Nikon m INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NOMENCLATURE Shutter-speed dial Extra-long exposure scale Shutter-speed scale Mirror lockup lever o Depth-of-field preview button Self-timer 1 é Timer index Timer scale ■fc Lens mounting flange Motor drive shutter-release coupling 1— k
Finder mounting clamps Maximum aperture indicator EE aperture control contacts Threaded sync terminal Neckstrap eyelet Lens mounting index Lens release button EE aperture control coupling Reflex mirror Meter coupling pin Tripod socket Battery chamber 0/C key
Focusing ring Depth-of-field indicators Distance scale Aperture ring External “correct exposure" indicator Ready-light contact Film rewind knob Film rewind crank Accessory shoe Flot-shoe contact Finder release button Eyepiece shutter control
Aperture/Distance scale index Meter coupling prong Illuminator switch Viewfinder eyepiece (w/ready-light)
CONTENTS________ Foreword.................................... Preparation for use..................... Installing the batteries............. Checking the batteries............. Loading the film....................... Prior to shooting ..................... Memo holder........................... Setting the film speed.............. Operation of camera controls . Setting the shutter speed . . . Setting the aperture ................ Film-advance lever................... Frame counter..........................
5 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 10 11 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.............
FOREWORD The Nikon F2SB Photomic camera offers the serious 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 F2SB Photomic, study the instructions carefully and practice using the controls before you load any film in the camera.
PREPARATION FOR USE Installing 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 1.5V silver-oxide (button cell type) batteries in the chamber, making sure that the plus (-I-) side of each unit faces out.
Loading the Film Fold out the O/C key at the baseplate of the camera and turn it counterclockwise 180° 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.
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 0/C key to its normal storage position.
PREPARATION FOR USE—continued Prior to Shooting advancing the film, check that the rewind crank turns in the direction opposite the arrow. Crank rotation indica Fold out the rewind crank and turn it gently in the di tes that the film has been loaded properly and is being rection of the engraved arrow until you feel a slight ten sion; this tension indicates that there is no more slack in advanced. Then, fold the crank flat for storage. the film cartridge.
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 must 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.
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS Setting the Shutter Speed The Nikon F2SB 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.
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 fully cocked and the film advanced a full frame.
Frame Counter The frame counter operates automatically to show how many frames have been exposed. When the camera back is opened for loading, the counter is reset to the “S” (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.
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS—continued T-L Fingerguard The shutter-release button of the Nikon F2SB 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.
UNLOADING FILM When the frame counter indicates that the last exposure After opening the camera back, pull the rewind knob up has been made, or when the film-advance lever can no as far as it will go and remove the film cartridge. Note longer be stroked, the roll of film has been fully exposed that as the film advance lever is stroked for the next ex and it should be removed.
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.
SHUTTER RELEASE OPERATION 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.
FOCUSING 16
Focusing isdone at full aperture with Nikkor lensesfittcd 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.
Out of focus
In focus 17
FOCUSING—continued Film-Plane Indicator Infrared Photography The plane of sharpest focus for infrared light is slightly Under various precision shooting situations, such as more distant than its counterpart for visible light as seen close-up photography, it is often necessary to measure through the camera’s viewfinder. Thus, for sharpest the film-to-subject distance to ensure the sharpest focus.
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 the 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.
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DEPTH OF FIELD—continued Depth-of-Field Indicators 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 particular aperture, first focus the lens on the subject while looking through the viewfinder.
Lens at f/8: Depth of field extended in front of/behind the main subject.
Lens at f/16: Sharp focus is extended to encompass the entire foreground and background.
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT The exposure meter of the Nikon F2SB Photomic camera’s finder features a center-weighted TTL metering system coupled to the shutter speed and aperture con trols. The meter reads the light over the entire focusing screen but favors the central 12mm-diameter area. This allows you to make precise readings of the selected sub ject area, and results in more balanced overall exposures.
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT—continued Exposure Control The amount of light reaching the film plane is deter mined by a combination of the lens aperture and the shutter speed. Since the two are interrelated, different combinations will give the same exposure. A 1-step change in the shutter speed, or a 1-stop change in the aperture setting, will either halve or double the exposure.
Extreme Low-Light Metering The meter built into the Nikon F2SB camera is capable of metering low-light levels requiring slow shutter speeds of up to 10 seconds. To meter at low-light levels, perform the following; Set the lens’ aperture ring to the desired aperture setting, and the shutter-speed selector to “B”; then, depress and hold the shutter-speed dial lock and turn the selector until the center LED exposure indicator (o) illuminates to indicate correct exposure.
