View Full Version : Rediscovering Nikon SLRs
It's as inevitable as the water cycle, we come back to where we began. Recently got the bug to check back into the Nikon SLR system, and quickly obtained a minty FE. My first SLR was a Topcon tank, then I had an FM-2 which I loved. I sold that a few years ago to begin my jaunt through RF land and havne't looked back...until the FE caught my eye. Hmmm. Aperture priority, I like that. Nice metal body. Check. Possibility of a grid matte screen. Check. Ability to use all Nikon lenses. Check. Wopping good deal. Check. $70 off ebay!
I then started reading about the F3. Hmmm, how much do those cost? Found one "as-is"--maybe it works, maybe not, but looks all right, and the person never mentioned trying it with fresh batteries or not. Place a bid, win it for $60. Turns out she just needed a new battery. Terrible the lives of some of these cameras! So this is my entry for deal of the week. Funny how low these "pro" cameras have gone. I like it thus far, though I think the even lowlier FE is a bit more graceful of a design.
Looking through the slr viewfinder after life with my Oly LC is different. But I like it still, homey. Body is a little bulky feeling, but I don't mind the shutter noise, I'm not a stealth photographer anyway.
Well, I still love my Oly LC, but it is nice to go home for a visit!
Anyone else rediscover your SLRs after time served with an RF? What draws you back?
I still have my original 1960s vintage Nikomat FTN. Works great. The meter went out but unlike a lot of these, it was easily repaired.
Bought one of the CV 40mm f/2 AI lenses awhile back from Mr. Gandy.
Sometimes I just grab this combo for the day. Ah, memories...
This is certainly a good time to buy old SLRs. Everyone is selling them. I use my F2 when I need a long lens, usually for my kids' sports photos.
How's that 40/2? I hear about harsh bokeh...what's your take on that?
>How's that 40/2? I hear about harsh bokeh...
To be honest, I don't know. Frankly I haven't used it all that much and I have never been on the lookout for bokeh...
I do like its fit/finish quite a lot.
CorreCaminos
04-06-2007, 13:10
In my case, I came back to a Nikon SLR after a couple years of trying to make digital work for me, without much success.
The Canon G3 was clunky, slow and a nightmare to use. The Nikon D70s was much better but large and the pictures look, well, just digital. On top of that, the viewfinder is way too dim for manual-focus lenses.
In January someone here posted an F3 w/ motor drive for sale. I almost didn't get it as I was leaving within a day or two on a 3-week roadtrip to South Fla but I had him mailed it to my parents' and then had a chance to use it in South Beach, Key West and Dry Tortugas. Guess what, the camera was a joy to use and the pictures were great (color-balanced, in focus and sharp without having to do any post-processing in Photoshop )
Soon after that I went crazy; I picked up an excellent Hasselblad system and I'm now looking for a Leica.
Joe Brugger
04-06-2007, 13:12
Except for the reversed focusing direction, they work well side by side.
My Nikons do the 20mm, macro and long-lens jobs. The M-mount rangefinders do a lot of the rest. The FM series bodies don't weigh much and handle well. Plus, they are very durable and very cheap at the moment.
Photos from both kits are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/74312783@N00/
back alley
04-06-2007, 13:27
i started with rangefinders and then went to slr and then back to rf cameras.
i like the om 2 and the 180 for those long shots but it's the rf that still gets me going.
joe
planetjoe
04-06-2007, 14:42
As usual, you guys are killing me. I've been trying to keep myself from buying a user Nikon F for some time now...they're just about the sexiest SLR bodies I've ever seen.
As if my obsession with rangefinders wasn't bad enough, right?
Cheers,
--joe.
I was just priming the market for some classifieds!
(not really, the FE might get loaned to my boss's daughter for her high school photo class...good to see some teachers stickin' with the basics).
