Some cameras announce you to the room; others let you slip by unnoticed. Over the years, through official military projects and my own quiet fine art and street work, I’ve come to rely on two that couldn’t be more different: the unapologetic Nikon F2 and the Leica M. Both demand something of you, and both have something to give back. This isn’t your typical review or spec rundown. My perspective comes from years of shooting as an active duty U.S. service member and now as a public affairs professional, documenting missions, telling stories, and learning to trust my tools in high-stakes situations.
Why I Still Trust the Nikon F2
I see a lot of photographers, both new and experienced, sharing their opinions about the Nikon F and Leica M, often shaped by quick first impressions, online reviews, or whatever the latest influencers are saying. But this is an honest perspective from someone who not only owns these cameras but actually shoots with them regularly.
When I pick up my Nikon cameras, it’s usually for commissioned assignments, the kind of official projects where I need something I can fully trust, especially when everyone knows I’m there to document them. There’s a certain confidence that comes with it, like you’re holding a proper tool, made for the job. Sure, it’s intrusive, a little invasive, and louder than most cameras, but the results it delivers are always worth it.
My Journey With the F2
I started out many years ago with an older F2 that came with a broken Photomic meter. It still worked perfectly as a fully mechanical camera, but I never really got to experience the F2 the way it was meant to be. So for a while, I switched to an FM3A. As much as I liked that camera, it never quite captured the same feeling as the F2.
I think I’m just the kind of photographer who appreciates the obvious vintage quirks of old cameras, the ones that demand a little more from the shooter, and the F2 has that quality. It’s the kind of quality you almost wear like a badge, letting everyone in the room know you’re carrying a camera with serious pedigree, one that’s been proven in the hands of a very specific, rugged demographic: photographers documenting war and conflict.
Recently, I came across a much nicer F2AS in great condition, and it completely made me fall in love with the F2 all over again. Having a working, accurate meter and the smooth feel of a clean, late-model body really reminded me why this camera was trusted by so many professionals.
Why It Still Works
The F2AS is solid and mechanical, and the viewfinder shows you exactly what you’re getting, no surprises, no distractions. Paired with the 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S, it’s sharp, fast, and small enough to stay out of the way. That 28mm perspective is perfect for getting close and still telling the whole story, which is exactly what I look for in documentary and assignment work.
It also just makes sense in the context of my job. Working in US Air Force Public Affairs, I’ve been deeply involved in project and news assignments that demand reliability, speed, and a level of trust in your gear. The Department of Defense is still contracted with Nikon, and I’ve spent years shooting official stories and missions with the company’s flagship digital bodies, cameras that carry on the same philosophy as the F2. Even though most of my work now is on government-issued Nikon Z8 and Z6 bodies, adding a few frames of film with the F2 feels like paying respect to the history of military photography, and it’s a nice keepsake bonus on top of the digital work.
Why the Leica M Still Holds Its Place
But not every situation calls for that kind of presence. When I’m out shooting for myself, on the street, documenting quiet moments, I reach for my Leica M instead. The Leica M, for me, holds a very different perspective. At first glance, and even more so after actually using it, this camera will demand a lot from the shooter. I’ll be honest: in today’s world, it’s not for everyone. With all the hype and attention around it now, the Leica M doesn’t really feel understated anymore. In fact, it can almost feel like a statement piece just by virtue of its reputation and price. But if you find yourself “stuck on an island” with it, away from all the noise, you’ll develop a unique kind of love for what it actually is: a beautifully simple, deliberate tool.
Learning From the Leica
The sleek German design and parallax viewfinder, which lets you anticipate and hunt with the camera, re obvious strengths. But what really stands out is how much it makes you work. Zone focusing forces you to slow down and train yourself to use it properly. I’ve always paid attention to the distance markers on my Nikon lenses when needed, but with Leica lenses, you really have to master the, or they can slow you down even more. Using the Leica has taught me to judge by sight what one meter, twelve meters, or infinity actually looks like through those lenses. It takes practice, but it has instilled a completely different kind of discipline, and I value it for that.
The History That Comes With the Nikon
What makes the Nikon combo even more meaningful to me is the history behind it. I’ve spent hours flipping through my collection of TIME magazines from the Gulf War and early Afghanistan coverage, including official U.S. military photojournalists’ photo stories, and realizing that many of those powerful images were likely made with this same setup only deepens my respect for it. Photojournalists back then didn’t overthink their gear; they just needed something they could grab, trust, and count on. And the F2 is paired with a 28mm delivered every time. That’s not to say the Leica M didn’t see use in those historic conflicts; it certainly did, as some of my research has shown, but the Nikon was undeniably the workhorse of choice for many in those situations.
Final Thoughts
For me, it’s not about nostalgia or collecting. It’s about having the right tool for the moment, something simple, dependable, and capable of getting the shot when it counts. Whether that’s the solid confidence of the Nikon F2 for my professional work in public affairs or the deliberate charm of the Leica M for my personal street photography, I feel lucky to have both at my disposal.
Closing Note
Some cameras announce you to the room; others let you slip by unnoticed. Whichever one you choose, what really matters is knowing your camera won’t get in the way, and will help you tell the story exactly how you see it.
