R8 & R9 is very very beautiful to me

Nicely done. Thank you.

I had an SQ-AM where the electrics went and a guy with a Camera shop in Stourbridge fixed it! I used the camera for a few years then it went again or at least I thought it did but really I think it was that internal battery that had gone! By that time the shop in Stourbridge had closed down! Gutted! Sent it to repair shop in Liverpool and they couldn’t fix it! So I took off the back, lens and viewfinder and sold the body as spares

I have a Metz flash gun which could use as a grip

I have a film back lens and the viewfinder! Could you do a video please of how to put these items onto the Sq-am please

Thank you for this vid. I inherited an RB67 in mint condition with the 127mm lens. Just purchased the 55mm lens from a reputable seller and looking forward to its delivery next week. When it arrives, i now know how to test it. It will come with a 90 day warranty but i want to put it through its paces before an on camera test. I love this camera. So much fun to shoot . At 6 lbs, it's a bit much to carry as a walk around lens, but i have dont that. Excellent, clear demo and explanation. Well done, sir.

Merci beaucoup.

Hi Jonathan, great videos btw A quick question regarding my recent purchase of a Mamiya 645 1000s …. Should I have it set on M as apposed to A ? I’m guessing M is manual and A is aperture? Help ! Kindest regards Tommy.

Hey Jonathan, i have a hard time with the viewfinder. I can't tell when i'm in focus or not. Any tips ? thank you very much

why not for portraiture??? Diane Arbus used this camera!

Totally agree ! I’ve just recently got into medium format and the challenge is epic ! I have the Mamiya 645 1000s which is beautiful…. Saying that I’m yearning for a hasselblad 50cm on a daily basis 😊! Keep on shooting on ! Great videos ! Tommy.😊

Fully agree with you, Johnathan! I mainly shoot with my hasselblad 503cxi. I do shoot digital as well. I still have my nikon F2 photomic from the early 80's.. The one thing I wished, if ppl newer to photography could get into a darkroom and actually process and print their own film. They are missing a big chunk of what photography is and was.

An excellent video Jonathan. I was familiar with your name in photographic dealer circles but never saw you personally until now. Keep them coming and hoping your work on here generates you additional business.

I had the Hasselblad 2000 FC which I got upgraded at the factory, so it was even better than the 2000 FC/M.

The 501 CM can have a problem with the mirror to return !

I think that the Nikon F2 was the best made analogue 35mm SLR Camera !

The Leicaflex Cameras was too expensive for Leitz to produce, Leitz should have made their Leica R Lenses for other Camera brand Cameras !

I actually prefer the smaller FM. Everything feels better and more quality on the F2. It is truly a joy to operate and shoot, but it is just a bit clunky. The FM is small and nimble and I notice that I take it out more

While digital cameras took control away from the photographer post processing software like Photoshop gave it back. Ansel Adams would be astounded with what can be done today IMO. The pendulum is swinging back with smart phones making photography too easy. But now we have a choice. Let the software do everything or we can take full control of the creative process.

I agree. The DE-2 finder was bulky to me; but, with the DE-1, it was a sweet camera.

Saving this video as I am getting old and forgetful! Cheers! 😉

A brand new one in the US is now (June 2024) about $2200 plus tax. I wonder if it will be discontinued soon?

Thank you - you taught me some important information. Cheers!

I just got my first Nikon F2 last week. I was lucky with the light meter shutter etc, as everything is almost as new. What a great camera.

Hello, Jonathan. One quick question: Is there a recommended source for purchasing specific Nikon model light-proof seal kits ? Thank you in anticipation of a rapid response, Best, Andrew.

Perfect information - thanks. I have a pre-80s 45 metered (non-working) prism. I don't care about metering, but wanted to know if you think the newer PM 45 prism is better in quality, function etc. to be worth buying. Thanks!

One of the most informative and well-presented videos on YT. While I knew this information already, it was still a great pleasure to watch due to your style. Cheers!

The very important point which you sort of made but not really clearly is that the tactile process of these cameras adds to the pleasure. Also adding to the pleasure is knowing, when you do get a good photo, that it was a difficult process with lots for you to do and choices to make. Film is expensive and difficult, as are all pleasures. My favourite camera, the Rolleiflex SL66, but I agree that the Nikon F2 is probably the ultimate 35mm camera. Such a large system and all beautifully made.

