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1. Nikon F2 Photomic (1971–1977)
- Finder: DP-1 prism
- Metering Type: Center-weighted TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering using a CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) light meter.
- Maximum Aperture Indexing: Uses Nikon’s pre-AI (Aperture Indexing) “rabbit ears” system for coupling lenses.
- ISO Range: 6 – 6400
- Meter Display: A match-needle system visible in the viewfinder.
- Power Source: Two 1.35V PX625 mercury batteries (or modern equivalent like 1.5V silver oxide cells).
- Compatibility: Pre-AI Nikkor lenses (requires manual indexing when changing lenses).
- Limitations: Slower CdS metering response, less accurate in low light.
2. Nikon F2S Photomic (1973–1977)
- Finder: DP-2 prism (upgraded from DP-1)
- Metering Type: Still center-weighted TTL but now uses silicon photodiodes instead of CdS.
- Maximum Aperture Indexing: Still pre-AI with “rabbit ears.”
- ISO Range: 6 – 6400
- Meter Display: Still a match-needle system but with faster response time.
- Power Source: Two 1.35V PX625 mercury batteries.
- Improvements Over F2 Photomic:
- Faster Meter Response: The silicon photodiodes are quicker and more reliable than the CdS cells in the DP-1.
- More Consistent Readings in Low Light: More stable meter readings, especially in dim conditions.
3. Nikon F2AS Photomic (1977–1980)
- Finder: DP-12 prism (final and most advanced in the F2 series).
- Metering Type: Center-weighted TTL using silicon photodiodes.
- Maximum Aperture Indexing: AI (Aperture Indexing) system introduced. No need to manually align the lens with the meter.
- ISO Range: 12 – 6400
- Meter Display: Uses a + 0 – LED readout instead of a match-needle system, making it easier to use in low light.
- Power Source: Two 1.5V SR44 silver oxide batteries (or equivalent).
- Improvements Over F2S:
- AI Lens Compatibility: Automatically reads aperture settings from AI lenses without needing to manually adjust indexing.
- Faster Meter Response: Improved over DP-2 (F2S) with even quicker silicon photodiodes.
- LED Display: More modern and visible in dim conditions.
- Backward Compatibility: Can still use pre-AI lenses with stop-down metering.
Summary of Key Differences
