Which Nikon is right for you? my 35mm Nikon collection
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- Going over my Nikon collection pros, cons, what I like and don't like about several popular models. If you are trying to decide which route to take, hopefully this will help give you a few quick insights on which 35mm Nikon film camera is right for you.
0:00 Intro
0:36 Nikon F
2:18 Nikon F2
4:45 Nikkormat
5:06 Nikkormat FT3
6:50 Nikon EM
7:34 Nikon FG
10:24 Nikon FM
11:15 Nikon FE2
12:12 Nikon F3
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![Is the Nikon F3 worth it? Nikon F3 vs FM2 // Nikon film camera Part 3 [EN SUB & 中文字幕]](/img/n.gif)
The last couple of years I have collected all the Nikon F cameras, from F to F6. I said before I started that I will keep two of them. I'm leaning towards the F3 and F6.
Strongly suggest holding onto the F2. No electronics to fail.
Choosing battery dependent Nikons? Choose the F, F2 and Nikomat if wisdom holds any value to you.
@@linjicakonikon7666 I agree with you, it's like someone picking the pentax Super A over the k1000..it wouldn't make sense in the end
Nikon is my favorite 35mm slr system and I have been shooting nikon for almost 20 years now. After owning a bunch of different bodies I recently splurged and got a mint fm2/t. It is such a perfect camera. I wanted an fm3a but it costs double what the fm2/t cost. The aperture priority (on fm3a) would be really nice on a fully mechanical camera but the fm2 is really fast to use once I built up some muscle memory. You can meter and change settings quickly without removing your eye from the viewfinder
The titanium version huh? Very nice. Ya you have to really be committed for that extra cost.
Not mentioned in the video: the Nikon FG has three exposure modes: aperture-preferred automatic, full program automatic (camera chooses combination of shutter speed and lens aperture for proper exposure), and manual. Also it has through-the-lens flash metering with compatible flash units. The Nikon FG offered a lot of features for the money in a compact package and could use many of Nikon's AI/AIS lenses. The FG represents a good example of the time when camera manufacturers were competing for the 'consumer market' in film SLR cameras. The FG I have I originally purchased for my wife in 1985 she wanted a good camera but didn't want to have to fiddle with exposure settings so the FG was ideal for her at the time. I also have an F, Nikkormat FT2, FM. Love using all of them.
Back in action, great overview of the Nikon 35mm film cameras dude 🙌🏾
Very nice video, Graham! I've got about 10 Nikon SLRs, and my favourite Nikon is the FM2N. No need for batterys, and it just feels right. A week ago I bought a F-801 (N8008 in US) with a lens for €20. Not my favourite, but rugged and capable, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second, and manual, apperture priority, shutter priority and program mode. A bang for buck candidate.
Thanks! nice, I actually have a N0008 that needs some work done to get functioning, but ya they do have a lot to offer features wise.
The FM2n is such a glorious camera. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
The Nikkormat manual exposure series cameras also have a very convenient feature in addition to the shutter speed adjustment ring around the lens mount: the depth of field preview button is located on top of the camera next to the prism housing rather than the more usual location on the front of the camera body. I find that very convenient if I want to check depth of field all I have to do is move my finger from the shutter button to the depth of field preview button adjacent to it.
Very good feature worth mentioning for sure
I also find the shutter control very convenient. With the control around the lens, instead of on top of the camera, it makes for a nice shutter control.
I really enjoy your videos! I have the Nikon F (FTn photomic prism head), my all-time favorite film SLR and also the Nikon FA. I also shoot with my Canon AE-1, my Canon FTb QL, my Minolta SRT-303 and my Olympus OM-2SP. All refurbished and look and function like new!
solid lineup, especially if they are all refurbished and working good as new.
I love the simplicity and style of my Nikon FE - I am looking for an FE2 just for the shutter speeds - but an F3 would float my boat too.
Haha true.
Excellent video. Thank you! A few years back I found a near mint Nikon F2 black paint. It is a thing of beauty.
