I so hate when the "cool" nerds start off any kind of channel talking about what they are drinking...didn't come to hear about your liquid intakes....don't care....knock it off!!!
I bought a Nikon F2AS in college when film wasn’t that popular in the mid 2010s. Since then I have not shot DSLRs, the F2 is just pure magic and simple to use.
I just got my first F2AS--to go with my D810, my F4, and my pair of FEs (couldn't help myself--had to have one in chrome and one in black). Man, this is indeed a great camera! I really do kind of like the match needle metering system though, like on my FEs, so I'm tempted to try to find a decent DP-11 on eBay and use it when shooting daylight, and using the DP-12 when shooting in low light. Of course, getting the meters on the two finders to agree with each other may be a bit of a trick--to paraphrase Segal's Law, "A man with one meter knows what his exposure is. A man with two is never sure."
The F2 is not built like a tank, tanks are built like the F2. Best all manual body ever made. I have 2, a Photomic I've had over 20 years that when I got it it looked like it had been run over by a Mack cement truck a number of times but keeps going and then a few months ago pulled the trigger and got a F2 titan.
From a press photographers historical point of view, Nikon F cameras completely took over. A very few still used their Leicas, but they were considered a bit weird. I have a black F2a with a Nikkor 50mm sc 1.4 lens, a Nikkor 105 p auto, a 55mm 2.8 macro and a 24mm 2.8. So the same outfit as you. My backup camera is a Nikon FE with the 50mm F2. Perfect outfit. Oh, and I sometimes use a 50mm series E 1.8 pancake lens on the FE for a compact edc.
I understand the F2 passion. I was bitten by it the moment I saw one - 1977, couldn't take my eyes off it! A japanese photographer was shooting the Laser World Championship in Cabo Frio, Brazil. He offered it to my parents after the championship but my mother thought it too big and picked a Minolta 110 Zoom... Not quite the same camera... It wasn't until 2004 that I realised my passion - an almost new Black F2A! I had an as incredible as unreliable Canon T90 and, after changing its shutter twice in 2 years, decided it was time to go mechanical after the lady at Canon's official assistance here stated "Oh, it happens with this model..." Bye! Since then, heaven! Today I own two F2s - one A and one with the Eye Level, which is very cool. The F2 is still my passion. The way it handles, the shutter sound. As I once read somewhere, this is not simply a camera, it's a precision instrument made to last, with very few maintenance. Everytime I hold one of them I feel a different mood. You feel this is serious, not a toy. It seems as if it defies you by saying "I'm here for you, no matter what comes, are you here for me?", as if no bad photos were allowed. Somewhat intimidating. I'm writing too much... I just love the F2, second series, from 1976/7 on, the best of the best!
Although it was a context overrun with m3’s and Nikon F’s ,there were definitely some F2’s used in the last few years of the Vietnam war too. Just an added bit of trivia if anybody’s interested.
I bought my F2 brandnew in 1978 when I was in photography school. Later it has been shelved for many years due to 'the digital age'. Today it is back in business. Film rules again and the F2 is an incredible camera. Together with my X-pan, I now own iconic ones. Glad I didn't sold one of these!
I shoot with large format, medium format, and 35mm small format film cameras. The 35mm film cameras I have used include Leica, Pentax, Fuji, Contax, Argus, Canon, Miranda, and Minolta. All, except the Miranda, were excellent cameras. For me, the Nikon F2 is not only the greatest 35mm camera ever made; it is my personal favorite film camera. I share your love for the Nikon F2. Back in the 1970s, I traded two Nikon F bodies for two Nikon F2 bodies. I now shoot with non-metered prisms on three F2 bodies (one black and two chrome). I have prime lenses from 14mm to 1000mm. The three lenses I use most often for general subjects are the 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 24mm f/2. For close-up and macro, I use 55mm and 105mm micro lenses.
Bought mine new in '75 (sold an F body to get it.). It is still the best 35mm manual mechanical SLR ever made and while I love my M3, if the house catches on fire this is the camera I'll grab and save. Now day's the bodies and non-IA lenses can be bought for a song and if you know how to use then ( and people have shot some amazing photos using old gear like this) they are a hell of a lot of fun to take pictures with. I like using digital, but old school gear like this is a blast to use!
Love that my favorite youtube channel loves the same camera as I do. Already excited about your F2 collection growing, also congrats on the black body. I'm at five F2 bodies as of right now, still counting. Love watching your videos, keep on doing what you're doing! :)
My grandpa still uses Nikon cameras today because the quality of the Nikon F (I cant remember which model, specifically) that he bought used 40+ years ago. Like most reasonable people, I would love to add one to my collection.
saw my first F2 back in 2018 bought it without hesitation. now i have 4. one just came back after a service from Sover. Keep telling myself i want a Leica rangefinder in the future but now im 50/50, either a Leica or F2 Titan
F3 and F5 for me. I love having the auto exposure crutch with the F3, and F5 pretty much feels like a modern pro camera even after 25 years. Would love to give the FM3A a shot, but that's a pricey one!
For ME, the F3 is the best (I LOVE the size and weight) 35mm camera out here. I too prefer shooting in aperture priority. I own an FM3A, and I like it, but it does not speak to me in the same way as my F3. The FM3A is too small and too light for my tastes.
The first Nikon FM and maybe FM2 are better built and cheaper, but think of the Nikon FE or FE2 where the light meter are much better to use, I have the FE, FM and F3, I like the FE most for handling, the F3 because you can see 100% of the image n the viewfinder, but overall the Canon F-1 New wins over all other analog 35mm ilm Cameras, the Canon F-1 New are the best and greatest ever built.
Beautiful video for an amazing camera! Found you through Jason Kummerfeld & Caleb knueven. Love some film photography! Keep up the great channel! Can’t wait to see them all!
The nikkor 55 micro is the apparently (and arguably) the sharpest nikkor ever made, with the extension tube its 1:1 and with the example I own the focus ring is smooth and easy to turn. An over stiff focus turn isn't normal so you may wish to consider a service for your one. Cheers!