From about 1970 until it was stolen in the early 1990s, I had a black F w/ the big ol' lightmeter housing, and a gorgeous 50/1.4 Nikkor lens. It went w/ me to Alaska for four summers of work at a salmon cannery, and then overseas for a few years. I used it a lot, and appreciated its tank-like qualities when knocking about the English countryside and on vagabonding trips to the Continent. In time, though, its weight and bulk wore on me, and as the 1980s wore on I didn't use it much. After it was stolen, I didn't immediately buy a replacement slr, but relied instead on my Oly XA. A few years ago, I picked up a Minolta X700 in great condition. It's a much smaller, lighter slr, not as rugged as the F, but then I'm not a PJ and am not that hard on my cameras. The Rokkor lenses are good and cheap. Think I'll stick w/ that system for my slr needs.
I have two Nikon F/FTN's from 1970. That's 37 years I've used these cameras! I hope they outlast me, because there is no replacement. Unlike today's generation (painting with the broad brush - not meaning anyone on this forum) I can set shutter and apature, and focus.
I carry my RF's every day, but for serious work, out come the F's! I know it's cliche, but "they don't build 'em like that any more". :cool:
A while back my father gave me the Nikkormat FTn he bought in 1967, just before I was born. What a camera! It's so solid and well made. Heck, everything works 40 years down the road. I mostly use my rangefinders, but that is one "right" camera. I love the 50mm 1.4 that came with it. I've also picked up an old 43 -86 mm zoom. That's one thing I can't do with the rangefinders, zoom.
I'm constantly surprised by how many people still use and love these old Nikkormats.
sepiareverb
04-06-2007, 15:43
I think the F4S is the bargain NIkon SLR. Finest 35mm body for tripod use IMHO. I ran F4S bodies shooting stock slides for years and they are bulletproof, have incredible meters, and nice simple, traditional controls. Plus they'll drive an autofocus lens- and some of the AF Nikon glass is really, really good. What I dislike about most newer SLR bodies is the reliance on the 'button AND wheel' method of making adjustments. The F4 has these same adjustments but each on a dedicated actual dial with actual numbers written on it that you can see without having to wake the camera up to read a LCD screen. Plus the F4 has about the best backward compatibility you could ask for. I shot lenses as old as me on them alongside the latest DC lens without any worries. Still have three of them and my 'micros' for any close-up stuff I might be doing someday. When I sold off the equipment they were worth so little and I loved them so much that I figured I'd keep them.
In my case, I came back to a Nikon SLR after a couple years of trying to make digital work for me, without much success.
The Canon G3 was clunky, slow and a nightmare to use. The Nikon D70s was much better but large and the pictures look, well, just digital. On top of that, the viewfinder is way too dim for manual-focus lenses.
In January someone here posted an F3 w/ motor drive for sale. I almost didn't get it as I was leaving within a day or two on a 3-week roadtrip to South Fla but I had him mailed it to my parents' and then had a chance to use it in South Beach, Key West and Dry Tortugas. Guess what, the camera was a joy to use and the pictures were great (color-balanced, in focus and sharp without having to do any post-processing in Photoshop )
Soon after that I went crazy; I picked up an excellent Hasselblad system and I'm now looking for a Leica.
Glad you are enjoying it Miguel. I miss it!
Gerry
sepiareverb
04-06-2007, 16:02
For anyone contemplating buying Nikon lenses this is the most indespensible site I ever found. Bjorn has excellent images as well as truly working knowledge of the lenses he writes about. Well worth a vist (just make sure you have an hour to spend)
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html
[QUOTE=Anyone else rediscover your SLRs after time served with an RF? What draws you back?[/QUOTE]
Nikon F3HP & Fm3A. The draw: amazing Nikon glass and there are somethings an slr does best (telephoto lenses come to mind...).
Best Regards,
Bob
I've got 4 Nikon slr's but they haven't left the shelf in 2 years, ever since I got my M2.
Nikkormat Ftn, FG, 801s, F4s
ChrisPlatt
04-06-2007, 17:08
I have never understood the compulsion to choose one and forsake the other.
