Nikon F2

Nikon F2 is the mechanical-pinnacle Nikon SLR — successor to the original F, in production 1971-1980. The F2 refined the F's mechanical design with titanium shutter curtains, refined Photomic finders (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3, DP-11, DP-12), and an evolved control layout. Many photographers consider the F2 the finest fully-mechanical SLR ever produced — the photographer's photographer choice that influenced subsequent professional 35mm design across the industry.

Key features

• F-mount bayonet — same as original F; works with all manual-focus Nikkor lenses
• Mechanical horizontal titanium shutter — 1s to 1/2000 (vs F's 1/1000); B
• Interchangeable viewfinders — five Photomic variants (DP-1 through DP-12) plus action and waist-level
• Battery-independent operation — fully mechanical apart from the meter
• Robust pro construction — brass + titanium

Practical notes

• F2 bodies are plentiful on the used market — $300-600 for working examples
• DP-1 (Photomic FTN-style) most common; DP-2/DP-12 (LED metering) are popular for the cleaner finder display
• Long-exposure mode goes to 10 seconds (mechanical timer)
• Mirror lockup available

Related cameras

• Nikon F — predecessor; same mount and concept
• Nikon F3 — electronic successor
• Nikon F6 — last 35mm Nikon F-series
• Canon F-1 — Canon competitor

Native lenses

Same AI-S lineup as Nikon F: Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 AI-S, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AI-S, Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S, Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-S