Originally posted by LesDMess Nice one Arnold, doesn't look like it got much use before!
What improvements in the F2 did you find the most beneficial?
Let me quote Wikipedia:
"The F2 replaced the Nikon F, adding many new features (a faster 1/2000 second maximum shutter speed, a swing open back for easier film loading, a wider assortment of detachable finders and metering heads, a 250 exposure film back, a larger reflex mirror to ensure no vignetting, and a shutter release nearer the front of the camera for better ergonomics). It also offered a detachable motor drive, something the F only had as a custom modification. It was the last all-mechanical professional-level Nikon SLR."
Something else was the mirror lockup improvement. The F was the first camera to try this, but you had to waste a shot to get the mirror into the up position. With the F2, this was no longer the case. One can make allowances here, as the F came out in 1959 (production ran to 1973)
The F3 depended on batteries for the shutter, and the F4,5 and 6 started to resemble today's DSLRs in looks and battery dependence. Film lever advance was gone by F4. I think the later Fs looked awful with their motor drives attached. To me, the F2 is the ultimate Nikon SLR. The Pentax equivalent is the KX or MX, although they lacked many features such as changeable view finders and a huge assortment of attachments.
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Originally posted by Jake21209 Lovely, the Nikon F was the camera I lusted for back in the '60s. However, it was way to much for me to afford back then, I had to settle for a Honeywell SpotMatic with the 50mm f1.4. I still have it along with a supply of SpotMatic accessories. A great camera, easy to use and the Mercury battery lasted forever. Best of all, the manual was only 36 pages as opposed to my K-5 with 375 pages! And, Ektachrome 64 was my film of choice.
Jay
It wasn't until 1976 that I could afford an SLR. The Pentax MX had just come out, and since it seemed to do everything I wanted, I did not even investigate the super expensive Nikons. These days they only interest me for their quality of construction and design, not their usefulness. The KX and MX suit me better in that regard as they are less bulky.
Still, I now have some Kodak 400 in the F, which has been serviced, including having the meter adjusted for 1.5 volts. I think the $350 I paid for it was a very fair price given it's near new condition.