Obviously this video is about the F2, but my 2 cents worth.. I've owned many (hundreds) of cameras and I love the Nikon film cameras the best. I've had several F2's, and they were great cameras, and also several F's. Truly not huge differences other than film loading, faster shutter speed, and available finders. I'm currently using my 1969 F-Photomic FTN as my main shooter, and love it. I've actually had less issues with the originals than the F2's, but that is my personal experience of course. Still, love them all actually. The only Nikon that's never had an issue for me was my FM2N. Still going strong since I bought it new in 1986. Keep shooting film everyone!
Yep, the F2 is really good, and extremely well made. Love mine. I like using my Contax S2 a little more though.... especially, with that Contax Zeiss glass. You got the best Nikon lenses though, especially, that Sonnar type 105/2.5! Great lens choices! :D
Naah, you don't talk too much! F2 is fantastic, I totally agree with you here, and with the lens collection. I just unearthed a film I shot of Chet Baker with my 105 (and the 24 ;)) on the F3 and was amazed about it's sharpness. Can't wait for your Pelicase full of F2s.
Im a huge fan of Chet, and I used to live around the corner from where he sadly died in Amsterdam. I wondered if it might be possible to see your shots of him? I might like to buy a print if it is possible? Thanks in advance
Last month I’ve been waiting for my F2 to come. I’ve been shooting with FM2 lately and while waiting for the F2 to be shipped I’ve had so many moments of doubt. Should I cancel the order? Should I sent it back? Will it be as good as FM2? But as soon as I took it out of the box and cocked the shutter I had one of the biggest unboxing wow moments ever. I was sold and had no regrets from the moment I felt the camera in my hands. In some aspects you may find it lacks, but in terms of feeling, operating it and mechanically... it’s unique experience. I wonder if it’s that “Leica feel” every Leica owners seems to talk about. If so - now I understand it. F2 is an amazing experience. It cured my GAS as now I doubt there’s a camera that could feel better. I feel satisfied.
The Nikon F2 is it's own thing. Weirdly enough, I find the Pentax k1000 to feel every bit as good. Leicas feel good, too, but in a different way. The best way I can explain it is that the Nikon feels like a steel toe-capped boot military boot, whereas the Leica feels like a dress shoe. Personally, I prefer the F2, but I'd still like to have a Leica in my collection.
Loved that you spent some time talking about the lenses. I have Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 AI lens and I love it so much. One of the best lenses I have used across film or digital. Agree that the look and the smoothness is something special
Although the bodies are long gone, I still own several Nikkor lenses that I acquired when I started working professionally in 1973. First with a pair of Nikon F bodies, and subsequently a pair of F2A bodies. I use them with a speedbooster on Lumix and Olympus bodies, with excellent results!
Awesome video as always dude! I’ve always wanted to give a Nikon F a try! I know Nikon cameras sometimes get a little hate now days, but Nikon had probably the highest quality optics for nearly 50 years
I have very similar background and experiences. My first film SLR was a Nikkormat FT2 with Nikkor f1.4 50mm lens. It was a really good starter camera for me (very rugged). Years later I bought a Nikon F2 and absolutely loved it. Situations changed and I sold it, but regretted it so much that I again bought an F2 and then another. I now have 2 F2s (1 is chrome and the other black) and I love them both. I agree that the Canon AE1 was also highly instrumental and influential. I used one a few times and thought that it was a very good camera overall, but I missed the heft and build quality from Nikon. I'm currently considering purchase of a F3HP because I've never used one and would like to see what it's all about. FWIW, I also have a Pentax 6x7. The only DSLR that remotely interests me is the Nikon D700. The F2 is my favorite 35mm camera ever made, but I'd like to try the F3 for comparison.
The F2 is an amazing camera. I have 3 and it doesn't seem like enough. These were hand assembled in Japan, approximately 1500 parts to complete the camera. Think about the labor costs, the craftsmanship needed to produce a single camera. You'll never see a Nikon re-issuing the camera because the cost would be far more than almost anyone would be willing to pay. By the early 1990's most film cameras were mostly plastic with circuit boards. The only mechanical part was the film door hinge and lock. The F2 wasn't an inexpensive camera in its day, probably cost about a month's wages of the average photographer.
My favorite Nikon manual focus lens? I've got several contenders, but I think the *best* one, to me, in terms of length, speed and quality is the 28mm/F2.0 AIS. Amazingly good lens, very compact compared to modern lenses, close-range correction (CRC). If you're shooting film and want something moderately wide and decently fast, it's *the* lens to get. And once, I had a group of young folks using my studio to shoot video. The cameraman was using a Canon 5D Mark II (latest version at the time) and had a Nikon adapter. I pulled out my 28/2.0 and said "Here, try this one." He put it to work for much of the shoot, and afterward, as he was reviewing the footage, he exclaimed, "Man, this is like the best lens *ever* !"
It’s true the 28 f2 is legendary, especially on bnw film. The 28 2.8 ais is just as good and maybe even slightly better. Both are better than any equivalent era 28mm elmarit Leica I’ve ever owned.
I've been using the Nikon F for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying it. I've thought about getting an F2 at some point. When can we expect you to get the titanium version?
@@ThePhotoDept It's the toughest f2 and a cool item to have but doesn't really work any different so that would be up to you. If this is a vote I vote yes.
@@Irontalyn ill be honest, the one i like the most is the brass body black paint, because of the brassing that occurs. but thats just me being an insufferable hipster.
Me - reads the title of video, gets all excited. Photo Dept. Guy - pulls out an F2 Me - looks over at his Olympus OM-2 on the shelf. Gives Photo Dept. Guy the finger.
