Nikon N2020 / Nikon F-501

[@LB-ll7kb]

I still have my N2020 since when it was sold in stores. I took beautiful photos with it. The light meter is excellent and accurate to my liking. I love it uses the popular AAA batteries.

[@HaiTran]

Great to hear!

[@thomasmacdonough288]

I adore the n2020. My father handed it down from when he was a photographer back in college. This thing is just so fun to mess around with, knowing that it was once a game changer and is now just the slowest focusing camera I will probably ever use.

[@HaiTran]

It’s all about the experience 👍🏽

[@JP1050x]

I picked up a N2020 a while ago, and I finally cleaned it up and started testing it recently. As soon as I mounted a Nikon 50mm 1.8 Series E, it seemed like the perfect pair! I really like the old school 80’s electronic noises the camera makes. It’s a great compliment to my Nikon L35AF. I probably wouldn’t use the N2020 as a primary camera, but it’s a fun option to have to change it up every once in a while.

[@HaiTran]

When you get a chance, you should try the N2020 with an AF lens to take full adavantage of it 👍🏽

[@JP1050x]

Hai Tran I use my F100 or N80 for AF. But, I don’t really use auto focus much for my film cameras. The N2020 is surprisingly good with smaller MF primes though!

[@HaiTran]

If your N2020 already doesn’t come with one, you should find the focusing screen dedicated for manual focus. Manual focus will be a lot more enjoyable.

[@JP1050x]

Hai Tran the standard screen actually seems pretty good with my fast 1.8 lens. It’s nice that the camera has a focus confirmation aid. If you change the focus screen, I’m not sure if it would effect the exposure. Also, buying a different screen might cost as much as the entire camera. Haha There’s actually a non auto focus version of the camera called N2000/F-301, which most likely has the darker manual focus screens that you might have in mind.

[@HaiTran]

Whatever works for you 👍🏽

[@j.f.7509]

Using it with manual focus is actually not bad at all. It has a green light for focus confirmation and two arrows telling you how to rotate the focus ring.

[@HaiTran]

Whatever works 👍🏽

[@befresh78]

I like the F501 because of the hybrid tech and 80's styling. It has this classic user experience with all knobs and dials and no lcd screen, but still offers auto focus and integrated motorized film transport. Not to mention it's dirt cheap for what it has to offer if you want to shoot film and is compatible with a lot of lenses.

[@HaiTran]

Definitely great bang for the buck 👍🏽

[@morganking6285]

I really loved this video, I was just given the nikon n2020 for christmas and had no idea what anything on it was for. Still trying to get use to the focus and how to shoot decent pictures in general but it's slowly coming along lol

[@HaiTran]

Congratulations! Have fun with your new camera 👍🏽

[@pluggy2dope]

What did the photos look like?

[@st.armanini9521]

Me in January 2020: It'd be nice to get a Nikon N2020 to celebrate the year. Also me in quarantine: Shitty year, nevermind.

[@HaiTran]

Don't let the circumstances define you.

[@ecj272]

I just bought this camera on ebay, with 3 lenses(Nikon 50mm, Sigma 24-85mm & Vivitar135mm), large bag, 52mm filter, filter case, sigma leather hard case, original manual and brochures and a few other doodads for $70. I went and bought some film tonight to test the camera, and not only does it work, but, looks unused, as well as the 3 lenses, hell even the bag while a bit dirty looks like it just sat collecting dust. I am hoping the film comes back with some decent photos.

[@HaiTran]

Good luck!

[@socialkonstruct5397]

I love my N2020 honestly. It looks like a kickass traditional SLR with the actual shutter dial... My N90S isn't as user friendly :D

[@HaiTran]

The N2020 is still one of my favorite cameras to use. There's just something about it 👍🏽

[@irvinnwin]

Could you explain why it's not good for manual focusing? You were just generally saying that it wasn't, but it would be great to know exactly why! What is optimized? Thanks.

[@HaiTran]

Manual focus cameras have specific focusing screens that have aides to help with manual focusing. They make the task easier. The N2020 just has a standard focusing screen which gives you a direct look at the scene without any aids. You can manual focus with the camera, it’s just harder than a dedicated manual focus camera.

[@Blueangel290393]

I own the F-501 (mint-quality) still happy that this GREAT hybrid-design camera isnt that famous even if it really deserves it!. Its for me one of the "famous" and important NIKONs [F, F2, Nikkormat FT3, F3, F4, F-501, FM, Fm2n, FA for example] .... I really prefer the 501 to the 301 because of the self-timer light, the first Autofocus ....you can really use it in some situations.... AND you're able to change the focusing screen :D I changed it to the "J"-screen with full microprism-middle ! I really enjoy it with my manual Ais lenses which work with the lightmeter very well ! I highly recommend this camera for its price! And nothing feels cheap with it...even if the leather/rubber is in a little bad condition..