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT—continued Eyepiece Shutter Operation High-Contrast Lighting Situations The camera’s Photomic finder is fitted with an eyepiece shutter for special unmanned shooting situations (e.g., remote control, automated shooting with motor drive and aperture control unit) requiring protection against the entry of stray light through the viewfinder eyepiece.
f5.6 +O- 250 • Metering with a bright area in the center wil cause underexposure of the main subject.
' For correct exposure, first measure the main subject; then, recompose and shoot.
STOP-DOWN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT Nikon With some Nikkor lenses, full-aperture exposure mea surement is not possible, either because the lens has no automatic diaphragm, or because the lens does not cou ple with the finder’s meter; with certain accessories, too, lens/finder coupling is not possible, thus, preventing fullaperture measurement. However, the camera’s Photomic meter can still be used for exposure measurement via the stop-down method.
For automatic diaphragm lenses with no coupling prong, such as the Zoom-Nikkor 200-600mm f/9.5 lens and super-telephoto lenses using Nikon focusing units, set the camera to the desired shutter speed; then, depress the depth-of-field preview button to stop-down the lens diaphragm and, while holding the button depressed, adjust the aperture ring until the center LED indicator comes on. Be sure to release the depth-of-field button prior to making the exposure.
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EXPOSURE COMPENSATION 30
ADJUSTMENTS Adjustments for Focusing Screens Light transmission properties vary somewhat with focus ing screen type, thus occasionally requiring exposure correction to compensate for the combined effects of the lens/screen combination in use. The numbers listed in various blocks of the table on the opposite page de note the amount of correction necessary in f/stops.
----------- Screen A/L Lens Fisheye W id eangle N orm al c B 0 E G1 G2 HI H2 -1/2 -1/2 0 -1/2 0 0 0 -1/2 -1/2 0 -1/2 0 0 0 M edical M irrn H3 H4 K/P 8m m f/2.8 0 0 16m m f/3.5 0 0 13m m f/5.6 0 0 0 -1 1 Sm m f/5.6 0 0 0 -1 18m m f/4 0 0 0 20m m f/4 0 24m m f/2.8 0 0 0 28m m f/2 0 0 0 ♦1/2 28m m f/2.8 0 0 0 0 +1/2 0 28m m f/3.5 0 0 -1/2 0 35m m f/1.4 0 0 0 3S m m f/2 0 0 0 +1/2 35m m f/2.8 0 0 0 0 50m m f/1.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION 32
ADJUSTMENTS—continued______ Adjustments for Film Compensation Some exposure correction may be necessary when cer tain types of films are used for copying or photomicro graphy applications; the amount of correction required, however, will depend on the type of film and the spe cific application. The following table lists the exposure corrections in f/stops required for various film/shooting requirements.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURES________ Intentional multiple exposures for creative effects can be made with the Nikon F2SB Photomic camera. To take a multiple exposure, perform the following: Make the in itial exposure, depress and hold the rewind button on the camera’s baseplate, and stroke the film-advance lever to cock the shutter for the next exposure on the same frame; for each additional exposure on the frame, repeat the same procedure.
MIRROR LOCKUP The reflex mirror must be locked in the up position when using either the Fisheye-Nikkor 6mm f/5.6 or the OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 lenses, since their rear elements protrude into the camera body and interfere with mirror movement. Locking-up the mirror is also necessary when shooting with a motor drive unit at its top speed setting.
FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION 34
The Nikon F2SB Photomic camera is designed to syn chronize with most types of flashbulbs at almost all shutter speeds and with electronic flash at speeds to 1 /80 second. The table below shows which shutter speeds may be used with different types of flashbulbs. Flashbulb 2000 1000 500 | 250 125 |x(80)i 60 | 30 ! 15 8 | 4 2 1 | B FP ■ ; ^ —.
READY-LIGHT FINDER ILLUMINATOR The camera’s Photomic finder has a ready-light built in for use with Nikon Speedlight Units. This unique feature provides for greater ease of operation during flash photo graphy, as the photographer need not remove his eye from the eyepiece to check if the Speedlight unit is ready for the next exposure; this built-in lamp lets the photo grapher know the condition of the flash (either “ready” when on, or “not ready” when off) at all times even while viewing.
TIPS ON CAMERA CARE Good camera care is primarily common-sense care. Treat your Nikon F2SB Photomic camera as you would any other precision optical instrument and it will provide you years of trouble-free service. Although ruggedly constructed, your camera may be damaged by shock, heat, water or misuse. By observing the following tips, you will be assured of the longest possible service life.
situations, always dry the camera thoroughly (and slowly) at room temperature and, then, store in a cool, dry location. Remember that failure to dry out the camera may result in the growth of fungus on lens surfaces—a condition that will render your camera useless. • Should your camera be accidently dropped on the floor or in water, take it to your dealer immediately for servicing. Thorough servicing can be guaranteed only at an authorized dealer.