But then again, I'm not religious. ;)
Chris
We are all in different places in the journey. I still have my Nikon F3hp + MD4 and lenses, untouched since my first RF camera almost 4 years ago.
Steve Bellayr
04-06-2007, 17:28
There was always a debate on the quality of slr lenses between the canon, nikon, & pentax. But, hands down, the Nikon line was the sturdiest when it came to the body. The old Fs are legendary when it came to abuse. I've never been afraid of dropping mine (given that it landed on the body). I've even accidently done it a few times and nothing happened. One camera dealer I spoke with years ago told me of a reporter who had his Nikon run over by a tank. All he needed was a new lens.
NIKON KIU
04-06-2007, 18:48
I have noticed just about everyone here has a Nikon SLR!!
Some have bunches:) :)
Kiu
amateriat
04-06-2007, 20:13
i started with rangefinders and then went to slr and then back to rf cameras.
i like the om 2 and the 180 for those long shots but it's the rf that still gets me going.
joe
Ditto.
I have an OM-2n which is a solid machine, but my ideal SLR setup would be a Nikon F4 (with just the grip battery pack instead of the high-capacity job), and a 28mm PC Nikkor, as a sort of 35mm view camera (one of the few reasons for my still using an SLR). This is where having 100% VF accuracy and a high-eyepoint VF (i.e. eygless-friendly) come into their own. I might even add an 18 or 20mm lens for good measure.
- Barrett
bobkonos
04-06-2007, 20:21
I have never really left SLR use, as I keep a bag filled with Nikon FM2 and FM, and 24 f2.8. 55 f2.8 Micro Nikkor, 85 f2, and 75-150 Series E Nikon lenses. I also have a Nikkormat FT3 that needs more use. And I also just found a F3 HP, terrific for those of us with eyeglasses. I like the SLR for longer lenses at car races, and the Micro-Nikkor for detail shots at car shows. I cannot imagine being without the FM2.
I have a F3HP, with a Polaroid back too. I only have 2 lenses for it -the Nikkor 20mm and the Kiron 105 macro.
When I want to treat the Nikkors to modernity, I use them on my EOS 5D in Av and Man mode. MF and scale focusing on a 5D works for me. Can't see the dire need to AF a UWA and AF a macro any way.
When I want to treat the Nikkors to nostalgia, I'll use them on my R4A when it arrives, especially the Nikkor 20mm.
I'd like a Titanium in black....
wlewisiii
04-06-2007, 21:06
I must admit that I do think bad thoughts about an F3 & the new ZF lenses... :eek:
William
And I just finally decided to sell off my 24/2.8 and 50/1.4 Nikkors. I find I rarely handhold the SLRs anymore. Whatever calls for handholding is shot with RFs. So rather than a bunch of fixed lens RFs, I'm getting a Bessa. I am into macro photography though, and will keep my macro lens and the 180/2.8. The F3 is possibly the best camera ever made for macro shooting.
For me RFs excel in certain things and SLRs exel in others. But I am not sure I won't regret my current decision - oh, well.
-Anupam
I still have and use my Pentax kit, in fact added to it a couple of years ago when I bought a *istDs. I use them for: longer lens shots, low light (my rangefinders are medium format or have slow lenses), macro, copy work, etc. In fact I shot the equinox pics entirely with my favorite- KX and 35 F/2 M lens. Those are coming soon, by the way...
I sure wish there was a comparably built 35mm rangefinder for a sensible price.
Harry Lime
04-07-2007, 00:02
PIcked up a F3-P last year and got the new Zeiss ZF 1.4/50 and a vintage Nikkor-P 2.5/105 for it. Love the camera. The high eye point viewfinder is as big as a porthole. The single coated 105mm is amazing.
