Nikon F2 - the last completely "pre-AI" Nikon

<p>The DP-11 can be used with non-AI lenses - it has a lockup position for the AI follower that id functionally equivalent to the flip up tab (i.e. you must use stop-down metering.)</p>

<p>Erik, true. What I really should have said is that the F2 is the only Nikon camera that can use both pre-AI and AI lenses without resorting to stop-down metering, thanks to the ability to use both pre-AI and AI metering finders.</p>

<p>JDM are you suggesting that it was someone at Nippon Kogaku who wrote "Let's twist again"? I'll continue calling it the shuffle.<br>

It is a nice sample you got there, not too much brassing=not too heavy use.<br>

It's a wonderful camera, I dislike only two minor details: the sound of the shutter - it is a higher pitch than on the F; and you can't attach or remove the motordrive without ruining the film with a lot of light entering.<br>

I have got 4 of them with motordrive, they are really workhorses.<br>

Three F's - one with Photomic Tn and 2 with Photomic FTn, a Nikkormat ELW, a Nikon EM and one F3 - and even on the F3 and the EM I do the shuffle.</p>

<p>Craig you can use both pre-AI and AI lenses on all Nikon cameras earlier than the F2A.</p>

<p>Von I picked up my F2 w/a DP-2 finder at pawn shop in 93 For a 100.00. Really didn't know what i had but soon found out.I remember it had an old solingor zoom that was broken and threw the lens in the trash.This was my transition to collecting nikons and fadeing out my pentax collection.my first lens was a 50mm f1.7 then my next was a 105 2.8 2nd generation.Later I picked up a MD-1 & MB-1 for a 150.00 Later I stole a 55mm 1.2 for a 100.00 Still a great camera and glad I have one. I think 7 lbs is the weight.</p>

<p>When I looked at the prices realized before I bid, the cheapest F2 body was around US$80 and the older 43-86mm zoom has sold for as little as $10 working. Most prices are considerably higher for both, and I figure I was close to the average, and mine is black and definitely working.</p>

<p>Some of both, presumably on a hot day or in real creampuff condition, have gone for well over the low prices, as high as $500 for a chrome body, but from a dealer with a warranty. Some people (presumably for the collector interest) have paid over $100 for the lens.</p>

<p>A minor point, and totally irrelevant to the real topic, but it seems fair to point out...</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Bjørn, on the other hand, might be a Swede, so he probably deserves sympathy. On the other hand, if he's Danish or Norwegian, well, who can tell? In any case, either he is echoing the Hypnoken, or the other way around</p>

</blockquote>

<p>If you look at <a href="http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html#top1">Rørslett's lens review pages</a>, you'll see that his ratings are all based on personal experience. He is not a Rockwell clone. In fact, he and Rockwell used to get into dustups with each other. The pages haven't been updated in some time and are a little out of date, but I've found them quite helpful.</p>

<p>And what have you got against Swedes? Still feeling tetchy about the Thirty Years' War? ;^) (I'm pretty sure Rørslett's Norwegian.)</p>

<p>I <em>am</em> a Swede. Only my paternal grandfather was German, the rest all from Stockholm or Småland.<br>

Heck, we were the ones who won that war - and that's when my family (the von Weinbergs) moved from east Prussia to Sweden, ca. 1630.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Bjørn: In fact, it is terrible! Easily the worst of all Nikkors in this aspect.<br /><br />Hypnoken: The original Nikon 43-86mm is the worst lens Nikon has ever made.<br /><br /></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I will grant that they are not as similar in wording as my memory made them. I would have no problem in any case absolving Bjørn Røslett. :) Of course, some of us consider Norway to be West Sweden. <br>

(please, no letters, I'm joking, I'll make it up to you on syttende mai, I promise.)<br /></p>

 

<p>I used to have the Photomic FTn. Until it was stolen. Bought it new while in the Far East. Sure liked that camera. Now I have a F2 Titan and a F3/T. Both the F2 & the F3 are my favorites. When you put them in your hands, you just know you have craftsmanship. Nothing more to be said...</p>

<p>And how are the foam seals and dampers of these F2's and all the F's for that matter? I'll advise that users check these foams as they are now at some stage of deterioration. An accidental bump on them would physically dislodge particles to the innards of our beloved Nikons, and to the films as they are re-rolled. Regardless, these F's were made to be cherished, F2's included. I now have a collection of them.</p>

<p>Much later. My foam is tacky so...</p>

<p>I bought replacement foam from Sover Wong along with a couple of needed knobs and such ( he has a really nice site on the F2 with lots of links at http://www.soverf2repair.webs.com/ ). Haven't got to actually replacing it yet.</p>