CHANGING THE LENS To remove the lens from the camera, press the lens re lease button and, holding the button depressed, twist the lens to the right as far as it will go. The lens will come loose and can be lifted out. To mount a lens, position it in the camera’s bayonet mount so that the mounting index on the lens and the camera are aligned; then, twist the lens counterclockwise until it clicks and locks into place. While mounting the lens, shade the camera from the sun with your body.
Maximum Aperture Indicator As the lens' aperture ring is turned to the maximum aperture position at the completion of lens/finder cou pling and indexing, the finder displays the lens’maximum aperture via the indicator (see figure below). For ex ample, a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 will cause “2.8” to appear in the finder’s maximum aperture indicator when properly coupled. The scale is provided with numbers (and dots for intermediate settings) of from “1.2” to “5.6” as depicted.
CHANGING THE VIEWFINDER In addition to the F2SB Photomic finder included with the camera, six other interchangeable viewfinders are available. To remove the F2SB Photomic finder to mount one of the other units, press the finder release lever inward and rotate toward the front (this action releases the mounting clamps); then, depress the finder release button at the rear of the camera body and lift the finder out of the camera.
CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN Nineteen different types of focusing screens are avail able for use with the Nikon F2SB Photomic camera, each designed to meet specific focusing requirements. The Nikon Type K screen comes with the camera as standard equipment. To change the focusing screen, first remove the finder as described on the preceding page. Then, turn the camera body upside-down and press the finder release button a second time to release the screen.
CHANGING THE FOCUSING Focusing Screen Selector Guide Type A. L Type A: Matte Fresnel field with 3mm^circular split-image rangefinder spot and 12mm0circle. Rap id and accurate focusing. Excellent for general photography. Type L: Same as Type A screen but with split-image rangefinder line at a 45*^ angle. Best for subjects with horizontal lines. Type B; Matte Fresnel field with 12mm^ fineground matte focusing spot in the center. Good for general photography, especially with long lenses.
SCREEN—continued Type H: Clear Fresnel field with microprism focus ing pattern over the entire screen area. Permits rapid focusing on any part of the screen with opti mum edge-to-edge brightness in poor light. Availa ble in four models (H1-H4) corresponding to par ticular focal length lenses. Type J: Matte Fresnel field with central microprism focusing spot and 12mm0 circle. Good for general photography. Type K: Combination of Type A and J screens.
Focusing Screen Selector Chart H = Excellent = Acceptable The image is brilliant from edge to edge, but the central rangefinder, microprism or cross-hair area is dim. Focus on the surrounding’ matte area. ■ = Acceptable Slight vignetting or moire phe nomenon (in the case of the microprism) affects the screen image. But the image on film shows no traces of this. ■ = Acceptable Incompatible with any lens having a maximum aperture larger than f/2.
ACCESSORIES Lens Hoods Filters The use of a lens hood is recommended at all times to prevent extraneous light from striking the lens surface and causing flare or ghost, and to protect the lens against damage. Nikon lens hoods come in four types, depend ing on the lens: screw-in, snap-on, slip-in and built-in. They are calculated precisely for each focal-length Nikkor lens to provide maximum protection against stray light.
Eyepiece Correction Lenses Finder Eyecup The nine eyepiece correction lenses are designed to permit nearsighted and farsighted users to view and focus without their glasses. Available in —2, —3, —4, —5, 0, +0.5, +1, +2 and +3 diopters, each representing the combined dioptry of the lens and the finder. Simply screw into the finder eyepiece. The soft rubber finder eyecup screws directly onto the finder eyepiece to prevent extraneous light from enter ing the viewfinder.
FEATURES/SPECIFICATIONS Type of camera: 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) Picture format: 24mm x 36mm (35mm film format) Lens mount: Nikon F mount (bayonet type) Lenses available: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4, f/2 or 55mm f/1.
THE NIKON WARRANTY The Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty Registration Card which identifies your F2SB Photomic camera by its serial number is your guarantee that the camera you buy is a new one. When you return this card to a Nikon dis tributor you will receive your Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty Certificate, which entitles you to a one-year warranty anywhere throughout the world, subject to the conditions listed in the certificate.
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No reproduction in any form of this booklet, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from the publishers. Printed in Japan (77.5.