I love my Nikon FE. It is sturdy, and dependable, and intuitive to use. With the 50/1.4, it is my main camera (although I'm using the M6 more and more), and I have collected a half-dozen-or-more lenses for it, including an 85/1.4 that makes my heart beat faster. :)
As we say here in the Netherlands: there is not a hair on my head that would consider neglecting it!
I have my Dad's old Canon FTb which is ok, and gets used occasionally for reasons of nostalgia. I have an OM4 because I'd heard so much about it being the most RF-like SLR, but frankly I don't like it at all. Then there's the little Pentax ME Super, and I love that thing to bits. It does get used.
Haven't ever used any Nikon gear, although I did come quite close to getting an FM3a a few years back.
Nikon Bob
04-07-2007, 01:15
Nothing for me to rediscover, I never got rid of my Nikon SLR gear. I like and use both systems finding they compliment each other.
Bob
Interesting topic!
For me my photo hobby has become more and more fascinating over the years and the beauty today is that there are so many ways to take photos:
- I have my Yashica Rangefinders where I particularly like the Electro 35 CC and the Electro 35 GTN - simple, small, quite and easy to take with you!
- I am a big fan of the new digital cameras and the Nikon D80 with modern lenses like the 24-120 AFS VR, 70-300 AFS VR and 105 AFS VR creates absolutely fantastic results that would have been impossible with the old technology (for example switching ISO between shots and not rolls of films, checking the result immediately on the histogram and the LCD display to be able to correct and try another setting and so on, VR technology making indoor photographing so much more fun without the flash....)
- But there is something special with the old Nikon SLR´s - I have several of them and find myself using them a lot. In particular I like the old Nikon FM2 - all manual and not needing any battery - together with the Nikon E-series lenses. I also have an old EM, FG-20 and Nikormat FTN as well as a more modern F90.
It is not either or - today we have can have it all --- Rangefinders, old SLR´s that can be bought at a very cheap price and the new modern DSLR´s!
Jon
F3HP for me as well :)
With 20mm f/2.8, 45mm, f/2.8 (gorgeous tiny lens, about as RF as you get on an SLR), and a macro zoom. Considering buying the 105mm f/2 DC and an adapter from Mr Gandy, that lens is utterly obscene for portraiture...
Alternatively, may just wait for the D200 to get cheap (or Nikon produce a full-frame digital body)
Its always about the lenses with me...
I enjoy SLR's and use them. I've been discovering the world of FSU glass for M42 mount that I use on Bessaflexes and a Pentax DS2. I've picked up a couple of K mount Pentaxes that are very nice. I have a couple of Nikons -- F3HP and FM2n.
Gene
It's funny seeing this thread as I was just fondling my f3hp the other day while thinking, "Haven't shot with this for a while...".
So.. loaded it up w/ fresh batteries - now I just have to get my 35 f/2 back from somebody and we're ready to go :)
I've always liked how you can remove the prism & pretend to "fix" the camera while shooting at waist level.
Its weird, I got a free minolta x700 recently with no lens and it fueled me to go out and shoot with my old canon ae1. I forgot what a pleasure it is to use classic slr's, before they moved to things like auto focus, 6582 point metering, and molded hand grips. I love these things.
I got two friends, one has a fm2 the other has an fm3, I got to get them to lend me their cameras for fun, pity neither of them has a 50....
ChrisPlatt
04-07-2007, 14:24
There's nothing like a Pentax. :)
Chris
John Camp
04-07-2007, 14:28
My first camera love was a Pentax Spotmatic, which I got back in the late 60s and used for ten years; but then I drifted into Nikons simply for the utility of the things. I still have Nikons, an F5 and a D2x -- never kept the older ones because I traded up. But recently I bouight a Pentax K10 with 21, 43 and 70 pancakes. The photos aren't as sharp as the M8's, but it's a pretty handy camera to use -- and when each has a roughly equivalent lens on, I think you could make a legitimate argument that the Pentax is *more compact* than the M8. If I knew how to post photos here, I'd post a couple so you could look...
