Because U2 was cool.
p.1 #1Because U2 was cool.
And the N/F75 was not.
13oz of compact fantastik plastik, like new at Holga cost.
Weighs almost a pound less than the Zf w/35apo.
Makes Leica shooters remember that they have to go and clean the refrigerator.
Uses the old AF-D and AF-S lenses in the back of the closet, so images should scan well. (Then, you can apply Lightroom presets to mimic any film.)
13oz of compact fantastik plastik, like new at Holga cost.
Weighs almost a pound less than the Zf w/35apo.
Makes Leica shooters remember that they have to go and clean the refrigerator.
Uses the old AF-D and AF-S lenses in the back of the closet, so images should scan well. (Then, you can apply Lightroom presets to mimic any film.)
May 15, 2026 at 09:26 PM
p.1 #2Because U2 was cool.
I've got a small arsenal of N75's and N80's. Really nice little cameras, and also an easy recommendation for someone getting started. The metering is really excellent with these, and the autofocus is also plenty competent. And you've got a pop-up flash! So super easy to get perfectly exposed/focused negatives.
I do admit, however, I shoot my M2 and F5/F6 way more often.
I do admit, however, I shoot my M2 and F5/F6 way more often.
May 15, 2026 at 11:10 PM
p.1 #3Because U2 was cool.
The U2 was only available in black, the N75 was silver, F75 was black.
I had the silver one and it looked super cheap/plasticky compared to the black ones. Camera itself was great.
I replaced it with the N80/F80 which often is actually cheaper, but has far more features that I appreciate as well as feeling a bit more robust. $20 each for two N80s!
U2 and N80 - fantastic cameras that give excellent results effortlessly.
I had the silver one and it looked super cheap/plasticky compared to the black ones. Camera itself was great.
I replaced it with the N80/F80 which often is actually cheaper, but has far more features that I appreciate as well as feeling a bit more robust. $20 each for two N80s!
U2 and N80 - fantastic cameras that give excellent results effortlessly.
May 16, 2026 at 12:10 AM
p.1 #4Because U2 was cool.
I'm going for smallest/lightest/lastest. It's an interchangeable lens point & shoot.
I had one of these appliances back when we started having kids, but I can't remember which one. The only bump could be the auto DX speed. I might push or pull TX a couple stops and that's easy to handle. I don't have any manual Ai lenses any more so that's not a issue.
The 58/2 CZJ Biotar and TTArtisan 75 Biotar clone, that adapts well on the Zf, got me thinking about a M42 camera, though. Ran into a Pentax H3 that cost less than a lens cap and sent it off for CLA. Should be back soon.
Grabbed some XTOL (ahem, XDEV), TF-4 and a fistful of Tri-x at B&H and feel like a prepper who's just finished stocking a new backyard bunker. I'm ready.
I had one of these appliances back when we started having kids, but I can't remember which one. The only bump could be the auto DX speed. I might push or pull TX a couple stops and that's easy to handle. I don't have any manual Ai lenses any more so that's not a issue.
The 58/2 CZJ Biotar and TTArtisan 75 Biotar clone, that adapts well on the Zf, got me thinking about a M42 camera, though. Ran into a Pentax H3 that cost less than a lens cap and sent it off for CLA. Should be back soon.
Grabbed some XTOL (ahem, XDEV), TF-4 and a fistful of Tri-x at B&H and feel like a prepper who's just finished stocking a new backyard bunker. I'm ready.
May 16, 2026 at 05:59 AM
p.1 #5Because U2 was cool.
I never heard of U2 other than the Irish band and the aircraft. Were they in the NY stores back in the film era?
EBH
EBH
May 16, 2026 at 07:03 AM
p.1 #6Because U2 was cool.
That 35mm f2 AF-Nikkor is such a good lens, always loved shooting with it..
May 16, 2026 at 07:15 AM
p.1 #7Because U2 was cool.
EB-1 wrote:
I never heard of U2 other than the Irish band and the aircraft. Were they in the NY stores back in the film era?
EBH
I think it was a Japan only model. Even though the only thing different to the N75/F75 was the name.
I never heard of U2 other than the Irish band and the aircraft. Were they in the NY stores back in the film era?
EBH
I think it was a Japan only model. Even though the only thing different to the N75/F75 was the name.
May 16, 2026 at 01:21 PM
p.1 #8Because U2 was cool.
Tina Kino wrote:
That 35mm f2 AF-Nikkor is such a good lens, always loved shooting with it..
Fantastic lens but really prone to oily blades which causes drag resulting in inconsistent over exposure.
Mine has done it twice now - I repaired it after the first time but it has done it again so I’m giving up on it and will sell for parts/as is.
That 35mm f2 AF-Nikkor is such a good lens, always loved shooting with it..
Fantastic lens but really prone to oily blades which causes drag resulting in inconsistent over exposure.
Mine has done it twice now - I repaired it after the first time but it has done it again so I’m giving up on it and will sell for parts/as is.
May 16, 2026 at 01:23 PM
p.1 #9Because U2 was cool.
Desmolicious wrote:
Fantastic lens but really prone to oily blades which causes drag resulting in inconsistent over exposure.
