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Nikon F2-S 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only
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$230.00
+ US $30.00 shipping
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- Buy It NowNikon F2 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only
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For those interested in the essence of 35mm photography, this is a top pick. It has a horizontal titanium focal plane shutter that syncs at 1/80th. That is quite good, as the shutter has to traverse the longer dimension of the format. The quality of construction is the highest ever achieved in a 35mm camera. The camera will function without batteries, although without the light meter.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Yes it's all manual and heavy in the hand - but the meter heads are unreliable and the camera is REALLY heavy. I found it tiresome and let it go to replace with an F3 which is still super high quality metal build - yes its electronic but we're talking button cells that last months or years, not a pack that needs recharging daily. It feels good in the hand and is heavy compared with a mirrorless digital but much lighter than the older F2. If you must have an F2 then buy one, but you are more likely actually use an F3!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Please note: the Nikon F2 shown here at this review page is the F2 Photomic, with the DP-1 metered prism finder, which accepts the old-style lenses that have the prongs on the aperture ring. This was the first version of the metered Nikon F2. The Nikon F2 was Nikon's last hand-built camera. As such it represents the pinnacle of mechanical camera design and development. There is only one other camera that can compare in terms of features and ruggedness and that is Canon's original F-1. But unlike the Canon, the F2 has Nikon's prodigious amount of accessories at its disposal. The F2 is a rugged, versatile camera, and a very long-lived one. I own two -- one is 44 years old and the other is 38 years old. Both operate as if they are still brand new. I'm trying to resist buying a third, but don't know if I'll be able to. The Nikon F2 has all the features anyone would want or need in almost any circumstance. Mechanically timed shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/2000 second with flash sync occurring at about 1/80, but they can be extended all the way down to 10 seconds when the self-timer is tripped while the shutter speed dial is set to "B". A little-known feature of the F2 is its stepless shutter speeds. The shutter speed dial can be set between indicated speeds and it will time-out at this in-between setting. A remarkable capability with a mechanical camera. The F2 has interchangeable finders and focusing screens. Three of the finders -- the DP-2, DP-3, and DP-12 -- also have extended low-light metering capabilities that can be used in conjunction with the slow speed/self-time trick mentioned above. Focusing screens exist for most any task imaginable. The meter is in the finder with the F2. It meters a scene using Nikon's tried and true 60-40 pattern. Meaning 60% of the metering is concentrated within a circle, the outline of which can be seen in the viewfinder, and the remaining 40% of the meter's concentration occurs outside of this circle. This is a simple metering pattern, but it is highly effective and will work fine in most situations. The camera has mirror lock-up, a must for high-magnification or long telephoto work. The F2 accepts three different motor drive options, the MD-1, MD-2, and MD-3. Almost everyone prefers the MD-2 with the MB-1 battery pack. The MD-1 is virtually the same as the MD-2, but the MD-2 has a few essential improvements. The MD-3 is little more than a winder, and is not nearly as popular as the MD-2. The MD-2/MB-1 configuration allows for a frame rate of up to 5 frames per second. The MD-2 is a very sophisticated accessory, and is a must have for your dedicated F2 enthusiast. A quick word about the metered finders: the DP-1, DP-2, and DP-3 use the old-style meter coupling, which engages the prong on the lens. The DP-11 (F2A) and DP-12 (F2AS) use the more recent AI meter coupling pattern. Of all the F2 variants, the F2AS with the DP-12 finder is considered the ultimate, and it usually carries a price premium because of this. In closing, I'd just like to make the point (in case I haven't already) that the F2 is one of the most capably 35mm cameras in existence. It can handle most any situation with aplomb. And it has access to Nikon's depth of useful accessories that will help it complete most any photographic task imaginable.Read full review
Leica owners will probably disagree, but the Nikon F2 is the pinnacle of all-mechanical camera design and construction. Based in part on the earlier F, it extends that camera's abilities in several significant ways. While retaining the excellent and very durable titanium foil shutter, it takes the top speed to 1/2000 sec and, using the self-timer lever, to 10 sec at the "long" end. Flash synch remains a paltry 1/80 sec -- usable, but not outstanding (it would take vertical travel very-high-speed focal plain shutters to significantly better that) and the flash "shoe" is non-standard, too, so flash photography is not this beauty's strong suit. The back no longer comes off when you want to change film as it did on the F, and Nikon wisely moved the batteries for the meter to the camera body and changed from mercury to silver oxide, which means you can still buy batteries for the F2. Metering is still in the prism/finder as in the F, and there were five metered prisms available. The type of prism determines which F2 model you have (Photomic, S, A, AS or SB) the bodies all being the same. Two of them (A, AS) use the AI diaphragm coupling, the rest use the older "rabbit ears", and the various meters range from CdS with needle indicator to Silicon Blue cells with LED indicators, so you can take your pick. Metering is manual, "match-needle" but shutter speed and f-stop are both visible in the viewfinder. Other "Pro" features include mirror lockup (for reduced camera shake and for use with special-purpose lenses like the 8mm f8 fisheye), motor drive linkage, modular design and extremely durable construction. There are still a couple of people capable of restoring one of these cameras to as close to new as you can get, and they are among the few cameras worth doing that to. If you want electronic bells and whistles, this isn't the camera for you. If you appreciate solid engineering, exacting quality control, and durable utility, you may be a candidate. Considering that a careful shopper can pick one up for less than some digital point-and-shoots cost, they are not a bad deal. Feel the heft in your hands, work the silky smooth controls. What? They're not silky smooth? Google "nikon F2 repair" and send it off for a CLA (if you just want it cleaned up) or a restoration (if you want it "like new") and you'll still have spent less than an entry-level digital SLR body would have cost you. Note that all of your Nikon lenses except the latest "G" lenses will work on this camera. If you have the A or AS finder, they'll even meter properly with AI/AIS/AF lenses. Think your plastic, fantastic digital beast will still be working in 40 years, let alone able to use whatever lenses are around then? These things were built to last -- and use -- forever.Read full review
I own several cameras, from a Hasselblad to a Fuji, several 35mm's and I adore this F2, my meter is spot on and It allows me to shoot Provia easily. The controls are simple, and their are just the basics, so it won't get in your way. I have two lens the classic 50mm 1.4 and a wide angle 27mm, both perform well. The battery lasts about a 6-9 months for me, I use it a lot. Is it heavy? not really, is it heavy for a compact DSLR? yes, but it helps steady you. My 500cm is heavy, this isn't. Image quality is like any other 35mm, it depends on the lens and film. Use good quality lens and film and your going to love this camera. My only grip is it doesn't have a built in hot shoe, the adapter is just something else to lose. Lens swaps and cleaning are easy as its all modular. Get a good CLA on it every 5 years or so and it will out last you!Read full review
Verified purchase: No
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