Nikon F2AS PHOTOMIC User manual

NOMENCLATURE
Extra-long exposure scale
ShUTTPr-<nPf'r dial EE re
control contacts
T-L fi ard
Coupling lever release
Shutter-speed scale
Threaded sync terminal
Mirror lockup lever
Neckstrap eyelet
Depth-of-field preview button
Lens mounting inde x
Self-timer
Lens release button
Timer index
Meter coupling lever
Timer scale
Reflex mirror
Lens mounting flange
Tripod socket
Motor drive shutter-release cou
Battery chamber
Motor drive film-advance cou
OIC key
Film rewind button
Memo holder
2

Depth-of-fiel d indicators
Aperture/Distance scale inde x
Distance scale
Focusing ring
Aperture scale
Meter coupling shoe
Aperture-direct-readout scale
Aperture ring
Meter coupling ridge
EE servo coupling post
Finder release lever ASA film-speed scale
Film rew ind knob Shutter-release button
A cc es so ry shoe Frame counter
Fi lm rewind crank
Film-advance lever
Hot-sho e con tact
Meter ON index
Finder release button
Shutter-speed dial lock
Ready-light contact ASA film-speed index ring
Eyepiece shutter control
Illuminator switch
External " correct exposure" indicator Viewfinder eyepiece (w/ ready-light)

4
ITI: TS
Foreword
5
Preparation for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Installing the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Checking the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Loading
the film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Prior to shooting ................ 8
Memo
holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9
Setting the film speed .... .. . . . . . .. 9
Operation of camera controls . . . . . . . .. 10
Setting the shutter speed . . .. .. . . . .. 10
Setting the aperture . .. . ..... . .. .. 10
Film-advance lever ............... 11
Fr ame cou nter . ....... ......... .
T
-L fingerguard ................ .
Self-timer
..... .. .... . ... . .. . . .
Unloading film
... . . ..... . ....... .
Holding
the camera ............... .
Shutter release operation . . .. .. .... . .
Operation via cable release ......... .
Focusing
... .. .... . . ....... . ... .
Infrared photography . . ... ... .... .
Film-plane indicator ............. .
Depth of field ..... . . . .......... .
Depth-of-field preview
button ....... .
Depth-of-field ind
icator s .......... .
Exposure measurement ............ .
Determining exposure ...... .. ... . .
Exposure control ... . . .......... .
11
12
12
13
14
15
15
16
18
18
19
19
20
22
22
24
Metering range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Extreme low-light metering .... ... .. 25
Time exposures ......... . . . . . . . . 25
Eyepiece shutter operation. . . . . . . . . . 26
High-contrast lighting situations ...... 26
Stop-down exposure measurement . . . . . . 28
Exposure compensation adjustments . . .. 30
Adjustments for focusing screens. . . . .. 30
Adjustments for film compensation . . .. 32
Multiple exposures .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33
Mirror lockup .. . ... .. . ..... .. .. . 33
Flash synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
Ready-light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35
Finder illuminator ................ 35
Tips on camera care . . .. .. .. .. . ... . 36
Changing the lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Coupling lever lock/release operation. .. 39
Changing the viewfinder . ... ... ..... 40
Changing the focusing screen .. .. . .... 41
Focusing screen selector gu ide. . . . . . .. 42
Focusing screen selector chart. . . . . . . . 43
Accessories .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Features/specifications ......... .. . . 46

FORE tV D
The Nikon F2AS Photomic camera offers the serio ~ s
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 F2AS 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.
-------' 5

6
PREPARATION FOR USE
Install ing the Batteries Checking 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 l.5V silver-ox ide (button-
cell type) batteries in the chamber, making sure that the
plus (+) 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 .)
The camera's film-advance lever serves as the ON-OFF
switch for the Photomic finder. 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 LED s light, battery position-
ing should be checked; then, if the LED s still fail to
light, replace batteries.
Caution: Whenever the camera is stored, be sure that the film-
advance lever is set in the meter OFF position (i.e., flush to the
body); failure to observe this precaution can result in total
battery drain in a matter of days due to continuous illu mination
of one or more of the finder's LED indicators.

Loading the Film
Fold
out the OIC key at the baseplate of the camera and
turn it counterclockwise 1800 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
°8
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 OIC
key to its normal storage position. (Also, see "Tips on
Camera Care" on page 36.)
7

8
PREPARATION FOR USE - cont"
Prior 0 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 indicatesthat 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 ~amer~ for
taking the first exposure .
when loading film
1st blank
exposure
2nd blank
exposure
for 1 st ex posure

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 mu st 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 fil m-speed dial has two dots be-
tween each pair of numbers for intermediate settings
such as 64, 80, 125, etc.
9

OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS
Setting the Shutte Spee'
The Nikon F2AS 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 offrom 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
un its. When more
precise settings are required, intermediate
shutter speeds
10
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.

