NAS strikes again UPDATE!!

[Deleted]

Although I haven shot film in over a year I got ambushed over the weekend by NAS (Nikon Aqusition Syndrome).

One Nikon model I always lusted after was the F2--arguably the best manual focus SLR ever made (IMO). I had a friend who was a photographer for United Press International who bought two extra F2s and had them stashed in his closet so If Nikon went to a new model before he retired, he wouldn't have to switch.

But before I got around to getting an F2--after the prices dropped to a relatively reasonable level--I turned to the dark side and went digital.

Last week I glanced at the local Craig's list and there was a used F2 with 50mm f1.4 and also a zoom lens for sale for $150. I called the woman who owned it and she said the camera was cosmetically beautiful but the meter isn't working. But since if I got the camera it would simply be for display $150 was more than I could justify paying.

Sunday the camera was still listed so on a whim I emailed the seller and made an absolutely silly offer--less than the normal lens on the camera is worth. And she accepted!!!

I'm supposed to pickup the camera later today. I'm thinking the inoperative meter might just be dirty electricval contacts. But even if that's not the case the F2 will operate fine without a meter--and I mave several manual focus lenses that will work on the camera. I have a feel I might just have to fun a roll or two through it.

Stay tuned for pictures.

Wayne

[Randy]

Sounds like a real deal Wayne! Although classic cameras look nice when displayed, I kind of have a hard time with the idea they are worth more if used as a display piece. If that's the case, I have over 100 expensive display pieces.

[casualcollector]

Don't sweat justifying the F2 Wayne. I'm missing the Canon F1n and first gen. FTb for my FD collection. I'd do the same as you.

Some cameras have that historical significance and deserve to be in the collection. I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000i that I recently picked up. I consider it a historically significant camera. When I see what they fetch on e-bay, only around $25.00, maybe it should be a shelf queen in my collection.

[Deleted]

Went over to get the camera. The owner had told me the meter had not worked for about 25 years. The camera, however was in beauticul shape. Came with 50mm f1.4 lens and a Vivitar 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 macro zoom that also will fit the later auto indexing model Nikons. Took them home for $100.

Got home, stopping on the way to pick up a couple of silver S-76 1.5 volt batteries. Popped open the battery compartment which contained a couple of very corroded alkaline 1.5 V batteries (camera was never designed for alkalines). Cleaned the battery compartment. Then popped the finder and cleaned the electric contacts on the body and on the finder. Put it back together, turned it on, meter works fine.

....Just discovered the 28-200 Vivitar is made by Kiron, somewhat rare and highly regarded.

Luckiest I have been for awhile. Ain't she a beut?

Wayne


Nikon F the FTn finder I already had.


Newly-acquired Nikon F2 with DP-1 finder.

[vintageslrs]

Nice pick up Wayne!

Looks super!

Glad to see film reaching out and trying to drag you back to the dark side..... ;D


Enjoy it
Bob

[nikonbob]

Wayne

Can't say I blame you for picking up that F2 and it looks to be in super condition too.

Bob

[casualcollector]

Here's a pat on the back from FL. Good catch Wayne!

[galenk]

just Beautiful!!! I don't have a NiKon (yet) but i'vealways wanted an F2 now I'm going to have to start looking Great find!

[drako]

Love it!

[Deleted]

Additional Update. I had to dump the 50mm f1.4. It was pretty well beat up anyway and I'm pretty sure it had some fungus. In fact, you can almost see it in the photo above. The Vivitar 28-200 is fine, however. Also replaced the focus screen with one I had from a parts F model. I now have repleased the mirror buffer foam and the back also needs new foam--it has turned to goo over the years.

[Mark Vaughan]

Wayne,

Welcome to F2 ownership. You are going to reap the rewards of shooting with a phenomenal camera - which includes pumped-up biceps and forearms!!! Mine, equipped with DP-12 (AS/AI) Metering Head as well as an MD2/MB3 + MF-3 Rewind Stop Back will demoralize you after a hours with it around your neck or holding it for a while. Now I know why the pros in the old days went for their Nikkormats so often!

That said, I use an old non-AI Nikkor H-C 50mm F2 lens (in stop-down mode, of course) and shed tears of joy over the results 90% of the time. My F3/MD-4 collects dust. It is not only my most valuable camera, but my favorite. I have an F/FTN as well, but the F2 reigns supreme. I must say that when the pictures have to count, the F2 comes out. You shouldn't be replacing batteries for the next decade...

Great catch!

Mark
Greetings from Boston today...

[casualcollector]

I'll take the 50 to practice on! I promise, I'll show an exploded view, just like I did for the Polaroid, umm, err, The Yashinon!!

[Deleted]

Mark:

I envy you your AS head. In a perfect world I would have that of the DP-3 heaid which could handle both AI and non AI lenses. Unfortunately the F2 with the DP-3 head is a collecter's item and fetches higher prices thas the F2AS.

As far as weight goes, I owned an F4s and I still have a couple of Fs around that are as heavy or heavier. And my D300 is both larger and I think heavier . Makes the F2 almost seem like a P&S.

[drako]

Jul 6, 2009 16:35:08 GMT -5 @wayne said:

Also replaced the focus screen with one I had from a parts F model.

Wayne, do I understand correctly that focus screens from the F system also work with the F2?

[Deleted]

The Focus screens from the original Nikon F will work in the F2. I don't think the F3 and later screens will work.

Wayne