Reaaaally want a all black one. They just look so good
I have been shooting Nikon film cameras since the late 1960s when I replaced my broken Miranda Sensorex with a more reliable Nikon F. Since then, I have owned and used the F2, F3, F4, and Nikonos III. I also used the EM, N70, N2000, and L35 AF as expendable backups.
I have about two dozen prime Nikkor lenses that range in focal length from 14mm to 1000mm.The Nikon F2 is my personal favorite 35mm camera. Other 35mm cameras I have used include Argus, Pentax, Leica, Fuji, Canon, Contax, Miranda, and Minolta.
I used my Nikons primarily for photojournalism and scientific/medical photography.
I owned an F3 for several years in the late '80s and took many great shots with it, but once i got my hands on an F4 in '89 there was no going back. I've owned an F5 and an F6 which I lost in a burglary, but I've replaced them with F4. Although I shoot MF almost exclusively now, I'll always have an F4.
The entire line is awesome. I do love the f4-f6 but the weight just doesn’t work for me. It changes the experience but that’s just my personal shooting style
I remember some writer referring to the F4 as the "best manual focus Nikon ever made" referring to the F4's AF, which was already less than cutting-edge when it was introduced, and the fact that you could happily focus MF lenses with the "green dot" focus confirm or any number of screens containing split-image or microprism aids. I used an F4S for a few years, almost exclusively with MF lenses, and it was great. What a machine of a camera! However, I just couldn't get with the fat handgrip and the strap lug perfectly positioned to dig into my hand. In contrast, the F3, with the almost seamless addition of an MD4 drive, was almost perfect in hand. The F4 was/is an impressive, very competent SLR - I just didn't love it.
I bought a FG in1982. Progressed to a FE2. I managed to buy a FA in 1984 (an awesome camera, with - by far - the best metering system in any SLR at the time and probably for the next 8 - 10 years). By this time (1986), I was working professionally as a photographer and bought a F3 for the first time with a High Point VF. I used my FA and a couple of F3s until I burned out and became disillusioned with the industry, in the early - mid 1990s.
The only camera I kept was the FA which sat in a box in a cupboard for the best part of 20 years. I retired (due to ill heath) in 2011 and my colleagues at work gave me a Nikon D7000 with a kit lens as a retirement present. Which reignited my interest in photography. Later I came across my FA and used it for the first time in over 20 years. I was astonished to find it worked flawlessly, despite not being used for so many years and had never been serviced. All I did was change the batteries. Nikon cameras of that era where built to last.
Tbh I don't shoot film at all these days, but if I ever felt the need to do so, I would use my Nikon FA. An incredibly underestimated and under valued camera of it's time.
My first camera during the early 1980s was a Nikon FE and I still have it. I think its best feature is the match needle exposure display. More recently I got several FM2s, F3s, Fs and an F2. Least used is the F. The FM2s and F3s are most used, FE very close behind and then the F2 (also very close to the FE). I love them all, but the FEs match needles makes so much sense. I’m tempted to get an FE2.
How convenient that you dropped this video today haha. I have Been searching for the right film camera for me. I have been looking at the f2. Have not pulled the trigger yet. Yesterday my baby brother hit me up from college. He wants to get into film too. Made my day. I have been watching reviews since yesterday. Glad you dropped today. Keep Going.
ha, thanks! glad I dropped it in time. the F2 is great, will always bee my go too.
Did you get the F2? Something else?
Impressive collection. Thanks for sharing. My preferred? Pretty simple. As my only 35mm film Nikon is an F2 with a 50mm 1.4, that’s the one 😀
Personal favorite right there
I totally agree with you that the F2 is my favorite. My F2 is by far the best camera I've ever owned. I continually hear opinions that the F3 is the finest that Nikon ever produced but for me it can't come close to the F2. In all honesty what could be better than an improved Nikon F and that's just what the F2 is.
100%
Had a F2. Despised the photomic prism. Far prefer my F4 to that thing.
Great video!
I’ve owned three Nikons, EM, FG, and the F3. The F3 is the only one I still own and was by far the best! Love everything it offers the user to get great images.
