The Nikon with the Little Black Pointed Hat

<p>I have a black F2 and the same PC Nikkor. I don't have that 85 or the plain prism finder. Apart from its looks, do we know whether the actual prism in the DP-1 is any different? If I need to approximate the function of the 85 I use a Minolta X-700 with the Auto Bellows III and attach an 80/5.6 EL Nikkor. The EL Nikkor has enough covering power for the movements of the bellows. I don't have an E screen yet for my F2. Both of my FEs have E screens and I am looking for an E screen for my N2020s. In 1984 I had Professional Camera Repair in NY install an E screen from the FE in a Konica FT-1. It made the camera much more useful for macro work, with zoom lenses and with slower lenses in general. An E screen was later installed in a Konica Autoreflex T2 so I could have a mechanical camera with a grid type screen. The two cameras I use most now are an F-1 with an LD (grid) screen and an X-700 with a grid screen.</p>

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<p> Apart from its looks, do we know whether the actual prism in the DP-1 is any different?</p>

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<p>Good Question, Jeff. The housing is different but not sure about the glass within. Of course, it's a metered prism with a bottom display and mechanical linkage to the shutter speed dial.<br>

The El Nikkor on the Minolta Auto Bellows sounds like a great solution to achieve similar results. Though perhaps not as hand holdable or as bright focusing as the PC lens, in studio use those differences would be irrelevant. I'm guessing more cost effective as well. Thanks for your insights.</p>

 

<p>Louis,</p>

<p>Wow...is all I can say. I love them.<br>

Louisa</p>

 

<p>Fantastic photos Louis. Just shows that you don`t need the latest all singing, all dancing DSLR, too create beautifull images. I like all five images,#2 and 3, are very spooky,#4 and 5 inspired, I`ll have to drag out my F2 and give it a run around the park.</p>

<p>I have two Nikon Fs and two F2s. I have the non-metered viewfinder only for the F. All of them are chrome, but that black F2 shown is a thing of beauty.</p>

<p><strong>Louisa</strong>- Thanks for the good feedback and encouragement. I 'm glad you like the pictures.<br>

<strong>Alan</strong>- I agree. I have to deal with a high level of digital imaging complexity every day. For my fun picture making I rather enjoy the simple approach. Thanks for you comments!<br>

<strong>Kerry</strong>- Gosh, it is a thing of beauty. There is something about the plain, uncluttered screen of the DE-1 that I like. It's like viewing your scene as if you are sitting in a movie theater. Perhaps this adds somewhat to the impression of "brightness".</p>

<p>Louis -- WONDERFUL shots! Creative and tack-sharp where they need to be. I have the DE-1 finder on my F2 that i picked up a few years ago at an estate sale for just a few bucks. I was having problems with my metered finder (need to get it fixed sometime), so I popped the DE-1 on and use a hand-held meter. It makes the F2 a more elegant-looking camera, to say the least. </p>

<p>Its easy to get tied up in the superb mechanics and feel of all this great gear. I love your self-assignment, the mask on water with flag and music man are my favorites.</p>

<p>I just got my Nikkormat back from a full CLA and tune up... I hope to do a similar post in the next couple weeks!<br /><br />Tony</p>