A Review of the Nikon F2

The Nikon F was first produced to provide reporters with a solid and ergonomic camera. Used on the Moon and in Vietnam during wartime, it is the weapon of choice by many photographers. The Nikon F2 quickly followed and it was so loved that even after the release of the Nikon F3, photographers would rather buy a used F2 than a new F3.

The shutter curtains of the Nikon F2 are made of titanium, while speed range goes from 1/2,000 to Bulb. This camera can use light meter included prisms. Many optics can be used on this little baby. But you will quickly realize that this camera is a very, very powerful one.

This camera does exactly what you want it to do. It’s fast and smart. You don’t have a light meter in your prism? Never mind. Grab your light meter, select speed, and aperture. Focus, then shoot. At first, I was scared. I took my time in checking my photo, my lighting... what if the camera needs more light than what the light meter says? But no. The Nikon F2 will follow everything you want, will do everything you want. It just adapts itself everywhere.

For instance, if you’re shooting with T64 film, with its very low ISO, so you'll need light! But this camera, with a f/1.4 aperture lens, lets you do whatever you want!

Outside:

Inside:

Not bad at all! It was really made for photojournalism. It follows what you want, where you are, and what you are shooting. Even on your first roll, you can expect 30 good photos!

But what if you have a Photomic prism with a light meter? How can you use it? It took me some time to understand it, so I’ll make a little explanation. First, you have to load batteries into your camera body. Most importantly, the light meter is activated when you pull the film advance lever to uncover the red dot. To check the batteries, push the little silver button in front of the camera

Your batteries are good? Great! Now we can begin measuring the exposure. Turn the light meter on by uncovering the red dot. Look into your viewfinder and set the speed and aperture until the little needle is in the middle! You can also check it on the little window that checks your batteries. Done? Now shoot!

Because that’s exactly what you have to do with that camera: shoot. The camera will follow you. Many cameras of the 70s need time to think about what you’re shooting, need light... but this one just needs you to pull the trigger. You don’t have to think, you just have to follow your feelings – which is why this camera is just perfect for travels and street photography. It’s not noisy, a little heavy, but you will get used to it. Don’t worry about taking it everywhere. This is the type of camera that never dies and was made to get to the moon and back!

Try it and you will have one of the most well-conceived SLRs on Earth. Really. Shoot, don’t think. This camera loves you!

This is a review submitted by Community Member alexintheskywithdiamonds.

작성자 Alexandra Pillet 작성일 2015-06-15 #gear #review #nikon-f2 #regular-contributor 기사 공유하기