JC
I also have returned to theNikon SLR system to complement my RF system. The Nikkor 105mm/2.5 is an awesome lens. I use it on a Nikon FE2 that is one of the most useful Nikon SLR cameras ever made by Nikon. I recently bought a Nikkor 24mm/2.8 and I already have a few other Nikkors, such as the 55mm/3.5 micro and 50mm/1.4. The optics are first class.
Raid
I also have returned to theNikon SLR system to complement my RF system. The Nikkor 105mm/2.5 is an awesome lens. I use it on a Nikon FE2 that is one of the most useful Nikon SLR cameras ever made by Nikon. I recently bought a Nikkor 24mm/2.8 and I already have a few other Nikkors, such as the 55mm/3.5 micro and 50mm/1.4. The optics are first class.
Raid
example of 105 2.5... shot wide open... Definately my favorite lens.
http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs13/i/2007/088/5/4/the_world__from_upside_down____by_NL2377.jpg
David Murphy
04-08-2007, 22:19
This is certainly a good time to buy old SLRs. Everyone is selling them. I use my F2 when I need a long lens, usually for my kids' sports photos.
I've noticed the prices of Nikkormats and F's holding fairly firm lately. The just don't make many cameras like these any more. A good eye level prism for an F can easily get $100 now, and this used to be considered the economy finder for that model.
oftheherd
04-08-2007, 22:46
Interesting to note how many equate SLRs and Nikons. When I decided I wanted a "fancy" camera, I started purusing the PX catalogue in Vietnam. I thought the Canon was way overpriced. A lot of versatility, but you paid for it dearly. In those days, Minolta just didn't impress me for some reason. I don't know exactly why, but it just didn't seem worth it, even though many pros used the venerable SRT 101. Nikon was nice for sure and intrigued me, but again, pricey for what I thought I wanted to pay.
I settled on a Yashica TL Super. I have come to believe it was the poor man's Nikon. Rugged, suprisingly good lenses (Yashinons, not Yashikors), sensitive TTL metering, and just as easy to use. I got a lot of mileage out of that camera, even though my first two extra lenses were Yashikors, and the third was a Spiratone 18mm. I still love that 18mm.
But my real first SLR love was the Fujica ST 901 I got in Korea when I really got back inot photography. What superb lenses! The camera was small and light weight, and had an EV -3 (30 seconds at f/1.4) to 18 auto exposure. What not to like. Add some more lenses from Fuji, and Vivitar and I have been happy ever since. The Super Press 23 was the surprising compliment to that system.
I have tried a lot of other things. The Contax 139Q was great, and I do like the Yashica FX 103. But nothing compares to the Fujica for me. And if you don't like auto exposure, try the ST 801.
The Fujica like of screw mount cameras and lenses is great. Try it, you'll like it. :D :D
Nachkebia
04-08-2007, 22:49
Nothing special with Zeiss ZF lenes, trust me, I am more with a nikon AI-s lenses :D
Rf is something :) but SLR is no less :eek: (I know, I know.. but that's me ok!:o), still shoot almost weekly with them :p (plus the F3T, F4.. hmm not much with F5 lately...).
It's good to have them all (I'm a big heart!:cool: ) and they have been with me for a long long time, it's good to have options and not being fundamentalist I guess!;)
>>Nothing special with Zeiss ZF lenes, trust me, I am more with a nikon AI-s lenses <<
I think Zeiss is mainly filling a marketing niche now that Nikon has quit selling most prime non-AF lenses.
Uncle Bill
04-09-2007, 02:52
Nikon F3 HP with zeiss glass is a really combination I am toying with.
I own a couple of SLR systems Nikon ( F,F2 and Nikkormat), Pentax Screwmount, OM mount (two OM-1s) and a Minolta XE-7. All of them are really good.
Bill
example of 105 2.5... shot wide open... Definately my favorite lens.
http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs13/i/2007/088/5/4/the_world__from_upside_down____by_NL2377.jpg
Another jewel! I have a 105/2.5 that I have never used, being as devoted as I am to the 50/1.4.
