The Nikon F2 - Greatest Mechanical SLR Ever?

#film #nikon #nikonphotography #analogphotography #filmcamera #filmphotography #filmphotographer #kodakfilm35mm #glaciernationalpark #yellowstonenationalpark #grandtetonnationalpark #35mm

Took a 2-week road trip to Montana, Wyoming and Idaho and visited Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. And the camera I chose to document this trip? The Nikon F2!

It's been said on more than one occasion that the F2 is the best mechanical 35mm SLR ever made. Do I agree? Check out the video to find out (but, yeah, it's pretty darned good).

And I pronounce it NY-Con, even though that may not be globally recognized as correct. But you know what they say about old habits.

And as always, for high-res versions of the photos in this video, check the link below:

[peter]

The F2 has been my daily carry camera for years. Thanks for not being a cry baby about the weight, it's solid not heavy. Well done video useful information.

[flyingo]

In the late 90s and early 2000s, as digital was storming to the top in photography, I bought analog film cameras very, very cheaply. I have literally hundreds of models from every major brand and have used all of them. The Nikon F2 is definitely at the top of my list, (ok in the top three) and I’ve had four of mine serviced by Sover Wong in the UK - the world’s best F2 authority - and each of those are virtually brand new in appearance and functionality now. I own about 25 or 30 Nikon F2 cameras, a few of each iteration. I’ve tried often to consider other cameras as possibly being “better”, but every time, the F2 wins again.

[RetroTokyo]

As a Pentax user, my favourite mechanical camera is the KX.
It's essentially a larger, earlier version on its successor, the MX.
I appreciate the love the F2 gets. I really liked seeing your colour photos, BTW.

[johnsomers]

Phenomenal images! Your "eye" is most gifted. Thanks for the images.

[fMMLIVE]

This video is amazing. Thank you for sharing this information!

[bmwohl]

Great video. I'm going to do some more research on Yellowstone photography rules. I bought my F2S brand new in 1975 and when on rare occasion when I shoot film, it still works great. I own about 8 pre-AI lenses from 20mm to 200mm plus a 500mm mirror Nikkor. Now I'm all into the Z system. In 1978 I moved to northeastern Wyoming to be nearer to the wonderful places you showed in this video. I could identify most of your Yellowstone locations.

[paulwmoreland]

My wife's uncle just sent me his pristine F2 from about 1974. I'm still running my first roll of film since the late 20th Century through it. It is indeed a lovely piece of machinery.

[gregwardecke]

How uncanny! I just bought a one owner F2 about two weeks ago and now an excellent video about it. Hard to believe my 50 year old version operates as nicely as it does. DP-1 Finder with a 55mm f1.2 lens.

I wish more people had a chance to experience what you saw. The blue pill or red pill that seems to put us on edge as a nation just doesn’t seem to matter when you are looking at some of those vistas. You just thank God in heaven you get to call it “Home”!

Thanks for taking us along, I appreciate it.

[camerasam]

Love my Nikon f2s, My copy I believe it was hand assembled in Japan in 1974. Time's I just take it out to look at it. To anyone considering buying one I say . What product can you buy today that will outlast you, it is for life. So yes Buy one you won't regret it . Great video my friend and beautiful photos. Best wishes from Ireland

[qizhang]

Thank you for the technical details about F2. And thank you so so much for the rules of photographing in Yellow Stone. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[philipdahl]

Nice video! Thank you! I'm a lifelong resident of Western Montana (70 years) and your slideshow makes me want to get out for a road trip even though I have visited these places many times I never tire of them. The only time I have ever run afoul of any photography restrictions was at the National Bison Range at Moise, Montana, which I highly recommend seeing. I was using a Kiev 88 on a tripod and the ranger thought I must be a professional, go figure 🙂

[drkopkaish]

I always wanted to see Montana with its gorgeous views, and now you made video of these beautiful places with my favorite camera series. Thank you!

[tonym]

This is my favorite YouTube channel!!!! as always thanks for sharing your time and knowledge.

[CMCSenior]

Great video and beautiful shots! Glad you and your wife got to take this special trip. My late wife and I took a very similar trip back in the early 90’s. Your trip brought back many fond memories. Thank you.

[davidgambin]

Good to see you back! And glad you take your time for your life and prioritise your personal time. I hope you had a great time on that road trip. And you’re back with the Nikon F2, no less!

[MrDastardly]

Great film & wonderful photography.
The F3 screams of quality.

[Magnetron]

Hi, my uncle had one. Very sturdy camera! Best wishes from Germany, Ralf

[peetje]

Just came across your channel, very well spoken, explained en beautiful photos.

[lepolau]

Very good video as always. A very interesting program for the next videos!

[budsurtees]

Yes, absolutely. The F2 is legend. The only thing better than the original F2 is the F2AS, which I had the pleasure to own and take fantastic images with. Rugged and tough and sharp - every click was like bestowing a blessing on the world. Circumstances intervened and I had to sell my F2AS along with the fantastic Nikkor 28 mm and 55 mm macro lenses. I loved that equipment more than I loved life. Oh well.