Nikon f2 User Manual
Nikon
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NOMENCLATURE
Shutter-speed dial
Extra-long exposure scale
Shutter-speed scale
Mirror lockup lever
Depth-of-field preview button
Self-timer
Timer index
Timer scale
Lens mounting flange
Motor drive shutter-release coupling
■fc 1 —
o
1
é
k
Finder mounting clamps
Maximum aperture indicator
EE aperture control contacts
Threaded sync terminal
Neckstrap eyelet
Lens mounting index
Lens release button
EE aperture control coupling
Reflex mirror
Meter coupling pin
Tripod socket
Battery chamber
0/C key
Focusing ring
Depth-of-field indicators
Distance scale
Aperture ring
External “correct exposure" indicator
Ready-light contact
Film rewind knob
Film rewind crank
Accessory shoe
Flot-shoe contact
Finder release button
Eyepiece shutter control
Aperture/Distance scale index
Meter coupling prong
Illuminator switch
Viewfinder eyepiece (w/ready-light)
CONTENTS________
Foreword
Preparation for use
Installing the batteries
Checking the batteries
Loading the film
Prior to shooting
Memo holder
Setting the film speed
Operation of camera controls .
Setting the aperture
Film-advance lever
Frame counter..........................
T-L fingerguard
Self-timer
Unloading film
Holding the camera
Shutter release operation ....
Focusing
Infrared photography
Film-plane indicator
Depth of field
Exposure measurement
Determining exposure
Exposure control
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Setting the shutter speed . . .
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Operation via cable release . .
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Depth-of-field preview button
Depth-of-field Indicators . . .
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5
Metering range............................................. 24
6
Extreme low-light metering
6
Time exposures............................................. 25
Eyepiece shutter operation.......................... 26
6
7
High-contrast lighting situations
Stop-down exposure measurement
8
Exposure compensation adjustments .... 30
9
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Adjustments for focusing screens................ 30
Adjustments for film compensation .... 32
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10
Multiple exposures
10
Mirror lockup ................................................. 33
11
Flash synchronization
11
Ready-light ....................................................
12
Finder illuminator
12
Tips on camera care
13
Changing the lens............................................ 38
14
Maximum aperture indicator....................... 39
15
Changing the viewfinder
Changing the focusing screen
15
Focusing screen selector guide
16
Focusing screen selector chart
18
Accessories...................................................... 44
18
Features/specifications .................................. 46
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20
22
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FOREWORD
The Nikon F2SB Photomic camera offers the serious
photographer the ultimate in quality, performance, con
venience and versatility. At the same time, it is engineer
ed to take the guesswork out of photography with auto
matic features anyone can learn to use in minutes. To
get the most out of your Nikon F2SB Photomic, study
the instructions carefully and practice using the controls
before you load any film in the camera. Keep this book
let handy for ready reference until you have mastered
its basics, and follow the suggestions for camera care
given on page 36. The few moments you spend familiar
izing yourself with the camera will guarantee you the best
results and increase your picture-taking enjoyment many
times over.
PREPARATION FOR USE
Installing the Batteries
The exposure meter in the Photomic finder is powered
by two high-performance silver-oxide batteries mounted
in the battery chamber in the baseplate of the camera.
To install the batteries, first remove the battery chamber
cover (turn it 90° counterclockwise using a coin or simi
lar object); then, place two 1.5V silver-oxide (button
cell type) batteries in the chamber, making sure that the
plus (-I-) side of each unit faces out. After inserting and
properly seating the batteries, replace the cover and lock
it to secure the assembly.
Note: Remove the batteries when the camera is not to be used
for a long period; this will prevent leakage within the camera.
Also, keep the camera as warm as possible when operating under
cold-weather conditions; otherwise, the batteries may fail to
function. (See “Tips on Camera Care" on page 36 for additional
information.)
Checking the Batteries
The camera’s film-advance lever serves as the ON-OFF
switch for the Photomic finder. Thus, to check battery
power, perform the following: Pull out the lever just far
enough to uncover the red meter ON index on the top of
the camera; then, look within the finder to see if any of
the LED exposure indicators are illuminated. If any of
the indicators are lit, battery power is sufficient for
proper operation. If none of the LEDs light, battery
positioning should be checked; then, if none of the
LEDs light, replace batteries.