Mine has done it twice now - I repaired it after the first time but it has done it again so I’m giving up on it and will sell for parts/as is.
Thats a bummer. I also have the lens but so far ok. I have read that the issue can be minimised by removing the lens after use and storing lens cap down.
Tina Kino wrote
That 35mm f2 AF-Nikkor is such a good lens, always loved shooting with it..Mine has done it twice now - I repaired it after the first time but it has done it again so I’m giving up on it and will sell for parts/as is.
Thats a bummer. I also have the lens but so far ok. I have read that the issue can be minimised by removing the lens after use and storing lens cap down.
May 17, 2026 at 03:20 AM
p.1 #10Because U2 was cool.
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much. Thinking about how nice a 24/2.8D would be now… 🙄
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the H3 and TX in the U2. ...it's a Beautiful Day...
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the H3 and TX in the U2. ...it's a Beautiful Day...
May 17, 2026 at 05:20 AM
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p.1 #11Because U2 was cool.
taildraggin wrote:
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much. Thinking about how nice a 24/2.8D would be now… 🙄
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the...Show more →
I've had two of these cameras. Great shooters, especially with their compactness. Also, I 100% recommend a 24mm f/2.8D. It's my second favorite lens and I've taken many of my best photos on it.
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much. Thinking about how nice a 24/2.8D would be now… 🙄
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the...Show more →
I've had two of these cameras. Great shooters, especially with their compactness. Also, I 100% recommend a 24mm f/2.8D. It's my second favorite lens and I've taken many of my best photos on it.
May 17, 2026 at 07:37 PM
p.1 #12Because U2 was cool.
Tried the 24mm D today. So nice to shoot moving into the frame rather than backing out to it.
May 22, 2026 at 01:11 PM
p.1 #13Because U2 was cool.
taildraggin wrote:
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much.
It is a fantastic lens. Thing is I had mine repaired and it was fine for a while before the oiling came back.
That could give credence to it being a batch as maybe Nikon made a construction change so that this would not happen with later builds?
24 2.8d is awesome. I ‘replaced’ mine w the 24 1.8g but have not yet sold the d because it is about half the size. The 1.8 is kinda stoopid big.
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much.
It is a fantastic lens. Thing is I had mine repaired and it was fine for a while before the oiling came back.
That could give credence to it being a batch as maybe Nikon made a construction change so that this would not happen with later builds?
24 2.8d is awesome. I ‘replaced’ mine w the 24 1.8g but have not yet sold the d because it is about half the size. The 1.8 is kinda stoopid big.
May 22, 2026 at 03:31 PM
p.1 #14Because U2 was cool.
taildraggin wrote:
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much. Thinking about how nice a 24/2.8D would be now… 🙄
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the...Show more →
That's a nice pair of cameras!
But I am also biased because I have a Nikon F65 that I like to pair with the 35mm f2D and I also have a Pentax K2 that I bought to use the TTA 75mm f1.5 on
(gotta say I don't love the handling with the M42-PK adapter though.. was looking at Spotmatics this morning...)
We need to see more of your results!
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much. Thinking about how nice a 24/2.8D would be now… 🙄
Yes, it’s just a N/F75.
Early and Late SLRs. H3(aka S3) is pretty small; smaller than a Spotmatic. Solid/weighty though. Love how the Honeywell Heiland branding associates with '60s mall department stores.
Nikon shooters remember that they have to go home and clean their refrigerator when they see it.
The Bee-O-Tars do nice things with color, so the Best Laid Plans call for color in the...Show more →
That's a nice pair of cameras!
But I am also biased because I have a Nikon F65 that I like to pair with the 35mm f2D and I also have a Pentax K2 that I bought to use the TTA 75mm f1.5 on
(gotta say I don't love the handling with the M42-PK adapter though.. was looking at Spotmatics this morning...)We need to see more of your results!
May 23, 2026 at 03:11 AM
p.1 #15Because U2 was cool.
You don't buy a F75 -- you Acquire it. The $1.21 average market premium over the F65 reflects its superior standing within the <$50 gummy plastic camera collector community.
Yah...Scanning. The only similarity of my work to Winogrand's is that I'm hording exposed rolls of film. Awaiting retrieval of the V700 in storage so 'contact sheets' can be made. Stirred up some xtol soup and did the first roll of tri-x in 10(?) years.
I want/don't want to buy a macro lens and Valoi or ES-2 thingy. More stuff-junk. But, it looks like the way to go.
I'll use the V700 until I catch up, get frustrated, then sell it for one of the small scanners. I'll still need a scanner for 120, though. And, the V700 is adequate for that. I'm not sure the easy120 is the answer.
The S3/H3 is basically an early Spotmatic without a meter, many of which seem to be Spotty. I figured I'd delete the distraction of (questionable) meters and batteries while using a viewfinder devoid of any aids that demonstrates my uncanny mastery of measuring complex lighting conditions by eye (while sneaking a look at the Sekonic). Also, I only got it for the B-O-Tars - it was very inexpensive.
