Zenit - B

Seagull DF2000A

Canon Canonflex RM

Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP II

Nikon FG-20

Seagull DF-99

1976 Canon F-1 (later model)

Yashica Contax 139 Quartz (1979)

Miranda Sensomat RE (1971)

Mamiya NC1000S (1977)

more about it can be found here

Asahi Pentax SP1000

Petri FT EE

Petri V6II

Minolta X-300 (silver)

Asahi Pentax SV

Asahi Pentax MG

Minolta SR7

Olympus M-1

Nikon F3

Kowa SE

I found very little information about this non-interchangeable single lens reflex camera anywhere in the internet.

I think its a unique camera.

Minolta SR-T 100X

A bit about the Minolta SR-T 100X from Camerapedia

The Minolta SR-T 100X (or SR-T 200 in the U.S. and Canada) was the last camera of Minolta's SRT series of robust SLR bodies with TTL match-needle-meter instrument in the viewfinder. It was launched in 1977, and was derived from the Minolta SR-T 100, with additional speed 1/1000 sec. and a hot shoe as new features. A variant of 1979 had a simpler single cell meter instead of the CLC meter of the SRT series.

Minolta SRT Super non MLU

Minolta SRT Super MLU

A bit about the Minolta SR-T Super from www.rokkorfiles.com

In March 1973 Minolta released a new flagship model camera, replacing the SR-T101, which while still in production, was relegated to a secondary position. The new camera was the SR-T Super. At this stage Minolta also commenced its practice of naming cameras differently in different markets, which it carries on to this day. In this respect, the SR-T Super was named the SR-T 303 in Europe, and the SR-102 in North America. SR-T Super was the name for Asia-Pacific.

Changes to the SRT101 are small, but significant to the advanced amateur photographer. Firstly, the camera included a full information viewfinder, whereby the lens aperture and selected shutter speed are shown in the viewfinder display. A photographer need never take his eye away from the finder now to check any details. Secondly, a split image rangefinder was added to the focusing screen as a new focusing aid. A multiple-exposure capability was also added through the use of the film release button. While this could be done on the other models, it was unpredictable and the photographer needed to hold the film rewind knob to ensure that the film was not advanced partially during the process. This was no longer a problem with the new model. Finally, the cold flash shoe was replaced by a hotshoe, eliminating the need for use of a sync cord when using electronic flash.

These changes, although relatively minor, make the SR-T Super probably the most attractive of all of the SR-T models to photographers today. It is noted however, that Minolta did cease production of SR-T Super models with mirror lock-up partway through the model run. Accordingly, if looking for a SR-T 102, 303 or Super, be sure to check that the particular example you are interested in has mirror lock-up.

A bit about my SR-T Super

The one in this page has mirror lock-up

Minolta XG-1n

Minolta XE-1

A bit about Minolta XE-1 from Wikipedia

The Minolta XE, known as the XE-1 in Europe and the XE-7 in North America, is a manual focus, 35 mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Minolta of Japan between 1974 and 1977.[1] It was developed in collaboration with Leica and has many similarities to the Leica R3.

The XE uses a Leitz-Copal electronic, vertically-traveling, metal blade focal plane shutter supporting shutter speeds down to 1/1000 of a second. In aperture priority auto-exposure mode, the slowest shutter speed supported is 4 seconds, and the shutter speed is varied steplessly to give the correct exposure. In manual mode, the slowest selectable speed is 4 second, and shutter speeds can be selected in whole stop increments.

Minolta X-700

Minolta X-700 according to Wikipedia



The Minolta X-700 is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera introduced by Minolta in 1981. It was the top model of their final manual-focus SLR series before the introduction of the auto-focus Minolta Maxxum 7000. It used the basic body of the XG-M with electronically-controlled stepless speeds, but added full program autoexposure in addition to the XG-M's aperture priority and metered manual modes. It also introduced through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering, and added exposure lock and interchangeable focusing screens to the XG-M's features. Based on the X-700 chassis, Minolta later launched the cheaper models X-300 and X-500. The X-500 lacked the X-700's program exposure mode, but featured a fill-in flash mode. The X-300 was the basic model of the late X-series. It lacked TTL flash metering and program exposure mode, it did not show the f-stop-setting of the lens in the viewfinder and it did not have a depth-of-field control button. Basic parts of all three cameras, i.e. shutter, viewfinder, mirror system, and light metering system were identical.

