Film cameras
Nikon F2AS Photomic User manual
User manual for Nikon F2AS Photomic. 47 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Nikon
- Model / document
- Nikon F2AS Photomic
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 47
- File size
- 5.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
CONTENTS
Foreword Metering range 24
Preparation for use . 6 Extreme low-light metering 25
I nstalling the batteries 6 Time exposures 25
Checking the batteries . . Eyepiece shutter operation 26 Loading the film 6l High-contrast lighting situations . . . . 26
Prior to shooting 8 Stop-down exposure measurement . . 28
Memo holder 9 Exposure compensation adjustments 30
Setting the film speed 9 Ad justments for focusing screens 30
Operation of camera controls 10 Adjustments for film compensation 32
Setting the shutter speed 10 Multiple exposures 33
Setting the aperture 10 Mirror lockup 33
F ilm-advance lever 11 Flash synchronization 34
Frame counter 1l Ready-light . . . 35
T-L fingerguard 12 Finderilluminator ... 3s
Self-timer 12 Tips on camera care 36
Unloading film . 13 Changing the lens 38
Holding the camera . . . 14 Coupling lever lock/release operation . . . 39
Shutter release operation 15 Changing the viewfinder 40
Operation via cable release 15 Changing the focusing screen 41
Focusing 16 Focusing screen selector guide 42
Infrared photography 18 Focusing screen selector chart 43
Film-plane indicator 18 Accessories - 44
Depth of field 19 Featu res/spec if icat io ns 46
Depth-of-field preview button 19
D epth-of-field ind icators 20
Exposure measurement 22
Determining exposure . 22
Exflosure control 24View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
FOREWORDwww.butkus.us The Nikon F2AS 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 F2AS Photomic, study the instructions carefully and practice using the controls before you load any film in the camera. Keep this book- fet 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- izingyourself with the camera will guarantee you the best results and increase your picture-taking enjoyment many times over.View original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
PREPARATION FOR USE Install ing the Batteries Checking the Batteries The exposure meter in the Photomic finder is powered The camera's film-advance lever serves as the ON-OFF by two high-performance silver-oxide batteries mounted switch for the Photomic finder. To check battery power, in the battery chamber in the baseplate of the camera. perform the following: Pull out the lever just far enough To install the batteries, first remove the battery chamber to uncover the red meter ON index on the top of the cover (turn it 90o counterclockwise using a coin or simi- damera; then, look within the finder to see if any of the lar object); then, place two 1.5V silver-oxide (button- LED exposure indicators are illuminated. lf any of the cell type) batteries in the chamber, making sure that the indicators are lit, battery power is sufficient for proper plus (+) side of each unit faces out. After inserting and operation. lf none of the LED s light, battery position- properly seating the batteries, replace the cover and lock ing should be checked; then, if the LED s still fail to it to secure the assembly. light, replace batteries. Note: Remove the batteries when the camera is not to be used Caution: Whenever the camera is stored, be sure that the film- for a long period; this will prevent leakage within the camera. advance lever is set in the meter OFF position (i.e., flush to the Also, keep the camera as warm as possible when operating under body); failure to observe this precaution can result in total cold-weather conditions; otherwise, the batteries may fail to battery drain in a matter of days due to continuous illu mination function. (See "Tips on Camera Care" on page36 for additional of one or more of the finder's LED indicators. information.)View original page 7
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Loading the Film place and insert the end of the film leader into any of
the slots in the film take-up spool. lf necessary, releaseFold out the O/C key at the baseplate of the camera and
turn it counterclockwise I80" until the arrow points to the shutter and, then, stroke the film-advance lever slow- ly to make sure that the leader winds smoothly on thethe "O" (open) mark and the camera back pops open. engage withPull up the rewind knob as far as it will go, and drop a spool and that the film edge perforations When satisfied that the film isstandard film cartridge or a special Nikon reloadable the film sprocket roller. properly feeding and is traveling correctly along the filmcassette into the left-hand film chamber with the film
guide rails, close the camera back and return the O/Cleader aligned along the film guide rails.