Thanks Kyle! It is rather impressive and very reliable
Just bought one as my first camera, idk but once i saw that a camera like the F3 existed i had to own it and start taking pictures with it. It calls to my soul lol. Never once had i thought to even take up photography before, ive always appreciated it and i know about the greats but i just never thought to attempt it myself because i draw and paint, but now i just want to go around with my F3 once it comes in lol. Idk but im just watching any video i can on it now. Any tips you could share with a soon to be rookie?
@@pocketgrim4942 read and watch as many videos on the F3 as you can find, then shoot a lot with the many different films!
@@kylewood8327 Thanks!! im already doing part one so im on my way lol. Im too excited
You may not appreciate F3 and F4 so much until you need glasses ;) especially the high point version. Plus the advance lever is like silk. I have also F2 which (mine) is not as smooth, also Fm2n which is so great but again-glasses don't let me see full viewfinder view, F90s and F4 for autofocusing. F3 cannot be beat though.
Haha that’s a valid point. Whenever I have to wear my glasses I hardly bother with basically any camera.
Great video, thanks for that. I always have a look on the f3 but now the FM2 got some attention 😁. Thanks for that
anytime! Glad it was helpful. The F3 is a tank, but I think there are several other Nikon options that get overlooked do to its legacy/hype.
So far in my classic camera shelf I have a Canon FTb QL (early version), Canon EF (with dead electronics), Minolta Hi-Matic 11, Miranda Sensomat, Nikomat FTn, and the one I've just acquired very recently and being used, a Nikon F with original eye level prism. IDK why, unlike my other cameras in my collection, Nikon F always persuaded me to take photos wherever I go with it
Love the vid and a good bunch of Nikons there 👍 I have the EM, FM2, FT2 & Nikkormat FT3 (yet to try out this one) ... Sentimental fave is the FM2 🙂
Solid line up! Appreciate it. I’ve tried the ft and ft2 but not the 3, very similar though if I remember
Thanks for sharing. I have the F2, F3 with HP finder and the F5. I had the F4, while it’s a great camera, I sold it since it is the bridge between the F3 and F5. I mostly use the F2 and F3 for Black and White photography. I use the F5 for color and slide films.
Good point, not substantial difference to keep both unless you just want the entire collection.
My FG20 was my favorite Nikon until I got an FE2. I am looking forward to the rest of this series of reviews.
Thanks Andy! Those FGs are great with everything packed into that compact size. But yeah I’d go with the fe2 for sure between those
Really enjoyed the video and the content, really found it interesting. Funnily enough I had a nikon f3 and sold it because I didn't like using it, it just wasn't for me. Looking forward to the canon video next! 😁
Thanks Hamish! Ya I may sell it eventually. I agree it’s just not for me I don’t think
Great review, Ive just bought (amongst others) a Nikon FM2, as soon as I saw it I knew it was for me and being an engineer I just love the design and weight, I watched this video in order to see which was my next purchase, but now I cant make up my mind, keep up the good info cheers
haha thanks! ya there are a lot of great options, hard to narrow down for sure.
I currently have 36 Nikon cameras. F Series Professionals, FMs, FEs, FGs, EMs, Nikonos, Nikkormats, point and shoots. I need to downsize, but I love them!
It's so hard to choose, such a solid lineup.
I have all of those also, plus the FA, FM2n & F4- thankfully I can cherry pick the ones I want that come in and the rest go out to new homes after CLA and/ or Repairs. Fun Hobby. I shoot the FM2n and FE2 the most.
Yet another reason I need to up my repair/CLA skills. Greatly improved the deals you can get on awesome cameras
Great collection and review. I also have a healthy Nikon collection and my favorite is the Nikon FM3a. ✌🏽
thanks! Thats right the FM3a is the one I meant to say. phenomenal camera.
Awesome! Does the fm3a take pre ai?
As far as I know, the FM3a only takes AI and AI-s lenses (any lenses made from 1977 onward)
I began with the Nikon F in 1970. Bypassed the F2 and got a F3, and skipped the F4 and got a couple of F5s. Today, I have 250 exposure backed F, F2T, F3T and a host of digitals like the D2X, D3 and D3S. All great! The Nikkor lenses, particularly from the 1980s are the best. You will want AIS lenses with the latest muitlcoating (greenish hue) and ED glass fro anything longer than 135mm. I even have the elusive Nikkor 13mm f/5.6 AIS super wide lens (118° on the diagonal). The truly best metering system in the SLR world is on the F5.