Motivated by the huge success of the low-priced Canon AE-1 and other, consumer-level cameras, Minolta followed suit in the new camera's design by offering more external camera features. This had the effect of lowering the budget for the camera's internal mechanism. In a step backwards, the new X-700 was not equipped with the fast vertical metal shutter of previous XE and XD cameras, and was instead fitted with a less expensive horizontal traverse silk shutter, enabling maximum sync speed of 1/60 second, and operated by an electromagnetic shutter release.[1] No mechanical shutter speed was provided, even in bulb mode. The resultant battery drain and inability to meter at light levels below EV-1 makes the camera a poor choice for long exposures or astrophotography. Minolta further lowered the price of the camera by fabricating certain parts in the film advance and rewind mechanism of less expensive materials, and by the use of less expensive electronic components. Even the rewind lever of the camera is made of plastic.

The X-700 was awarded the European "Camera of the Year" award in 1981, and its competitive pricing resulted in its becoming the most successful Minolta camera since the SRT line. As Minolta began to introduce its auto-focus cameras and lenses, further research and development of manual-focus 35mm SLR cameras was shelved. Some internal components of the X-700 were changed over its production run, apparently in an effort to further reduce costs. Minolta was also one of the first major 35mm SLR manufacturer to outsource assembly of its cameras to countries outside Japan. The camera was discontinued in 1999.

Canon EF

Canon F-1 New (1981)

A bit about the Canon New F-1 from Wikipedia

The Canon New F-1 replaced the F-1n (an upgraded F-1) as Canon's top-of-the-line 35mm single-lens reflex camera in 1981. Like the earlier models, the New F-1 takes FD-mount lenses. Although no date has ever been confirmed, it is thought that the last New F-1 was made in 1992. It was officially discontinued in 1994, and factory support ended in 2004.

The New F-1 is an expandable system. It consists of interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens, motor drives, and alternate backs, all of which are specific to the New F-1. All other Canon components, such as the FD lens series, close up accessories (bellows, extension tubes, etc.), and Canon A and T Speedlights (except the 300TL) are also compatible with the system.

There is no completely automatic exposure mode on the New F-1. Aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes are available through accessories, in addition to the standard manual mode.

A little story about my Canon New F-1

As usual, a short message appear in my cell phone from my usual junk camera supplier "Call me now!". So I call him and he told me that he was being offered mint, almost like new, Canon New F-1 for USD150.00 and asked whether I am interested. I told him to hold the camera and I'll see him on weekend. And so by weekend we got into a very tough negotiation and we close the deal at USD130.00 because the glass of the FD 50mm f/1.8 lens attached to it was basically in very poor state (looks like it has been smokin...!). Took it home, attached my FD 35mm f/2.8 lens, load a roll of expired Fuji Neopan 400 Professional and start snapping around. The meter is stil dead accurate! Here's a snapshot took by the camera.

Canon AL-1 (1982)

Canon AL-1 from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon AL-1 was an FD mount, 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in March 1982. Its main feature was the "Quick Focus" focus-assist system that was aimed at those who had trouble focusing through the viewfinder—either novices, or those with poor eyesight—and was intended to head off competition from the first full-autofocus cameras from other manufacturers, such as the Pentax ME-F.

The QF focus-assist system searches for the greatest image contrast in the subject using three linear CCD arrays in the base of the camera. Light is diverted to these sensors through a partially-silvered mirror. When the contrast in the image is greatest, the image is the least blurred and thus in focus. Below the viewfinder image, two red arrows indicated which direction to turn the focusing ring to achieve focus, which is indicated by a green circle lighting in between the two arrows. Contrast detection is the system used for autofocus on most compact digital cameras in recent years.

As a lower-end camera, the AL-1 did not offer a long list of features. Instead, Canon focused on providing core functionality and lowering price. The AL-1 provides focus-confirmation, aperture-priority autoexposure (controlled by a through-the-lens silicon photocell), and a small selection of manual shutter speeds, including 10 second self-timer. It also added a larger grip, and the convenience of using of AAA cells for power. Its body was constructed from a special polycarbonate that was then painted to imitate metal. An ISO hotshoe, motor-drive connections, and cable-release socket provide an acceptable level of compatibility with accessories. It was also the last SLR camera to carry Canon's 1960s-era logo on the pentaprism.

