framing accuracy
Closer focus distances
Micro lenses and much more
Etc
Etc
And you don’t need a light meter, just use one camera stick with it and never change film, and after a few months you’ll shoot accurate exposures tuned to your shutter
Just came across this video. Been looking for a Nikon F. They are much higher than that in the US or European stores. An “excellent” shape (80-89%) camera with serial number 64xxxxx costs $400+ usd. A “bargain” version (70-79%) is $200-$250. Do you know what serial number changes to the titanium shutter. Have not found that.
I head it was about serial number 66xxxx that changed to the titanium shutter. You can tell the difference by looking at the shutter.
Nikon switched to a titanium shutter early in '59, after less than 100 bodies had been made. Anything under #6400086 will have a cloth shutter, but will be valuable to collectors. If you see one at a decent price, grab it! Here in the U.S., an F body in good working and cosmetic condition will fetch about $100-150 with a metered finder. With a prism finder in good condition it will be over $200. Thanks for the great video!
Would a Nikon F be suitable for a beginner? I’m not interested in digital or electronic, mechanical appeals for its simplicity, robustness, and to me at least, a better way to learn ‘hands on’. I’d prefer to buy something that I can learn and grow with, that would last??
Thanks in advance.
It will last but you need a light meter prism for it if you don't have one. If you are willing to spend the cash the F3 is a better choice to start or any of the 80's fe, fm, fm2 etc. The FA has a great meter if you find a good condition one. I would not start on an F personally.
Ok I’ll take that on board, many thanks.
3:35 Is the attachment really a hot shoe, or did you mean coldshoe?
Its a basic hot shot that will trigger a flash afaik. There is the sync port as well.
@@SprocketHoles Thanks, I didn't realise that.
Since 1971 I've been a Nikon F photographer and I like this gear until now. "She" is really great and absolutely reliable - hasn't need any service since my start with "her". @philosimot