| Description: |
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xThe Nikon F2
September 1971 Nikon introduced the F2 body/system, Nikon's most highly evolved and advanced all mechanical body, intended to replace the aging original F. Where the original F had been a work in progress nearly over its entire life, the F2 was nearly constant over its lifespan with precious few visible, cosmetic or internal changes over its entire product cycle.
The very earliest bodies produced had a very serious design flaw, a relative rarity for Nikon, wherein the film would be caused to move during an exposure inducing and unacceptable blur in the resulting image. This problem was corrected very early on and almost no working examples of this survive this set of episodes.
Also, within the first 100,000 and all with 71XXXXX serial numbers, Nikon made a cosmetic change in the leatherette covering from the original coarser shiny "pebble grain" ala the original F to a much smoother duller finish. This change was to both the body covering and to the supplied finder of that time. Surviving DE-1 and DP-1 finders with the older covering and appropriately DP-1 early serial numbers are considered rare and command a premium for their collectibility.
The F2 was intended to mimic the original F as much as possible without limiting the capabilities of the new camera body so that it would substitute into a PRO's hands with as little obtuse adjustment as was practicable. BUT, one obvious discretionary change was obviously incorporated. The original F, which shared parts with and was heavily based on the SP and other S series bodies as an obvious expediency intended for prompt original design execution, had a rearward positioned shutter release button which placement had mystified many users who did not understand its derivative history. This awkward was corrected in the F2 as is illustrated in the following picture flanked below by an F and above by an SP which needed the rearward placement of facility of use of the geared focus wheel.
In addition only the mirror lock up feature suffered any meaningful change in position/operation. Instead of a rocker switch that necessitated the loss of an exposure located at the bottom right of the bezel; a new rotating collar about the depth of field preview button permitted mirror lock up at any time without the loss of an exposure.
Obvious great effort was exercised in order to keep virtually everything else as identical to the original F as possible. Even the weight of the body with the initial DP-1 finder was kept within an ounce of the weight of the departing F with an FTN finder. But the changes were extensive and comprise the following list:
1. A 10ms travel time sped up titanium horizontal FP shutter. Nikon could well have designed it and specified it to X-Synch at 1/100 but opted for 1/80 to conservatively allow for spring tension degradation over the life of the camera body.
2. Extended shutter speed range of 10 to 1/2000
3. ASA 6 to 6400 with initial DP-1 head
4. Rounded contour body that actually feels more compact but has virtually identical dimensions
5. Rewind crank pulls up and locks in a 6mm raised position for easier manual film rewinding
6. Larger reflex mirror to minimize viewfinder vignetting when using long lenses.
7. Removable hinged back.
8. Shorter 120 degree stroke for film advance lever.
9. Meter/electronics on/off switch incorporated into film advance lever at a 20 degree offset
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| Specifications: |
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| Self Timer |
Yes |
| Metering Type |
Nikon Proprietary 60/40 Center Weighted |
| Focusing System/Method (Camera) |
Manual |
| Flash Metering |
None |
| Camera Format Type |
24mm X 36mm |
| Exposure Control Modes |
Fully Manual |
| Shutter Speed Range |
10 to 1/2000 |
| ASA Meter Range |
Depends on viewfinder/meter chosen |
| EV or Meter Sensitivity Range |
Depends on viewfinder/meter chosen |
| Viewfinder Information |
Shutter Speed
F Stop
Exposure Plus/Minus Needle
Exposure Plus Minus LEDs |
| Weight |
1lb 14oz with DP-1 |
| Color Scheme(s) |
Black Painted
Black and Chrome |
| Dimensions |
6in (153mm)W X 4in (102mm)H X 2.1in (53mm)D with DP-1 Finder |
| Type of Battery/Cell |
Two MS76/LR44 or One 3 volt Lithium |
| Shutter Technology |
Mechanical
Horizontal Travel Titanium
Behind The Lens/Focal Plane Shutter |
| Removeable Pentaprism/Viewfinder(s) |
Yes |
| Exchangeable Viewfinder Screens |
Yes |
| Built In Flash |
No |
| Flash Connection |
Screw Locking PC Connector
Via Hot Shoe Attachment |
| Exposure Compensation |
Depends on viewfinder/meter chosen |
| Date/Event of introduction |
September 1971 |
| Serial Number Onset Data |
7100001 |
| Type of Camera |
SLR |
| FP Shutter Travel Time (X Sync Speed) |
10ms 1/80 |
| Motor Drive Capability |
Has Coupling |
| Depth of Field Preview |
Yes |
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NEW
New in box with warranty papers as it came from the dealer
Like New
Indistinguishable from new but no box or no papers or both
Like New Minus
Very close to new condition with only subtle signs of use or handling.
Excellent Plus Plus
Extremely nice condition but does show some handling and use but no hard use whatsoever.
Excellent Plus
Excellent condition but shows some wear and use.
Excellent
Perfectly Excellent operating condition but cosmetics leave something to be desired.
Good Condition
Usable but has mechanical, optical and cosmetic issues as indicated in individual descriptions
Fair Condition
Issues as indicated in individual descriptions
Ugly Condition
Very significant conditions as indicated in individual descriptions. The lower end of this range is basically a paperweight that looks something like it might once have taken some pictures.
Under Evaluation Process; Not Yet Offered For Sale
