Nikon F2 Photomic
Launched by Nikon in 1971, the F2 replaced the original F model as the premier professional 35mm SLR camera of it’s time. Boasting many improvements over it’s popular predecessor, it was clear that Nikon had taken to heart the feedback on the F from the pros and had produced a tool that many people believe is the finest mechanical SLR ever built.
It was the mid-seventies when I started to become seriously interested in photography and the F2 was at the peak of it’s popularity. I had started to harbour a dream of becoming a press photographer by then, and would read any photography magazine I could get my hands on, and watch the news every night to catch a glimpse of the pros at work. In doing so, one thing became clear: if one wanted to be a professional photographer at that time, you simply had to use a Nikon F2!
Nikon F2 Photomic with Nikkor 35mm F/2.0
Of course, at the ripe old age of 10, the idea of owning such a machine was very much a dream! It did, however, illustrate just how completely Nikon had captured the professional market, and they would continue to do so for many years to come. Later, Canon, in particular, would start to make inroads into Nikon’s domination as their own F model camera and system matured, but at that time, Nikon was king of the hill!
As mentioned, the F2 offered many improvements over the F. These included a redesigned, less angular body shape, a hinged back as opposed to the sliding removable back of the F for faster film loading, the relocation of the power circuit for metering prisms into the body itself, more comfortable shutter release placement, a faster top shutter speed of 1/2000 second, sensible mirror lock-up mechanism, and other detail changes.
Nikon F2 Photomic with two versions of the Nikkor 105mm F/2.5 lens
Fortunately, they retained all the main features that had made the F so popular with professional shooters; the indestructible tank-like build quality, supremely accurate and durable shutter mechanism, and the availability of a vast range of superb lenses and accessories that enabled the photographer to tackle every imaginable assignment.
My F2 dates from 1976 and has the original DP1 Photomic metered prism. This offers manual center-weighted metering with simple but accurate needle display of the correct exposure. Both shutter speed and aperture are visible in the viewfinder, and the meter needle is also visible in a small external window on top of the prism housing, useful when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
Nikon F2 in Domke F2
In use, the F2 is excellent! It’s big and heavy, but all the controls are precise and fall easily to hand, and the film wind lever is smooth and positive. The camera makes an impressive clatter when fired; hardly discrete, but inspiring massive confidence! Certainly, this is a machine that can take a lot of abuse and still keep delivering the goods. It was everything that a professional photographer needed, and is still very useable today for those that don’t require the automation of more modern cameras.
If you can’t tell, I love my Nikon F2!