Nikon F2 Photomic S1973

History

The F2 Photomic S was Nikon's response to the limitations of the original DP-1 CdS finder introduced with the F2 in 1971. CdS metering cells, while standard in the early 1970s, are slow to react in rapidly changing light and require dark-adaptation time after exposure to bright sources. Nikon's shift to silicon photodiode technology in the DP-2 addressed both problems: the SPD responds almost instantaneously and requires no warm-up period.

The DP-2 finder also introduced a coupled LED needle display that was easier to read than the galvanometer needle of the DP-1, particularly in low-contrast lighting. Introduced in 1973, the F2S coexisted with the original F2 Photomic (DP-1) until the DP-1 variant was phased out. By 1976 Nikon had added the DP-3 finder (F2SB) - which combined the SPD cell with an EE adapter coupling for aperture-priority automation - and the F2S itself was succeeded by the AI-coupled F2A (DP-11) in 1977.

The F2 body itself remained mechanically identical across all finder variants. The F2S therefore shares the same shutter, mirror box, and film transport as the F2 Photomic, F2SB, F2A, and F2AS.

Why It Matters

The DP-2 finder made the F2S the metering upgrade that professional users wanted within the F2 system. By 1973, silicon photodiode meters were demonstrably superior in field conditions to CdS equivalents - faster, more consistent, and reliable at low light levels without the characteristic CdS lag. Press photographers who had adopted the F2 Photomic at launch found in the DP-2 a finder upgrade that genuinely improved the camera's usability without requiring a new body.

The non-AI coupling of the DP-2 is the practical limitation that defines this variant's position in the F2 hierarchy: it reads correctly only with Non-AI (pre-AI) Nikkor lenses at full aperture. AI and AI-S lenses mounted later require stop-down metering or manual exposure calculation. The F2A (DP-11, 1977) resolved this by adding the AI coupling ridge, making the F2S a transitional model - SPD meter gained, AI coupling not yet available.

Lenses & Accessories

Nikon F mount, pre-AI coupling. The DP-2 prism couples aperture via the Non-AI prong, identical in principle to the DP-1. AI and AI-S lenses mount mechanically without meter coupling; stop-down metering is possible. The Nikon AI lens standard was not introduced until 1977, so at the time of the F2S's production run, the full professional Non-AI Nikkor range was current.

Motor drives: MD-2 with MB-1 battery pack (~5 fps); MD-1 (earlier, also compatible). Data backs MF-1, MF-2. Interchangeable finders for the F2 body - DE-1 (eye-level, no meter), DW-1 (waist-level), DW-2 (6x magnifier), DP-2 (Photomic S, metered) - can be swapped by removing four screws. Standard focusing screen: B (plain matte). Optional screens: K (split-prism with microprism collar), E (grid), D (reference dot).

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• The F2S was adopted by many professional photographers who had already committed to the F2 system and wanted to upgrade their metering finder without changing bodies.
• Associated with the general professional press photography of the mid-1970s; standard agency issue at AP, Reuters, and AFP alongside other F2 variants.
• The improved low-light metering of the SPD cell made the F2S a preferred tool for theatre and indoor sports photographers of the period.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Nikon F2 - comprehensive finder variant breakdown including DP-1, DP-2, DP-3 comparison
• Nikon Imaging History: F2 - official timeline of F2 finder introductions
• Wikipedia: Nikon F2 - table of F2 variants and finder designations