Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024

In doing my research for this review, I ran across quite a few statements calling this the best 35mm camera ever made. I was surprised by that because I have heard the same for many other cameras I have reviewed, but never with as much gushing as I saw for this one. I’m not sure if the F2 is the best 35mm camera ever made, I will leave that up to all you Nikon Fanboys and girls out there to debate, but I will say that in my experience over the years I’ve had this camera, I can see why its so beloved.

As I always do in my reviews, I will share a little history, the bulk of the specs, and then finally my personal experience and thoughts on the Nikon F2. By the end, I hope you will still be with me, you can decide if this is the camera for you and just maybe decide if it is the best. Also, if you prefer, the video review will be posted at the end of this article as well.

The Nikon F2 was produced in Japan by Nippon Kogaku Co. from 1971 thru 1980. (Not called Nikon Co. until 1988). Nippon Kogaku started making film cameras after World War 2 and by the 1970s they had several cameras under their belt, including the highly successful Nikon F.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024

A 1977 Nikon F2 Ad

While the F continued to be marketed until 1974, Nikon decided to improve upon it by not replacing it, but creating a competitive partner in the Nikon F2. They wanted to take their success with the F to another level instead of just simply upgrading it and selling it as a new camera. They spent years designing the F2, and it didn’t disappoint.

The F2 offered more automation, higher and lower shutter speeds, a new and impressive self timer, and plastic on the advance lever for better grip. (The plastic was also integrated onto later F’s as well). It can also use the same lenses and accessories as the F making it easy for professionals to upgrade (if only it were that easy today) as well as many other accessories of its own.

The Specs

– All mechanical no battery needed unless for the Photomic meters in which case the battery was loaded into the bottom of the camera body. – Focal Plane shutter with Titanium curtains – Hinged back door instead of the removable one on the F – Speeds from 1 second up to 1/2000th of a second and up to 10 sec with self timer – Electronic Flash sync at 1/80th of a sec – Center Weighted meters

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Back of the Nikon F2s
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
PC Port on the Nikon F2

– Bulb mode and Time which stays open until you switch the collar back around to the middle – Shutter Lock “L” on the collar – There is no hot shoe for flash, you would need to mount a flash using a bracket and connect it through the PC port – Nikon F Bayonet Lens Mount – Uses two S76 or A76, or SR44 or LR44 batteries for metered “heads” Camera Manual for more

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon F2 Bottom Plate
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon F2 Self Timer
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon F2 Shutter Curtain

The Photomic

There’s two groups of meter heads for the F2 depending on the lens; a group for non-AI lenses and a group for the AI and later ones. Every year Nikon came out with an updated “head” changing the F2 to virtually another camera. With each meter the name of the F2 changes. For example when the body is paired with the DE-1 Prism it is just the Nikon F2, but when paired with the DP-1 metered prism it becomes the Nikon F2 Photomic. The following list is from Emulsive.0rg where you can find even more in depth info on the Photomic’s.

  • Nikon F2 (Body + DE-1 prism – 1971-76)
  • Nikon F2 Photomic (Body + DP-1 metered prism – 1971-76)
  • Nikon F2S Photomic (Body + DP-2 metered prism, 1973-76)
  • Nikon F2SB Photomic (Body + DP-3 metered prism, 1976-77)
  • Nikon F2A Photomic (Body + DP-11 metered prism, 1977-80)
  • Nikon F2AS Photomic (Body + DP-12 metered prism, 1977-80)

I have the Nikon F2S Photomic because I have the DP-2 metered prism. This is one of the Non-AI meters meaning i have to use lenses with the coupling prongs and when I mount it to the body and Photomic I have to twist the aperture ring back and forth to register the highest and lowest f-stop with the meter. With the Non-metered prism you could use any F mount lens.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon F2S Merer DP-2

The serial number on the top plate can give a clue of what year the camera was made. Mine would’ve been around 1974, but of course if it was ever swapped out before I owned it, then this could be wrong.

