Awesome Cameras

Nikon F2 Camera Manual

Brief History

Released in 1971, the Nikon F2 was the successor to the legendary Nikon F and became one of the greatest mechanical 35mm SLRs ever made. It refined everything that made the Nikon F iconic, offering smoother operation, better ergonomics, improved metering options, and a higher top shutter speed.

Designed as a fully mechanical, professional-grade camera, the F2 was rugged, reliable, and highly modular, making it a favorite among photojournalists, sports photographers, and war correspondents throughout the 1970s. Unlike its predecessor, the F2 introduced a more advanced and user-friendly film loading system, making it faster to operate in high-pressure environments.

Production lasted until 1980, when it was replaced by the Nikon F3, Nikon’s first electronic shutter SLR. However, many photographers still prefer the F2 for its pure mechanical precision and legendary durability.

Key Features & Synopsis

  • Lens Mount: Nikon F-mount, offering compatibility with a vast range of Nikon lenses.
  • Shutter: Fully mechanical horizontal-travel titanium foil shutter with speeds from 10 seconds to 1/2000 sec, plus Bulb (B) mode—faster than the 1/1000 sec top speed of the Nikon F.
  • Viewfinder Options: Interchangeable finders, including standard non-metered prisms and Photomic prisms with built-in light meters (F2 Photomic, F2S, F2SB, F2A, and F2AS).
  • Film Advance: Smooth single-stroke lever with an optional MD-2 or MD-3 motor drive for rapid shooting up to 5 fps.
  • Light Metering: The base F2 is fully manual with no meter, but metered Photomic finders offer TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering and improved accuracy over the Nikon F.
  • Build Quality: All-metal, ultra-durable design, often called the last great fully mechanical Nikon SLR.
  • Power: Fully mechanical, requiring no batteries except for metered prisms.

Why It’s Still Popular Today

  • Ultimate Mechanical Nikon SLR: Considered one of the best-built film cameras ever, with silky smooth mechanics.
  • More User-Friendly Than the Nikon F: Faster film loading, improved ergonomics, and a higher shutter speed. Fully Mechanical & Reliable: Works without batteries, making it a perfect field camera.
  • Modular System: Interchangeable finders, focusing screens, and motor drives allow customization.
  • Classic Nikon F-mount Lens Compatibility: Can use legendary Nikon AI and pre-AI lenses.
  • Holds Value: Still highly sought after by collectors and film shooters.

Potential Downsides

  • Weight: The Nikon F2 is heavy, especially with a Photomic finder and motor drive attached.
  • Metering Issues with Older Finders: Some Photomic prisms (like the F2S and F2SB) rely on aging CdS cells, which may need recalibration.
  • High Cost for Good Condition Models: A well-maintained Nikon F2, especially an F2AS, can be expensive.
  • No Aperture Priority Mode: Fully manual operation, unlike the Nikon F3, which introduced auto exposure.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon F2 is widely regarded as one of the finest mechanical 35mm SLRs ever made. It refined everything great about the Nikon F while introducing faster operation, smoother controls, and better metering options. If you’re looking for a rugged, all-mechanical SLR with legendary durability, the F2 is an outstanding choice.