Classic Camera Reviews

Before launching into paeans of praise for the Nikon F, which, in my arrogant opinion, may well be the most important 35mm SLR of the 20th century, I must confess to being a tiny bit biased. When I acquired my first F as a teen-ager back in 1961 (alas after trading in a mint Leica IIIg with a 50mm f/2.8 collapsible Elmar) I knew I had finally arrived. I strutted around lower Manhattan with my imposing chrome F hung on a leather neckstrap over my black turtleneck sweater trying to look like a hard-bitten photojournalist. I didn't, but unlike me, the Nikon F was everything it was cracked up to be, namely an indestructibly rugged, truly professional camera that never let me down, delivered images of surpassing quality, was upgradeable due to its modular design, and was and is a stunning example of first-rate craftsmanship and non-obsolescence.

A Collection Of Classic Components
Perhaps the most amazing thing about the original Nikon F of '59 is that it's not really a technological landmark. Aside from being the first SLR to offer an electric motor drive accessory, and the first system to provide a Perspective Control (PC) lens, all the elements of its magnificent modular design can be found in previous 35mm SLRs. The first of the 35mm SLR breed, the Kine Exakta of '36, had interchangeable lenses and a focal-plane shutter, and by '50, had acquired an interchangeable penta-prism finder; the Asahiflex IIB of '54 had an instant-return mirror; and the rare, made-in-Japan Zunow reflex of '58 was first with fully automatic lens diaphragm operation.

Technically, the Nikon F wasn't even the first professional 35mm SLR. Many scientists and naturalists used Exaktas during the '40s and '50s, and the East German Praktina FX of '53 (which had an internal auto stop-down mechanism, interchangeable prism finder, bulk film back, and accessory spring motor) attracted a professional following on both sides of the pond, and may have even influenced the Nikon F's design.

Of course, one camera line that definitely influenced the F was the Nikon S-series rangefinder cameras, especially the S3 and SP which, according to Nikon lore, were designed at the same time as the F. Whatever the truth may be, it is evident that the Nikon F successfully carried forth the shape and basic operational design of the exquisite Nikon rangefinder cameras in a way that Leica, Zeiss, and even Canon failed to match, and that is one of the prime reasons for its phenomenal success.

Deal Of The Month!

Unsung Hero Of The Professisonal Workhorse Set: Nikon F2A With 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor Lens $379 In E Condition One of the most rugged and dependable professional SLRs ever made, the Nikon F2 never quite attained the panache of the legendary Nikon F or the redoubtable Nikon F3, but it's functionally superior to the F, with a more convenient hinged back, shutter speeds and apertures in finder, PC flash terminal, 1-1/2000 sec titanium focal-plane shutter, and optional 5 fps motor drive. The F2 Photomic A of '77 (known as the F2A) operates with AI (Auto-Indexing) Nikkor lenses and has superior SPD cells in its meter prism, providing center-weighted metering from 1-17 EV with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. It would be hard to find a more beautifully made, better performing manual, mechanical 35mm SLR for the non-collector photographer who wants a camera that will last forever, if properly maintained.

Note: This month's Deal of the Month was found at KEH Camera Brokers (www.keh.com) but similar great buys can also be found at other dealers who advertise in Shutterbug.

A Masterpiece Of Integration
So what is it that makes the Nikon F so special? It's the way all of the existing technology and all of its components are seamlessly integrated into a functional whole that looks right, feels right, performs superbly, and is a pleasure to use. It was clearly conceived from its inception as the basic module in a high-quality professional SLR system, and that's why it remained in production, with relatively minor changes, for nearly 15 years (from '59-'74), and why it has now attained the status of a living (and, happily quite affordable) legend. The fact that its viewfinder shows 100 percent of the on-film image, and that the F-mount has endured--albeit with some operational changes--into the present digital era have also endeared it to hordes of pros and amateur enthusiasts worldwide.

The Agony And The Ecstasy Of The F
Of course, no camera design, even one as felicitous and successful as the Nikon F, is perfect. I'm sure that F-toting pros could come up with their own lists of pet peeves, but legions of photojournalists have cursed the F's removable back (which allows bulk film backs and motor drives to attach easily, but is a problem to load on the fly), and camera repairmen have had a field day repairing Nikon F prisms (metered and meterless) that have fallen off due to the dodgy, less-than-bulletproof mounting system.

The lack of a hot shoe--you can add one by sliding in an AS-1 shoe adapter over the rewind knob--is another bone of contention. Finally, all experienced Nikon repairmen know that the carbon-based variable resistor in early Nikon F meter prisms eventually fails and is now irreplaceable except by cannibalizing parts.

Of course, this stuff pales into insignificance when you see the brilliance of Nikon's externally coupling meter prism that let you upgrade your camera (albeit with mirror box mods) as the metering system advanced from non-TTL (the original Photomic of '62) to TTL (Photomic T of '65) to meter needle in finder (Photomic FTN of '65). Equally remarkable is their durability--I can think of no other camera that's 35-45 years old with a higher percentage of models in good working condition, but check those meter prisms!

(Top): Nikon F: It's one of the most elegant SLRs ever in this classic configuration with plain prism. (Center): Nikon Photomic FTN of 1968: The ultimate F complete with the interchangeable TTL meter prism that helped make it both famous and non-obsolescent. It displayed shutter speeds in finder, and had a battery check. (Bottom): Nikon Photomic TN of 1967: Upgraded (ASA 20-6400) version of the Photomic T of 1965, first Nikon F with through the lens CdS meter and meter needle and metering index in the finder.