A friend of mine has the F5 and I would have to agree it’s fantastic. I’ve always wanted to see one of those super wides in person, ha they are quite expensive and very hard to find so congrats to you on that one
I use Nikon for fully mechanical 35 mm shooting. I have a Nikkormat that my father gave me; it works but the meter needle bounces around a lot and changing lens is sometimes finicky. I also have an FM which is in pretty much perfect functioning condition. Great camera. Finally, I recently got an F2, but I have yet to process a film from it. Seems to work great though. :)
all solid options
The f2 used to be my main camera but swapped it out for the f3 because I find myself photographing friends and family and having aperture priority makes up for its battery dependence. The F2 is undeniably the more attractive of the 2 though …
I can understand that. I do the same thing and keep a roll in an easy auto feature camera for those things and then use the mechanical heavy cameras for everything else basically.
White-san, pleasant video to watch with my morning coffee. I bought the F2 back in 1973 and considered the variations on the F2 to be consumer models until the F3 came out. Still prefer the F2. One variation you might note is the change from the F to the F2 in their backs. The F2 has a hinged back--I find easier to load--while the F has a back like the Nikon S, S2 and Leica M3. No doubt it was reminiscent of rangefinder cameras. The problem with the F back is that you need 3 hands to load it on location. Additionally, if you lose the take-up spool down a sewer drain you are s""" outa luck--photo shoot over.
thanks! and yes very true the backing is substantially different. Although I do like the F backing just because I like the more manual aesthetic knob twists etc, yes loading is 10x easier and more functional than the F. Especially when you can lose that spool
You have found some smokin deals on cameras. I live in Los Angeles, hipsterville, so tens of thousands of people searching for vintage cameras and everyone prices at the absolute top of the market. I have Nikon F with pentaprism through the F5. I like the F5 now, fast, accurate focusing and great metering. My previous favorite was the F2AS.
F5 is great, just heavy and big. Ha, yeah I was rather fortunate but I will say the past several years those types of deals have almost completely disappeared.
I bought the FE as a back up camera for my FE2 and surprise, surprise now my FE2 is the back up camera even if the max speed shutter is 1/1000 on the FE. The general feeling in my hands and the feeling of the shutter is better in my eyes with the FE. But the 1/4000 speed shutter can be convient sometime on the FE2.
Valid point
I like your video, always been a fan of Nikon myself since picking up my first DSLR a D80. As requested, I have a EM though I've not shot with it yet, an FE which is my favourite and a F801. Digital wise a D700 and D300.
nice! solid lineup. thanks for the support.
I started with a Minolta SRT 101, but have always drooled over the Nikon F line. I went digital in the early 2000s, and I haven’t really shot film since the 90s, but I’ve just bought a used F5. I’m itching to take it out & have some fun!
That was an enjoyable video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I used to have quite a few nikon SLR, I sold some of them away. now I only left Nikon f2 with plain prism and Nikon FA, imo FA is very underrated camera, soft release plus smooth winding and operation
Agreed
I wish there was a perfect choice, I love all manual the ability to use pre ai, a needle exposure display and the most important mirror lock up, so I guess that is the f2 fe2 combo but the fe2 checks most of the boxes, I think though still studying all the differences.
Agreed. I love the f2 for sure but I do wish it had a few additional features for convenience
I just recently gave my daughter my camera gear,a Nikon F2 w/35,50,1 05. Nikkors w/28 to 85 Tokina zoom,ass. filters after 35 y ears of casual and professional photography ,the F2 is a great camera.
Loved the video…have you made one with your Pentax collection?
Thanks! I have not. Pentax wise n only have a k1000, me, and me super. There are a few hugger end models I’d love to try but aren’t common to find and definitely not at a bargain
I have my first ever Nikon F body: love it. I also have an FG. And when I REALLY want to show off: I get the F5!
We will NOT mention the F 70,80 AND 90❤️ ,that I have also. But I unfortunately don’t use them enough. I’m considering selling them.