The camera uses Canon's breech-lock FD mount, and so users could choose from the wide variety of Canon FD lenses, as well as those from third parties. Users could also utilise Canon R and FL lenses, but with some limitations.

Notably, the AL-1 marked Canon's first public foray into autofocus technology. While far from a true autofocus system, the camera acted a test for Canon engineers as to the feasibility of contrast detection for SLR cameras. Due to the camera's lack of features, it was never overly popular and so it would be 1986 before Canon expanded on the concept, even though its competitors raced ahead.

Canon AE-1 Program (1981)

About Canon AE-1 Program, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon AE-1 Program was a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera that used Canon's FD mount lenses. It was introduced in 1981 as the successor to the Canon AE-1, five years after that camera's introduction. The major difference was the addition of the Program AE mode first seen in the A-1. This mode sets both the shutter speed and aperture automatically—albeit with a slight bias towards the shutter speed setting. The user simply had to focus the camera and then press the shutter button. For those desiring more control, the AE-1's shutter priority auto-exposure and full manual modes were still available.
Like the A-1, the AE-1 Program sported a right-hand "Action Grip" on the front of the camera. It also supported the A-1's Motor Drive MA; this required another electrical contact on the baseplate. The AE-1's Power Winder A, and a new, faster Power Winder A2, were also supported. The viewfinder used LEDs to show information to the user.
Also like the A-1, the AE-1 Program supported interchangeable focusing screens. Unlike the A-1, though, which specified that screens only be changed by the factory or experienced service technicians, those on the AE-1 Program could be user changed. The camera came standard with the new split/microprism, but seven others were available. The AE-1 Program retained the older A-series type electromagnet-controlled cloth-curtain shutter, being quite common on cameras of 1970s, including Nikons, having a somewhat slower, (1/1000 sec) fastest setting, and standard flash sync(1/60). This shutter design has also proven to be more maintenance-intensive than modern vertical-travel metal blade designs. The electronics and electromagnets are powered by one L544, 4LR44 or PX-28 the 28L, 6V battery.
The focusing screen on the AE-1 Program is brighter than any previous focusing screen on any Canon manual focus camera, allowing the user to focus with greater ease with "slow" lenses (up to f/5.6). It is the same focusing screen design that was used in the newest model of the top-of-the-line Canon F-1 (known as the New F-1).
The additional electronics used for the program features of the AE-1P have resulted in more electronic gremlins over the years, and the model is considered by some more difficult to repair than earlier and simpler A-series cameras. While this may be true, this camera has proven its worth, value and longevity.

Canon AV-1 (1979)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon AV-1 was a 35mm single-lens reflex camera with a FD lens mount, introduced by Canon Inc. in 1979. The AV-1 was very similar to the 1976 AE-1 but provided aperture priority autoexposure rather than the AE-1's shutter speed priority AE.[1] The camera is not capable of fully manual exposure.[2]

Canon's international distributors, particularly in the United States, had clamored for such a camera because competing brands offered mostly aperture-priority cameras and some preferred it.[1] The AV in the name referred to the type of autoexposure; Av (Aperture Value) is a common abbreviation for aperture priority.

When this camera appeared, a new range of FD lenses was introduced, featuring instant mounting/unmounting of the lens.[1] This was called the New FD mount and did away with the older type of mounting ring which was fitted on to the rear of the lens and was awkward to use and needed two hands, to a newer, easier system whereby the user lined up the red dot on the lens, with the red dot on the camera and simply turned the whole lens clockwise until it clicked into place.

All the other AE-1 accessories fit the AV-1.

Canon A-1 (1978)

About Canon A-1 from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon A-1 is an advanced level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. (today Canon Incorporated) in Japan from April 1978 to 1985. It used a horizontal cloth-curtain focal-plane shutter with a speed range of 30 to 1/1000th second plus bulb and flash synchronization speed of 1/60th second. It has dimensions of 92 mm height, 141 mm width, 48 mm depth and 620 g weight. Unlike most SLRs of the time, it was available in only one color; all black. The introductory US list price for the body plus Canon FD 50 mm f/1.4 SSC lens was $625. Note that while the list price was $625, this camera generally sold for 30 to 40% which is roughly $375 to $435.

