Trying to decide a second film body

<p>I have currently been using my Nikon F4s, mainly with the 50mm 1.8D and 400 speed black and white film on the average day. But I keep running into situations where I am using B/W, but then see something spectacularly colorful mid-roll and can't shoot it in color. So this has pushed me towards the decision to get a second film body.</p>

<p>Currently I am considering Nikon's manual focus cameras from the late 70's to mid 80's, specifically the FA, FG, FE2, and F3.</p>

<p>I am most strongly looking at the FA and F3 for their features such as DOF preview, which I find useful but not neccesary, and their ruggedness. But at the same time, I have read that there are reliability issues with the FA such as electronics ceasing to function, while everyone's F3s are shooting through rolls like brand new.<br>

The FE2 and FG have also been considered for their similar used prices and quality, but the FG looks like it might be too small for my hands as well as too awkward (shutter speed underneath film advance, etc) as I am used to the F4s with its heft and the separation of controls from eachother.</p>

<p>In your opinion, which of these cameras would be the best companion to the F4, and the best fit?</p>

<p>I'm looking to spend $150-$300 dollars, and will mainly be using a 50mm 1.8 and 24mm 2.8 on the camera.</p>

<p>Also, suggestions of alternate cameras outside of these four are very much welcome!</p>

<p>The F3 is indeed a great machine and very durable, but I would consider an N90 or N90s. Mine has barely any rubberized coating on it, I have used it heavily and it works perfect, not a blink. My pair of F3s were also excellent but I used them for sports and the one was in bad shape so I got an N90 to replace it. N90 has DOF an a flash sync socket and a great viewfinder and you don't have to wind it or put a big heavy motor on it.</p>

<p>I've been using my F2's for 35 years. Sometime I use the DOF preview too but not often.</p>

<p>One advantage they always had was that they don't need a battery to run.</p>

<p>I notice from time to time barely used versions of them come up for sale for good prices ~$250, more of that I think on CragsList SF for those prices.</p>

<p>I absolutely love the F3. I had the HP finder which was great as I wear glasses. If no glasses you're better off with the normal finder. It was very reliable while I had it and a joy to use. Shot on 'A' all the time with slide film and the exposures were rock solid spot on every time. Great metering. Makes me wonder why we need 1005 pixel metering when good center weighted metering could do so well.</p>

<p>The F3 is a great camera and the built is just amazing. I had an F3 that was so battered that a couple of the slow speeds were off and the flange was slightly dented; but the camera was still exposing shots reliably and accurately. If you are looking for a manual film camera with the budget you stated, the F3 series is probably the best you can get.</p>

<p>I do agree with Dave Wilson's suggestion on the F90/90x too. If you use the auto focus on your F4s once in a while, it is a great camera to consider.</p>

<p>F3 or F100. F100s show up for under $300 and would be closer to the F5 in terms of layout. I had a N90s and hated the ergonomics, but they're quite inexpensive now. F3s are tanks, but have a nutty flash attachment and require dedicated flashes or a flash with a dedicated module (at least one Sunpak or Metz). F100 will take VR lenses, should you have any, and SB600 flashes (won't take SB400, don't know about other flashes).</p>

<p>The FE2 is hands down the best manual film body I have used and seem to go on forever. If you want fancy auto features the F100 would be a good choice.</p>

<p>Hi Jared,<br>

I've have used them all and this would be my choice.<br>

FA - for the matrix metering<br>

F3 - for the durability or if motor drive is needed<br>

FM or FM2 - for an all mechanical shutter which can be used without batteries except for the meter.<br>

I would chose one of the above three before an FE, FE2 or FG. The FE/FE2 handles similarly to the FM/FM2 but with an electronic shutter. I carried an FM2 as a back up to my F3's because of the mechanical shutter and it's ability to work without batteries. I never liked the handling of the FG.<br>

So maybe you should get all three! And don't forget to add in an F2AS just for nostalgia. Seriously though, I had three F3's that I used very hard for many years when I was shooting sporting events (before AF). I never had any significant problems with the F3. I considered them to be very reliable.<br>

Good luck in your quest. <br>

JB</p>

I like the FM2. FE2's, if I remember correctly, have some part availibity issues.