Ha quite the lineup. The f5 is a tank!
i have both the fe2 and fm2 love them both , cheers from down under.
Both awesome cameras. Thanks!
I collect cameras but don’t use them much now due to failing eyesight. I have more Nikon’s than anything else, far more than is good for me. I only have one professional body, a F from 1970. I prefer the non-professional bodies, but wanted to get an original F for historical value. I think I paid £60 for it with 50 mm f1.4 in good condition about twenty years ago when prices were low.
The other Kikons I have are:
Nikkormat
FS
FT
FTn
FT2
FT3
EL
ELW
Nikon EL2
Of the next generation:
FM
FE
FA
FM3a
FM10
FE10
Of the small cheap ones:
EM
FG
FG20
Of the x01 series:
F301
F401
F501 x2
F601
F801
Of the final series:
F50D
F80
F90
F90x
F100 due to arrive on Thursday
Digital:
D40x
Df
Nikon 1 J1
Far more than is good for me; I must thin out the collection sometime. I have given a couple of duplicates to students.
The FM3A and the Df are the only ones which cost me a lot of money.
The Canon AL1 is quite an interesting little camera. It’s manual focus and takes FD lenses but has the two red arrows and green blob focusing aid like an autofocus camera; can sometimes be useful with my poor eyesight.
haha quite a solid collection!I hear you, I will have to trim down mine soon enough. feel free to reach out when you start making that move!
WoW bro.. some serious Nikon G.A.S. you got there, but understandable
The EM is not exactly fully automatic. You still have to match your iso, and it is an aperture priority camera, but if the batteries die it will still shoot 1/1000, 1/90 or bulb. And the E lenses it comes with are nice.
still use my nikkormat ft2 and FA. use the nikon F4 quite often........oops, wrong group! Great video, thanks.
Both great cameras. I’ve used the f4 before and man is it nice but it is big and heavy. Not practical for todays “enthusiasts” but can’t beat the results
My favorite mf Nikon is the EL2. It may be the FT3's electronic brother. It uses the AI aperture ring follower with a stowable tab for pre-AI lenses. For night shooting in aperture priority, the shutter speeds go way longer than the advertised eight seconds. This one is more fun to use without the auto winder.
Nice, I have seen those retractable tabs, really cool feature.
I only have two cameras; a Nikon FM2 and a Nikon F. I’m actually pretty surprised that you don’t have an FM2, I cannot recommend it enough; a superb camera.
Both solid. I’ll have to look into the fm2 again and compare. It’s a fantastic camera for sure, I’ve just never found a solid deal on it near me and seen a significant enough upgrade from what I have to invest a Hugh dollar amount into it
@@graham_white Yeah, that is fair. I got the FM2 for just over $200 on eBay and that felt like a deal; I’m American but I live in England and there’s a 20% sales tax so I actually had friend bring it over for me to avoid that 😂
haha, smart. I may look into it, part of the reason I always buy deals is so that I can sell them and pay for the higher budget cameras i really want.
Back in 1967 I bought a Nikon F with both the big honker light meter prism as well as the sleek non-meter prism. I still have it. It was refurbished in about 1995, and all is well. This camera is shown being held by Marylin Monroe in the Last Sitting by Bert Stern. Woo hoo! Seriously, these film cameras force you to think about shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, and film type. Nikon gives you all of the tools for this in a superb package. I doubt that we will ever see such precision and beauty again in this plastic, disposable world. --Old Guy
Couldn’t agree more Ed. That weight is well worth it for that reason in my opinion.
What’s your last name Ed? 👀
Ya, I have seen those photos of MM... lovely to behold
I had a beautiful F3HP with a full set of finders, an MD4 drive and a set of AI/AIS primes from 24 to 200. I sold it to go digital. Kill me now 😢
The F3HP remains my favorite ever camera - closely followed by the OM4T
lol. It is an awesome camera
The only Nikon I have is the FM. Just got it and have not used it too much. So I need to bond with it. I really want an F3 at some point.
F3s are great but honestly a litte overhyped. very heavy and I think you are in a great spot with the FM
Nikon EL and EM are totally different beasts.