The A-1 is an historically significant camera. It was the first SLR to offer an electronically controlled programmed autoexposure mode. Instead of the photographer picking a shutter speed to freeze or blur motion and choosing a lens aperture f-stop to control depth of field (focus), the A-1 has a microprocessor programmed to automatically select a compromise exposure based on light meter input. Virtually all cameras today have at least one program mode.

Canon AT-1 (1977)

About Canon AT-1 from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon AT-1 was a 35mm FD-mount single-lens reflex camera manufactured by Canon of Japan from December 1976. It was produced purely for export and was never sold in the home Japanese market. It was a version of the popular AE-1 but without the shutter-speed priority auto-exposure mode of that camera. The AT-1 featured manual exposure only. This made the camera cheaper, as some consumers did not desire or require autoexposure and did not want to pay for it.
A light meter was included, featuring TTL center-weighted average metering with a CdS photocell, and a match needle in the viewfinder.

The accessories produced for the AE-1 also worked for the AT-1, including motor drives.

A bit about my Canon AT-1

Under construction (I am yet loading a roll of film, hence I can not say much)

Canon AE-1 (1976)

About Canon AE-1 from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canon AE-1 was an interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. (today Canon Incorporated) in Japan from April 1976 to 1984. It used an electronically-controlled, electromagnet horizontal cloth focal plane shutter of rather aged design (even for the day), with a speed range of 2 to 1/1000th second plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/60th second. The camera body was 87 mm tall, 141 mm wide, and 48 mm deep; it weighed 590 g. Most were black with chrome trim, but some were all black.

The AE-1 is a historically significant SLR, though not necessarily because of any major technological firsts (although it was the first microprocessor CPU-equipped SLR). Its notability is based in its sales. Backed by a major advertising campaign, the AE-1 sold five million units, an unprecedented success in the SLR market.

A bit about my Canon AE-1

Under construction (I am yet loading a roll of film, hence I can not say much)

CanonTLb

Canon FTbN

Canon FTb QL

Canon FT QL

Asahi Pentax MX

Asahi Pentax ME Super

Asahi Pentax ME

Asahi Pentax KX

Asahi Pentax K1000

Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP

Olympus OM10FC

Olympus OM2N

Olympus OM2

Olympus OM1N

Olympus OM1

Nikon FG20

Nikon FG

Nikon EM

Nikon FE2

Nikon FE

Nikon FA

Nikon FM3A

A bit about Nikon FM3A from Wikipedia

The Nikon FM3A is an interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nikon Corporation in Japan, on small-volume assembly lines, from 2001 to 2006. The camera was available in two colors: all-black, and satin chrome. The introductory US list price for the chrome body only (no lens) was $820.

The FM3A was the successor to the renowned Nikon FM2N camera of 1984 and was the last member of the successful, semi-professional line of Nikon compact 35 mm SLRs. The other members were the Nikon FM (released 1977), FE (1978), FM2 (1982) and FE2 (1983). They (and the Nikon FA) all used the superficially similar (but not identical) rugged copper aluminum alloy chassis and high-quality Nikon vertical bearing-mounted metal shutter and ball-bearing mounted film advance, but with improved feature levels, minor external controls and cosmetic differences. The newer low-budget Nikon FM10 and FE10, while named similarly, are completely different introductory-level cameras manufactured by Cosina.

The major improvements in the FM3A compared to the FM2N are the hybrid electro-mechanically controlled aluminum bladed focal plane shutter, the aperture priority autoexposure mode, the match-needle exposure control system and provision for through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) electronic flash automation. In other words, the FM3a merged the robust mechanical systems of the FM2N with the proven, reliable electronic exposure controls of the FE2.

Nikon FM2N

Nikon FM2

Nikon FM

Nikon Nikomat EL2

Nikomat FT2

Nikomat FTN

Nikomat FT

Nikon F3HP

Nikon F2 Photomic AS

If a pentaprism head with a built-in light meter was mounted on the F2, the camera became an F2 Photomic. However, since Nippon Kokagu made five different metering heads over the life of the F2, there were five different F2 Photomic versions. The use of any Photomic head requires that batteries (two S76 or A76, or SR44 or LR44) be installed in the F2 body to power the head's electronics.

