The Nikon F2 is an all-metal, mechanically (springs, gears, levers) controlled, manual focus SLR with manual exposure control. The camera itself needed no batteries, though the prism light meter did (and of course the motor drive). The F2 replaced the Nikon F, adding many new features; a faster 1/2000 second maximum shutter speed, a swing open back for easier film loading, a wider assortment of detachable finders and metering heads, a 250 exposure film back, a larger reflex mirror to ensure no vignetting, and a shutter release nearer the front of the camera for better ergonomics. It also offered a detachable motor drive, something the F only had as a custom modification. It was the last all mechanical professional-level Nikon SLR. However, it was the F2’s interchangeable viewfinders (also known as “heads”) that marked it as a truly professional level SLR and was its greatest strength.
Serial number of the motor drive is identical to that of the camera body (proto-type bodies only). Just before the production of the Nikon F2 line stopped a Nikon F2 Titan was introduced in June 1979. This camera has some body parts made from a titanium alloy. The Nikon F2 was the last 'hand-built' Nikon body made, and many will say, it was the finest quality 35mm body ever made in the history of 35mm camera photography. I have never owned one, but I have held one and my friend who owned one, swore up and down it was an amazing piece of machinery. F2 Titanium (1978) with no engraving on front - featuring serial numbers of 'F2 920xxxx'. These were designated 'F2P' ('P' standing for 'Press') and 2,000 were issued to the professional media. F2 Titanium (June 1979) with ' Titan ' engraving on front - featuring serial #s of 'F2T 79xxxx'. Around 3,500 copies were produced. Generally the F2 Titans start with a 79 serial number, and the plain versions with 92, though exceptions have been noted. The top plates, bottom plate, back door, and prism cover are Titanium. This provides the toughest coverings for the most extreme professional use.
By providing updated heads every few years, Nikon was able to introduce new versions of the F2 and keep the basic body in the latest technology until production ended in 1980. Note: F2 heads were often sold separately from the body, mostly in black finish with about 10% in chrome. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see body/head combinations with mismatched serial numbers and/or colours.
The head on the basic Nikon F2 was called the Nikon DE-1. It provided a virtually 100% accurate viewing image, but was a plain pentaprism eyelevel viewing head with no built-in light meter and so had no metering or exposure information display, except for a flash-ready light. Unlike the other heads, about 90% of DE-1s were chrome finished. It was unpopular because of the lack of a built-in meter, but remained available for the life of the F2.
By adding the Photomic Finder (DP1) to a Nikon F2 it becomes a Nikon F2 Photomic. This finder is the most numerous and least expensive F2 metered head. Both the F-stops and shutter speeds are visible in the finder, as they are in all of the F2 metering heads. It is a match needle design. You adjust the f/stops or shutter speed to center the needle.
Nikon F2 Photomic S – 1973
Nikon F2 Manual
When a DP-2 finder was attached an F2 it becames a Nikon F2S. These finders were manufactured by Nikon from 1973 to 1977 and their first meter to use LED’s. It has increased sensitivity to light, and to batteries. DP-2 is engraved on bottom of metering head besides the serial #. Shutter Priority automation is possible with a DS-1 Aperture Control Unit.
Nikon F2SB – 1976
When a DP-3 finder is added to an F2 it becomes a Nikon F2SB. The Photomic SB was Nikon’s first Silicon cell finder using an improved LED readout. This is the rarest of the various F2 meter heads. DP-3 is engraved on bottom of metering head besides the serial number. Shutter Priority automation is possible with the DS-1 and DS-2 Aperture Control Units.
Nikon F2 Photomic A – 1977
When a DP-11 is added to an F2 it becomes a Nikon F2A. The Photomic A finder was Nikon’s match needle CDS meter for AI coupled lenses (same style as DP1 only for AI). DP-11 is engraved on bottom of metering head besides the serial number. The DP-11 will also meter with NAI lenses too, in stop down mode. AI lenses allowed carefree lens mounting and ended the double twisting that used to allow observers to spot a Nikon/Nikkormat user from a hundred paces.
Nikon F2 Photomic AS – 1977
Nikon Serial Number Guide
When a DP-12 is added to an F2 it becomes a Nikon F2AS. The Photomic AS finder was Nikon’s best and most expensive meter head. It provided AI metering, LED readout much like the later FM2. Like the DP-11, the DP-12 will meter with NAI lenses, but only if you use the stop down metering method. With its combination of rugged solid state construction, five position LED readout, improved silicon photo light response, and great low light sensitivity, the AS finder is easily the F2’s best metering head of them all.
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