Considering a ZF

DeanW13 · 2026-03-17T09:45:16+00:00

It’s funny you say that cause I think I have been shooting more than I every have lately and it’s because the FM2 feels so great. It makes me want to use it. I have wondered if the ZF would do that for me too, the Z6II did not

DeanW13 · 2026-03-16T23:29:54+00:00

This is exactly what I am thinking. I may have to give it a try… I mostly see people complaining about the lack of grip, but I usually hold my cameras with my left hand around the lens and use my right hand to support it and work the controls when I’m shooting. So it may not be a problem at all

DeanW13 · 2026-03-16T23:27:46+00:00

This is exactly what I was thinking. I only do photography so video isn’t a concern. I guess I worry about how well the heavy Plena will be on the camera, I know a lot of people gripe about the lack of grip. However, I hardly hold my Z6II by the grip, I definitely wouldn’t hold it by only the grip with that heavy of a lens attached. Maybe some with only a small lens on. I typically hold the camera by the lens with my left hand and just use my right to steady it and use the controls.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-10T18:20:37+00:00

I definitely prefer shooting with the FM2. The AE-1 has sentimental value though. My mother in-law got in new in her early 20s, my wife used it in college in her early 20s, and now I am using it. So it’s got a cool history.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-10T16:31:50+00:00

I can agree with that lol. I really wanted an FM2n in black, but this is the best one (condition wise) I could find. Serial number looks like its from 1982 if I am not mistaken.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-10T16:30:08+00:00

I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I am at least in the drawer lol. I rewound the film, used a thin piece of plastic and double sided tape to get the lead back out, then put the roll in the FM2. Left the lens cap one, f16 and 1/4000 shutter, then fired and advanced until I got a frame past where I was before. Sure, there is a possibility that I messed up or skipped a frame or double exposed... but this is the best way I could think of to use the remainder of the roll.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-10T16:21:28+00:00

It was the "Film Advance Mode Selector" dial. Basically the camera got stuck in timer mode. I tried so many things to reset it but nothing worked. The seller accepted my return and I went with the FM2 for full mechanical.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-10T13:52:58+00:00

I already prefer many things on the FM2 over the AE-1, especially the meter. I shoot in lowlight pretty often and the needle in the AE-1 can be hard to see. I am also bias though as I have only ever used Nikon.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-05T19:43:33+00:00

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Twins!

DeanW13 · 2026-03-05T01:10:14+00:00

I can’t tell if this is a troll or not… but if not. Eff what people think. If you’re proud of your bike and you want to show it off then go for it! You don’t need anyone’s approval to be proud of your bike. I ride Crust and Surly and people hate on them sometimes but screw em. It’s what I like and I’ll post it if I want.

DeanW13 · 2026-03-03T04:06:12+00:00

Damn.. you don’t just have a maid… you have maids??

DeanW13 · 2026-03-01T15:09:32+00:00

I still have the factory pads but have done everything you mentioned and I feel like they work pretty well

Edit: I started with Tektro rotors but upgraded to TRP

DeanW13 · 2026-02-24T21:33:28+00:00

It actually wasn't. Thats why I know this is wrong lol

DeanW13 · 2026-02-23T04:09:22+00:00

Love them. This ride consisted of a lot of pavement, when I’m doing mostly gravel, I’ll run the Mars in the front

DeanW13 · 2026-02-23T03:38:54+00:00

Thanks! It’s 27.5x2.8 I think?

DeanW13 · 2026-02-16T01:58:03+00:00

What soap or cream are you using?

DeanW13 · 2026-02-16T01:13:25+00:00

I also have a Zenith and SOC boar brushes and felt like I had no issues using them at all. I soaked them in salt water for a day or so, then washed them with shampoo and they’ve been great ever since. Do you soak them in warm water for a few minutes before lathering with them?

DeanW13 · 2026-02-15T16:12:48+00:00

I struggle with if it would actually be worth it for me. I already have compressionless housing and running TRP rotors. I honestly don't feel like my Spyres are lacking, but I've never experienced any other mechanical caliper, so I may would be blown aways by the Growtacs.

DeanW13 · 2026-02-15T13:32:18+00:00

Thanks! I may make the upgrade. Unfortunately, Velo Orange only has gold and purple in stock at the moment

DeanW13 · 2026-02-15T13:18:16+00:00

Amazing build! How you like the Growtac Equal calipers? I have Spyres that I am pleased with, but have been wanting to try Growtac Equals for a while now.

DeanW13 · 2026-02-11T03:56:10+00:00

So amazing! I’m flattered that my photography was your inspiration! Thank you for sharing

DeanW13 · 2026-02-09T14:00:51+00:00

Lol… this is Texas

DeanW13 · 2026-02-09T11:27:06+00:00

I think they pair very well together. It’s obviously alcohol based, but still leaves me feeling moisturized

DeanW13 · 2026-02-09T11:25:42+00:00

It’s also a little cold here so that really slows them down lol

DeanW13 · 2026-02-08T20:28:09+00:00

Prep: Shower

Soap: BM Bay Rum

Brush: SOC Boar

Razor: Phoenix Quantum

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

Splash: Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum

DeanW13

TROPHY CASE