The DP-12 (introduced in 1977) functioned exactly the same as the DP-3, respectively, except that these heads supported Nikkor lenses with the Automatic Indexing (AI) feature (introduced 1977, see above). Nikkor AI lenses had a "meter coupling ridge" cam on the lens aperture ring that pushed on a spring loaded "meter coupling lever" on the Photomic head to transfer lens set aperture information. AI lenses allowed carefree lens mounting and ended the double twisting that used to allow observers to spot a Nikon/Nikkormat user from a hundred paces. The F2 AS Photomic with DP-12 head was the most advanced F2 version and the chrome version with Nikkor AI 50 mm f/1.4 lens had a US list price of $1278 in 1978. (SLR selling prices were typically 30 to 40 percent below list.)

The F2 AS (DP-12) required the equivalent DS-12 EE Aperture Control Units. These were early attempts by Nippon Kogaku to provide shutter priority autoexposure by having an electric servomotor automatically turn the lens aperture ring in response to the set shutter speed and light meter reading. The DS-1, -2 and -12 were bulky, slow and unreliable, and were feeble and inelegant attempts to add autoexposure to the manual exposure F2.

Nikon F2 Photomic SB

If a pentaprism head with a built-in light meter was mounted on the F2, the camera became an F2 Photomic. However, since Nippon Kokagu made five different metering heads over the life of the F2, there were five different F2 Photomic versions. The use of any Photomic head requires that batteries (two S76 or A76, or SR44 or LR44) be installed in the F2 body to power the head's electronics.

With the DP-3 head, the camera became the F2 SB Photomic, available 1976 to 1977. The DP-3 introduced three innovations: a silicon photodiode light meter (a first for Nikon SLRs) for faster and more accurate light readings, a five stage center-the-LED exposure control system using +/o/− LEDs, and an eyepiece blind.

This early Photomic heads required Nikon F-mount lenses with a meter coupling shoe ("rabbit ears", see above). Rabbit ear lenses required a special mounting procedure. After mounting, the lens aperture ring must be turned back and forth to the smallest aperture (largest f-stop number) and then to the largest aperture (smallest f-stop number) to ensure that the lens and the head couple properly (Nippon Kogaku called it indexing the maximum aperture of the lens – users called it the Nikon Shuffle!) and meter correctly. This system seems unwieldy to today's photographers, but it was second nature to Nikon and Nikkormat camera using photographers of the 1960s and 1970s.


The F2 S Photomic (DP-2 head) and F2 SB Photomic (DP-3 head) also accepted the unusual Nikon DS-1 or DS-2 EE Aperture Control Units. These were early attempts by Nippon Kogaku to provide shutter priority autoexposure by having an electric servomotor automatically turn the lens aperture ring in response to the set shutter speed and light meter reading. The DS-1 and DS-2 were bulky, slow and unreliable, and were feeble and inelegant attempts to add autoexposure to the manual exposure F2.

Nikon F2 Photomic S

Manufactured from 1973 to 1977, the F2 S Photomic used the DP-2 head. Although it looked very different, the DP-2 was functional very similar to the DP-1. It substituted an all solid-state light-both-LEDs exposure control system using two arrow shaped light-emitting diode (LED) over/underexposure indicators for better visibility in low light situations and better overall reliability. This was important, because the DP-2's CdS meter had better low light sensitivity than the DP-1 – down to Exposure Value (EV) −2, instead of EV 1, at ASA 100. A chrome Nikon F2 S Photomic with Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4 lens had a US list price of $961 in 1976. Note: SLRs were usually discounted 30 to 40 percent from list.

These three early Photomic heads required Nikon F-mount lenses with a meter coupling shoe ("rabbit ears", see above). Rabbit ear lenses required a special mounting procedure. After mounting, the lens aperture ring must be turned back and forth to the smallest aperture (largest f-stop number) and then to the largest aperture (smallest f-stop number) to ensure that the lens and the head couple properly (Nippon Kogaku called it indexing the maximum aperture of the lens – users called it the Nikon Shuffle!) and meter correctly. This system seems unwieldy to today's photographers, but it was second nature to Nikon and Nikkormat camera using photographers of the 1960s and 1970s.