Loading the Film
Fold out the O/C key at the baseplate of the camera and
turn it counterclockwise 180° until the arrow points to
the “0” (open) mark and the camera back pops open.
Pull up the rewind knob as far as it will go, and drop a
standard film cartridge or a special Nikon reloadable
cassette into the left-hand film chamber with the film
leader aligned along the film guide rails.
After positioning the cartridge and film leader properly,
push the rewind knob down to hold the cartridge in
place and insert the end of the film leader into any of
the slots in the film take-up spool. If necessary, release
the shutter and, then, stroke the film-advance lever slow
ly to make sure that the leader winds smoothly on the
spool and that the film edge perforations engage with
the film sprocket roller. When satisfied that the film is
properly feeding and is traveling correctly along the film
guide rails, close the camera back and return the 0/C
key to its normal storage position. (Also, see “Tips on
Camera Care” on page 36.)
PREPARATION FOR USE—continued
Prior to Shooting
Fold out the rewind crank and turn it gently in the di
rection of the engraved arrow until you feel a slight ten
sion; this tension indicates that there is no more slack in
the film cartridge. (Be sure not to rewind the film back
into the cartridge.)
Advance the film and make two blank exposures to dis
pose of the initial portion of the film exposed during
loading (for film advance operation, see page 11). While
advancing the film, check that the rewind crank turns in
the direction opposite the arrow. Crank rotation indica
tes that the film has been loaded properly and is being
advanced. Then, fold the crank flat for storage.
After advancing the film two frames to dispose of the
initial portion of the leader, the frame counter at the
upper right of the camera will indicate “0”; now, ad
vance the film one more frame to prepare the camera for
taking the first exposure.
Memo Holder
A special holder is provided on the camera back for con
venient storage of information pertinent to the photo
graphy. A piece of paper or the end-flap torn from the
film carton can be inserted to serve as a reminder of the
film type, film speed and number of exposures.
Setting the Film Speed
The camera’s exposure meter must be adjusted to the
speed of the film in use to ensure correct measurement;
thus, a film-speed scale (ASA graduations) and an index
ring are provided on the finder. To adjust, lift the milled
ASA film-speed index ring and turn it until the red index
triangle is aligned with the ASA value for the film in use.
The meter is sensitive across the full range of from ASA
12 to ASA 6400. The film-speed dial has two dots be
tween each pair of numbers for intermediate settings
such as 64, 80, 125, etc.
2000 'OOo
2500
4000 ^
5000
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS
Setting the Shutter Speed
The Nikon F2SB Photomic camera can be set to the de
sired shutter speed either before or after the shutter is
wound. Speeds of from 1 second to 1/2000 second are
set via the shutter-speed selector fitted on the finder; the
selector is also provided with a “B” setting for longer
time exposures. To set the shutter speed, turn the selec
tor until the desired speed is aligned with the white dot;
when aligned with settings of from 2 to 2000, the actual
shutter speed will be a fractional value of from 1/2 sec
ond to 1/2000 second. The red line provided between
the 1/60 sec. and 1/125 sec. settings indicates 1/80
second—the fastest shutter speed providing X synchroni
zation for use with electronic flash units. When more
precise settings are required, intermediate shutter speeds
of from 1/80 sec. to 1/2000 sec. are usable. At the "B”
setting, the shutter speed remains open as long as the
shutter-release button is depressed. (See “Flash Synchro
nization” on page 34 for additional information on flash
photography.)
Setting the Aperture
The ring fitted at the base of the lens adjusts the size of
the aperture (or opening) in the iris diaphragm. To pre
set the lens aperture, turn the aperture ring until the de
sired f/number setting on the scale is aligned with the
index mark provided on the lens. The iris diaphragm can
also be set to intermediate apertures between the click
stop settings for more precise exposures.
to
Film-Advance Lever
The film-advance lever simultaneously advances the film,
cocks the shutter and operates the frame counter. It
also switches on the exposure meter in the Photomic
finder. To advance the film, stroke the lever with the
right thumb in a single stroke (or series of strokes) total
ing only 120. A built-in locking device prevents the
shutter from being released unless it is fully cocked and
the film advanced a full frame. At the completion of
film advance, release the lever and it will return to the
20 standoff position ready for shutter release.