 

You might also consider a F5 or 8008s. The 8008s are dirt cheap, have a high eyepoint finder, a spotmeter, and a bigger/wider range exposure meter readout than the 90-series cameras.

<p>The best companion to an F4s that you like using is an F4s, unless the accumulated weight of the two is a problem. You should be able to find a good used one in your price range, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you get used to the controls.</p>

<p>For the proces I've seen, I think the best buy, today, is the F100. Yes, it is all menus and not knobs like the F4, but it has all the modern features and can use a large range of lenses.</p>

<p>The one thing that might tip the scale, for an older body is your lenses. Are they MF or AF versions ? If they are MF, perhaps an older body, with a focus screen designed for MF would be better.</p>

<p>I moved from the FG to the F4, and I really don't find the shutter speed dial a problem at all. Your finger is sitting right on top of it, to press the shutter. What I am not a huge fan of, is that when you spin it too far, you get to the A and P modes, and it locks in place and you have to push a little button, right next to it, to release the dial.</p>

<p>I checked at KEH and they have an N90s, in EX shape for $99. They had an F100, last week for under $200, and I see plenty of them going for under $200 on eBay. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>In the PN Classified a member had an F3 for $100, in good shape, several days ago.</p>

<p>I shoot with an F4 and F100. I like them both. If you ever use the autofocus on the F4s then you will love the autofocus on the F100. It is better. If you manual focus, the F100 does a pretty good job. I have a feeling that you don't use flash...but the flash sync on the F100 is 1/250. That could swing a vote away from the other cameras.</p>

<p>For actual <em>USE</em>, my 'film camera recommendation' would (<em>also!</em>) be: F3 or F100 (F5, F6..).<br />All the others (FA, FG etc. etc.) are certainly useable, but nowadays I would only acquire them as collectibles.</p>

<p>There is an alternative that doesn't require using a second body at all. Buy a film leader extractor (I have one made by Ilford) and a marker pen. That way you can rewind your current film and mark on the cannister what frame you got up to. Switch to colour in the same body and switch back later.</p>

 

I usually carry a pair of F4's or an F4 and an F2, by far my favorite cameras in the Nikon line. The F3 finally grew on me and is a sweet camera. All are available for a song. if it were me I would get an F2A or AS.

 

Rick H.

<p>Well all of the suggestions here are good. If you plan to shoot film for a long time, then I would consider the F6. Its expensive, but no film shooter should go without experiencing the F6. Its just a great tool. The ergonomics are great. It works with the widest range of Nikkor lenses and the metering is perfect.<br>

If not, the F3 is the best bet. I love the F3 and its frequently a second camera for me as well. One thing that no one mentioned here is that the F3 can use F4 focusing screens. Its nice to have the interchangeability.<br>

The F4 and F3 make a great pair.<br>

Anthony</p>

<p> </p>

<p>To Jared Angle, the OP: if you would like to make this thread more useful to you, you need to be a little more precise about what type of camera you prefer for your 2nd body, e.g. AF vs. MF, a heavy F series or a lighter FM/FE family body, and also your budget.</p>

<p>Otherwise, if you do not narrow down the choices youself, people will simply recommend their own favorite cameras, most of which will have nothing to do with your (the OP's) preferences.</p>

<p>For example, if my primary camera is already an F4 (as it did back in the early 1990's, almost 20 years ago), I sure don't want a second heavy camera because I typically also carry a lot of heavy lenses. But that is just me; your mileage will likely vary.</p>

<p>The FA is still a good viable body, readily available at reasonable prices. When searching for one, I would tend to avoid the auctions and pick one that you can check the functions before you buy. It is a nice all around film camera. They are cheap enough that if it breaks you can pitch it and get another. Mine has been problem free since 1985. It will see some action again today. Try one.</p>