I'm very impressed with the quality of construction of the Pentax. It's built like a Nikon F. Dad was kind of a Leica snob and as a kid I always thought of them as interesting, but 'department store' cameras. It's obvious though that the M42 mount was its weakness. Relative to bayonet, it's slow and more awkward to change and the auto-stop down design is clumsy. You get used to paddling the stop-down pin with a creepy half-press of the shutter, but it marks one those small differences that exist between brands that are so similar otherwise.
The TTArtisan lens does not have the stop-down mechanism at all. It operates it like the 1st 30's version.
Yah...Scanning. The only similarity of my work to Winogrand's is that I'm hording exposed rolls of film. Awaiting retrieval of the V700 in storage so 'contact sheets' can be made. Stirred up some xtol soup and did the first roll of tri-x in 10(?) years.
I want/don't want to buy a macro lens and Valoi or ES-2 thingy. More stuff-junk. But, it looks like the way to go.
I'll use the V700 until I catch up, get frustrated, then sell it for one of the small scanners. I'll still need a scanner for 120, though. And, the V700 is adequate for that. I'm not sure the easy120 is the answer.
The S3/H3 is basically an early Spotmatic without a meter, many of which seem to be Spotty. I figured I'd delete the distraction of (questionable) meters and batteries while using a viewfinder devoid of any aids that demonstrates my uncanny mastery of measuring complex lighting conditions by eye (while sneaking a look at the Sekonic). Also, I only got it for the B-O-Tars - it was very inexpensive.
I'm very impressed with the quality of construction of the Pentax. It's built like a Nikon F. Dad was kind of a Leica snob and as a kid I always thought of them as interesting, but 'department store' cameras. It's obvious though that the M42 mount was its weakness. Relative to bayonet, it's slow and more awkward to change and the auto-stop down design is clumsy. You get used to paddling the stop-down pin with a creepy half-press of the shutter, but it marks one those small differences that exist between brands that are so similar otherwise.
The TTArtisan lens does not have the stop-down mechanism at all. It operates it like the 1st 30's version.
May 23, 2026 at 06:56 AM
p.1 #16Because U2 was cool.
taildraggin wrote:
The S3/H3 is basically an early Spotmatic without a meter, many of which seem to be Spotty. I figured I'd delete the distraction of (questionable) meters and batteries while using a viewfinder devoid of any aids that demonstrates my uncanny mastery of measuring complex lighting conditions by eye (while sneaking a look at the Sekonic). Also, I only got it for the B-O-Tars - it was very inexpensive.
Picked up a Spotmatic F yesterday after the seller gave me a discount on what was already a good price given the condition.. and since I only have the TTA 75mm f1.5 in M42, I *had* to also pick up a Voigtländer Skoparex 35mm f2.8 (a rebranded Zeiss Distagon, made by Rollei in Singapore).. 🫣
The nice thing about the Spotmatic F is that it takes 1.5V batteries without problems.
I guess it's only a matter of time now until I buy a 50mm Tessar and/or a 58mm Biotar (already have a Helios 44-2 in F-mount)..
The S3/H3 is basically an early Spotmatic without a meter, many of which seem to be Spotty. I figured I'd delete the distraction of (questionable) meters and batteries while using a viewfinder devoid of any aids that demonstrates my uncanny mastery of measuring complex lighting conditions by eye (while sneaking a look at the Sekonic). Also, I only got it for the B-O-Tars - it was very inexpensive.
Picked up a Spotmatic F yesterday after the seller gave me a discount on what was already a good price given the condition.. and since I only have the TTA 75mm f1.5 in M42, I *had* to also pick up a Voigtländer Skoparex 35mm f2.8 (a rebranded Zeiss Distagon, made by Rollei in Singapore).. 🫣
The nice thing about the Spotmatic F is that it takes 1.5V batteries without problems.
I guess it's only a matter of time now until I buy a 50mm Tessar and/or a 58mm Biotar (already have a Helios 44-2 in F-mount)..
May 24, 2026 at 11:25 PM
p.1 #17Because U2 was cool.
I think this is a virus. Good luck with the Spotmatic. It sounds like it's a good one - good news with the battery.
May 25, 2026 at 04:36 AM
p.1 #18Because U2 was cool.
Desmolicious wrote:
It is a fantastic lens. Thing is I had mine repaired and it was fine for a while before the oiling came back.
That could give credence to it being a batch as maybe Nikon made a construction change so that this would not happen with later builds?
24 2.8d is awesome. I ‘replaced’ mine w the 24 1.8g but have not yet sold the d because it is about half the size. The 1.8 is kinda stoopid big.
The 24/1.8's chunky, but the flare resistance, decently flat field, and low distortion make it a bit of a stud.
taildraggin wrote
It may have been a certain period or batch. I’ve heard about the oily blades but haven’t experienced it. I do like the lens very much.That could give credence to it being a batch as maybe Nikon made a construction change so that this would not happen with later builds?
24 2.8d is awesome. I ‘replaced’ mine w the 24 1.8g but have not yet sold the d because it is about half the size. The 1.8 is kinda stoopid big.
The 24/1.8's chunky, but the flare resistance, decently flat field, and low distortion make it a bit of a stud.
May 28, 2026 at 04:52 PM