I think I should give it a try....:)
Anyone who could try the 85 1.8 or 105 1.8 AIS's will be in love!
The AFD 85 1.4 it's in another level and expensive.
Nachkebia
04-09-2007, 03:35
What I am looking forward is shooting tri-x with fm3a and 105 micro nikon :D
I have a black FM2N that I like very much, but I am slow to acquire Nikkor lenses. I am looking to try a 105/1.8 AIS if I can find one.
Funny you should start this thread--I took my F2as and a 24/ 2.8 out for a spin yesterday streetshooting in color instead of my usual RF gear and B&W. I had hoped for some anti-USA FTA protest rally shots--but they take the day off on Sundays! The only day they have off. I filmed some tamer pursuits instead.
Another jewel! I have a 105/2.5 that I have never used, being as devoted as I am to the 50/1.4.
I think I should give it a try....:)
Haha, I've got a 50 1.4 that Ive never shot, because I've always got the 105 on my camera!
ChrisPlatt
04-09-2007, 06:29
I just bought a nice black Pentax MX. :)
Chris
willie_901
04-09-2007, 06:37
I shoot about 80:20 rangefinder: SLR. I too have a F3HP and a bunch of AI/AIS lenses. The F3 is the ultimate manual focus SLR.
I plan to pick up a Nikon D200 for business purposes in the near future. I thought about selling my F3 kit because it is in excellent shape. But some clients may prefer the look of film (antiques, vintage cars, boats and aircraft) so the F3 might be worth keeping. I'm not sure.
My Nikkor Ai/AIS lenses (200/4, 105/2.5. 50/1.4. 35/2. 24/2.8, 28-85/4) produce lovely negatives. The 35 and 24 are the CRC type which have a minimum focus of ~1 foot (very useful).
My Zeiss Ikon M lenses out perform the Nikkors, but not by much. The 105/2.5 and 35/2 are the best.
For me, there's nothing like a rangefinder for low-light, unobtrusive photography. However there are some shoots where a SLR excels.
Nice F3 bodies are easy to find. My local camera store always has one or two on hand. If you're thinking about playing around with a SLR, the F3 is a great way to go.
wille
The most close to RF is an F or F2.
There is no "A" :eek: on these babes! :)
I still have all my Nikon gear, except the Nikkormat FTn and 43~86 zoom that was stolen. I had my 1972 F2 overhauled by Stephen and it is like a new camera. My favorite Nikon glass is the 2/35, followed closely by the 2.5/105. Only the weight and bulk of the F2 keep me from using it more often.
jaffa_777
04-09-2007, 08:03
I love my Nikon F3, its one of the the best camera's I own, and as one poster said, it's damn sexy too. Easy to focus and built like a tank! Digitals will come and go but I will never be parted with my F3, ever!
Simon Larbalestier
04-09-2007, 08:20
Years ago i had a black Nikon F and three years ago i got a F3-P with MD4 +50/1.2, 85/1.8 and a NPC Polaroid Back. Great cameras and lenses. Sadly they've both gone but i still have the Polaroid Back in a drawer somewhere....
I just bought a nice black Pentax MX. :)
Chris
ah, i was looking for one of those a while back... ended up with some minolta something or other. (I was in need of a 40mm lens...)
ChrisPlatt
04-09-2007, 08:53
The Pentax MX with a Pentax 40/2.8 pancake lens is as compact as a Bessa R.
But I'll be using mine with the Pentax 35/2 I got for $90 (like new!) from KEH. :)
Chris
yeah, that's the one I was looking for, but ended up opting for a minolta 40mm 1.8... I figure the extra speed will hav been worth it (it's not that much larger anyways!)
KEH is awesome by the way. Ive never been dissatisfied with their products, especially since thier ratings are generally so conservative!
