Nikon F

[Vics]

Originally Posted by kshapero

In real world terms, can anyone pipe in on the differences between meterless F's and F2's?

I only have F bodies (in Nikon), but I believe that with the F2 they moved the shutter release forward to the front of the top deck. That's the feature I'd like to have. I shoot Nikon for those rare times that I want a long lens. Otherwise, I shoot Leica M up tp 50mm, but that position of the shutter release on the F always irritates me.

[Contarama]

Improvements with the F2 = higher shutter speed, larger mirror for full image view, short stroke advance lever, repositioned shutter release, rapid rewind crank, and there are probably a few others. The F2 doesn't have the hard angles like a F either.

But this is a thread about F's not F2's...

[Fraser]

Some motorised Fs, one of the most impractical cameras ever but good fun!

[Dwig]

Originally Posted by Contarama

Improvements with the F2 = higher shutter speed, larger mirror for full image view, short stroke advance lever, repositioned shutter release, rapid rewind crank, and there are probably a few others. The F2 doesn't have the hard angles like a F either.

But this is a thread about F's not F2's...

much more reliable and convenient motor drive interface, true mirror lock that doesn't require wasting a frame, hinged back instead of removable, true double-exposure provision, self-timer can be used for long exposure timing up to 8 seconds, slightly higher x-sync speed, ...

Still, I have to say that my 2 Fs still work perfectly even though they are 50 years old and neither has seen the inside of a service shop in at least 30 (one hasn't in over 40).

[Tom A]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Some motorised Fs, one of the most impractical cameras ever but good fun!

But also rates high on the "cool" index. Remember press conferences from the 60's with the slam, bang of multiple F-36 motors going off!

[clayne]

Originally Posted by kshapero

In real world terms, can anyone pipe in on the differences between meterless F's and F2's?

Mainly the removable back with the F and different advance with the F2 (better). Other than that, pretty minimal. I like both.

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by kshapero

In real world terms, can anyone pipe in on the differences between meterless F's and F2's?

Let's see... a faster shutter, slightly faster x-sync, better MLU, smoother and shorter wind stroke, the rewind knob lifts up a bit so you can have better clearance (but mostly for metered prisms). Oh, and rounder edges (there's a massive scar with tendon surgery on my left hand from when I was 3) and a lot more $$$ (like $100 for an F to $400 for an F2).

I don't mind the location of the shutter release on the F. It's like a Leica -- A REAL Leica, not one of those new-fangled bayonet mount cameras with a rangefinder IN the viewfinder (That's evil Contax II talk! Blasphemy!) Heaven forbid you mention adding a loading system that doesn't involve scissors or a back with >gasp< a hinge!

I'd live with an F. I sold a $50 KEH special with a busted Photomic FTn head in my great purge about 3 years ago. If it had been with a plain prism, I would have kept it. Put a light meter on your iPhone or learn Sunny 16 and you will need nothing else ever again unless you want to break your back with an RB67 system or a Speed Graphic.

[rbsinto]

Originally Posted by Fraser

After going through the olympus OM thread I started too feel sorry for the old Nikon F. I've now increased my Nikon F collection to five, you can never have too many Fs!

As one of the greatest cameras of the Twentith Century, which continues to give excellent performance 53 years after it was first introduced, I don't think anyone needs to "feel sorry' for the Nikon F.