The F2 S Photomic (DP-2 head) and F2 SB Photomic (DP-3 head) also accepted the unusual Nikon DS-1 or DS-2 EE Aperture Control Units. These were early attempts by Nippon Kogaku to provide shutter priority autoexposure by having an electric servomotor automatically turn the lens aperture ring in response to the set shutter speed and light meter reading. The DS-1 and DS-12 were bulky, slow and unreliable, and were feeble and inelegant attempts to add autoexposure to the manual exposure F2.

Nikon F2 Photomic

The original Nikon F2 Photomic, packaged with the Nikon DP-1 head, was manufactured from 1971 to 1977. The DP-1 had a center-the-needle exposure control system using a galvanometer needle pointer moving between horizontally arranged +/– over/underexposure markers at the bottom of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in 60/40 percent centerweighted, cadmium sulfide (CdS) light meter versus the photographer's actual camera selections. Flanking the needle array on the left and right were a readout of the camera set f-stop and shutter speed, respectively. The needle array was duplicated on the top of the DP-1 head to allow exposure control without looking through the viewfinder. A Nikon F2 Photomic with Nikkor-S 50 mm f/1.4 lens had a US list price of $660 in 1972. Note that SLRs usually sold for 30 to 40 percent below list price.

Nikon F2 (with DE-1 finder)

The Nikon F2 is a professional level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. (Nikon Corporation since 1988) in Japan from September 1971 to June 1980. It used a horizontal-travel focal plane shutter with titanium shutter curtains and a speed range of 1 to 1/2000th second (up to 10 seconds using the self timer) plus Bulb and Time, and flash X-sync of 1/80th second. It had dimensions (with DE-1 head, see below) of 98 mm height, 152.5 mm width, 65 mm depth and 730 g weight. It was available in two colors: black with chrome trim and all black.

The F2 is the second member of the long line of Nikon F-series professional level 35 mm SLRs that began with the Nikon F (manufactured 1959–1974) and followed each other in a sort of dynastic succession as the top-of-the-line Nikon camera. The other members were the F3 (1980–2001), F4 (1988–1996), F5 (1996–2005) and F6 (2004–present). The F-series do not share any major components,

All Nikon professional F-series SLRs are full system cameras. This means that each camera body serves as only a modular hub.

The Nikon F2 is an all-metal, mechanically (springs, gears, levers) controlled, manual focus SLR with manual exposure control. It was completely operable without batteries. The F2 was the replacement for Nikon F. It did introduce many new features (a faster 1/2000th second maximum shutter speed, a swing open back for easier film loading, a wider assortment of detachable finders and metering heads, a dedicated 250 exposure film back, a larger reflex mirror to ensure no vignetting, and a shutter release relocated to the front edge of the camera for better ergonomics. It also offered a detachable motor drive, something the F only had as a custom modification.

However, it was the F2's interchangeable viewfinders (also known as "heads")that marked it as a truly professional level SLR and was its greatest strength. By providing updated heads every few years, Nippon Kogaku was able to introduce new versions of the F2 and keep the basic body in the latest technology until production ended in 1980. Note that F2 heads were often sold separately from the body, mostly in black finish with about 10% in chrome, and it is therefore not unusual to see body/head combinations with mismatched serial numbers and/or colors.

There were also three special purpose meterless heads available for the F2: the Nikon DW-1 waist-level finder (a non-pentaprism head; look down directly at the mirror-reversed image on the focusing screen), the DA-1 action finder (providing 60 mm of eye relief; extremely large exit pupil that can be viewed while wearing face masks, safety goggles, etc) and the DW-2 6X magnifying finder (waist-level finder with magnifier; good for precise focusing).

The head on the basic Nikon F2 was called the Nikon DE-1. It provided a virtually 100% accurate viewing image, but was a plain pentaprism eyelevel viewing head with no built-in light meter and so had no metering or exposure information display, except for a flash-ready light. Unlike the other heads, about 90% of DE-1s were chrome finished. It was unpopular because of the lack of a built-in meter, but remained available for the life of the F2.

Nikon F Photomic FTN "Apollo" + Nikkor-Q Auto 1:3.5 f=135mm + Nikkor-O Auto 1:3.5 f=35mm

Nikon F from Camerapedia

The Nikon F was introduced in 1959 with a comprehensive range of high quality lenses and accessories. During its lifespan, new items were continuously added, comprising bulk film magazine, electrical motor drive, viewfinders, focusing screens, close-up and scientific attachments, flash units, remote controls, and even a Polaroid back, the Speed Magny, as well as a wide variety of exposure meters, both separately available or as part of the finder prism, the latest of those being TTL meters, known as the Photomic.