There is a bunch of cameras like the F2 to be honest... I really like the OM series. My F4 seems to be well built (haven't yet had a chance to shoot with it) and the Contax series are great to shoot with Zeiss glass.. 😁
Ooft. The F2 is on the dream list. I recently tossed up between this, the F3 and FA. I got an FA for the speed and techno fun. However the F2... mm, one day!
I got mine 2 days ago for FREE with a DP1 photomic prism and a Nikkor K 85mm f/1.8 in almost mint condition just needed light seals in a lot of free cameras. I’m over the moon.
Deleted my last question cuz you answered it right away. Just bought a 24mm due to this video for my Nikon F and FM3a. Haven't shot that wide but here we go. Also curious to what adapter you use for the Fuji? I have a XT3 and would love to use some of these lenses for it.
What is your opinion on the brightest focusing screen for the F2? Not sure which one I have, but it's dim and not as clear as I'd like. Love the 'feel' and mechanical nature of the F2 however, so far, I much prefer my F3................plus, I prefer shooting in aperture priority.
I haven’t tried different screens other than the “K” and “A”. Both seem pretty damn bright. I’m guessing you have a special purpose screen or something, because I’ve never experienced a dim F2.
Alderman Fred C. Davis: It often depends on which lens you're using.....some focus screens work better with wide-angle lenses and some with telephoto lenses. The "K", "B" and "R" are all good general-purpose focussing screens.
i love this video!!, since the 2006 (when film cameras were lot more affordable than todays prices) i owned a lots of cameras including a black fm3, f3, an m6, cl and the m3 (which i still have and love), and i have to say there is nothing to catch me up like a black f2 with the de-1 mount on it Simply nothing feel like this camera. Also the interchangeable focusing screens is huge thing to consider, and with this camera you can virtually mount every lens from the pre-ai to ais! Saludos!
Such a great video. I have the same F2 as well as the F. Keep on coming back to it, and I keep a roll of Tri-X in it. Love the rendering of the Nikkor 50 f1.4 and 35 f2 o.c. pre AI lenses too. I have the FM3A too, which is an incredible camera, but couldn't get rid of the F2. It feels legendary to use.
@@ThePhotoDept They are creeping up in price, but still a few out there. Good investment, and seems much sharper wide open that the 1.4 ai that I tried.
@@ThePhotoDept Do it! I have been building the perfect setup (for me), which has meant trying some lenses I didn't keep. I now have FM3A loaded with Portra/Lomo CN or Fuji C200, with fast AI primes from 28 to 135 and an F2 loaded with Tri-X with 35 f2 and 50 1.4 pre AI lenses. Took me a while, but finally got the exact kit I want. No excuses now...
Big surprise! 😆 I really like your angle on gear. The F2 is definitely under-rated and likely one of the best value purchase right now. The sample pictures you share are great and definitely demonstrate the awesome look and personality of your lenses. I wouldn’t describe them as high performing lenses though. “Plenty sharp” is a good expression you use and that we should hear more often in the community. You have the possibility also to use other great lenses on such body such as the Voigtlander 58mm and 40mm, or the Zeiss ZF line up. Getting a F2 and building up a great lens selection sounds definitely smarter than going after a M6 with the cheapest lens available only because one goes broke. 🙂
The F2 is a great camera and the Nikon lenses of that era are amazing. The only thing I don’t like is it’s too easy to leave the meter on with the lever so you have to have batteries spare ! Agreed on the 645. It’s so easy to use, meter features and automatic features are just right so if I bring just one camera it’s the 645 usually The 35mm 3.5 lens is amazing and pretty linear but focuses to an insanely close < 12 inches ..
@@ThePhotoDept Come to think of it, there are a bunch of different meters .. My display has red + or - inside ( DP 12 ) and yours had the needle. I think yours won’t kill the battery ( DP 11 )
Awesome review. I love my F2AS for old school mechanical. It just feels right. My favorite lenses for F2 is 85/1.4Ai-s, 55/1.2Ai-s, & 200/2Ai-s (saving for it), this new lens in 1977 was made for F2A & lovingly used on modern DSLR's today. Now you just need a good flash. Anything w/ an "A" auto eye sensor works fine w/ AS-1 adapter. I use Nikon SB-80DX
When you rewind your film in the F2, does the film counter decrease? On the AE-1 it does (which is massively helpful for keeping the film leader out of the canister) but on my F2 it doesn’t, and just resets when the camera is opened. Not sure if that’s a ‘feature’ of my copy or if they were all like that?
The film rewind/release button underneath rotates as the film passes across the teeth on the winder inside the body. Look underneath and just when the red dot stops moving you know the leader is about to go into the canister. Enjoy your awesome Nikon!
I got one of these Nikon F2 black body cameras and it got the 2 parts motor drives and special adapter that fit on the left side of the camera which controls the lens and also i Need to get the camera repaired and i only paid TOTAL £10.00 for all of them from a camera shop in London in 2023 and when the camera is repaired and working order it will cost from £300 to as much as £500 for it to make money when I will sale it the MD-1 and MB-1 and the DS-1 which came with the camera
If they last forever, why having lots of them 😉…. But I get it, I shoot an FE for a few yrs now and love it, been thinking of ‚upgrading‘ FM2….F2….mh not sure yet…there is a FM2-T around the corner…but it is too expensive. Cool video 👌🏻 Cheers from Switzerland
My Nikon Fm3a disagrees with you lol but overall this is another camera I've been looking out for to add to my collection. And you forsure convinced me.
Man. Since I saw this I have been trying to avoid buying a second F2 in black to go with my F2 in silver. Finally wore me down, black F2 on its way from Japan…this is your fault. You did this. 😂
You definitely need to get the Matt Day signature camera strap in black, it’s so awesome. Not that I have ever attached it to a camera... my GF and I have this corporal punishment thing going on. I couldn’t sit down for like three days without wincing. Awesome strap.
i made a joke and said that if someone tried to rob me I'd block the bullets with my f2 and attack the robber... good to know it works! (im not going to attack anyone tho)
You might want to get your 55mm micro-nikkor serviced. That damped focus is not the standard. Mine is very smooth and easy to focus. My father has a 105mm 2.8 micro-nikkor (AIS) which behaves like your 55mm micro. And that was not always the case, but became like that after long time not using it. I bought an other 105mm micro-nikkor used later that is okay and not stiff like that, too. Or you just leave it like it is when you are okay with it or maybe even prefer it that way. :)
My friend just bought one today from a camera show in Long Beach and it had the identical dampening. So have a dozen others I’ve used or handled. But thank you for your concern.