The EL is the Nikkormat EL promoted to a "real" Nikon, the EM is a heap of plastic.
for sure, EL is similar look/style from afar but very much a different camera. Not sure what I was trying to refer to, its been a while.
I had an F4 and kept it for a year, carried it around everywhere. But it didn’t feel good in my hands. I ended up giving it away.
I have a number of other bodies from the F to the F5, and love them all.
Yeah it’s not exactly a walking around camera
You should try the FE/2 as a walk-about camera, and serious work for the heavies
Currently up to:
Nikormat FTN - 1
Nikon F - 1
Nikon F2- 2
Nikon FM- 1
Nikon EM- 2
Nikon FG20- 2
Nikon N80- 2
Have had 2 copies of the F100 but both have failed, so I went to the cheaper N80 and done better. Had an FE but sold it in favor of the mechanical shutter in the FM. Tend to have multiple copies of the electronic shutter version Nikons for obvious reasons. Even tho Nikon went electronic with the F3, F4, F5, F6, I will probably evenutally be unable to resist temptation to get a copy of each to complete the set, lol.
Solid lineup and yes backups of electronic models are always a plus although the f 3-6 were fantastic and very reliable electronic wise compared to most 35mm. At least to my understanding.
I have a few, not too many, but enough to have fun with. More than enough to break the bank buying/developing/printing film so maybe I've actually crossed over the line where I should stop. It can be dangerous.
haha, it can be very dangerous. And yeah at a certain point you have to figure out how you can narrow down what you want or find a way to make it more cost effective.
What happened to the Nikon FA? That was a great camera, you should look into it.
Ha it is! I’m a bargain Hunter. If I ever see a really good deal I pull the trigger. But I also need to consolidate my collection not expand ha
i have a lot of these, and honestly don't have a favorite--if they work, they're great--and if they need a work around--if you know what to do, that's fun too--except for keeping track.
very true. I frequently use what are considered now quality cameras by most, but they are just as fun and capable in the right hands. It all comes down to preference and style or what your intent is behind using them.
Nice collection! I've never owned an F and I've wondered if the removable back makes changing film a hassle. What's your opinion?
Thanks Brian. I forgot to mention that difference. Honestly, it takes a little more work since the door has to be set aside and then lined up and fastened from the bottom. I haven't had any issues loading film or find it difficult but its definitely an extra step and adds a little more time but not a turn off.
@@graham_white For me, that adds to the nostalgia. Photojournalists during the Vietnam war would tuck the back under their armpit while quickly swapping out film cartridges.
@@henryrogers5500 thats awesome. I can definitely understand that. It's all part of the experience really.
Nikon FM (the third version) is my favorite.
Can’t go wrong there.
1. Nikon FE, 2. Nikon F3, 3. Nikon FM. I have them all, but I love my Canon F-1 New MUCH more !!!
Solid lineup for sure. Interesting you prefer the canon though
@@graham_white I think the Canon F-1 New are the very best analog film SLR Camera ever made ! I also hate the analog Nikon Lenses focuses "the wrong way" ! So I only had one Nikon Lens the 35mm 2.0, the other Lenses for Nikon was Tamron SP and Tokina Lenses. Canon FDn Lenses are in general performing better than Nikkor analog Lenses.
I agree with your comments on the F3. On paper it is objectively better than the F2. Its just not super exciting. On the other hand my beat up F2 is awesome!
Literally shooting it now with the new agent shadow 400… just not enjoying it. Can’t put my finger in why but ya. The f2 is just more enjoyable to me as well.
Y have Nikkormat FTN and FT3, Nikon F2, F3AF, F4 and Nikon F501... Im looking for a Nikon EL2 or FE... I love Nikon!!!🤙👍👏🇦🇷😊
Excellent video
much appreciated!
Recently spent $300 on my used Nikon f2 …. No regrets at all!!!
