Probably a silly question but how do I hook a flash to a F2?

[wlewisiii]

If I understand what I'm reading correctly, there are basically two semi easy ways to use flash - one is with a handgrip flash that screws to the base plate and plugs into the sync terminal while the other is with a gadget like this one - http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Manual-Focus-Flash-Accessories/1/sku-NK230102006850?r=FE that I slide onto the rewind knob and can then mount my Vivitar 2800 onto it? And the latter also then can turn on the flash ready light inside the prism?

Thanks!

William

[Mike Kovacs]

Correct except I think the flash ready light only works with the dedicated Nikon speedlights of the same vintage as the camera. You'll see the ready light contact on the side of the prism.

[wlewisiii]

Ok, thanks. I'll try and track one of the gagets down then. I'd like to at least be able to use a flash when appropriate.

[rentavet]

I had one for my F,  broke ........ use very light flash and be delicate
unless the one for the F2 feels a lot sturdier.

[radiophoto]

I dunno from Nikons, but for my Canons I use one of these, and a sync cord, and I get off-camera flash that prevents red-eye every time:



I have one with cold-shoe attachments for portrait and landscape, and it didn't cost very much at all.  I'm pretty sure I bought mine from www.thecamerahunter.com, and here is mine, but it looks like he's out of stock.

[br1078lum]

William,

The older flashes for the F2's are getting very long in the tooth (the SB-8 was introduced 32 years ago), and are hard to find.  These are the SB-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7E, and 8E.  SB-1 and 5 are handle type (potato masher) flashes using PC cords to connect.  The SB-2 and 7E are designed for the F2 flash mount.  The SB-3 and 8E are the same as the 2 and 7E, only with hot shoe mounts, requiring the use of an AS-1 adapter.  The SB-6 is a special stroboscopic flash with rates of fire of 3.8 frames per second, or 5-40 flashes per second for movie cameras.  Only the 2 and 7E will light the ready indicator in the finder (this is lost when using the AS-1).

The SB-9 is a compact unit built on the lines of the SB-E for the EM/FG/FG-20 line.  The SB-10 was made for the FE, but can be used on the F2 with AS-1, and are somewhat plentiful.  The SB-11 is another handle model for the F3, and the SB-12 is built like the SB-10, but mounts directly to the F3.  An AS-5 adapter will convert an SB-12 or SB-16A for use on an F2.

Good Vivitar 2800's, or equivilent Sunpak models, with the use of a mounting bracket and PC extension cord are your best bet for an inexpensive set-up.  Sunpak also made some very nice handle units that you could get an additional bracket for when using medium format cameras, such as the 511, and 611 models.

PF

[wlewisiii]

PF,

I've got a nice Vivitar 2800 that is as good as it gets for a basic flash. I'd just like to know how to use it with the F2 as I can, easily, with my FTbN. It's ironic that Nikon was so much ahead of the game in most ways in the '70's but in flash Canon had them, hands down.

I figure that when I get the money for a 105/2.5 P from KEH, I'll include an AS-1 with it just to fill that hole - it's only, like, $8 extra so ...

William

[br1078lum]

Well, for right now I would go with the handle bracket and PC connection cord.  Some brackets also come with a hole to mount a shutter release cable through.

PF

[wlewisiii]

Sounds good. I'll see what I can find.

Thanks!

William

[br1078lum]

William,

If you are into using bulb flash, you can get a Model 1 adapter to mount either a BC-4 or 5 collapsible fan flash.  Then there is the BC-7, which will mount directly to the F2. 

PF