F2+1=F3... and +1 means better, right? :-) I might be a tad jealous of that black paint F2, though. And yeah, those Micro Nikkor (nee-kor btw) lenses are seriously good!
Well I do love and collect the Nikon F2 units (the finest camera ever made by Nikon). But before anybody makes a statement of "The Greatest", one obviously didn't check out the incredible Leicaflex SL2 - Though not a 'System' camera (Super interchangeability), the Leicaflex has the finest viewfinder experience with a camera that has a robust super accurate shutter (hardened gears with ultra precision). - I'm a technician and marvel every time I put a Leicaflex on a professional shutter tester...👀
That 55mm micro lens would be pronounced "Micro Nee-core" (believe it or not, the I is pronounced like an E.) Great lens. Not sure why you'd need the 50 f1.4 AND the 55mm Micro though.. The 55 can do it all!
The 50mm f1.4 is better in low light, for bokeh background, for separation of subject and background when compared to 55mm f2.8 or f3.5 but the 55 is sharper in good lighting.
Personally, I agreed with you since I started out with a F2A + MD over four decades ago. However, I think it was the F that make history or greatest, since photographer, Don McCullin was saved from injury by his (bullet proof) Nikon F which stopped a bullet aimed for his head in Cambodia.
I so hate when the "cool" nerds start off any kind of channel talking about what they are drinking...didn't come to hear about your liquid intakes....don't care....knock it off!!!
This has been the format of my channel since 2017. don’t like it, steer clear.
Also, I don’t care what you do or don’t like. If you don’t like it, it’s clearly not for you! Move on!
@@ThePhotoDept ok...
im pinning this comment so people can see my response.
@@ThePhotoDept you are the man, this is your show!!
I bought a Nikon F2AS in college when film wasn’t that popular in the mid 2010s. Since then I have not shot DSLRs, the F2 is just pure magic and simple to use.
I just got my first F2AS--to go with my D810, my F4, and my pair of FEs (couldn't help myself--had to have one in chrome and one in black). Man, this is indeed a great camera! I really do kind of like the match needle metering system though, like on my FEs, so I'm tempted to try to find a decent DP-11 on eBay and use it when shooting daylight, and using the DP-12 when shooting in low light. Of course, getting the meters on the two finders to agree with each other may be a bit of a trick--to paraphrase Segal's Law, "A man with one meter knows what his exposure is. A man with two is never sure."
The F2 is not built like a tank, tanks are built like the F2. Best all manual body ever made. I have 2, a Photomic I've had over 20 years that when I got it it looked like it had been run over by a Mack cement truck a number of times but keeps going and then a few months ago pulled the trigger and got a F2 titan.
Hahah fair point. I was told I should grab the titan if I have the chance.
From a press photographers historical point of view, Nikon F cameras completely took over.
A very few still used their Leicas, but they were considered a bit weird.
I have a black F2a with a Nikkor 50mm sc 1.4 lens, a Nikkor 105 p auto, a 55mm 2.8 macro and a 24mm 2.8. So the same outfit as you. My backup camera is a Nikon FE with the 50mm F2. Perfect outfit.
Oh, and I sometimes use a 50mm series E 1.8 pancake lens on the FE for a compact edc.
I understand the F2 passion. I was bitten by it the moment I saw one - 1977, couldn't take my eyes off it! A japanese photographer was shooting the Laser World Championship in Cabo Frio, Brazil. He offered it to my parents after the championship but my mother thought it too big and picked a Minolta 110 Zoom... Not quite the same camera...
It wasn't until 2004 that I realised my passion - an almost new Black F2A! I had an as incredible as unreliable Canon T90 and, after changing its shutter twice in 2 years, decided it was time to go mechanical after the lady at Canon's official assistance here stated "Oh, it happens with this model..." Bye!
Since then, heaven! Today I own two F2s - one A and one with the Eye Level, which is very cool. The F2 is still my passion. The way it handles, the shutter sound. As I once read somewhere, this is not simply a camera, it's a precision instrument made to last, with very few maintenance. Everytime I hold one of them I feel a different mood. You feel this is serious, not a toy. It seems as if it defies you by saying "I'm here for you, no matter what comes, are you here for me?", as if no bad photos were allowed. Somewhat intimidating.
I'm writing too much... I just love the F2, second series, from 1976/7 on, the best of the best!
Although it was a context overrun with m3’s and Nikon F’s ,there were definitely some F2’s used in the last few years of the Vietnam war too. Just an added bit of trivia if anybody’s interested.
I bought my F2 brandnew in 1978 when I was in photography school. Later it has been shelved for many years due to 'the digital age'.
Today it is back in business. Film rules again and the F2 is an incredible camera. Together with my X-pan, I now own iconic ones. Glad I didn't sold one of these!
So glad to hear that.
I gravitate toward my F2 over my F3 every time. Solid in hand and like you said, I don't have to worry about babying it. Great video.
Great video and nice to hear your experience. I now have an F2, with the 85/1.8, 55/1.2, and 50/2. I also love the F. Fantastic iconic cameras
I feel you on the heft thing. I have an FM2 and even though it's more capable I find myself wanting to pick up one of my Nikkormats more
the weight just feels good.
I shoot with large format, medium format, and 35mm small format film cameras. The 35mm film cameras I have used include Leica, Pentax, Fuji, Contax, Argus, Canon, Miranda, and Minolta. All, except the Miranda, were excellent cameras. For me, the Nikon F2 is not only the greatest 35mm camera ever made; it is my personal favorite film camera. I share your love for the Nikon F2.