Note: Do not apply pressure to the film-advance lever while
making an exposure.
Frame Counter
The frame counter operates automatically to show how
many frames have been exposed. When the camera back
is opened for loading, the counter is reset to the “S”
(start) position, two frames before “0”. Once the
camera is loaded and the back closed, each film-advance/
shutter-release sequence will cause the frame counter to
advance one position until the maximum 20 or 36
frames have been exposed. The dial of the frame counter
is calibrated with dots (for odd numbers) and figures
(for even numbers), and with settings of “S,” “12,”
“20” and “36” in red.
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OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS—continued
T-L Fingerguard
The shutter-release button of the Nikon F2SB Photomic
camera is fitted with a fingerguard that also doubles as
the shutter operation mode selector. Set to the middle
position, the fingerguard provides for normal shutter
release via the shutter button. To lock the shutter to pre
vent accidental release, lift up and turn the fingerguard
until the index dot aligns with the “L” (lock) marking.
For time exposures preset via the camera’s built-in self
timer, lift up and turn the fingerguard until the index
dot aligns with the “T” (time) marking. (See “Time Ex
posures” on page 25 for details.)
Self-Timer
The built-in self-timer can be used to trip the shutter
after a delay of from 2 to 10 seconds. The numbers
marked on the timer scale indicate the delay in seconds.
To take a picture using the self-timer to fire the camera,
first set the aperture and shutter-speed controls, advance
the film, and cock the self-timer by turning its lever
downward until the index line (on the lever) aligns with
the figure (on the scale) corresponding to the desired
number of seconds delay; then, simply press the small
button just above the timer to start the countdown,
with shutter release occurring at the completion of the
cycle. Note that the self-timer can be set either before or
after advancing film; also, if you decide not to use the
self-timer after setting it, simply use the shutter button
in the normal way to make the next exposure and to
release the self-timer for resetting to the off position.
The self-timer may not be used at the “B” shutter-speed
dial setting.
UNLOADING FILM
When the frame counter indicates that the last exposure
has been made, or when the film-advance lever can no
longer be stroked, the roll of film has been fully exposed
and it should be removed.
To unload the camera, first press the rewind button on
the camera baseplate; then, unfold the rewind crank and
turn it in the direction of the engraved arrow, using a
smooth, even pressure. When no more tension is felt and
the film advance indicator (the colored dot on the re
wind button) stops rotating, the film leader has left the
take-up spool and the camera back may be opened.
After opening the camera back, pull the rewind knob up
as far as it will go and remove the film cartridge. Note
that as the film advance lever is stroked for the next ex
posure, the rewind button will be released to engage the
film-advance mechanism.
Caution: Be careful not to push the rewind button during filmadvance operation. Should this occur, the film transport will
temporarily stop and double exposure may result.
Note: The camera back can be removed from the body by de
pressing the locking catch on the hinge. Removal of the camera
back is necessary when the camera is used with any accessory
back such as the 250 Magazine Back MF-1 or the Camera Back
MF-3, both for motorized photography.
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HOLDING THE CAMERA
Camera shake is one of the most common causes of un
sharp pictures, especially at slow shutter speeds. Learn
to hold the camera correctly and practice steady shutter
squeezing. The photos show the best ways to hold the
camera for sharp pictures.
Wrap the fingers of the right hand around the camera
body so that the index finger rests comfortably on the
shutter-release button and the thumb fits between the
camera body and the film-advance lever. Position the
camera so that the eye looks through the center of the
viewfinder. Cradle the camera in the left hand for addi
tional support, with the left thumb and index finger
grasping the focusing ring. From this basic stance, the
camera can be properly supported and easily switched
from horizontal to vertical format shooting. Asa general
rule, the slowest shutter speed you should use with the
camera hand-held is equal to the reciprocal of the focal
length of the lens in use (e.g., for a 500mm lens, use
1/500 sec.; fora 105mm lens, use 1/125 sec.). However,
as the ability to hold the camera steady may vary with
each individual, we recommend that you experiment. In
general, the higher the selected shutter speed, the sharper
the picture.
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