Now that a lot of film photographers are kids who are experiencing film as a "throw back" vintage thing. There's a sweet spot on "too much automation and plastic" vs "full metal jacket all manual". The sweet spot is those late 70's and early 80's cameras that were very well built with aperture priority, manual focus, you might get exposure lock in there. The Olympus OM-2n, the Nikon FE2 both seem to stand out. The Nikon F3 of course (but I'll take the 4000th shutter of the FE2 and slimmer body without the LCD meter). There's a few cameras of the late 70's into the early to mid 80's that hit that sweet spot. mechanics meets technology meets quality build. The 60's and early 70's it was still evolving. By the late 80's and early 90's it was gone. (I'd say the F2 was still "evolving")

It's all right: so pro but so pretty simple and 'small' without any Photomic. @philosimot

100% agree. I took my Nikon F2AS into my last vacation (it comes with a built-in meter) and it's still fun to use. The build quality is so much nicer than my D850, which is a great camera, but too many camera-assisted functions.

I've just joined Mr. Sover Wong's new waiting list to have my Nikon F2 Photomik from 1977 serviced (for the first time). It has been 47 years without being serviced and I'm convinced it will be there for at least another 47 years. I have that. A 28mm. A 50mm. A 105mm. And a Hasselblad with a Zeiss Planar 80mm. I don't need anything else. My digital photos...with the iPhone!

I disagree. It is not totally absurd putting all money into film! I am getting to the point where I feel that digital is a solution only for situations where analog doesn’t work….e.g. I keep my digital camera for scanning film…

i agree 110%. Thank you for your reveal about Film Cameras.

I was so happy to find your video since my lens jammed today. Your tutorial cleared my problem in a few minutes. Thank you, Jonathan.

Bravo Jonathan, couldn’t agree more. I shoot almost exclusively on film and meter with a handheld light meter, it is about being in control of taking the photo. Keep up the good work 👍

Agree with everything you said. I had a number of these and currently own an F2as. Mechanical simplicity, just like a Leica, cameras that dont get in your way.

Totally agree. Once I experienced my first F2 I had to get more. I’ve had Mr. Sover Wong in the UK - the top Nikon F2 person there is - service 3 or 4 of mine and they are like new. I know they’ll outlive me.

Thank You, Really an excellent Video for all of us who own Camera Gear. As a results of you Video's I have invested in a Dry Cabinet for my Camera Gear...And very slective when I shop for Vintage lens. I for one really appreciate you, your knowledge, and time to teach & post these Video's.

Love mine but the biggest issue I have is no shutter lock. Frequently I’ll pull my camera out of the bag and the shutter will have fired off at some point so I’ve lost a frame

Buying a M6 TTL this weekend, thanks for the advice!

If a UV Filteris on a lens should it be removed during storage along with end caps???

Thank You very very much. I was under the impression to keep in air tight spaces. Storing in light do you remove the lens & back covers on the lenses or leave them on the lens? I have a nice collection, some vintage. Upon your reply I will store my lens in an area where a fan runs & natural light comes thru a window. This is my home studio & is also an A/C Cooled place. I reside in Florida where humidity can be an issue for sure. Thanks a million for the info & excellent Video!!!

Quick question - new Bronica ETRS owner here, nervous because I wound on without a film in, in the single exposure setting, and it wound on most of the way (though the shutter isn't cocked) and doesn't wind on further. Switching to Multiple Exposure setting, it still won't wind on. Is this a Bronica quirk or does something sound wrong? How will the camera suddenly know it has a film in and unlock (or at least, I'm hoping it will)? Getting film tomorrow but quite nervous in the mean-time!

You've always been my go to advisor whenever I'm making a new film photography related purchase. Thank you, sir. Much respect from Cairo, Egypt.

Hello Jonathan, to avoid fungus is it better to take of the lens caps while storing? Great vid by the way!!! Best regards.

Great breakdown! One niggle, the IIIg was not discontinued when the M3 was introduced, they were manufactured concurrently from 1954 until 1960.

I bought my first Hassys right as the concept of a “digital” camera… was being laughed at 😅😂🤣 still got them and a couple of lenses and the SWC because I can’t depart with them for less than they cost me… but even the chrome they shot was “drummed scanned” for final prints… so we knew the END was coming (as I sit with Sony A1/FX3 and a plethora of GM lenses and tech that can get shots NEVER IMAGINED before… or to be made in Post!) So much for the works - not - getting better… at least the Tech!

Great video! Are AIS lenses chipped? Thinking of getting some of these AIS lenses for the Nikon ZF (z mount)

Very nice video. Thank you