Nikon F2AS

The Nikon F2 is a legendary 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced by Nikon Corporation in 1971 as the successor to the iconic Nikon F. It was designed to meet the demanding needs of professional photographers and is widely regarded as one of the finest mechanical SLR cameras ever made. Here’s a detailed look at the Nikon F2:

Historical Context

• The Nikon F2 was released as an evolution of the Nikon F, which had dominated the professional camera market since its introduction in 1959.

• It was designed to address some of the limitations of the Nikon F while retaining its ruggedness, modularity, and reliability.

• The F2 continued Nikon's tradition of building fully mechanical cameras, making it highly durable and dependable in extreme conditions.

• It remained in production until 1980, when it was succeeded by the Nikon F3, which introduced electronic components.

Key Features

1. Mechanical Shutter:

   • The F2 featured a titanium-bladed, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/2000 second, plus Bulb mode.

   • The shutter was renowned for its accuracy and durability, with a rated lifespan of 150,000 cycles.

   

2. Build Quality:

   • The F2 was built to withstand heavy use, with a full metal body and robust construction.

   • It was designed to operate in extreme temperatures and harsh environments, making it a favorite among photojournalists and adventure photographers.

3. Modular Design:

   • Like the Nikon F, the F2 was a system camera, allowing photographers to customize it with various accessories:

     • Interchangeable viewfinders (e.g., the DE-1 eye-level prism, DW-1 waist-level finder, and DA-1 action finder).

     • Interchangeable focusing screens (12 different types available).

     • A removable motor drive (the MD-1 or MD-2, which allowed for continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second).

   

   Nikon F2AS with MD-2 Motor Drive and MB-1 Battery Box

   

   

   2 X MS-1 AA Battery Module

   

   Motor Drive shaft connecting the body

   

   Detachable trigger module for other components, e.g. Wired Remote Control

4. Viewfinder Options:

   • The standard DE-1 prism provided a bright and clear view with 100% coverage of the frame.

   • Other viewfinders included:

     • DP-1 Photomic: Featured a built-in light meter with center-weighted averaging.

     • DP-2 Photomic S: Introduced a silicon photodiode (SPD) for improved metering accuracy.

     • DP-3 Photomic SB: Added spot metering for precise exposure control.

5. Lens Compatibility:

   • The F2 used the Nikon F-mount, which was compatible with a wide range of Nikkor lenses.

   • Popular lenses included the 50mm f/1.4, 35mm f/2, and 105mm f/2.5.

6. Film Advance:

   • The camera featured a rapid-wind lever for quick film advance, with a stroke of 135 degrees for efficient operation.

7. Battery:

   • The F2 was primarily a mechanical camera, but certain metered viewfinders (e.g., DP-1, DP-2, DP-3) required a 1.35V mercury battery for the light meter.

   • Modern alternatives, such as 1.5V silver oxide batteries with adapters, can be used today.

Notable Variants

The Nikon F2 was produced in several variants, distinguished by their viewfinders and metering systems:

1. Nikon F2 (DE-1):

   • The base model with a non-metered prism.

2. Nikon F2 Photomic (DP-1):

   • Featured a built-in light meter with center-weighted averaging.

3. Nikon F2 Photomic S (DP-2):

   • Introduced a silicon photodiode (SPD) for improved metering accuracy.

4. Nikon F2 Photomic SB (DP-3):

   • Added spot metering for precise exposure control.

5. Nikon F2A (DP-11):

   • A later model with improved metering and compatibility with AI (Automatic Indexing) lenses.

6. Nikon F2AS (DP-12):

   • The most advanced variant, featuring aperture-priority metering with AI-S lenses.

with 50mm F1.4 AI-S lens

Why the Nikon F2 is Special

• Mechanical Excellence: The F2 is one of the last fully mechanical professional SLR cameras, known for its durability and reliability.

• Professional Adoption: It was widely used by photojournalists, including those covering the Vietnam War, and became a symbol of Nikon's commitment to quality.

• Legacy: The F2 set a high standard for professional cameras and remains a favorite among collectors and film photographers.

Collectibility and Market Value

• The Nikon F2 is highly collectible, particularly models with rare viewfinders or in excellent condition.

• Prices vary depending on the variant, condition, and included accessories. The F2AS (DP-12) is often the most sought-after model due to its advanced features.

Conclusion

The Nikon F2 is a masterpiece of camera engineering, combining ruggedness, versatility, and precision. It represents the pinnacle of mechanical SLR design and remains a beloved camera among professionals, collectors, and film enthusiasts. Whether you're shooting with it or adding it to your collection, the F2 is a testament to Nikon's legacy of excellence.