Nikon F2 review by Richard de Bulat
Is it really possible to tell what a camera is like to shoot based solely on images produced? I would say that the image has more to do with the lens than the camera, especially with film cameras. Nevertheless, there is something about using a good camera that makes a real difference in the way you use it; handling quality is important as is build, mechanical reliability and precision. The Nikon F2 is built for work; everything is in the right place and intuitive to use; the winder falls just under your thumb and is activated with ease. Loading film is the easiest process compared to many other 35mm cameras I have used and the back locks in place positively and securely.
There are interchangeable heads, I used the basic prism, unmetered, but with a split screen focus finder and etched grid to aid composition. I went to Plym woods when the sun was just peeking over the horizon on a cold winter morning creating some surprisingly bright specular highlights and dark shadows that were difficult to control. Had I expected sunshine, I might not have selected Delta 400 as my film for the day.
The F2 is heavy metal with some nicely brassed, although slight, wear to edges and corners that mark the camera out for professional use and a badge of honour among photographers of my generation. The weight adds stability; it comes to the eye, focuses with ease – manually – and shot after shot happens with a naturalness that occurs with few other brands. It fits its purpose, to use an analogy, like a Saville Row suit and like said suit, it remains understated, not flashy, but instantly recognisable to anyone who knows about serious photography.
When I left Art School in 1975, I bought a second-hand Nikon F1 with a photomic head; it cost me £50.00 which was more than a week’s wages at the time and although it was good to use, was never completely reliable. The F2 seems to have ironed out all the creases and is probably one of the best cameras I have ever used even compared to Leica M series cameras.
The worst I can say about it, was having to give it back at the end of the day. I suppose I could go into technical details as well as mention the 28m AI-S lens I used, but I really don’t want to – this is a love story not a technical spiel. The Nikon F2, probably one of the best cameras every made.
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