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 full y 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 cou nter is reset to the "5"
(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 nCmbers) and figures
(for even numbers), and with settings of "5," "12,"
"20" and "36" in red.
11

OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS-continued
T-L Fingerguard
The shutter-release button of the Nikon F2AS 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_
F or time exposures preset via the camera's bu ilt- 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.)
..
'\
12
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 "8" shu tter-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 shou Id be removed.
To unload the camera, first press the rewind button on
the camera baseplate; then, unfold the rewind crank,
pull it up to the first detent position 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 rewind 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 exposure, the
rewind button
will be released to engage the film-advance
mechanism.
Caution : Be careful not to push the rewind button during film-
a dvance 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.
13

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. As a 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.; for a 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.
14

SHUTTER RE LEASE OPERA~I=--:IO..::::....:.-.:N=--- _________ _
For sharp pictures, correct shutter releasing is just as im-
portant as steady camera holding. After advancing the
film to a fresh frame, the camera is set for shutter release
via the button provided at the upper right. When taking
the picture, hold the camera steady (as explained pre-
viously), relax
and depress the button using a steady
even pressure to release the camera's shutter - remember,
a quick jab of the finger will cause camera movement
and may result in a blurred photograph.
Operation via Cable Release
The shutter-release button can also be operated via a
cable release or similar accessory attached via the thread -
ed mount provided. With the cable release, operation is
more vibration-free and often leads to sharper images
under critical shooting situations such as photomicro-
graphy, time exposure, etc. To attach the cab Ie release
(Nikon-mount models AR-2, etc .) to the camera, screw
the threaded cable connector onto the mount provided
around the button. The shutter is then tripped by de-
pressing the release plunger.
15

FOCUSING
16
Focusing is done at full aperture with Nik kor lenses fitted
with
an automatic diaphragm. This technique provides
the brightest possible images on
the focusing screen for
easy focusing and composing. It also minimizes depth
of
field so that the image snaps in and out of focus dis-
tinctly.
The Nikon Type K screen comes with the camera as
standard equipment. To focus, turn the focusing ring on
the lens until
the two halves of the rangefinder image
coincide to form a single, crisp image; when using the
microprism ring, turn until the microprism pattern shifts
to a sharp and crisp image.
You can also focus on the
matte field
that surrounds the rangefinderjmicroprism
central area.
The lens can also
be prefocused using the distance scale
engraved in both meters and feet on the lens barrel. Sim-
ply turn the focusing ring until the desired camera-to-
subject distance
(as measured or estimated) is lined up
with the distance scale index on the lens bartel. Th
is
technique is useful for candid shots of elusive subjects
when time does not permit through-the-Iens focusing.

Out of focus In focus
17

FOCUSING-continued
Infrared Photography
The plane of sharpest focus for infrared Iight is sl ightly
more distant than its counterpart for visible light as seen
through the camera's viewfinder. Thus, for sharpest
focus
in infrared photography, adjustments must be
made.
To compensate for this shift in focus, first focus the im-
age sharply through the viewfinder. Then, turn the fo-
cusing ring counterclockwise until the point focused
is
aligned with the red dot (or line) provided on the lens
barrel. For example, in the picture below, the lens has
been focused for infinity (00) infrared shooting. Note
that when lenses having a focal length of 50mm or less
are used stopped down to f/8 or below, no adjustment is
necessary due to the large depth offield available.
Note: Some new optics using N ikon's Extra-low Dispersion
(ED) glass, as well as reflex (catadioptric) lenses, do not require
refocusing
for infrared photo g raphy. Refer to individu al lens
instruction manuals for details.
18
Film-Plane Indicator
Under various precision shooting situations, such as
close-up photography, it is often necessary to measure
the film-to-subject distance to ensure the sharpest focus.
The camera's film plane
is indicated by the top edge of
the figures making up the serial number at the upper
left of the camera body. Note that these figures are
46.5mm from the front surface of the camera's lens
mounting flange.
E
E
(bayonet mount front surface

DEPTH OF FIELD
Depth of field refers to the zone of acceptable focus ex-
tending in front of, and behind, the plane of sharpest
focus. Within this zone, image blur is negligible and
everything may be considered as being in sharp focus.
Three factors greatly influence the depth of field: the
focal length of th e lens in use, the camera-to-subject
distance, and the taking aperture. The smaller the aper-
ture and the shorter the focal length of the lens, the
greater the depth of field. Also, the closer the subject,
the shallower the depth of field. These three factors can
operate independently or in conjunction with one an-
other, with anyone factor capable of partially canceling
the effects of the other. Thus , by careful selection and
use, the photographer can exercise wide creative control
over the final picture.
Depth-of-Field Preview Button
As most Nikkor lenses are operated at full aperture for
ease of focusing, visualization of the depth of field at the
shooting aperture may be difficult. Thus, the camera's
depth-of-field preview button often can come in handy .
The depth-of-field preview bu tton lets you check (or
"preview") the zone of sharpness at any time before (or
after)
shooting. Simply by depressing the button, the
lens is stopped down to the preselected aperture to allow
you to see how much background and foreground is in
or out of focus.
19

DEPTH OF FIELD-continued
D pt t Fed n
Depth of field can be read directly from the distance
scale
in meters or feet with the aid of the color-coded
depth-of-field indicators engraved on the lens barrel.
Each pair of colored lines on either side of the central
distance scale index line corresponds to f/numbers
of the
same color on
the aperture scale. To find the depth of
field at a particu lar aperture, first focus the lens on the
subject
wh ile looking through the viewfinder. Then check
the numbers on the distance scale to determine the zone
of focus for the aperture in use. The three photos shown
clearly depict the changing depth
of field; with the
photo to the right, the field
is shallow at the f/4 setting,
wh ile the photo at the far right shows a depth of field
extending from approximately 2.7m
(9 ft) to infinity
(00).
20
Lens set at f/4 : Shallow
depth of field centered on
the main subject.