One of the most exciting period in the development of Nikon SLR occurred during the 1977/8. There were a total of 5 new Nikon models being introduced. It was an important year in the development history for Nikon because of a new method of data communication was introduced between the lense and the camera body. Ai (automatic maximum aperture indexing), as it was called has repositioned Nikon back to forefront of technological advancement. These five models (Four in 1977 and the FE in 1978) were the first batch of Nikon bodies which have benefited from this upgrade.

Nikon F2 Photomic A, 1977

Nikon F2 website
| Instruction Manual for Nikon F2 A Photomic | * Message Board for Nikon F2 models

The Ai-spec F2 Photomic A was probably the best selling Nikon F2. Basically it was the metered prism DP-11 that made the trick (you can actually mounting a 1971 Nikon F2 with a DP-11 to called it a F2A. It uses match needle method for exposure metering display. The metering sensor used in the metered prism (DP-11) is a Cds, similar to the F2 Photomic in 1971. The F2 A has an update in the EE-Aperture Control Unit called DS-11 for automatic exposure control | Instruction Manual for | DP-11 Finder |

Nikon F2 Photomic AS, 1977

Refer to a full featured Nikon F2 website for more info
| Instruction Manual for Nikon F2 AS Photomic body | | Instruction Manual for DP-12 Finder |
* Message Board for Nikon F2 models

Generally considered by collector and Nikon fans as the best representation of the prime time of mechanical engineering in camera design during the '70. The Nikon F2 Photomic AS was in fact, simply an Ai version based on the earlier short-lived Nikon F2 Photomic SB. The camera's finder (DP-12) employed with a more sensitive SPD (silicon Photo diode) light sensor than the Cds used on the F2 Photomic A in a center-weighted average type metering system. The extended light metering sensibility from - EV2 to EV17, thus enables very low light metering: 8 sec at f1.4 to a 1/2000 sec exposure at f/8 with a f/1.4 lens and ASA 100 film. The viewfinder displays a 5-combinations LEDs readout. With the updated Ai version of the EE aperture Control device DS-12, shutter priority automation is achievable. It can use all the motor drive units, MD-1, MD-2 and MD-3 and three variation of the data-encoding back, 250 or 750 exp. bulk film backs and a host of Nikon system accessories. Unmanned photography is possible by intervalometer or other remote accessories. Even the flash section was not spared with upgrades, for an instance, a repeating flash from Nikon ? yeah.. it was just a model among the multiple choices in speedlight units.

Made an error... on page linking. If you want to read info on Nikon FM/FE, click here
For Nikkormat FT3/Nikon EL-2, click here

Below are some of the Nikon F2 variations:-



Nikon F2/T (Titan), 1978

( More info on Nikon F2 Titan is available here)
* Message Board for Nikon F2 models

There were basically two versions of the F2 Titan - short for "Titanium", one of the strongest metal with an extraordinary metal characteristic to wear and corrosion. The difference was just with and without the "Titan" inscribed at the front plate. Titanium was used throughout it stop and bottom plates, including the camera film back. All F2 Titan bodies came with a serial number that started with '920xxxx'. Total production was known to be 2000 units.



(More info is available by clicking on this link)

Nikon produced a limited quantity of special high speed motor drive bodies using the F2/T as its basic chassis. It was introduced around November 1978 in preparation for the US led boycotted Moscow Olympic. It was a all Titanium structure and fitted with a a fixed, pellicle mirror with 65% light penetration ratio. The Motor used was a special production MD-100 and a batter pack MB-100. Three speeds are available: 10 fps, 3.5-7.5 fps and a slower 3 fps. There are some compromises though, self timer and "B" setting was omitted. The maximum shutter speed is limited to 1/1000 sec as opposed to the standard F2's 1/2000 sec. Interesting features are: the fixed Mirror, high speed film advance, only workable in stopped down metering, the DOF lever is used to open up the maximum aperture. Due to its limited quantity and one of the few Nikon that used Titanium throughout, this camera is highly sourcing after by collectors.

Nikon F2 Gold Edition	Nikon F2 Data camera Model	Nikon F2A 25th Anniversary limited Edition Model

Other variations
Nikon F2 Pin | Nikon F2 SlideMagic

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Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm | Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |

Index Page

Special Application lenses: Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm

MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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