Back in the 1970s, I traded two Nikon F bodies for two Nikon F2 bodies. I now shoot with non-metered prisms on three F2 bodies (one black and two chrome). I have prime lenses from 14mm to 1000mm. The three lenses I use most often for general subjects are the 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 24mm f/2. For close-up and macro, I use 55mm and 105mm micro lenses.
I've had my FM2 for about 5 months now and still loving it, need to try some different lenses out though!
You really can’t go wrong with any of the lenses
I absolutely love the Nikon F2! Fantastic choice as a favorite camera :)
I purchased my 50mm 1.4 in 1972. Still use it. Has a lot of miles on it and is as good as new.
Bought mine new in '75 (sold an F body to get it.). It is still the best 35mm manual mechanical SLR ever made and while I love my M3, if the house catches on fire this is the camera I'll grab and save. Now day's the bodies and non-IA lenses can be bought for a song and if you know how to use then ( and people have shot some amazing photos using old gear like this) they are a hell of a lot of fun to take pictures with. I like using digital, but old school gear like this is a blast to use!
Love that my favorite youtube channel loves the same camera as I do. Already excited about your F2 collection growing, also congrats on the black body. I'm at five F2 bodies as of right now, still counting. Love watching your videos, keep on doing what you're doing! :)
Wow five?? I’ve got some catching up to do. Thank you for the support it means a lot
My grandpa still uses Nikon cameras today because the quality of the Nikon F (I cant remember which model, specifically) that he bought used 40+ years ago. Like most reasonable people, I would love to add one to my collection.
saw my first F2 back in 2018 bought it without hesitation. now i have 4. one just came back after a service from Sover. Keep telling myself i want a Leica rangefinder in the future but now im 50/50, either a Leica or F2 Titan
Heyyy are you in London and selling one of your f2s?
F3 and F5 for me. I love having the auto exposure crutch with the F3, and F5 pretty much feels like a modern pro camera even after 25 years.
Would love to give the FM3A a shot, but that's a pricey one!
For ME, the F3 is the best (I LOVE the size and weight) 35mm camera out here. I too prefer shooting in aperture priority. I own an FM3A, and I like it, but it does not speak to me in the same way as my F3. The FM3A is too small and too light for my tastes.
The first Nikon FM and maybe FM2 are better built and cheaper, but think of the Nikon FE or FE2 where the light meter are much better to use, I have the FE, FM and F3, I like the FE most for handling, the F3 because you can see 100% of the image n the viewfinder, but overall the Canon F-1 New wins over all other analog 35mm ilm Cameras, the Canon F-1 New are the best and greatest ever built.
you are literally the single outlier with that opinion. enjoy!
Beautiful video for an amazing camera! Found you through Jason Kummerfeld & Caleb knueven. Love some film photography! Keep up the great channel! Can’t wait to see them all!
Thanks so much! Glad you’re here
The nikkor 55 micro is the apparently (and arguably) the sharpest nikkor ever made, with the extension tube its 1:1 and with the example I own the focus ring is smooth and easy to turn. An over stiff focus turn isn't normal so you may wish to consider a service for your one. Cheers!
Obviously this video is about the F2, but my 2 cents worth..
I've owned many (hundreds) of cameras and I love the Nikon film cameras the best. I've had several F2's, and they were great cameras, and also several F's. Truly not huge differences other than film loading, faster shutter speed, and available finders. I'm currently using my 1969 F-Photomic FTN as my main shooter, and love it. I've actually had less issues with the originals than the F2's, but that is my personal experience of course. Still, love them all actually. The only Nikon that's never had an issue for me was my FM2N. Still going strong since I bought it new in 1986. Keep shooting film everyone!
I love this! I use my uncle’s old Nikon F from when he was younger and it still works like a champ
I have an F which I love, and have just pulled the trigger on a F2.
Ok yeah, I might have to pick one of these cameras up now. Great video!
Dooooo itttttt
Yep, the F2 is really good, and extremely well made. Love mine. I like using my Contax S2 a little more though.... especially, with that Contax Zeiss glass.
You got the best Nikon lenses though, especially, that Sonnar type 105/2.5! Great lens choices! :D
man that 105mm is so so good.
@@ThePhotoDept 🥰
I've been waiting for this video. Didn't disappoint 🙂
Thanks my dude!
I think the name you’re looking for in the beginning is Dennis Hopper! Great vid!
Yes!
Naah, you don't talk too much! F2 is fantastic, I totally agree with you here, and with the lens collection. I just unearthed a film I shot of Chet Baker with my 105 (and the 24 ;)) on the F3 and was amazed about it's sharpness. Can't wait for your Pelicase full of F2s.
Im a huge fan of Chet, and I used to live around the corner from where he sadly died in Amsterdam. I wondered if it might be possible to see your shots of him? I might like to buy a print if it is possible? Thanks in advance
Absolutely no problem Obscura!@@obscurazone
@@tychomagneticanomaly Great! What's the best way to reach you? Do you have an Instagram account? I could dm you there
Loved this, Nikon F Cameras >>>
Last month I’ve been waiting for my F2 to come. I’ve been shooting with FM2 lately and while waiting for the F2 to be shipped I’ve had so many moments of doubt. Should I cancel the order? Should I sent it back? Will it be as good as FM2? But as soon as I took it out of the box and cocked the shutter I had one of the biggest unboxing wow moments ever. I was sold and had no regrets from the moment I felt the camera in my hands. In some aspects you may find it lacks, but in terms of feeling, operating it and mechanically... it’s unique experience. I wonder if it’s that “Leica feel” every Leica owners seems to talk about. If so - now I understand it. F2 is an amazing experience. It cured my GAS as now I doubt there’s a camera that could feel better. I feel satisfied.
