The letter F does not always stand for failure. It is also the model designation for one of the most famous cameras ever made. Nikon introduced that camera in 1959 and it became a legendary camera. The Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera had many new and impressive features and it became the choice of a huge number of professional photographers. As good as the Nikon F was, a new and improved version, the Nikon F2, was introduced in 1970. I had a Nikon F for several years, but the one that I eventually got now resides with my son. I have replaced it with two of the newer models.
The Nikon F2 is an enormously versatile machine and it can be used with a bewildering array of accessories. Viewing prisms, focusing screens, a host of lenses, motor drives, etc. make up the Nikon F2 system. If the camera had an eye level finder, it was simply designated as an F2 but if it had the prism that incorporated a light meter, it was called an F2 Photomic.
The Nikon F2 is a robust machine and many still work perfectly and accessories, particularly lenses, are available in profusion. The F2 uses a readily available battery to operate the meter if a Photomic viewfinder is attached, but otherwise it is a superb mechanical device. Standard features include a timer of variable duration from 2 to 10 sec, stop down preview, and a mirror lock up to reduce vibration. As a result, with options such as motor drives, interchangeable finders and focusing screens, and other items, the Nikon is the basis of a true photographic system. Almost any task that can involve 35mm film photography is within the capability of a suitably equipped Nikon F2.
A complete review of the Nikon F2 would require a very long document. Even the brochure that describes the Nikon F2 is 58 pages in length. The intent here is to make a different point. The F series of Nikon cameras eventually came to include the F2, F3, F4, and F5 which are all film cameras of excellent repute, but to me the F2 is the embodiment of a classic 35mm SLR so I will concentrate on that model. The Nikon F versions had long use by NASA for photographic work related to activities in space and some of the features found on the cameras are the result of Nikon working with NASA to meet specific requirements. Such specially prepared Nikon cameras found use on Apollo missions and in Skylab.
The Nikon F2 offers all features that are useful in general photography. Shutter speeds range up to 1/2000 sec and are stepless above 1/80 sec and the shutter curtains are made of titanium. The stop down button is surrounded by a rotating lever that functions to lock up the mirror to reduce vibrations in critical situations. Even the eyelets for attaching a strap have stainless steel inserts to assure durability.
The solid and versatile F2 was introduced with a price of $660 making it one of the most expensive SLR cameras of that time. However, good used F2 cameras now sell for a fraction of that cost. If I remember correctly, the two that I have cost about $100-125 each, but as interest in film photography has risen, so have the prices of good film cameras such as the Nikon F2. A solid, usable F2 generally ranges in price from about $200 to $300, but they are widely available.
If you want to have just a casual acquaintance with film photography get a point-and-shoot camera. However, if you want to get into photographic art in a serious way, consider a good used Nikon F2 because they are widely available. It will not let you down, you are not likely to wear it out, and you will almost certainly not outgrow it. With the Nikon series, F is for fantastic rather than failure and in the opinion of many photographers, the F2 is considered the best 35mm SLR ever made. Mine are here to stay.
-Jim House