storage position. (Also, see "Tips onAfter positioning the cartridge and film leader properly, key to its normal
push the rewind knob down to hold the car:tridge in Camera Care" on page 36.)View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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 beingrection of the engraved arrow until you feel a slight ten- advanced. Then, fold the crank flat for storage.sion; this tension indicates that there is no more slack in After advancing the film two frames to dispose of thethe fif m cartridge. (Be sure not to rewind the film back initial portion of the leader, the frame counter at theinto the cartridge.) upper right of the @mera will indicate "0"; now, ad-Advance the film and make two blank exposures to dis- vance the film one more frame to prepare the camera forpose of the initial portion of the film exposed during taking the first exposure.loading (for film advance operation, see page 11). While
when loading film @
1 st blank
exposu re @
2nd blank
exposure @
for 'l st exposure @
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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Memo Holder Setting the Film Speed
A special holder is provided on the camera back for con- The camera's exposure meter must be adlusted to the
venient storage of information pertinent to the photo- speed of the film in use to ensure correct measurement;
graphy. A piece of paper or the end-flap torn from the thus, a film-speed scale (ASA graduations) and an index
film carton can be inserted to serve as a reminder of the ring are provided on the finder. To adjust, lift the milled
film type, film speed and number of exposures. 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 film-speed dial has two dots be-
tween each pair of numbers for intermediate settings
such as 64,80,125, etc.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS
Setting the Shutter Speed of from 1/80 sec. to 1l20OO sec. are usable. At the "B"
setting, the shutter speed remains open as long as theThe Nikon F2AS Photomic camera can be set to the de-
shutter-release button is depressed. (See "Flash Synchro-sired shutter speed either before or after the shutter is
nization" on page 34 for additional information on flashwound. Speeds of from 1 second to 112000 second are
photography.)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- Setting the Aperture
tor until the desired speed is aligned with the white dot; The ring fitted at the base of the lens adjusts the size of
when aligned with settings of from 2 to 2000, the actual the aperture (or opening) in the iris diaphragm. To pre-
shutter speed will be a fractional value of from 112 sec- set the lens aperture, turn the aperture ring until the de-
ond to 1|2OOO second. The red line provided between sired f/number setting on the scale is aligned with the
the 1/60 sec. and 11125 sec. settings indicates 1/80 index mark provided on the lens. The iris diaphragm can
second-the fastest shutter speed providing X synchroni- also be set to intermediate apertures between the click-
zation for use with electronic flash units. When more stop settings for more precise exposures.
precise settings are required, intermediate shutter speeds
www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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Film-Advance Lever Frame Counter
The film-advance lever simultaneously advances the film, The frame counter operates automatically to show how
cocks the shutter and operates the frame counter. lt many frames have been exposed. When the camera back
also switches on the exposure meter in the Photomic is opened for loading, the counter is reset to the "S"
finder. To advance the film, stroke the lever with the (start) position, two frames before "0". Once the
right thumb in a single stroke (or series of strokes) total- camera is loaded and the back closed, each film-advance/
ing only 120". A built-in locking device prevents the shutter-release sequence will cause the frame counter to
shutter from being released unless it is fully cocked and advance one position until the maximum 20 or 36
the film advanced a full frame. At the completion of frames have been exposed. The dial of the frame counter
film advance. release the lever and it will return to the is calibrated with dots (for odd nu-mbers) and figures
20o standoff position ready for shutter release. (for even numbers), and with settings of "5," "12,"
Note: Do not apply pressure to the film-advance lever while "20" and "36" in red.
making an exposure.