The Nikon F2 is it's own thing. Weirdly enough, I find the Pentax k1000 to feel every bit as good. Leicas feel good, too, but in a different way. The best way I can explain it is that the Nikon feels like a steel toe-capped boot military boot, whereas the Leica feels like a dress shoe. Personally, I prefer the F2, but I'd still like to have a Leica in my collection.
I see a video on my favourite ride or die 35mm camera, I press the like button. I’m a simple man
Simplicity is key
Dude, I've been waiting for this video!!
It finally came!!!
Loved that you spent some time talking about the lenses. I have Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 AI lens and I love it so much. One of the best lenses I have used across film or digital. Agree that the look and the smoothness is something special
They are so special!
Although the bodies are long gone, I still own several Nikkor lenses that I acquired when I started working professionally in 1973. First with a pair of Nikon F bodies, and subsequently a pair of F2A bodies. I use them with a speedbooster on Lumix and Olympus bodies, with excellent results!
We have the same 4 lenses!! I think I have the 28mm f3.5 instead
i have that lens too, but the focus ring is all gummed up. i have to get it CLA'd at some point. takes really great photos.
The Nikon F2 will outlive us all.
Ngl I have an F3 but I've been super tempted to pickup an F2 lately as a backup simply because it's mechanical.
Do it. It’s the best idea.
I would look at an FM as well, it's like a mini F2 with AI metering.
Awesome video as always dude! I’ve always wanted to give a Nikon F a try! I know Nikon cameras sometimes get a little hate now days, but Nikon had probably the highest quality optics for nearly 50 years
We get hate? I've not experienced that.
@@GregoryVeizades mostly from the newer photo/video crowd in these mirrorless times and internet trolls
the F is great, I wanna pick one up just to have the whole family
@@ThePhotoDept yes! I bet a comparison video between the F and F2 would be interesting for people to watch
@@ReimannPembroke yeah id love to do that
I have very similar background and experiences. My first film SLR was a Nikkormat FT2 with Nikkor f1.4 50mm lens. It was a really good starter camera for me (very rugged). Years later I bought a Nikon F2 and absolutely loved it. Situations changed and I sold it, but regretted it so much that I again bought an F2 and then another. I now have 2 F2s (1 is chrome and the other black) and I love them both. I agree that the Canon AE1 was also highly instrumental and influential. I used one a few times and thought that it was a very good camera overall, but I missed the heft and build quality from Nikon. I'm currently considering purchase of a F3HP because I've never used one and would like to see what it's all about. FWIW, I also have a Pentax 6x7. The only DSLR that remotely interests me is the Nikon D700. The F2 is my favorite 35mm camera ever made, but I'd like to try the F3 for comparison.
The F2 is an amazing camera. I have 3 and it doesn't seem like enough. These were hand assembled in Japan, approximately 1500 parts to complete the camera. Think about the labor costs, the craftsmanship needed to produce a single camera. You'll never see a Nikon re-issuing the camera because the cost would be far more than almost anyone would be willing to pay. By the early 1990's most film cameras were mostly plastic with circuit boards. The only mechanical part was the film door hinge and lock. The F2 wasn't an inexpensive camera in its day, probably cost about a month's wages of the average photographer.
My favorite Nikon manual focus lens? I've got several contenders, but I think the *best* one, to me, in terms of length, speed and quality is the 28mm/F2.0 AIS. Amazingly good lens, very compact compared to modern lenses, close-range correction (CRC). If you're shooting film and want something moderately wide and decently fast, it's *the* lens to get. And once, I had a group of young folks using my studio to shoot video. The cameraman was using a Canon 5D Mark II (latest version at the time) and had a Nikon adapter. I pulled out my 28/2.0 and said "Here, try this one." He put it to work for much of the shoot, and afterward, as he was reviewing the footage, he exclaimed, "Man, this is like the best lens *ever* !"
Oh yeah I’ve been looking to pick one up at some point. I really love my 24mm f/2.8 as well but the filter threads are messed up. I need a second!
It’s true the 28 f2 is legendary, especially on bnw film. The 28 2.8 ais is just as good and maybe even slightly better. Both are better than any equivalent era 28mm elmarit Leica I’ve ever owned.
I've been using the Nikon F for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying it. I've thought about getting an F2 at some point. When can we expect you to get the titanium version?
should i get the titanium version?!
@@ThePhotoDept It's the toughest f2 and a cool item to have but doesn't really work any different so that would be up to you. If this is a vote I vote yes.
@@Irontalyn ill be honest, the one i like the most is the brass body black paint, because of the brassing that occurs.
but thats just me being an insufferable hipster.
@@ThePhotoDept I understand that. I definitely wish I'd have gotten a black Nikon F.
@@Irontalyn theres still time
I was given a Canon AE-1 Program. Nice but i gor the F-1N & lobed it. Its almost the F2A. Both good in their lens system.
Me - reads the title of video, gets all excited.
Photo Dept. Guy - pulls out an F2
Me - looks over at his Olympus OM-2 on the shelf. Gives Photo Dept. Guy the finger.
Hahahahh hey, the OM-2 is a fantastic camera, but I think the F2 edges it out slightly.
@@ThePhotoDept I won’t argue that.
For me it is the Olympus OM1/OM2 series. Very light, invisible and good looking.
Yeah I’ve always wanted to pick one up. I gotta do that sooner than later.
There is a bunch of cameras like the F2 to be honest... I really like the OM series. My F4 seems to be well built (haven't yet had a chance to shoot with it) and the Contax series are great to shoot with Zeiss glass.. 😁
I shoot F and love it.
Ooft. The F2 is on the dream list. I recently tossed up between this, the F3 and FA. I got an FA for the speed and techno fun. However the F2... mm, one day!
So that day came! The F2 is magic. Go to whenever I need a reliable camera, and dang it’s beautiful 🙏🏽
I got mine 2 days ago for FREE with a DP1 photomic prism and a Nikkor K 85mm f/1.8 in almost mint condition just needed light seals in a lot of free cameras. I’m over the moon.
that’s amazing!
