Nikon F2AS1977

History

The F2 system launched in 1971 with the DP-1 CdS Photomic prism. Nikon iterated three more finders before closing the F2 line: the DP-2 (F2S, 1973) brought silicon photodiode metering and LED display; the DP-3 (F2SB, 1976) refined the LED display with directional arrows; the DP-11 (F2A, 1977) added AI coupling with a CdS meter. The DP-12 (F2AS, 1977) combined the silicon SPD meter of the F2S/SB line with the AI coupling of the F2A - making it the fully resolved final configuration. Production of all F2 variants ended in 1980, when the Nikon F3 (designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with electronic shutter and aperture-priority AE) took over the professional lineup. The F2AS is the last iteration of the all-mechanical Nikon professional system; no subsequent Nikon professional body has been fully mechanical.

Why It Matters

Among film photographers in 2026, the F2AS holds a specific reputation: it is the recommended configuration of the F2 for anyone who wants AI lens compatibility without compromising the all-mechanical body. The DP-12 SPD meter is faster in low light than the earlier CdS finders, the LED display is clearer to read in the field than a match-needle, and the AI coupling means the full range of AI and AI-S Nikkors - from the 28mm f/2.8 to the 300mm f/4.5 - meter correctly at maximum aperture without stop-down guesswork. The titanium shutter of the F2 body is widely regarded as the most durable mechanical shutter ever fitted to a 35mm camera. The F2AS is the apex of Nikon's pre-electronic professional line. Don McCullin, Steve McCurry, and Sebastião Salgado are all documented using F2 bodies (various finder variants) through the late 1970s and into the 1980s.

Lenses & Accessories

Nikon F mount with AI coupling. AI and AI-S Nikkors meter at full aperture via the DP-12 prism's AI-indexing ridge. Pre-AI lenses require the aperture tab to be filed or a conversion ring fitted for metering; without conversion, stop-down metering is possible. AF Nikkor lenses (1986+) mount mechanically and can be used in manual focus at manual exposure. Recommended glass: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI, 85mm f/2 AI, 35mm f/2.8 AI, 105mm f/2.5 AI, 28mm f/2.8 AI. Motor drives: MD-2 (uses MB-1 battery pack, up to 5 fps); MD-3 (with MB-2). Interchangeable finders include the DE-1 eye-level (no meter), DW-1 waist-level finder, DW-2 6x magnifier, and DA-1 action finder. Focusing screens: K (split-prism + microprism collar), B (plain matte), D (full matte with microprism central spot), E (grid).

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Sebastião Salgado - F2-series bodies used across the Workers project (published 1993, shot through the 1980s).
• Steve McCurry - documented use of F2AS alongside the FM2 and F3 in South and Southeast Asia assignments.
• Don McCullin - F2 bodies in Beirut, Cyprus, and later conflict coverage through the late 1970s.
• Standard professional backup body at Reuters and AP as the F3 was being phased in during 1980-1982; many photographers ran the F3 as primary with F2AS as backup through the early 1980s.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Nikon F2 - full finder variant table including DP-12 specs
• Nikon Imaging History: F2
• Wikipedia: Nikon F2 - F2 variant chronology and technical differences