It’s a fantastic camera
Well, I have a good collection of Nikons, I'm a big fangirl of the brand, having started out with Nikon's as my first DSLR. I currently have 2 Nikon F's,one silver, and one all black. (I want to collect a few more variations of this model, I love it ) I have 3 F2's, 2 silver, one black...still looking for a good one with a motor drive, or a minty motordrive to put one one of mine. I have one F3, beautiful camera to use, just the standard version, not the HP...though I have pimped it out with the motordive, film stop back, vertical shutter release, and soft shutter release. I think that the F3 HP is a little overrated , as I wear glasses and can still use my standard F3 easily. I have an F4E, fantastic camera, though a bit heavy. it has such a soft, well damped mirror ,you get virtually no mirror slap, making it ideal for shooting very slow shutter speeds hand held. other ones are my mint FE with motordrive, and FTN, FT2, FG20, and a black EL Nikkormat, and silver EL Nikomat..they are the same camera's, the 'Nikkormat' name was the export version, while the Nikomat was the name used on the cameras sold on the domestic Japanese market...other than that, they are identical.another is my F80, I only recently got that one and have yet to take it out. I dont have an EM yet, but will get one if one turns up in the right condition at the right price. they, being fully automatic, were actually aimed directly at us women, to help Nikon get a foothold in the female camera market. sorry for rambling, I could talk cameras all day. I have a lot of others as well of different brands and types from medium formats, to SLR's.
haha, nice. quite the collection!
That part you say about buying the one that comes along at the right time at the right price seems to work... but do you like to look at them.. like lovely orphans, or do you get to use them on occasion?
F4 all the way for me... the build, the heft, a button for everything... simply adore the camera! just wish i could find one with no LCD bleed at all....
the 5&6 are just tooooo looky likey the current DSLR range... (I'm a current D500 user!)
The F2, pretty excellent. Do your meters work on them and what kind do you use?
it is! are you refering to external light meters?
@@graham_white I was meaning, which prism do you use with your F2? Unless you don' use those meters built in and an externa? Sorry I worded that oddly haha
Why didn't you include the FM3A? I don't own it but I've heard everyone saying it's the best of the best.
When I mentioned FM2A what I meant to mention was the FM3A lol. I personally haven't shot it or have it on my so didn't want to spend to much time on it. But yes you are definitely correct.
Is it true that the lightmeters in flathead Nikon Fs and F2s not as reliable as those in FMs?
It is, it’s a needle that gives you more of a range where as FM is a bit more specific. Also not sure what the breakdown is of exposure calculation. Could be 50/50 middle and outer whereas FM is probably 60/40. Not sure
FM3a for the win.
I have 2 F4s and one F801S. F4 are my favourites.
The F4s/F5s are rad. Super heavy and not a bit higher price point is why I think they are all but unknown to todays film enthusiast
@@graham_white I was very lucky to find a collector here in Brazil that was selling one for simething about 200 dollars that I guess isnt so expensive and the second I brought even cheaper to canibalize it in case I need but was working fine with few adjusts so I keept it.
Totally feel the same with the F3, too. Like the style and the price when I got it, but somehow never feel the same strong connection I got from the FM2
Can’t quite put my finger in what it is but yeah
Great video again, if you are choosing Nikon, please stop here :)
And I do have a question, I have pick up a Nikon FM, meter is meter is not working. just wondered if there is any way to have the meter fixed? I did open the camera top plate to clean it, but not sure which part went dead :D
Also, the viewfinder has a line in the middle, I think it's the prism is corroded, do you any cheaper Nikon model us the same prism?
Thank you so much!!!
Valid questions. The meter can be repaired. It could simply be that debris/ deteriorated foam/ or grease have just stuck the needle (I think it’s a needle in that model) or that the solder and wire has come loose. There are still some who repair them. It sounds like the light seal/foam and glue have corroded the prism ya. I believe the fm and fe bodies are identical. I don’t believe the lower fg or em use the same but I could be wrong. Would require some research to see which ones are interchangeable
@@graham_white Thanks for replying, the meter is "- +" the the meter is always display "-" even 1 sec exposure and pointing to the Sun, meter is dead, that is ok! Yes, it seems FE has very similar body, I will have a look the parts on eBay! Have a great day, man!!!
I love my F2!
Hard to beat!
I just got rid of all my Nikon film cameras. I gave my Granddaughter a Nikon Fm. Sold the rest. Still have my trusty Nikon D300s with a 24mm f2. 8 afd lens on it.