Deleted my last question cuz you answered it right away. Just bought a 24mm due to this video for my Nikon F and FM3a. Haven't shot that wide but here we go. Also curious to what adapter you use for the Fuji? I have a XT3 and would love to use some of these lenses for it.
I use the ziyonghi? But I don’t think it’s made anymore
@@ThePhotoDept Well f#$&. Okay, will have to research.
I know there are others out there but I got this one a few years ago
Much prefer my F3 but it is very nice to know I can shoot my F2 even if the battery dies. Or electronics is fail.
What is your opinion on the brightest focusing screen for the F2?
Not sure which one I have, but it's dim and not as clear as I'd like.
Love the 'feel' and mechanical nature of the F2 however, so far, I much prefer my F3................plus, I prefer shooting in aperture priority.
I haven’t tried different screens other than the “K” and “A”. Both seem pretty damn bright. I’m guessing you have a special purpose screen or something, because I’ve never experienced a dim F2.
Alderman Fred C. Davis: It often depends on which lens you're using.....some focus screens work better with wide-angle lenses and some with telephoto lenses. The "K", "B" and "R" are all good general-purpose focussing screens.
I recently got an F and F2, do you still feel the same about it two years later?
i love this video!!, since the 2006 (when film cameras were lot more affordable than todays prices) i owned a lots of cameras including a black fm3, f3, an m6, cl and the m3 (which i still have and love), and i have to say there is nothing to catch me up like a black f2 with the de-1 mount on it Simply nothing feel like this camera.
Also the interchangeable focusing screens is huge thing to consider, and with this camera you can virtually mount every lens from the pre-ai to ais!
Saludos!
Such a great video. I have the same F2 as well as the F. Keep on coming back to it, and I keep a roll of Tri-X in it. Love the rendering of the Nikkor 50 f1.4 and 35 f2 o.c. pre AI lenses too. I have the FM3A too, which is an incredible camera, but couldn't get rid of the F2. It feels legendary to use.
Ooh I’ve been lookin to pick up a 35mm f/2 but I haven’t seen many lately.
@@ThePhotoDept They are creeping up in price, but still a few out there. Good investment, and seems much sharper wide open that the 1.4 ai that I tried.
@@philhindmoor7569 i need to pounce soon. im really trying to build up my nikkor collection.
@@ThePhotoDept Do it! I have been building the perfect setup (for me), which has meant trying some lenses I didn't keep. I now have FM3A loaded with Portra/Lomo CN or Fuji C200, with fast AI primes from 28 to 135 and an F2 loaded with Tri-X with 35 f2 and 50 1.4 pre AI lenses. Took me a while, but finally got the exact kit I want. No excuses now...
Love to see some Nikon love
There needs to be more!
Big surprise! 😆
I really like your angle on gear. The F2 is definitely under-rated and likely one of the best value purchase right now. The sample pictures you share are great and definitely demonstrate the awesome look and personality of your lenses. I wouldn’t describe them as high performing lenses though. “Plenty sharp” is a good expression you use and that we should hear more often in the community.
You have the possibility also to use other great lenses on such body such as the Voigtlander 58mm and 40mm, or the Zeiss ZF line up. Getting a F2 and building up a great lens selection sounds definitely smarter than going after a M6 with the cheapest lens available only because one goes broke. 🙂
Oooh I didn’t realize there were F mount Zeiss lenses!
I wanted an F3, but I found an affordable F2 so I ordered it. Hope it works 😂
The F2 is a great camera and the Nikon lenses of that era are amazing. The only thing I don’t like is it’s too easy to leave the meter on with the lever so you have to have batteries spare !
Agreed on the 645. It’s so easy to use, meter features and automatic features are just right so if I bring just one camera it’s the 645 usually
The 35mm 3.5 lens is amazing and pretty linear but focuses to an insanely close < 12 inches ..
I’ve honestly never left the meter on. I think the battery in my chrome f2 is the one that came with it when I bought it.
@@ThePhotoDept
Come to think of it, there are a bunch of different meters .. My display has red + or - inside ( DP 12 ) and yours had the needle.
I think yours won’t kill the battery ( DP 11 )
The ultimate SLR. I got a black F2 with the plain prism without meter
I wanna pick up a normal prism too, such a sleek look.
10:55 Oh my god, what?! I totally didn’t see this coming after watching the skillshare promo featuring both cameras front and center 😂
WHOOPS
I also have to F2 bodies. Amazing camera.
I have definitely done the same photowalk after I grabbed some sweet sweet kumquat coffee haha so good
its the best.
I thought your drink was a candle
Awesome review. I love my F2AS for old school mechanical. It just feels right. My favorite lenses for F2 is 85/1.4Ai-s, 55/1.2Ai-s, & 200/2Ai-s (saving for it), this new lens in 1977 was made for F2A & lovingly used on modern DSLR's today.
Now you just need a good flash. Anything w/ an "A" auto eye sensor works fine w/ AS-1 adapter. I use Nikon SB-80DX
When you rewind your film in the F2, does the film counter decrease? On the AE-1 it does (which is massively helpful for keeping the film leader out of the canister) but on my F2 it doesn’t, and just resets when the camera is opened. Not sure if that’s a ‘feature’ of my copy or if they were all like that?
It does not unfortunately.
The film rewind/release button underneath rotates as the film passes across the teeth on the winder inside the body. Look underneath and just when the red dot stops moving you know the leader is about to go into the canister. Enjoy your awesome Nikon!
great tip
Would like to hear your thoughts on the Nikon EL2, perspective of the differences.
Oooh the EL2? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those.
@@ThePhotoDept it’s quite hidden ...for now.
The photo samples you shows to us it's edited or raw ?
Just edited for exposure.