#
b
ftView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
OPERAI|oN OF CAMERA CONTROLS-continued
T-L Fingerguard Self-Timer
The shutter-release button of the Nikon F2AS Photomic The built-in self-timer can be used to trip the shutter
camera is fitted with a fingerguard that also doubles as after a delay of from 2 to 10 seconds. The numbers
the shutter operation mode selector. Set to the middle marked on the timer scale indicate the delay in seconds.
position, the fingerguard provides for normal shutter To take a picture using the self-timer to fire the camera,
release via the shutter button. To lock the shutter to pre- first set the aperture and shutter-speed controls, advance
vent accidental release, lift up and turn the fingerguard the film, and cock the self-timer by turning its lever
until the index dot aligns with the "L" (lock) marking. downward until the index line (on the lever) aligns with
For time exposures preset via the camera's built-in self- the figure (on the scale) corresponding to the desired
timer, lift up and turn the fingerguard until the index number of seconds delay; then, simply press the small
countdown,dot aligns with the "T" (time) marking. (See "Time Ex- button just above the timer to start the
posures" on page 25 for details.) 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 "B" shutter-speed
dial setting.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
UNLOADING FITM www.butkus.us
When the frame counter indicates that the last exposure camera back, pull the rewind knob up as far as it will go
has been made, or when the film-advance lever can no and remove the film cartridge. Note that as the film
longer be stroked, the roll of film has been fully exposed advance lever is stroked for the next exposure, the
and it should be removed. rewind button will be released to engage the film-advance
To unload the camera, first press the rewind button on mechanism.
the camera baseplate; then, unfold the rewind crank, Caution: Be careful not to push the rewind button during film-
pull it up to the first detent position and turn it in the advance operation. Should this occur, the film transport will
direction of the engraved arrow, using a smooth, even temporarily stop and double exposure may result.
pressure. When no more tension is felt and the film Note: The camera back can be removed from the body by de- pressing the locking catch on the hinge. Removal of the camera
advance indicator (the colored dot on the rewind button) back is necessary when the camera is used with any accessory
stops rotating, the film leader has left the take-up spool back such as the 250 Magazine Back MF-.1 or the Camera Back
and the camera back may be opened. After opening the MF-3, both for motorized photography.
13View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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 11125 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.View original page 15
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For sharp pictures, correct shutter releasing is just as im-
portant as steady camera holding. After advancing the The shutter-release button can also be operated via afilm to a fresh frame, the camera is set for shutter release cable release or similar accessory attached via the thread-via the button provided at the upper right. When taking ed mount provided. With the cable release, operation isthe picture, hold the camera steady (as explained pre- more vibration-free and often leads to sharper imagesviously), relax and depress the button using a steady under critical shooting situations such as photomicro-even pressure to release the camera's shutter-remember. graphy, time exposure, etc. To attach the cable releasea quick jab of the finger will cause camera movement (Nikon-mount models AR-2, etc.) to the camera, screwand may result in a blurred photograph. the threaded cable connector onto the mount provided
around the button. The shutter is then tripped by de-
pressing the release plunger.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
FOCUSING
Focusing isdone at full aperture with Nikkor lensesfitted
with an automatic diaphragm. This technique provides
the brightest possible images on the focusing screen for
easy focusing and composing. lt 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 untilthe microprism pattern shifts
to a sharp and crisp image. You can also focus on the
matte field that surrounds the rangefinder/microprism
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-
sub.iect distance (as measured or estimated) is lined up
with the distance scale index on the lens barrel. This
technique is useful for candid shots of elusive subjects
when time does not permit through-the-lens focusing.View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
FOCUSIN G-continued Infrared Photography Film-Plane lndicator 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-subiect distance to ensure the sharpest focus. focus in infrared photography, adjustments must be The camera's film plane is indicated by the top edge of maoe. the figures making up the serial number at the upper To compensate for this shift in focus, first focus the im- left of the camera body. Note that these figures are age sharply through the viewfinder. Then, turn the fo- 46.5mm from the front surface of the camera's lens cusing ring counterclockwise until the point focused is mounting flange. 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 (-) infrared shooting. Note that when lenses having a focal length of 50mm or less (bayonet mount front surface) are used stopped down to f/8 or below, no adjustment is necessary due to the large depth of field available. Note: Some new optics using Nikon's Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, as well as reflex (catadioptric) lenses, do not require refocusing for infrared photography. Refer to individual lens instruction manuals for details. www.butkus.us .l 8View original page 19
