Nikon F-301 (N2000)

Nikon F-301 image by Raúl Sá Dantas (Image rights)

This is a manual focus SLR with motorized film advance, and an automatic programmed exposure system controlled by TTL metering. The camera was introduced in 1985 and besides having different names for the US market (N2000) and the rest of the world (F-301). The N2000 was the first Nikon SLR without a film advance lever, with a motorized film transport that allowed for continuous shooting up to 2.5 fps. This was also the first camera with DX recognition for ISO speeds, and the first with polycarbonate construction, leading the way for future Nikon cameras. This camera is probably the smallest Nikon 35mm film camera with a motorized film transport. The camera is powered by four AAA or if the MB-3 battery holder installed four AA batteries.

The top control panel is well laid-out and allows the user to access many features in a very simple and rapid manner. Its shutter speeds are electronically controlled with a dial between 1 - 1/2000 sec, as well as P and A mode; sadly missing the mechanical back up speed in case of power failure. The shooting transport dial allows to chose between Lock, Single and COntinuous shooting; and the rewind lever doubles as ISO selector and exposure compensation dial. This camera used TTL metering for flash; and the shutter release cable was also of the electronic type (MC-12B) An autofocus version of this camera was named N2020/F501 and also released in 1985.

N2000 image by Casual Camera Collector (Image rights)

Specifications

• Type: SLR body
• Manufacturer: Nikon
• Films: 35mm, speeds ISO 25 to 4000 (DX-coded) or ISO 12 to 3200 (manual selection)
• Lens mount: Nikon F bayonet
• Viewfinder: Fixed eye level pentaprism, 0.85x magnification, 92% frame coverage, displays shutter speed, under- or overexposure, ready-light for TTL flash
• Metering: TTL center-weighted (60/40), meter activated by lightly pressing shutter release button, EV 1 - 19 at ISO 100, f 1.4
• Shutter: Electronic vertical metallic focal plane shutter, speeds: 1-1/2000 sec
• Exposure modes:
  • P: normal program, aperture and speed set automatically
  • P HI: faster program (for moving subjects)
  • A: aperture priority
  • M: manual by selecting the shutter speed and
  • B: Bulb
  • Exposure memory lock via button
• Dimensions: 149×98×51mm
• motorized film transport with manual rewind
• Shooting modes
  • S: Single shot
  • C: Continuous shot (up to 2.5 fps)
  • Self timer: 10s
• Data-back: MF-21 Multifunction Data-Back
• Shutter release MC-12B

Links

• Nikon Digital Archives N2000/F-301
• Nikon N2000 instruction manual - English at M.Butkus' www.orphancameras.com
• Nikon F-301 at Classic Camera by RaúlM