Fastone.'s Review of Nikon F2 35mm SLR camera
30th Mar 2002
Overall Rating
- Value for money
- Features
Last of the hand made professional camera's by Nikon. The best mechanical camera ever made.
Bad Points
None, Nadda
General Comments
The Nikon F2 is the last hand made Professional camera made by Nikon. The early models in the s/n71xxxx had a small problem with film backlash. This is really noticed when a motor drive is attached. I wouuld stay away from the early models for this reason. If it can be fixed it is expensive. Other than that caveat the camera is fantastic. I have shot professionally for years with an Nikon F, then an F3. I bought an F2 for fun. It has been without a doubt my favorite camera to casually shoot with.The DP-1 finder is excellent and that is the one I have on mine.There are several other meters made for the F2, All of them are great. I use a focus screen "E" with the grid lines. It always help me to get the horizon perfect, doesn't have the ridiculous focus aid in the middle (You don't need it anyway, when the picture looks focused, it is!) It also reminds me to use the rule of thirds. With a DP-1 meter or other meter you have a wonderful 60/40 center weighted meter, use of a gray card is sometimes needed to get the correct setting. If you have a strong backlight increase your exposure 1.5 to 2.0 f stops.The body of the camera is VERY robust and should give you good service for many years of HARD use. With normal use it should outlast you. Shutter speeds range from bulb to 2000 and asa from 25 to 6400. The shutter is a little noisy. The weight of the camera is heavy by todays standards but this also assists you while shooting because it weight also helps to keep it steady a low shutter speeds. I have used mine at a shutter speed of 8 sitting down and using my knees as a tripod and have gotten very sharp pictures. Of course I've been shooting for a long time. You should be able to pick one up off of ebay or at a camera store with a DP-1 meter for around $350.00 t0 $450.00 depending on condition.With the DP-12 meter you'll pay around $500.00 to $600.00. The DP-12 meter is Very nice indeeed.
If you are looking for a professional camera that won't break your piggy bank and give you years of FUN use. Pick one up you won't regret it.
Be aware thought this camera is for those who want to Be photographers and continue to learn about photography. I don't say that to be snobby. It is just that you will LEARN more on a manual camera than any auto exposure/auto focus camera. It makes YOU figure out everything. The meter will help a lot though.
On average, people found this review very helpful
Members' Comments onFastone.'s Review
René Haayes. on 24th Oct 2002
Web Links
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Nikon F2 Professional Series SLR camera - Index Page
System overview and instruction manuals available in HTML format. ... | Back | to Main Index Page of Nikon F2 Series SLR models; | Back | to Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs
www.mir.com.my -
Extension Tubes - Nikon F2 Macro-photography
Modern Classic SLR Series ; Macro/Close-up Photography with Nikon F2 Series bodies; ... | Back | to Main Index Page of Nikon F2 Series SLR models; | Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of
www.mir.com.my -
Nikon F2 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nikon F2 is a professional level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. (Nikon Corporation since 1988) in Japan from September 1971 to June 1980. It used a horizontal-travel...
en.wikipedia.org -
Nikon F2 Finders
The Nikon F appeared in 1959, followed by the Nikon F2 in 1970. They are generally considered the most reliable of all mechanical 35 SLRs. The F2 is an improved F. Together they are the...
www.cameraquest.com -
Nikon F2 Specifications
Viewfinder: Nikon F2; Eyelevel finder DE-1 as standard; interchangeable with 8 other types, including 5 metered prisms ... Accessory shoe: Provided; special Nikon F2-type located at base of rewind knob;
www.nikonlinks.com -
NikonLinks - Home Page
Nikon Users ... Other Nikon Equipment; Binoculars, Microscopes, etc. ... Nikon Users' Gallery; Nikon users images from around the world
www.nikonlinks.com -
Nikon F / F2
Nikon F2: The F2 was designed to fix some of the ergonomic and mechanical flaws of the F. The finder doesn't vignette with long lenses, the prism finders now lock on, the wind lever is...
www.photoethnography.com -
Nikon F2 Reviews
So is the F2.... Having a computer in a camera make the decision for you is foolish. IMHO ... It is the best manual SRL ever made, and with the range of Nikon lenses and accessories, your only limit
www.photographyreview.com -
Nikon | Imaging Products | History of Products
History of Nikon Rangefinder Cameras ... History of Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) Cameras; Debut of Nikon F2 ... Nikon S3 Year 2000 Millennium Model
imaging.nikon.com -
Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 G First Test: Introduction
First test of Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 G on Canon 5D DSLR ... First look: Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 G ... > See also: Nikon 14-24mm v Contax N 17-35mm v Contax 21mm f2.8 Review
www.16-9.net
Hi, i can buy a F2 for just 100 pounds (€150,--) Should I do it.....OH YES!!!! It's in the original suitcase, with motordrive, flash and lenses. This is a very good buy I guess!!! It also has an optional double flash for portraitphotografy. (one flash on either side of the camera) It will provide me some photo-fun for many many years!
René