TVphotog
04-09-2007, 15:22
As the sig line says, I have an F3 with an MD4. Just got a 24 2.8 Quantaray(sp??) for it. It is not a nikkor, but it is still good glass. I have put a bunch of rolls through the 24 on both the F3 and an F2 and I have gotten great results. I am very happy for the 30$ I spent on it. I also have a bunch of chrome barrel lenses that are great fun. I can't ever seem to shoot with just the Nikons or just the RFs. I gotta carry both.
sepiareverb
04-09-2007, 16:01
There was always a debate on the quality of slr lenses between the canon, nikon, & pentax. But, hands down, the Nikon line was the sturdiest when it came to the body. The old Fs are legendary when it came to abuse. I've never been afraid of dropping mine (given that it landed on the body). I've even accidently done it a few times and nothing happened. One camera dealer I spoke with years ago told me of a reporter who had his Nikon run over by a tank. All he needed was a new lens.
Yes! I can't tell you how many old Canon AE1's I get in Photo 1- meters are dead, bodies just locked up. Every old Nikon but 1 FG has been fine. Pentax K1000's still going strong- but meters are often off by a stop or two these days.
Another one that really surprises me is the Minolta SR-T series. Talk about tanks! I get a lot of these, kids parents bought them in the 70's and they still work fine.
Only once have I gotten a rangefinder in Photo 1- A Retina- absolutely as new, a real stunner, but the kid dropped the class day 2 so I never saw it in action.
- I watched my cousin drop his FE2 down a whole flight of stairs- bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce- a lot of stairs clunking all the way down. Lens and body were fine. I was in shock. I have this body and lens today- the lens (50/1.8Ais) is still excellent, the camera took a fall onto a paved road last semester when a tripod tipped over- (lent it to a student) and won't wind now. Will become a lesson in taking care of your camera for the day 1lecture.
MelanieC
04-09-2007, 16:19
I love my Nikon F3, its one of the the best camera's I own, and as one poster said, it's damn sexy too. Easy to focus and built like a tank! Digitals will come and go but I will never be parted with my F3, ever!
I do admit I've had my eye on the F3 for a while now, mostly because I like the way it looks (otherwise I guess I'd go for the F2) and handles and because the viewfinder is enormous. I have considered replacing my stolen OM-1 with an F3, but I love the small size of the OMs and I still have most of my OM lenses. What would I gain by switching to Nikon? I suppose I could use the lenses on my D70s, but the viewfinder on that thing is so dim and tiny that I can't imagine manual focusing lenses on the dSLR.
It is a bummer to me that so many of the available F3s I've seen have the HP viewfinder. If I understand correctly, the regular viewfinder has a larger magnification. Also, I find the HP viewfinder quite unattractive. (Hey, I'll admit it. Most other things being equal, I do care what the camera looks like.)
sepiareverb
04-09-2007, 16:25
Watch out with old Nikon lenses on anything but the D200! They won't meter. All but the D200 (I'm almost 100% sure here) won't meter with anything but the new AF/D lenses.
You might get spot metering with the D70 but I don't think so.
And the new G lenses can't go on an F3 cause there's no aperture ring.
Melanie,
I agree vis a vis the HP and normal finder on the F3. The one I "found" had the normal one. Previously, KEH sent me a bargain one labelled as normal but came as an HP. You know what? The normal finder works better with my glasses. But check ebay and you'll see them fairly often with the normal finder.
I think what you would gain over the OM series bodies is the ability to change finders (to a waist-level finder which I actually like and hope to get for the F3), the ability to use a wider ISO range of film (except comparing it to the OM4 I think), and a body that you can throw through a window with a cable attached to it if you need to make a quick exit from a sticky situation.
Nikon glass seems more plentiful and a bit less expensive (well, some of it is!)
