Nikon F2 35mm SLRs

Nikon F2 35mm SLRs 

DESCRIPTION

Out of production.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 71-80 of 80  
[Jul 17, 2001]
Gregor Smith
Professional

Strength:

I have an F2 with a non-metering prism and, about, 16 lenses. I have always liked the camera. Since it was new, we meshed. Thing is a quality piece of work. A design ahead of its time. Like the M3.

Weakness:

None for me, except the MD-3 drive was a piece of junk. Don't need the drive anyway.

Well built camera. A design before its time. Probably won't see its kind again.

Customer Service

So far, I haven't needed it for the F2.

Similar Products Used:

I have at the moment (in working order), M3, M6, FM, FE2, 3 Mamiya MR, Rollei TLR, Hasselblad, AS 4 x 5, Linhof 4 x 5 and Deardorff 8 x 10.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 13, 2001]
R Isidro
Professional

Strength:

The icon symbol of 20th century photography.

Weakness:

Starting to feel like jewelry around your neck.

Every serious photographer should have one of these F2's if only to remind them of how it was, how it is now, and how it will be of photography. As long as there is FILM, this baby is an essential tool of the artist / craftsman. (Note that this camera is the highest rated of all in this website!)

Customer Service

Only for gaskets and CLA.

Similar Products Used:

Canon F1, F1n, F1N, Nikon F3, F4

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 25, 2001]
Jim Rucker
Professional

Strength:

My F2's are absolute tanks, they do everything I ask of them and come back for more. The F2 and I seemed to mesh when I got my first one, and over the years, I have had as many as 5, but now am down to the 2 that I bought new in the mid 1970's. I am planning on keeping them for a long time, although with fewer lenses than I had at one time. I plan to use them for many things, although I am trying some F4's for casual and fun shooting.

Weakness:

The meters are not the best, although I used to get lovely exposures from my F2-s. The motor gave me some trouble, so I got rid of it, and always use an incident meter now for all my photos.

If you need an absolutely dependable camera that you can drop, pick up, and expect to work, this is the one to get!

Customer Service

EPOI was great for customer service with my F2s, the meter crapped out within a couple of weeks of pruchase. I have never sent anything to Nikon for work, but have had the cameras cleaned and the light seals repaced locally.

Similar Products Used:

Canon F1, Nikon F, Nikkormat FTn, Nikkormat FT2, Nikkormat EL

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 29, 1999]
David Willis
Beginner
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

Really solid--built like a tank. All manual. I'm in total control, which means I can't blame anything or anyone but myself for mistakes. Excellect features--DOF preview, MLU, etc.

Weakness:

The eyepiece has a metal ring with little bumps and can really scratch glasses. I've heard meter repairs can be expensive. Flash photography is a little tricky.

I've been really pleased with my F2. Straightforward to use. Excellent features. Incredible construction--good solid feel. Nikon hasn't changed their lens mount in years, so there are lots of lenses available. However, Nikon glass is kind of expensive but it's also worth it. An excellent choice for anyone from beginner to advanced photographer who wants a manual, mechanical camera.

Similar Products Used:

Canon FTb. Decent manual camera, but didn't like the focusing screen it had.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 11, 1999]
Michael Goldfarb
Expert
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

The gold standard of mechanical Nikons. Unbelievably well made and dependable, and a thing of beauty too (especially with a plain prism head).

Weakness:

The non-standard cable release thread is a drag, and using a flash is kind of a production number. Also, there are some issues with Photomic meter-head repairs and batteries (so put on that plain prism head and use a hand meter or guestimate exposure!)

One of the all-time classics. Built to last forever, a total pleasure to use. And (for the older F2s and Photomics) the great old non-AI lenses are real bargains these days.

Customer Service

Don't know

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FTn, Nikkormat FTn, assorted OMs

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 31, 1999]
Michael Ribas
Expert
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

I've owned a Nikon F2AS since 1979. It is a rock solid work horse of a camera, while at the same time a beautiful, smooth-operating precision instrument. It has everything a landscape photographer needs - MLU, DOF preview, removable pentaprism which allows you to focus from the top of the camera, and a built-in center weighted LED meter. It's a camera that will not let you down, no matter what the situation.

Weakness:

About 15 years ago I had to have the meter repaired. It's worked ever since.

I once came very close to selling my F2AS to trade in for a newer AF model. Well, I did end up buying a N6006, but I decided to hold ontothe F2AS. It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. After 20 years with this camera, I feel like I'm just now beginning to see and utilize its potential. I shun to think how I would be feeling today had I gave it up to someone.

Customer Service

Average

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N6006
Practica LTL3, MTL3

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 25, 1999]
Carson Jones
Expert
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

All manual and built like a tank. This camera will never let you down but won't take the picture for you. Mirror lockup, multiple exposure, depth of field preview, interchangable focus screens, changable prisims and finders and much more are available for this pro-level camera.

Weakness:

My meter (DP1) reacts a little slow and has a memory. When your in a hurry this can be a problem. Flash photography requires some trial and error to get right. Some people don't like how heavy this camera is, especially with the MD2 strapped to it, but I kinda like it.

This camera is not for everyone. I must admit to a bit of romance with the reputation and reliability of the F2. There are lot's of lenses and acsessories available for these cameras and it's doubtful that you can wear one out through normal use and abuse. My phtography has improved significantly due to the need to compose and understand the exposure required for each picture taken with the F2. I will soon be buying a newer body with auto focus and exposure. I will keep my F2 as a backup and probably keep it loaded with B&W or color print film.

Customer Service

Good Luck, find a good shop that you trust and hope they don't screw it up.

Similar Products Used:

Nikomat FTN, Olympus OM10, Canon Rangefinder, Yashica TLR and a variety of PS

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 10, 1999]
Altti Hellakoski
Expert
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

Rugged, reliable old workhorse

Weakness:

No

I will never give up this body

Similar Products Used:

Canon F1,
Pentax LX,
Nikon F/F3/F4

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 28, 1999]
Rich Blake
Expert
Model Reviewed: F2

Strength:

Reliable, rugged, easy to control. All Nikkor manual lenses.

Weakness:

Heavy and bulky. Collector market raises prices.

Why let these awesome beasts collect dust on the shelf. Get out and use them. Mine is a 72 model that has been to the tops of mountains and the bottoms of canyons. It allows one to have complete control over the composition. No auto anything, real 35mm photography at its finest. Older Nikkor lenses are still around for good prices. The quality is legendary.

Customer Service

Yeah right

Similar Products Used:

Yashica, Nikon F, Cannon EOS

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 71-80 of 80  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

photographyreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com