Nikon F Review and How to. Waist Level Viewfinder!!

I go over and show how to use a Nikon F. I also show how to switch the ftn viewfinder to a waist level viewfinder.

[jeffzbar]

I'm 53 and took out today for the first time in 20 years the Nikon F my father bought for me used when I was about 14 years old. I loaned it to a friend for his son to use in photo class, but this video reminds me how beautiful, elegantly designed, and plain solid this camera is. Think I might get back into amateur photography again. My DSLR Nikon just doesn't bring the same mood and feel that my workhorse F brings...

[skeetwoodmac]

This was really helpful! As a beginner I was having such a hard time finding videos breaking down how to use it, only videos about it. Thank you so much!

[thomasmoje]

Just picked up an Ftn in 'very good plus' condition. Took it out for first photo outing the other day just love using it; can't beat the satisfaction of using an iconic film SLR. Just a beautiful tank of a camera; no extra buttons or gizmos to fiddle with: set for the film ASA, focus, set for correct exposure center the meter needle with lens aperture and shutter speed and take the photo. Everything else required for a good photograph is up to the photographer.

[henryrogers]

Great informative video! Better than most. I have a 1972 model year Nikon F, overhauled and refurbished. I love that silver Ftn prism head on the black body. A pure joy to shoot with!

[christophevw]

Thnx dude, I just bought one. Cant wait till it arrives an shoot it. This video helped me out to test it when it arrive. Thnx!!

[kylewood]

I opted for the F3 but the F started it all and is an awesome camera too!

[joaquinbendezu]

Great video! What model of battery are you using for the light meter?

[charliem]

Stupid question. Struggling to find a waist level viewfinder. Can you use it without??? Just like how it is at 8:46??? Great video - thanks!

[TyM]

I’m curious, I’m pretty sure the one I’ve got is the F2 (I’ll have to check when I can) but what waist level viewfinder part do I need for that one? What would I need to search for?

[HazyDaisy]

your serial number starts with 717 it was produced between October and December of 1970.

[andrewhowarth]

Not to sound like a boomer, but I've had F's since the 1960s. This is a great intro, but you are mixing up the Self Timer, Depth of Field preview button (upper), and Mirror Lock Up button (upper). To lock the mirror up, you twist the mirror lock up button, fire a shot (no need to use the self timer), advance the film, and take the shot. You waste one shot every time you lock up the mirror. Nice stuff on the waist level finder, which is a very under-appreciated feature. I've reconstructed and expanded my 1960s/70s outfit to include waist level and Ftn finder, and 20, 24, 28, 35, 50 (1.4), 105, 200, and 300mm lenses. I love my Pentax and Rolleiflex SL35 outfits, and my Barnack Leicas as well, but the F is my favorite 35mm outfit and gets the most use by far. Great to see younger people rediscovering the pleasures, "feel", and anticipation of film photography! Andy

[HazyDaisy]

you're welcome. I had searched nikon/Nikkor f serial numbers and was on a link for destoutz.ch . My camera is from 73 but looks just like this. you actually helped me tons. this camera was a gift from my grandpa that took my baby pictures 27 years ago

[igutierrez]

Would this camera be a bargain at 150$ including 4 lenses. I believe they range from 28mm to 85mm. It's in like new condition.

[terrywbreedlove]

I want the F but with the eye level viewfinder. I want a nice one I can take apart and paint.

[woodcutter]

Very useful video, thanks. Is the waist level finder pretty much a shade hood, or are there any other optics in there? (apart from the little flip down magnifier)

[upcomingcloudrapperluca]

My advance lever is kinda shakey up and down, is this normal?

[rocktimes]

what is the hole on the left upper front of the body used for ?
You did mention early on something like " flash "...

[robertriley]

I just bought a Nikon F and this is the most helpful video I have found. Just to clarify, are you using regular 1.5 volt batteries and you didn’t have any problem with exposure? Again thanks for this video.

[lunchroomdad]

Can the aperture hook thing be bypassed? Mines not hooking correctly and I just want to use my lens aperture normally, but my aperture blades are wide open unless I hold the preview button. Can I just hold this button to take a pic each time?

[DundieBernard]

Hey, can you still change the ISO somehow when only having the waist level finder?