I use Ricoh and Pentax glass mostly now on various bodies.
Pentax Spotmatic and Ricoh Singlex tls for M42 and a Petri GX1 for Pentax K mount using my Ricoh 50mm f2 Leica Summicron killer lens. I mean this lens is awesome in every way. Check it out on Pentax forums. Cheap to buy as well.
Whan I want perfect pictures I use a Yashica Mat 6x6 tlr.
Solid setup
I plan on buying f3 and fm2n😊
both fantastic cameras.
I already own x700, xg1 and xge. Each cost around 35-50, x700 is around 150s. Much more cheaper than 35mm digital camera (full frame)
Have you tried FA?
I have, the FA is a great camera for sure.
All of them
lol true.
Prices are crazy high now!!!
it is rather upsetting
F2A is my go to!! 🤙
It is really good
Glad to see you making videos again. Take care! 🤙
Nikon Fm for me all the way!
If they had put that in the f2 chassis or just with a removable prism it would be insane.
I got the Nikon F2 black body and it got the 2 parts motor drives the MD-1 and the MB-1 also it got the Nikon DS-1 and i need to get the camera repaired and i would also need to get a meter Head for it which fits in the middle parts of the camera and I paid £10.00 for all of them from a camera shop in London in 2023 and when I get the camera fixed it worth from £300 to as much as £600.00
If you know how to do repairs you can get insane deals. I’ve been wanting to take a repair course but need to carve out the time. Even with basic cleaning and repair knowledge I’ve been able to get solid bargains. Solid pick up for you!
I have FM2 , F3 and F5
The f5s are fantastic. Very heavy though
@@graham_white I love the F5’s viewfinder. It’s very clear and easy to use manual focus.
Oh, "Which is right for you? video" is Minolta collection??? :D
Ha! Minolta coming soon for sure 👌
@@graham_white Awesome! Thanks for the great info!!!
F5 f6
Bulky and heavy, but yes fantastic cameras
Where's my Nikon FA gang at?
true!
F2 AS for me :-)
Solid option
FG 20
I think i am the only teen interested in film i have a fg20 lots of fun
Nice! The fg line is awesome. Compact and very capable. A lot of older users say the build isn’t as good as bigger Nikon bodies but whatever. Still does a great job when working
@@graham_white ya I know what the expert's say but it was my grandfathers and means a lot to me plus it's allot of fun and has good enough quality for me love it
@@graham_white also I am thinking about getting a Ansco Speedex 4.5 Special 120 Roll Film Camera how bad of a idea is that I shot about 7 rolls of film in my life all on auto on my fg-20
I dont need for I've a Nikon F photomic in MINT status since 1974
Will probably last longer than us
I have the sickness also.
the nikkormat you have is the ftn, not the ft
I think I have like 4 variations prolly just showed the wrong body
If you're just starting out don't buy an FG. I've had 4 they always die. The electronics in them are very fragile.
I have heard that although they pack loads of features, they build quality like you mentioned isn't the best. Personally I have gone through 3-4 and none died on me yet but it does vary I am sure.
If your expecting to get any of these cameras for the prices mentioned, you will be very disappointed.
True unfortunately. That’s why I always grab a good deal when I see them!
"when my f2 fails..." you mean in 100 years?
Ha true
Deginately F2. Daily use camera, aside from my Canon F1 and Yashica Mat 124G. I do own an F3, but like yourself, I dislike it. And I’m film testing a Nikon F that I was gifted.
Just took my F1 on a trip with me. I rather like it. Maybe cause it has a much less aggressive shutter than the Nikon f and f2 haha. Ya I go back and forth in keeping the f3. It’s just iconic even if it’s not my go to.
That is an FTN not an FT. Different models.
None. Nikon my last choice. To heavy and over hyped.
Interesting, nothing wrong with that. what is your choice?
@@graham_white Olympus.
I've Nikon FM2. It's a beast, use with 50mm f:1.2 Ai-s.
Monirul Islam
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
05 May 2024
That is an awesome camera!
Hey, Graham, hope you've been well. It's been a long, I haven't heard from you. Could you reply to my email?😀