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Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon F - Camera Instruction Manual
Forewards
The Nikon F offers the quality performance, handling convenience and
versatility you need for truly professional shooting. To get the best results
from your camera, a thorough familiarity with its operation is essential. Study
the instructions carefully and practice using the controls before loading any
film in the camera. Keep this booklet handy for ready reference until you have
mastered its basics. Follow the ins
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1. Depth-of-field preview button Press to preview how much background or foreground is in or out of focus. 2. Black dot For alignment with the black dot on the lens barrel when removing the lens. 3. Lens release button Unlocks the lens for removing or changing lenses. 4. Flash terminal Accepts synchro cord for electronic flash or flash units other than Nikon BC-7. 5. Self-timer Can be set for picture-taking delay up to 10 seconds. 6. Mirror lock knob Locks the mirror up out of the way for use
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Contents Nomenclature Foreword Loading the Camera Unloading Frame Counter and Film Load Reminder Film-Speed Reminder Dial Film-Plane Indicator Film-Advance Lever Selecting the Shutter Speed Setting the Aperture Aperture and Depth of Field Using the Depth-of-Field Preview Button How to Hold the Camera Focusing Changing the Viewfinder Changing the Focusing Screen Interchangeable Focusing Screens for the Nikon F Focusing Screen Selector Chart Changing the Lens Locking Up the Mirror Flash Synchroniz
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Loading the camera Turn the lock on the camera baseplate to the "open" position as shown by the arrow Slide the one-piece baseplate and camera back downward and off. Drop a film cartridge or loaded cassette into the film chamber so that the notched end of the rewind knob engages the cassette or cartridge. Insert the end of the film leader into any of the four slots in the take-up spool. Unloading Set the A-R ring around the shutter release button to "A" (Advance) and wind the film so that
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Frame Counter and Film-Load Reminder The frame counter located in the hub of the film-advance lever shows the number of frames which have been exposed. It resets itself automatically to two frames before zero when the camera back is removed. There are red indicators for numbers 0, 20 and 36, and the frame counter stops at the 36 mark. The filmload reminder opposite the frame counter is set manually by means of an indicator pin to serve as a reminder of the number of exposures on the fil
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Selecting the shutter speed The numbers on the shutter speed dial stand for fractions of a second. 125 represents 1/125 second and so forth. At the B (Bulb) setting, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is held down. The Nikon F also has a T (Time) setting; at this setting, the shutter will remain open until it is closed manually by rotating the shutter speed dial one click stop in either direction. To set the shutter speed, turn the shutter speed dial un
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Setting the aperture To preset the lens aperture, turn the knurled aperture ring on the lens barrel until the desired f/number lines up with the black dot in the top center of the milled ring. The diaphragm can also be preset for intermediate apertures between the click-stopped markings. Aperture and Depth of Field The lens aperture determines the amount of light which passes through the lens and strikes the film. It also influences depth of field. Apertures are expressed in f/numbers, with
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3.Lens at smallest aperture. Creat depth of field with subject, background and foreground in focus. Using the Depth-of-Field Preview Button The depth of field at taking aperture can be seen by depressing the depth-of-field preview button located on the front of the camera. When the button is pressed, the diaphragm closes down to the preselected taking aperture and the exact conditions of taking aperture and allows you to see how much background or foreground is in or out of focus. Depth o
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Setting the aperture To preset the lens aperture, turn the knurled aperture ring on the lens barrel until the desired f/number lines up with the black dot in the top center of the milled ring. The diaphragm can also be preset for intermediate apertures between the click-stopped markings.
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How to hold the camera The camera must be held correctly for best results, since even the slightest camera shake at the moment of exposure will result in an appreciable loss of sharpness. Photos show the best way to hold the camera for rocksteady picture taking. Wrap the fingers of the right hand around the camera body so that the index finger rests comfortably on the shutter release button and the thumb fits between the body and film-advance lever so it can stroke the lever without remo
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Turn the focusing ring until the two halves of the rangefinder image coincide to form a single, sharp image. Focusing can also be done by setting the distance scale on the lens barrel for the lensto-subject distance as measured or estimated. This is especially useful when the camera must be prefocused to capture an elusive subject. Focusing is always done at full aperture with Nikkor Auto lenses. This ensures a bright, clear finder image for accurate focusing, viewing and framing. It also mi
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Changing the viewfinder Five interchangeable viewfinders are available for the Nikon F: Eye-Level, Waist-Level, 6X Focusing, Action and Photomic FTN. The Photomic FTN finder incorporates the centerweighted thru-the-lens metering system and couples to shutter speed and aperture controls. With the exception of the Photomic FTN, all viewfinders are interchanged in the same way. To remove the finder, press the finder release button on the back of the camera body. The finder snaps loose a
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Changing the focusing screen Seventeen different focusing screens are available for the Nikon F to match exactly any focal-length lens or picture-taking situation. Any of the seventeen screens may be used with any of the finders available for the Nikon F. To change the focusing screen, first remove the viewfinder as described earlier. Then turn the camera body upside down and press the finder release button a second time. The screen will drop into your hand. To attach a screen, place it in p
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Interchangeable Focusing Screens for the Nikon F Type A: Matte Fresnel field with 3mm¢circular split-image Type A,L rangefinder spot and 12mm¢ circle. Rapid and accurate focusing. Excellent for general photography. Type L: Same as Type A screen but with split-image rangefinder line at a 45° angle. Best for subjects with horizontal lines. Type B Matte Fresnel field with 12mm¢ finegroudd matte focusing spot in the center. Good for general photography, especially with long telephoto lenses.
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Focusing Screen Chart Caution: Sooner or later dust will find its way onto and under the {ocusing screen. Keep its surface clean using a fine dust brush designed for photographic lenses. If fingerprints or greasy marks do get onto the screen, blow gently on the surface and wipe away the marks carefully with photographic lens tissue. The rear surface of the screen is made of acryl resin. Special care should be taken to protect it from scratching or excessive pressure. The chart at right has be
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Type of screen Lens A/L B C D E G1 G2 G3 G4 H1 H2 H3 H4 J K M 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye 8mm f/2.8 20mm f/3.5 24mm f/2.8 28mm f/3.5 Wideangle 28mm f/2 35mm f/2.8 35mm f/2 35mm f/1.4 50mm f/2 Normal 50mm f/1.4 55mm f/1.2 85mm f/1.8 105mm f/2.5 135mm f/3.5 135mm f/2.8 180mm f/2.8 Telephoto 200mm f/4 300mm f/4.5 400mm f/4.5 600mm f/5.6 * * * 800mm f/8 * * * * 1200mm f/11 * * * * 43-86mm f/3.5 50-300mm f/4.5 Zoom 80-200mm f/4.5 85-250mm f/4 200-600mm f/9.5 * * * * GN 45mm f/2.8 Micro-P 55mm f/3.5 * * * PC 35