[@HaiTran]

I was actually able to find another N2020 new in box after this video and bought it right away. I guess that shows how much I like this camera. This is the only time that I bought multiples of the same camera.

[@Blueangel290393]

haha, great! I think we both have the same enthusiasm for it xD It wasnt that easy for me to get one "F-501" in this mint-quality here in germany whereas on the Usa-ebay page the "N2020" is thrown on one ^^ but I just wanted the 501. Maybe next, and maybe a 2nd. will be the "N2020" . Even got a new CF-35 case from Britain and a rare Nikon carrying strap for this camera called "Nikon F-501 Camera of the year '86" :D I really like your video btw xD ah, and... I think you are probably one of those who like to find the special things....even if they aren't that famous as we think it should be! Thus Ive just bought a Nikon FT3. Produced only in 1977. Really really nice thing....I dont know why but thats my 2nd. to the 501 I really love. maybe because they arent the high-end models but got everything you need or needed without the ability of changing the prism and having the 100% viewfinder....but I think the latter isnt really that important. :) but thumbs up! you're doing some nice reviews!

[@HaiTran]

I'm glad to hear that you enjoy my content. Also, you're right. I try to find things that are a bit different, rather than just buying the most popular cameras that other people recommend. I will be putting out a lot more analog content so make sure to subscribe to keep up with what I do! 👍

[@alpha512]

Hi where can I get the focusing screen type J? I having hard time manual focusing with it... Not sure my eye having problem or not use to it... I keep getting out of focus images, my only lens are Nikkor 50mm f1.8D

[@HaiTran]

I would periodically search for them on eBay until the right one pops up.

[@nick044]

Got it for free today. Near mint condition. Now I gotta get a lens with autofocus

[@HaiTran]

Can't complain about that! Enjoy it 👍🏽

[@nick044]

@@HaiTran I sure will. Already loving the design. Definitely looks better than my Canon t50

[@dangerpowers123]

Great review, I recently got the F301 and F501 and actually prefer the more manual focus F301.

[@HaiTran]

The F301 is definitely an interesting option if someone is looking for manual focus. I like the design of the body in general so wouldn't mind using it at all if I using looking for a manual focus camera from this era.

[@dangerpowers123]

The Upper Left USA I've done a review of the F301 on my channel and for me it's split screen focus which makes it easier to focus manually. I guess as the f501 is AF they felt no need to keep the split screen

[@HaiTran]

It’s like I said, this is pretty much the point where Nikon really made the push towards autofocus. It’s pretty obvious when you use a camera like the N2020.

[@dangerpowers123]

The Upper Left USA agreed 😁

[@Blueangel290393]

J- screen with microprisms for the 501 could be a great solution... ;)

[@crhyme_scene.29]

hey bro, do you know where can I find a leather protection like that one on no F2020

[@HaiTran]

Listing sites like eBay or just randomly on resell marketplaces.

[@carminasalzburgo]

Hello, do you know if it’s possible to make double exposure on this camera? Nice review! Anda thank you! I got it a few days ago and I didn’t understand anything. Now it’s all clear!

[@HaiTran]

The camera doesn't have an official way of doing double exposures. There are other ways to do it but you'll have to do your own research on that.

[@plestj]

Hello Hai! Just subscribed. I like your honest review of the Nikon 2020. Will this camera work with the E Series lenses? Don’t mind manual focusing. Let me know. Thanks! Anthony.

[@HaiTran]

As far as I know, there’s nothing about the Series E lenses that differentiate them in terms of the F mount that would make them incompatible with the N2020. However, that’s my limited understanding of the mount. You should do research on particular lenses that you’re interested in to verify compatibility.

[@plestj]

@@HaiTran Thank you!! Appreciate your feedback! 👍

[@HaiTran]

You're welcome!

[@raymondhernandez716]

Mine needs a lens what’s a good cheap lense?

[@HaiTran]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2KVf6isgLKFi80

[@leksasdf]

I got an 501 with a 35-105 for 50€. Not a bad camera and fun to use, but I have an F100 and the af on that thing is as good as my D750, the f501 af is crap :D

[@HaiTran]

Hard to complain when actively choosing to use something decades old.

[@leksasdf]

@@HaiTran Exactly. A fun camera and personally the smallest slr I have so I find myself just carrying it everywhere. It just looks cool too.

[@HaiTran]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it 👍🏽