Why the Nikon F2 is the Best Nikon Camera

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[HowToHomeLife]

I have a Nikon F2SB and a Nikon FTN with Nikkor lenses (20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 55mm macro, and 85mm) that I acquired while buying, selling and repairing Nikon equipment in one of my businesses; "Dave's Nikon". In addition, I was the owner of "Four Designs Co.", converting 1960's professional Polaroid cameras (110A, 110B) to 3-1/4 X 4-1/4 Polaroid "pack film", I converted more than ten-thousand of these cameras! I have repaired thousands of different 35mm SLR cameras, and on close inspection of these cameras interiors, there was a clear and discernible quality difference of Nikon F and F2 cameras, compared to all other brands. Most other camera brands interiors were left unfinished, no anti-corrosion plating of the brass components, rough edges on components, overall, crude compared to the F and F2. Nikon's F and F2 cameras always worked flawlessly because they were constructed with absolutely the finest quality components throughout! David Riddle

[neilpiper]

I have a Nikon F2, a Nikkormat Ft2 but my FE gets used more, mainly because it's lighter and has the auto function so my friend, who is not a photographer can easily use it. It takes all my old Nikon glass right back to 1959.
And it doesn't have the model number printed on the front.
My grandaughter has an FM which also is number free.
I have been using a borrowed Voightlander Bessa L with the 25mm f4 lens and separate viewfinder.
I am seriously thinking of selling my F2, so thanks for the video which may go some way towards helping to put the price up.
I am retired now so my needs have changed. Thanks Nikon for many trouble free years with the F2 and Nikkormat Ft2 as companions.
And thanks to Yashica for the two Yashica Mats I used in the 1960s and early 1970s.
I still have my 1957 version with the Lumaxar 75mm f3. 5 lens.

[MichaelWellman]

I happen to own six of the Nikon F series cameras and the F2 is at the top of the list because of its simplicity and durability. The F5/6 are great cameras and are probably the best the F2 is a joy to use

[jetjumper]

The F2 is just an improved/refined F. It is pure simple photography in your hands. You control everything, the metering is just an helpful assistant. You can use all Nikon lenses with aperture ring, something not possible with the F5 ( not w/o mod, but who can do now?) I have an F2A, and I enjoy it.

[timothypagsisihan]

I agree too. though the Nikon fg is my true favorite camera because of its compact size and balance of analog and electronic elements, I would choose an F2 for the durability, mirror lock, and the mechanical shutter.

[JenniferM]

Good choice.  The F2 is my favourite Nikon too.

[NateEll]

Nikon at it’s infancy didn’t make Leica copies. If anything, the Nikon rangefinders were far more like Contax cameras. They did make lenses that fit L39 Mount.

[Bill]

Thanks for the nostalgic video. My first serious SLR was a NIKON F-2 AS Photomic.

[chudesen]

Nice review and I am considering a Nikon F2 with the basic prism. That aside we need to put things (and history) right -- The first truly modular SLR camera was Exakta Varex of Ihagee Dresden. Before Nikon F took hold, the Exakta was THE system camera in 35mm SLR -- the Exakta really took off in the early 50-ies when the interchangeable pentaprism and waist level viewfinder were introduced in the Varex models, followed by semi-automatic APD lenses in the mid 50-ies. And Exakta Varex is the only system, where instead of a take-up spool, one can use another cassette, and there was a knife to cut-off the film, so that that the exposed part can be developed quickly, ... Before Nikon F replaced it, Exakta was the workhorse for all scientific and medical work, in National Geographic for the close-ups, etc. It was very popular in US and quite expensive btw. Unfortunately for all kind of reasons, Ihagee failed to progress the Exakta design, and gradually in the sixties was replaced by the Nikon F system. For its time, Exakta was quite an impressive system camera, with huge selection of lenses and accessories.

[Flavum]

The F2AS, to be more specific. Greatly improved metering.

[uncatila]

The F2 is the best because they didn't need to print F2 On it. Everyone knew. Everyone except me. God put one in my hands and I was so ignorant I used to call it. "My nikon land camera" I had started out with a Nikonos ll but it got stolen in Florence Italy in 1982.

[Jambivids]

Another great video, love the history and the delivery. Keep the awesome videos coming :)

[MrMarkpoole]

Another great video.You're right.A new or different camera doesn't mean better pictures.The best camera is always the one you have with you.

[Blueangel]

nothing more to say. Everything right. Btw the only Nikon for pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses with 100% viewfinder screen and everything else you really need for non-digital photography. Its not the F3... The F3 looks gorgeous...yeah. but F2 works on every shutter speed without batteries and can do everything the F3 does as well.

[ron]

Added my third F2 last week, F2AS, 780xxx, K screen, and I believe it to be pinnacle of series. Digital 800 and 750 are nice but crafting the print is partially somebody else and I lose control.
Bad luck with printers unless they are used a lot.

As far as slowing down to think, I shoot all like they are 4x5, even digital. Why have a bunch of useless negatives?

[chunlengteo]

How is the Nikon F2 while focusing with ground glass(without waist level hood) at chest level(~in from of your solar plexus)? Is it too small an image to reliably focus and compose?

[rward]

For those who don’t know, the thing is a brick (maybe a brick and a half). My sister and I each have one. We like to joke that if someone tries to steal it, you can beat him with the F2 and then take his picture. That said, mine isn’t going ever.

[alexanderkowollik]

A very good video - a good photographer takes any camera. But the F2 really is to last forever (like an old Nikon-add proclaimed).

[MycroftMobil]

The F2a was the last hand assembled Nikon.

[md-lcgq]

Nikon started off by making lenses and Zeiss Contax copies, not Leica copies, though