Nikon F2: I have an opportunity to buy a Nikon F2 with the following accessories. Here is the description. Camera and Motor Includes, F2 Camera Body made in 1973 DP-1 Meter/Viewfinder...

kcooke Loc: Alabama

I have an opportunity to buy a Nikon F2 with the following accessories.
Here is the description.

Camera and Motor
Includes, F2 Camera Body made in 1973
DP-1 Meter/Viewfinder
Nikon MD-2 Motor Drive
Nikon MB-1 Battery Pack
It is in beautiful condition and it is in working condition
and has been taken care of for so many years the meter works, the motor drive, shutter, self-timer, all flawless. This was one of my personal cameras before digital. This F2 Camera is in perfect condition ready for use or display
This was my own personal camera before digital
The motor was rarely used

If it checks out, I know this is a pretty great camera. My film experience is with large format 8x10, Rolleiflex and Pentax spotmatic. They are asking $250. Is that a good deal ? I’m attaching a photo of the camera.

(Download)

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Very reasonable price for this camera and accessories. I would ask if they have a lens to include and see what they say. Also, make sure the light meter works. Good luck.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can buy the body only on ebay for $150 to $200. The extras might justify the higher price, but you might counter offer $200 (or less).

As the admin for the new Film Photography section, I probably shouldn't be discouraging film cameras. But, I suggest you consider whether only manual focus will achieve your desired results. Do you have a lens appropriate for this camera? Newer cameras like the F4 / F5 / F6 provide auto-focus options, where the F5 and F6 can use VR-enabled lenses too.

Personally, I've reached the point I'm using my EOS film body for everyday general photography. I came to realize I can't see good enough anymore (maybe ever) to sharply focus in manual focus with the SLR view finder. I was just wasting film where autofocus nails it every time. The IS / VR support add options I can achieve with the 'fixed' ISO of film rather than adjusting the ISO for the light like on digital.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

nervous2 wrote:

Very reasonable price for this camera and accessories. I would ask if they have a lens to include and see what they say. Also, make sure the light meter works. Good luck.

Thanks. I will fully check it out when I go to look at it.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

CHG_CANON wrote:

You can buy the body only on ebay for $150 to $200. The extras might justify the higher price

Thanks Paul. I haven’t tried to negotiate price yet. I will do that when I see it in person. I know it’s manual focus and that will present some issues With my eyes but I’d like to try it anyway. I’m retired and have the time😀. I have one Nikkor 50mm f1.8 from the early 80s and that’s it on old glass. I need to see if it will be compatible with the F2. I still have to do a little research

EricMGB1974 Loc: Elmira, NY

The DP-1 is a non-AI finder. It will be compatible with any Nikon MF lenses with rabbit ears. You can even retrofit rabbit ears to newer lenses without them, though I'd question whether it would be worth the hassle. Mounting non-AI lenses is slightly more cumbersome than the later AI system but it works just fine once attached.

ELNikkor

Looks like a fine camera in its day. I passed on the F & F2's because I was oriented toward smaller, lighter, quieter. The FM/FE were perfect fits for me. I did go for the F3+ MD when it came out. For nostalgia sake, that camera might be worth it with an old 50 f2 "H" lens, would look great on the shelf, and shoot well with an occasional roll of Ektar or TMax 100.

BebuLamar

The F2 body is actually not worth a lot. The DP-1 finder is the one that has the least value of all the F2 finders. The finders that have high value are the plain non meter finder and the later DP-3 or DP-12 finders with silicon photocell.
The MD-2/MB-1 was expensive back in the days but now the price is reasonable. The package has good value because it includes the motor drive and battery pack. The F2 body and the DP-1 finder are not worth a lot.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I consider the price a reasonable one although I could care less for the motor drive. I would do as Paul has suggested and counter offer for $200 and see what happens.
If parts are required now or in the future your chances of getting them are pretty low.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

EricMGB1974 wrote:

The DP-1 is a non-AI finder. It will be compatible with any Nikon MF lenses with rabbit ears. You can even retrofit rabbit ears to newer lenses without them, though I'd question whether it would be worth the hassle. Mounting non-AI lenses is slightly more cumbersome than the later AI system but it works just fine once attached.

Thanks. I am considering buying this camera because I want to get back to film on occasion for fun. Mostly black and white. The lens I intend to use is a 50mm f1.8 series E. It came on an old FG that I bought new a long time ago. While its not that great it does take pretty good photographs when you do your part. This is an AI lens but does not have the rabbit ears. Ive read it multiple places that it would work on this camera with the DP-1. Is that true or false? Thanks

kcooke Loc: Alabama

ELNikkor wrote:

Looks like a fine camera in its day. I passed on the F & F2's because I was oriented toward smaller, lighter, quieter. The FM/FE were perfect fits for me. I did go for the F3+ MD when it came out. For nostalgia sake, that camera might be worth it with an old 50 f2 "H" lens, would look great on the shelf, and shoot well with an occasional roll of Ektar or TMax 100.

Thanks. Yes I'll be shooting black and white mostly.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

BebuLamar wrote:

The F2 body is actually not worth a lot. The DP-1 finder is the one that has the least value of all the F2 finders. The finders that have high value are the plain non meter finder and the later DP-3 or DP-12 finders with silicon photocell.
The MD-2/MB-1 was expensive back in the days but now the price is reasonable. The package has good value because it includes the motor drive and battery pack. The F2 body and the DP-1 finder are not worth a lot.

Thanks for the insight. From what I'm seeing, if the MD-2/MB-1 is in great condition which I think this one will be, I may be able to sell them and have little to nothing in the camera. Even though its the least desirable, im ok with the DP1 finder.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

camerapapi wrote:

I consider the price a reasonable one although I could care less for the motor drive. I would do as Paul has suggested and counter offer for $200 and see what happens.
If parts are required now or in the future your chances of getting them are pretty low.

I have offered $150 as a first point in negotiations. I'm willing to do $200.

EricMGB1974 Loc: Elmira, NY

It will mount and work but will not couple with the meter without the rabbit ears.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Be sure to check the battery holder and insides of the battery compartment for the motor drive. A lot of those end up with hidden damage due to battery leaks.

Hmmm... that looks very similar to one of the two F2s stolen from me a couple years ago, along with some other gear. (I'm certain it's not because the specs are slightly different, not to mention you and that camera are in Alabama and mine was stolen in California.)

My cost for a similar chrome version was only $60 (with MD-2 and MB-1... DA Sports Finder though). For a black Photomic version with MD-3, MB-2 and DA-2 I paid $180.

As good as that one sounds from the description, $150 to $200 would be a reasonable price.