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DEPTH OF FIELD www.butkus.us 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. 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 any one factor capable of partially canceling the effects of the other. Thus, by careful selection and use, the photographer can exercise wide creative control w* over the final picture. Depth-of-F ield 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 button lets you check (or "preview") the zone of sharpness at any time before (or after) shooting. Simply by depressing the button, rhe lens is stopped down to the preselected aperture to allow you to see how much background and foreground is in or out of focus.View original page 20
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DEPTH OF FIELD- continued
Depth-of-Field I nd icators
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. 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 isshallow atthef l4 setting,
while the photo at the far right shows a depth of field
extending from approximately 2.7m (9 ft) to infinity
(-). Lens set at f/4: Shallow
depth of field centered on
the main subiect.View original page 21Page 23 · Read text
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT
The exposure meter of the F2AS Photomic finder uti- Determining Exposure
lizes Nikon's through-the-lens center-weighted expo- The finder has three LED exposure indicators visiblesure measurement at full aperture. The meter reads within the viewfield ("*" for overexposure, "o" for
the light over the entire focusing screen but favors the correct exposure, and "-" for underexposure); thus, thecentral 12mm-diameter area, while taking the entire metering system is capable of providing easy-to-read ex-
area into consideration. This allows you to make pre- posure information in five steps, and even at extremely
cise readings of the selected subject area, and results in low-light levels. Additionally, the selected shutter speed
more balanced overall exposures. and lens aperture settings are visible for maximum ease
of operation for setting the desired exposure.
To determine the correct exposure with the Nikon F2AS:
Switch ON the meter by moving the film-advance lever
to the 20" standoff position; with this action, one of the
LED indicators will light, indicating overexposure, cor-
rect exposure or underexposure. lf the plus (+) indicator
- Underexposure by more than 1 stoP untillights,theincreasecenterthe(o)shutterindicatorspeedjustorcomesdecreaseon theandaperturethe (+)
decrease the Underexposure by 1/5 to 1 stop turns off; if the minus (-) inaicator is lit, o- shutter speed or increase the aperture until the center in-
Correct exposure dicator lights. When two LEDs light simultaneously (i.e., o + and o,or and o), the exposure setting is within 1-stop -
Overexposure by 1/5 to 1 stoP of correct exposure; thus, be sure to adjust the aperture +o setting slowly to get only the correct "center" (o) ex-
posure. Values five for the settings of the LEDs are Overexposure by more than 1 stoP + described in the figure this page. onView original page 23Page 25 · Read text
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT-continued
Exposure Control Metering Range ,fl The amount of light reaching the film plane is deter- ff the center "correct exposure" LED fails to illuminate,
mined by a combination of the lens aperture and the even after all possible lens-aperture/shutter-speed com-
shutter speed. Since the two are interrelated, different binations have been tried, then the available light is too ,l
this combinations will give the same exposure. A 1-step bright or too dim for the meter's range. To correct
change in the shutter speed, or a l-stop change in the situation, several measures may be taken, as follows:
aperture setting, will either halve or double theexposure. Switch to a new film (either higher or lower ASA) that
For example, a shutter speed of '11125 second passes more closely matches the available light; mount a neutral
twice as much light as a setting of 11250 second, and density filter on the lens to decrease the light reaching
only half as much light as a speed of 'l160 second; for an the film plane; or use artificial lighting (i.e., an electronic
aperture setting of f 111 , twice as much light as f 116, and flash unit) to increase subject illumination. Remember,
half as much as f 18, is passed. This feature characterizes too, that the lens in use can greatly influence suitability
the operation throughout the available range of shutter for bright or dim shooting. For example, a 50mm f 11.4
speeds and aperture settings. With this in mind, it's easy lens (with ASA 100 film) couples from EV -2(t11.4at to see that if a correct exposure for a scene is 11125 at 8 seconds) to eV n (tl9 at1l200O second) for excel-
f/l1, then 1160 at f 116 or 11250 at f 18 will be equally lent low-light performance; on the other hand, a 200mm
acceptable. f l4 lens proves more usable at bright-light levels, coupl-
The best combination for your needs will depend on the ing (with ASA 100 film) from EV 1 (f 14 at 8 seconds) to
results desired. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze motion, EV 20 (f 122 at 112000). Thus, choose the lens carefully
or use slow speeds to produce deliberate and creative to match the existing lighting conditions.
blur. Small apertures give greater depth of field, while
large apertures restrict sharp focus to the main subject.