Comparing the sturdiness of the F3 to the AE-1 is not entirely fair, as the AE-1 was their prosumer model and the F3 was built to be a pro camera. I know folks here like the F-1---maybe that's better built than the AE1?
harry01562
04-09-2007, 16:48
I have a lot of SLR's, mostly different model Canon's from the original Canonflex through the T90. The best of the bunch is the New F-1 (F-1N), hands down. I prefer the feel and controls to the T90 by a wide margin, and it's built like a tank, with an emphasis from Canon on professional use.
I've never owned a Nikon body or lens. I was tempted by an F3 (?) once, but the thought of an entirely new system of lenses scared the %#$$ out of me.
The FD lenses are as good as I'll ever need, and the prices for many of the cameras is an incredible bargain right now. The black FTb and the EF are the other top choices, with the A-1 not far behind.
I'd rather go KEH bargain than eBay, because of the return policy. Unless it's from a source I trust, or a known dealer, the auctions just are too chancy.
Harry
I picked up a battered FE2 for $30 and love its simplicity and compactness - especially the option of simply using AE when I'm in a hurry. But best of all was when I managed to score a 85/1.4 - an amazing portrait lens. But I've gone off it since I dented the filter ring when it fell off my shoulder, it's so front heavy, and then accidentally bashed my son on the head with the camera/lens combo leaving a noticeable bruise.
Sometimes owning objects built like tanks can be a BAD thing...
ChrisPlatt
04-09-2007, 17:13
In my experience used K1000 meters are either spot on or not working at all.
Most are fine though.
Just one of many reasons the Pentax barebones economy model has retained its value
as a perennial favorite for beginners...
Chris
350D_user
04-10-2007, 11:30
Having quickly browsed this thread.... Nikon... Nikon... Nikon... Pentax got an honourable mention... Canon aren't as bulletproof as they were meant to be... someone doesn't like an Olympus...
... do I miss my old Nikon FM (plus MD-11 drive)? The F-801? Thinking about it, no. I don't know why, Nikon always seemed clinical, their cameras felt as though they weren't first designed by a human, there was no "Let's try that" lunacy feel to their equipment. In short, their equipment came across as uninspiring.
However, I do regret not having told my manager (at the time), that I was interested in the Nikon F2 (with photomic head) that had turned up in the camera shop, when I worked there.
Hmm...
... no... shall not consider that Nikon F with its photomic head... not even if I can afford it!
Must resist! There's Leica M3's to save for!
... and Kiev 4's... and FED 1's... and... er... GAS, anyone?
I picked up my F3HP in '05 off the bay. It came with the MD-4. What I liked is the 100% viewfinder, the weight, and the controls are in the right place to make changes quickly. Then came my 24/F2.8, then 28/F2.8 and finally the 85/F1.4, over the next year and a half.
(http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/htmls/map.htm)
Everything I like about it, and it has "A" aperture priority which I use when I am not looking through the view finder. A side note, Nikon Canada just serviced my F3 in Jan '07, as I dropped it, caused a circuit issue, had to replace the face plate, and a CLA as well.
The F3 will still be servicable for another 10 years at least, as some have quoted.
When the chrome is loaded, it produces some amazing photos!
I am content! :D I just want too focus on producing great photos, than trying too keep up with the digital age.
MArk
Quito, EC
My F2 is ready, sitting on the table beside me. Most of the time with a non-AI 50/2 Nikkor-H. Always loaded with Tri-X. The lens is clean but has a slightly loose front end, so I may get another one that's mechanically perfect. The F2 had a full CLA last year, including fixing the DP-1 meter. Always rarin' to go... :)
mike goldberg
04-20-2007, 23:39
I am delighted to have noticed this Thread in RFF.
So there IS something to be said for our versatility and openness.
And, I had a look at MelanieC's PBase gear; some great stuff in
there, "cavegirl" ;-) In a predominantly male RFF forum, I for one,
look forward to posts from our female members.
Re: Nikon, see thumbnail below. This is an FM2 that was bought new
and never used commercially. With 6 primes, it's time to give the FM2
AND the photographer, some exercise.
Cheers, mike
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.