James Bryant

<p>Nikon FM2n, Zeiss ZF 50/2, Hoya Y 52 Yellow Filter, 400TX</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n, ZF 50/2, Orange Filter 040, 400TX.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n Nikkor 50/1.8, yellow filter 022, 400TX.</p><div></div>

<p>After several years of digital, I rediscovered b&w film last November. You will be amazed how the Zeiss lenses I bought for the Nikon D800 do on b&w film. I don't know why but I am really enjoying the film. My serious photography goes back to 1966. It could be that I am a better b&w film photographer than digital. </p>

<p>Nikon F6 with Zeiss Otus 85mm manual focus lens. Focus set with depth of field scale for foreground and distance to remain in focus. Exposure set manually after spot metering for placement of tones. Kodak 400TX.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikkormat FT2, Nikkor 50mm f1.4, B+W 022, 400TX.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n, Nikkor 50mm f1.8, B+W 022, Ilford FP4+.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n, Zeiss ZF 25/2, FP4+.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikkormat FT2, Nikkor 50/1.4 with medium yellow filter, Kodak 400TX.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n, Zeiss Zf 25/2 with light red filter, Ilford Pan F+.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon FM2n, Zeiss Zf 25/2 with light red filter, Ilford Pan F+.</p><div></div>

<p>Nikon D800 with Zeiss 25/2.</p><div></div>

<p>I use manual focus Zeiss lenses on my D800 and F6 as well as a FM2n. On the FM2n the split image works well. On the D800 and F6 I use the focus indicator and get good results. Mostly landscapes and some family. The thing I like about MF is I want to select the focus point and not the camera. I admit that moving grandchildren are a challenge. The rendering from the Zeiss is what keeps me using them.</p>

<p>November Sunrise Tennessee, Fuji Velvia 100, Nikon FM2n with 105mm F2.8 Micro-Nikkor.</p><div></div>

<p>I purchased a 500c in 1972 and a 501cm in 2002. If you don't mind the cost the 501cm is a much better camera. Better mirror and brighter viewfinder with split image focusing and a rapid wind crank. Also the new magazines have a slot for the dark slide. Since it is newer there is a better chance of getting parts.</p>

<p><img src="/bboard/10103525" alt="" />Nikon FM2n Ilford Pan F+ 50mm f1.8 Nikkor B+W 022 filter</p><div></div>

<p>I was using the D800 in manual mode when I tried to place an object in the middle of the tone range or zone V equivalent in color. I wanted the background to go dark. No mater what I tried the camera would raise the ISO to include the background detail. As an old black and white zone system photographer, I apply the same principles to digital photography. As mentioned earlier when I took the camera off auto iso the problem ceased. I was not using flash. When I use the built in flash the camera automatically sets the shutter speed to 1/60 of a second. I haven't tried to change it although I can see when using mixed lighting that would be useful. </p>

<p>I had that happen on my D800 when I accidentally had it set on auto ISO. I went to the manual and took the camera off auto ISO and the problem went away. </p>

<p>My experience is the same as Daniel's. My new Zeiss lenses are a noticeable better than my legacy ais lenses. I bought the new lenses for my D800 and the difference shows up on film as well. </p>

<p>Since I bought a new Nikon F6 USA from B&H in January 2016, I expect Nikon USA will service the camera for a few years. I don't know about other countries or independent service centers.</p>

<p>I have two mechanical Nikon camera bodies. They are my dad's 41 year old Nikkormat FT2 that I recently ran a roll of film through. The other is a Nikon FM2n that was my primary 35mm film camera until last January when I added a Nikon F6. The F6 has a very nice built in spot meter that allows me to use the zone system for black and white film. The F6 is probably the last of the Nikon F series film cameras. A wide variety of lenses are available and some are usable on all three bodies.</p>

<p>I have been having great results on my F6, FM2n, and D800 with the Zeiss manual focus lenses for Nikon. I have both the older non chipped and newer chipped lenses. They move 35mm film a step closer to medium format. On the D800 the optical quality shines. The down side is size, weight, and cost. They have an aperture ring although on the F6 and D800 you set the aperture with the front control wheel. </p>

<p>I joined as a subscribing member today. When I tried to post a picture it asked for a picture url that I don't know. So I need help posting a picture.</p>