The creative selection of both speeds and apertures will 1
greatly enhance your photography.
24View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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Extreme Low-Light Metering Time Exposures
x The meter built into the Nikon F2AS camera is capable The Nikon F2AS Photomic offers time exposure shooting
of metering low-light levels requiring slow shutter convenience via built-in controls which enable long
,1 speeds of up to 10 seconds. To meter at low-light levels, exposures without the need for accessory equipment.
perform the following: Set the lens' aperture ring to the To make an exposure longer than 10 seconds, set the
desired aperture setting, and the shutter-speed selector shutter-speed selector and turn the T-L finger.
to "8"; then, depress and hold the shutter-speed dial guard to "T" as described in "Extra-long Exposures."
lock and turn the selector until the center LED exposure Advance the film and press the shutter-release button to
indicator (o) illuminates to indicate correct exposure. open the shutter. As long as the fingerguard remains set
Having set the selector, read off the number on the extra- to "T," the shutter will remain open. When returning the
long exposure scale and set the camera's self-timer for fingerguard to the normal center position to close the
the indicated value; then, set the T-L fingerguard to "T" shutter, be careful not to move or shake the camera, as
and depress the shutter button to make the exposure. a blurred image may result.
When performing low-light metering, be sure to block the Note: Operation with a Nikon cable release (see page 15) can
entry of stray light into the viewfinder by closing the also provide for time exposures via the release's built-in locking
function. For operation in these cases, leave the T-L fingerguard eyepiece shutter or by continuously viewing through the in the center position and trigger the camera with the shutter
finder. (Refer to accompanying photos for details.) speed dial set to the "8" setting.
I
25View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT-continued
Eyepiece Shutter Operation H igh-Contrast Lighting Situations
The camera's Photomic finder is fitted with an eyepiece When there are substantial brightness differences be-
shutter for special unmanned shooting situations (e.g., tween the main subject and the background, unimpor-
remote control, automated shooting with motor drive tant bright spots or dark spots can adversely influence
and aperture control unit) requiring protection against the finder reading, and thus the final exposure. To pre-
the entry of stray light through the viewfinder eyepiece. vent under- or overexposure of the main subject under
To close the shutter, simply turn the eyepiece shutter these shooting conditions, some corrective action must
control 60" clockwise; as the shutter closes, the internal be taken to ensure proper exposure of the main subject.
LEDs are deactivated and the external "correct exposure" Fortunately, the finder's center-weighted TTL metering
indicator is switched on for metering operation from action simplifies adjustments, making for quicker camera
atop the finder. To set the camera for proper exposure operation and more accurate final results.
using the external LED indicator, simply adjust the aper- To compensate for an excessively bright or dark'back-
ture ring andlor the shutter-speed selector until the LED ground, target the main subject in the center of the fo-
just glows; once the LED comes on, the camera is set cusing screen while performing metering; this action en-
for correct exposure. sures that the main emphasis of the meter reading will
ln addition to its use for low-light metering or for un- be on the chosen subject. Then, after completing aper-
manned photography, the eyepiece shutter comes in ture and shutter speed adjustments, recompose to the
handy to ensure correct exposure measurement in criti- desired picture composition and make the exposure
cal shooting situations (e.g., photomicrography) or for without readjusting the camera controls. For example,
protection against the entry of bright light into the view- when shooting landscapes, it is often advisable to aim
finder during daylight shooting. the camera slightly downward during exposure measure-
ment to eliminate the effects of a bright expanse of sky;
without such compensation, the landscape may appear
underexposed in the final print. Also, for backlit sub-
jects, it may be necessary to move closer to the subject
to ensure a proper reading.
26View original page 27From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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