Nikon F-301 (N2000)

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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 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 an easy-load, motorized film transport that allowed for continuous shooting up to 2.5 fps. This was also the first camera with DX recognition for film 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. Maintaining the same classic line of Nikon, the shutter speeds are selected with a dial between 1 - 1/2000 sec, as well as P/PHi and A mode where speed are electronically controlled from 1-1/2000s; sadly missing is the mechanical back up speed in case of power failure.

Around the shutter release, there is a fingerguard and film advanced mode selector to chose between Lock, Single and Continuous shooting. While the film transport is motorized, the film rewind is still manual and the rewind lever also has ISO selector and exposure compensation dial. In order to use DX cassettes, the ISO selector has a DX position as well as manual ASA between 12 and 3200.
This camera used TTL metering for compatible flashes; and the shutter release cable was of the electronic type (MC-12B) with a socket in the front of the camera and no threads for a mechanical shutter release.

An autofocus version of this camera was named N2020 (F-501) was released in 1986, being the first Nikon AF-integrated camera.

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 (AI-s)
  • 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
    • PHi: faster program (for moving subjects)
    • A: aperture priority
    • M (1-2000): manual by selecting the shutter speed and
    • B: Bulb
    • Exposure memory lock via lever in front
  • Film transport: Motorized, with manual rewind
  • Shooting modes
    • S: Single shot
    • C: Continuous shot (up to 2.5 fps)
    • Self timer: 10s
  • Battery: 4AAA (MB4 standard holder) or 4AA (MB3 optional holder) providing 4.8-6V
    • Camera doesn;t work if battery voltage is below 4.5V
  • Dimensions: 149×98×51mm
  • Data-back: MF-19 Multifunction Data-Back
  • Shutter release MC-12B

Notes

  • Battery life is very long, you can get 50rolls of film from one set of AAA. However, this means that many used cameras have still the original batteries in the chamber and that leads to corrosion.

Links

Nikon 35mm SLR Cameras
Nikkorex F | Nikon EL2 | Nikon EM | Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikon F50 | Nikon F55 | Nikon F60 | Nikon F65 | Nikon F70 | Nikon F75 | Nikon F80 | Nikon F90 | Nikon F90X | Nikon F100 | Nikon F-301 | Nikon F-401 | Nikon F-401S | Nikon F-401X | Nikon F-501 | Nikon F-601 | Nikon F-601M | Nikon F-801 | Nikon F-801s | Nikon FA | Nikon FE | Nikon FE2 | Nikon FE10 | Nikon FG | Nikon FG-20 | Nikon FM | Nikon FM2 | Nikon FM2n | Nikon FM3A | Nikon FM10
Nikomat / Nikkormat
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