My Experience with the Nikon F2

If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know I am a HUGE Nikon F fan. I think I would dare to say the F is my favorite 35mm camera and the only one I own more than one copy of. That was why the Nikon F2 appealed to me for my next purchase. It improves upon the F and more.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Tire under a tree

First The Cons

I have only had two cons to mention from my years spent with the Nikon F2S. First would be the weight of the camera. Weight is something that is very important to me because I deal with chronic pain in my neck and back. It made it difficult for me to hold the camera up to my eye for a long shooting period. This was helped out by the grip I purchased from my good friend Wayne Yung, but again that just adds to the weight. Then add on the weight of a lens, especially a zoom lens, it makes it a system you just don’t want to carry along if you tend to carry anything besides your F2.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Foggy morning

Secondly, my other gripe would be with the meter head. As I mentioned I have the DP-2, and it works great, but something I have run into is not being able to see the meter arrows or shutter speed numbers on the bottom while looking through the viewfinder. I don’t know if this is because I wear glasses or why this is such an issue for me, but it has been a problem so many times when I have shot with this camera. It has been especially difficult while trying to take quick shots from the car.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024

The Pros

Now to the good stuff. The meter is unbelievably reliable, the diverse shutter speeds available came in handy for me for the low light still life photos I always shoot, to the fast shooting from the car. It is an unbelievable tool.


Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024


![Nikon F2 Kodak Portra 800](https://i0.wp.com/alysvintagecameraalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Roll148_NikonF2_Nikkor35mmf2_8_KodakPortra800_12_18_22_12edited.jpg?resize=663%2C442&ssl=1)Christmas Wreath


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Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Palm Trees Reflected on water
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon F2 Kodak Portra 800


Last winter Kelsey and I went to the town square to walk with Alaina in the cool weather, and of course to take photos. I also shot with my Rolleiflex Original for a future review as well as an expired roll of Kodak Tri-X Pan 4oo that day. As I mentioned though, the Nikon F2 is a heavy camera, so I didn’t carry both at the same time.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Anhinga in the tree


It was a beautiful day, and Alaina got to see her first sunset. Although I don’t think that she really appreciated it, but at least I recorded it for her.


I paired the F2 with the Voigtlander Ultra 40mm f2 because it does something wonderful with color. The main thing I remember from that day was just shooting one frame after the next and what a pleasure the F2 was. It kept up with me and my excitement.

Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Sunset Nikon F2
Nikon film camera top & front view psd mockup năm 2024
Alaina seeing her first sunset

Final Thoughts on the Nikon F2

What can I say, the Nikon F2 takes my favorite camera, the Nikon F, and adds reliable metering and more. It is a great system camera that I am glad to have in my collection. I always love the results I get with it, and that is not something I can say about every camera I have used. It can handle anything you throw at it and that is why, I think, it is often called the best.

What do you think? Do you have an F2? Do you want one? Is it in fact the best camera ever made? Personally, I believe that the best camera is going to be different for each shooter depending on your specific needs.Let me know in the comments. I’m curious to know if you think this is the best camera ever made and why.

Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.


More Reviews on the Nikon F2: Alex Luyckx Mike Eckman Theo Panagopoulos Jim Grey

Buy a Nikon F2 from KEH OR on Ebay Buy Kodak Portra 800 from KEH Pick up a Nikkor 35mm f2.8 lens from KEH OR on Ebay

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Why is the Nikon F3 the best?

Superb User Experience — The F3 provides a delightful shooting experience with its bright viewfinder, solid film advance lever, commanding shutter speed command dial, and satisfying mechanical sounds. Instilling confidence with every complete shutter cycle.

What is the best film camera of all time?

1. The Leica M series is widely considered to be one of the best film cameras of all time. The compact rangefinder design and high-quality lenses make it a favorite among street photographers and photojournalists.

What is the best Nikon film camera for beginners?

Nikon FM-10 is one of the best beginner film cameras. If you're still looking for an affordable, quality device, you've already found it.

What is the last Nikon film camera?

It replaced the Nikon F5, manufactured from 1996 to 2004. It can accept any Nikon F-mount lens with full metering functionality, discluding non-AI. At the time it was discontinued, the F6 was the last remaining film SLR still in production.