I got one of these Nikon F2 black body cameras and it got the 2 parts motor drives and special adapter that fit on the left side of the camera which controls the lens and also i Need to get the camera repaired and i only paid TOTAL £10.00 for all of them from a camera shop in London in 2023 and when the camera is repaired and working order it will cost from £300 to as much as £500 for it to make money when I will sale it the MD-1 and MB-1 and the DS-1 which came with the camera
So going of this video it’s more logical to buy F2 body over starting over with a Canon F1 since I have two nikor lenses for my Nikon FE
Absolutely yes.
Bullet proof perhaps but my first one conked out photographing a Scottish pipe band it had met its match!!
Nothing on Earth can stand up to that racket.
If they last forever, why having lots of them 😉…. But I get it, I shoot an FE for a few yrs now and love it, been thinking of ‚upgrading‘ FM2….F2….mh not sure yet…there is a FM2-T around the corner…but it is too expensive.
Cool video 👌🏻
Cheers from Switzerland
I’m thinking I have different lenses on each body, carry them both! Cheers
My Nikon Fm3a disagrees with you lol but overall this is another camera I've been looking out for to add to my collection. And you forsure convinced me.
FM3Anis a great camera but falls short in several areas IMO.
Omg Acme.....you got me hungry now
Yes all and true! Now clean it!
4:05 Thats not a war reporter, thats Serge Gainsbourg, a french signer from the late 80's😂
can't find your instagram ?
i’ve changed the name a couple times woops. it’s @cmsturm
Man. Since I saw this I have been trying to avoid buying a second F2 in black to go with my F2 in silver. Finally wore me down, black F2 on its way from Japan…this is your fault. You did this. 😂
I’m so sorry (no I’m not).
@@ThePhotoDept 😑
The F2 can't be the best 35mm because the beercan point&shoot exists. 😂
okay but shhh we dont want prices going up
@@ThePhotoDept 😆
You definitely need to get the Matt Day signature camera strap in black, it’s so awesome. Not that I have ever attached it to a camera... my GF and I have this corporal punishment thing going on. I couldn’t sit down for like three days without wincing. Awesome strap.
I do have it! It’s only black F2 currently. Such a sleek setup.
i made a joke and said that if someone tried to rob me I'd block the bullets with my f2 and attack the robber... good to know it works! (im not going to attack anyone tho)
Mine is coming f2 de-1
If you are building a shed you can use the F2 as a hammer
i know that title probably riled a few of you up, so whats your number one 35mm? dont say M6 for the love of all things holy.
I’m really into the Canon A1, don’t have much experience with the AE-1
The A-1 is like the pro older brother of the AE-1.
Nikon F100, bullet proof metering, fast AF, durable body, ergonomics are excellent, 10/10
@@victam1765 great camera, but im still weary of cameras that are all electronic.
Really been enjoying my OM2n recently.
Sadly no resources in the description, as well as a post of your f2 pictures..:(
Lets see the ebay prices of the f2 sky rocket
I’m not that cool yet
You forgot about the Leica MP...
Did I?
@@ThePhotoDept Mechanical Perfect baby.
Trading My k1000 1,000 to get this amazing camera! Thanks for the great review
8:59 TWSS
accurate.
the micro lens needs cleaning. the grease is drying up. my 85mm was stiff also. the lens is over 30 years old. it is suppose to be very smooth.
You might want to get your 55mm micro-nikkor serviced. That damped focus is not the standard. Mine is very smooth and easy to focus. My father has a 105mm 2.8 micro-nikkor (AIS) which behaves like your 55mm micro. And that was not always the case, but became like that after long time not using it. I bought an other 105mm micro-nikkor used later that is okay and not stiff like that, too. Or you just leave it like it is when you are okay with it or maybe even prefer it that way. :)
My friend just bought one today from a camera show in Long Beach and it had the identical dampening. So have a dozen others I’ve used or handled. But thank you for your concern.
Are your 50mm and 105mm non-AI lenses and 24mm an AI lens?
Good question. I’m not sure I’d have to look that up.
@@ThePhotoDept it’s great practice 🙂 I always struggle but my understanding is that the non AI are not compatible with all F bodies.
@@toulcaz31 yeah so far no issues so im guessing mine are all pre-ai
F2+1=F3... and +1 means better, right? :-)
I might be a tad jealous of that black paint F2, though. And yeah, those Micro Nikkor (nee-kor btw) lenses are seriously good!
The math checks out. Ever since I saw a photo of some random photojournalist with a black F2 I had to have one.
my man said nikkormat with a hard r 😭😂
Well I do love and collect the Nikon F2 units (the finest camera ever made by Nikon). But before anybody makes a statement of "The Greatest", one obviously didn't check out the incredible Leicaflex SL2 - Though not a 'System' camera (Super interchangeability), the Leicaflex has the finest viewfinder experience with a camera that has a robust super accurate shutter (hardened gears with ultra precision). - I'm a technician and marvel every time I put a Leicaflex on a professional shutter tester...👀
That 55mm micro lens would be pronounced "Micro Nee-core" (believe it or not, the I is pronounced like an E.) Great lens. Not sure why you'd need the 50 f1.4 AND the 55mm Micro though.. The 55 can do it all!
The 50mm f1.4 is better in low light, for bokeh background, for separation of subject and background when compared to 55mm f2.8 or f3.5 but the 55 is sharper in good lighting.
@@willapanews9761 Interesting. I have both lenses but never compared. Will have to do so. Thanks.
The 55 is great but focusing is really slow because of the super dampened focusing ring
I could say "believe it or not a 'i' is pronounced like an 'i'". :D It is the English language that is weird in this respect.
Personally, I agreed with you since I started out with a F2A + MD over four decades ago. However, I think it was the F that make history or greatest, since photographer, Don McCullin was saved from injury by his (bullet proof) Nikon F which stopped a bullet aimed for his head in Cambodia.
You spelled Olympus OM-2 wrong but otherwise great video
Haha nice try I can’t read
Nikon F2 Photomic AS is the holy grail of film cameras.
You aren’t lying