It would be impossible to plan for every conceivable future attachment to go on the Nikon F, and although the designers have eminently well succeeded, quite a few less practical arrangements have been employed. Nippon Kogaku used their Nikon rangefinder camera as a starting point, adding a mirror housing and an interchangeable viewfinder, when developing the Nikon F body. The finder attachment resembles that employed for the Exakta Varex, using a number of catches. As it turned out, the system was not the best choice, and it has been the cause for several afterthoughts.

The most important attachment, however, is the lens. Nippon Kogaku developed a bayonet mount still found on their digital cameras. It is made of stainless steel and just sufficiently wide to accept all internal connections that have been added ever since its inception. The big challenge for every camera maker around 1960 was how to incorporate an exposure meter in their camera, and each came up with their own solution, some great, others less practical. None envisioned all the necessary interconnections, and a wide range of solutions were found. Connecting the meter to the shutter speed dial was obvious, but including the aperture ring was not so clear, most relied on manually transferring the meter reading to the lens aperture ring. The Nikon Selenium meter connects to the shutter speed dial, and the reading must be transferred manually. It is attached to the nameplate in front of the finder, surely looked upon as a temporary solution. In 1962, the Photomic CdS meter finder was introduced, with a circular external meter window. The meters were connected to the lens using an external fork on the aperture ring and a pin reaching down into it from the meter above. This system prevailed for decades and was sturdy, but rather clumsy and far from perfect. On the ensuing range of TTL finders, beginning in 1965, various improvements were introduced. The main problem was to calibrate the meter for the maximum aperture of the attached lens. This was at first accomplished manually, later on the Photomic Ftn, by twitching the aperture ring through its full range.

The Nikon F is extremely sturdy and reliable, and quite easily handled. The camera back, however, is not hinged and has to be set aside when changing film. Because the finder is detachable, the accessory shoe is at the side, requiring special attachments. A small window in front of the shutter speed dial shows the flash synchronisation setting, selectable by lifting the chrome collar surrounding the dial. In the middle of the shutter-speed dial is a small black dot a shutter wind indicator: at nine o'clock it is wound, and at seven o'clock it is run out. A film length reminder and an automatic reset frame-counter shares the space at the hub of the wind lever.

To remove the finder a stiff button at the camera back is depressed, possibly using a blunt object. To remove the focusing screen it has to be depressed again while the camera is held upside down to let it fall out on a soft lint free cloth. Replacing the plain prism finder or a waist level finder requires just depressing it onto the camera until the three latches catch. The Photomic finders rely on an additional mechanism grabbing around the Nikon nameplate. An additional handle at the right-hand front of these finders must be pushed simultaneously with the stiff one at the camera back. Removing and attaching the Photomic requires some practice to accomplish. Always double check that all the latches have engaged properly. When the finder is in place and a lens is attached, the meter must be set for the lens maximum aperture, aided by a scale on the meter prism front.

At the upper left-hand corner of the camera is the PC sync. contact, and lower down, close to the lens, is the lens release button. At the opposite side of the lens are a depth of field preview button and a mirror up knob. The mirror goes up when the shutter is released, and it stays up until the knob is returned to the index point. A small self-timer handle, with 4, 8, and 12 seconds index marks, is also at the right-hand front, doubling as a grip as on most SLR cameras.

The standard lens for the early Nikon F is the Nikkor-S Auto 1:2 f=5cm, half a year later the Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.4 f=5.8cm became available

a bit about my Nikon F

Mine is the Apollo version.

Nikon F, one of a kind

My Nikon F is a mix of Nikon F body (minus Nikon F's original focusing screen, viewfinder prism and rewind knob) and Nikon F2's DE-1 viewfinder prism and a modified Pentax Spotmatic's rewind knob. I got a C-Type focusing for it from Ebay. When I got it, tt didn't have any lense attached to it either.

The F body cost me USD50.00, the focusing screen USD35.00, the DE-1 viewfinder prism USD10.00 and the rewind knob USD7.00 (the cost for the full Spotmatic) and took almost 6 months to complete (February to August 2009).

It works flawlessly. I love it!