Nikon F2S 35mm Film Camera
The Nikon F2S Photomic is a full-frame film camera — known for its Nikon F Lens Mount and Metal Alloy Body. Used copies start from $311.78 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon F2S 35mm Film Camera
Used Nikon F2S Photomic Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Nikon F2S Photomic
Key Features — Nikon F2S Photomic
Nikon F Lens Mount: Accepts the full range of Nikon F-mount lenses — standard, wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom — plus additional options via manual adapters.
Metal Alloy Body: All-metal construction gives the F2S a rugged, professional-grade durability that has kept many examples functional decades after manufacture.
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter: A fully mechanical shutter design that operates independently of electronics, making the camera functional even without a battery.
35mm Full-Frame Format: Shoots standard 35mm film, giving access to the widest selection of film stocks and a classic full-frame image area.
ISO 6–6400 Metering Range: The built-in meter supports a broad range of film speeds, from slow fine-grain stocks to fast high-sensitivity films.
DP-2 Photomic Finder: The F2S designation indicates the camera is fitted with the DP-2 metered finder, which provides through-the-lens exposure metering via silicon photodiodes.
Camera Specifications — Nikon F2S Photomic
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Street, Documentary, Event, Creative Effects |
| Type | Film |
| Sensor | Full Frame (35mm) |
| ISO Range | 6 – 6400 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | Optical |
| Storage Media | 35mm Film |
| Battery | 1.5V Button Cell |
| Weather Sealing | None |
| Dimensions | 152 x 102 x 66 mm |
| Weight | 840g |
Description — Nikon F2S Photomic
The Nikon F2S is a 35mm SLR film camera body produced during the 1970s, built on the enduring Nikon F lens mount. Its metal alloy construction gives it a substantial, professional-grade feel, and its dimensions of 152 x 102 x 66 mm with a weight of 840g reflect its robust engineering. The camera accepts 35mm film and supports metering across an ISO range of 6 to 6400, accommodating everything from slow, fine-grained daylight films to faster stocks suited to low-light shooting.
Shutter operation is handled by a focal plane shutter, and all focusing is manual, requiring the photographer to engage directly with the image-making process. The optical viewfinder provides a direct, real-time view of the scene. A 1.5V button cell powers the metering system.
The cold shoe accepts flash accessories physically but carries no electrical contacts, so electronic flash communication is not supported. Lens compatibility is broad, spanning standard, wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, specialty, and adaptable mount options, making the F2S a versatile platform for a wide range of photographic disciplines.
Pros — Nikon F2S Photomic
- ✓Metal alloy body construction offers robust durability suited to professional and heavy-duty use
- ✓Nikon F lens mount enables compatibility with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses including standard, wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, and specialty optics
- ✓Broad ISO range of 6 to 6400 provides flexibility across diverse film stocks and shooting conditions
Cons — Nikon F2S Photomic
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system of any kind is present
- ✗Cold shoe with no electrical contacts limits flash integration to non-dedicated, non-TTL units
- ✗No weather sealing, making the body vulnerable to moisture and dust
Reviews — Nikon F2S Photomic
Videos — Nikon F2S Photomic
Nikon F2 — grainydays
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon F2S Photomic
What film does the Nikon F2S use?+
The Nikon F2S uses standard 35mm film. It is compatible with the 35mm format exclusively, as noted in the filmCompatibility specifications.
What lenses can I use with the Nikon F2S?+
The camera uses the Nikon F lens mount and is compatible with a broad range of interchangeable lenses including standard, wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, and specialty lenses. It also supports manual adapters, which can expand compatibility to additional mount types.
What battery does the Nikon F2S require?+
The Nikon F2S requires a 1.5V button cell battery, which powers the camera's metering system. This is a commonly available battery type.
Can I use a flash with the Nikon F2S?+
The F2S features a cold shoe with no electrical contacts, meaning it can physically hold a flash unit but does not support electronic TTL or dedicated flash communication. Flash triggering would need to be handled manually or via a PC sync connection if available.
Is the Nikon F2S weather sealed?+
No. The bodyDesign specifications explicitly list weather sealing as 'None,' so the camera should be protected from moisture and harsh environmental conditions during use.
When was the Nikon F2S manufactured?+
According to the specifications, the Nikon F2S was manufactured during the 1970s, placing it firmly in the era of fully mechanical professional SLR cameras.