USING SELF-TIMER
The self-timer trips the shutter at any time delay from 3 to 10 seconds. lt has white indicator dots for 3-, 6- and 10-second delay and can be set either before or after the shutter is wound. To set the self-timer, turn the lever on the front of the camera body down ward for the desired delay. The tim er is actuated by its
own release button, located beneath the end of the lever in its uncocked position. The lever can be turned back after setting the timer, to cover the release button and prevent accidental triggering. If you decide not to use the self-timer after it has already been cocked, use the shutter release button to make the exposure. Then shut off the self-timer before advancing the film for the next exposure by pressing the release button. This way you can avoid wasted exposures.
lt is also helpful for minimizing camera shake at slow shutter speeds with the camera hand-held or tripod-mounted.
INFRARED PICTURE-TAKING
In infrared photography, the plane of sharpest image is slightly more distant than the one produced by visible light and seen by the naked eye through the viewfinder. To compensate for the shift in focus, Nikkor lenses have a red dot or line engraved on the lens barrel near the color-coded depth-of-field index scale on top of the lens. After focusing the image sharply through the viewfinder, turn the focusing ring to the left until the red dot lines up with the prefocused distance.
For example, in the picture below the 50mm f/1.4 lens has been focused at infinity (00). The focusing ring is turned slightly to the left so that the infinity marking appears in line with the red dot. When a lens having a focal length of 50mm or less (normal or wideangle) is used at an aperture of f/8 or smaller, no adjustment is
necessary. The lens has sufficient depth of field at such small apertures to compensate for the shift in focus.
DOUBLE EXPOSURES
Intentional double exposures can be made with the Nikon F as follows: After making the first exposure, set the A-R ring around the shutter release button to “R” and turn the rewind crank in the direction of the
arrow until the red dot on the shutter release button rotates a full 360 degrees ( or slightly more). Reset the A-R ring to “A” and wind the shutter for the second exposure. The film winding is confirmed by checking the red dot on the shutter release button which rotates a full 360 degrees. Any shutter speed may be used for the second exposure. The exposure counter will not compensate for the rewinding, so the film in the camera will actually have one frame or two more than indicated.
ACCESSORIES
Lens Hoods
The use of a lens hood is recommended at all times to prevent extraneous light from striking the lens surface and causing flare or ghost, and as an added measure of protection against damage to the lens. Nikon lens hoods come in four types depending on the lens: Screw-In, Snap-On, Slip-On and BuiltIn. They are calculated precisely for each focal-length Nikkor lens to provide maximum protection against stray light.
To attach or remove the snap-on lens hood, simply depress the buttons on either side of the hood. lt will also fit directly over a screw-in filter, so both can be used on a lens at the same time. When not in use, the snapon hood can be reversed for storage on the lens, and the lens and its hood can be stored together in the eveready case.
Filters
Nikkot filters are made of optical glass, ground and polished so that both surfaces are optically flat and parallel. They are antireflection coated on both sides. Nikkor lenses and filters are made for each other. For best results, use Nikkor filters on Nikkor lenses. Nikkor filters are available in both screw-in and series mounts, depending on the type of lens. Since filters cut down on the light passing through the lens, some increase in exposure time or in lens opening is necessary to compensate for the loss of light. This increase is expressed as a filter factor. For example, if the filter factor is 2, double the exposure time or open up the lens one full stop. Filter factors depend on the light source and type of film. The chart at right shows the filter factors.
No exposure compensation is necessary with the Photomic FTN finder. The built-in meter reads only the light passing through the lens and therefore compensates automatically for loss of light.
Finder Eyecup
The finder eyecup screws directly onto the finder eyepiece to prevent extraneous light from entering the viewfinder.
Eyesight Correction Lenses
Eyesight correction lenses are designed to permit near-sighted or far-sighted users to view and focu·s without their glasses. They screw directly into the rear of the viewfinder. Available in eight diopters, -2, -3, -4, -5, 0, +l, +2 and +3, each representing the combined dioptry of the lens and the -1 diopter of the finder.
CAMERA CARE
Good camera c·are is primarily common sense care. Treat your Nikon F as you would any valuable precision instrument and it will last a lifetime. Although the Nikon F is ruggedly constructed to stand up for years under normal use, it may be damaged by shock, heat, water or misuse. The following are some basic tips for keeping your camera in top condition.
Storage
Keep the camera in an eveready case or compartment case when not in use to protect it from dust.
Avoid storing the camera in excessively hot, cold or damp places. Always attach a body cap when the camera body is stored separately. Do not leave film in the camera for a long period of time.
Never leave the shutter or self-timer cocked if the camera is to be stored overnight or longer.
Camera Body
Brush the inside of the camera periodically using a soft brush. Do not exert pressure on the shutter curtain as this may damage the curtain. Keep the mirror free from fingerprints anddust.
If smudges or fingerprints persist, use lens tissue moistened slightly with alcohol.
Lens
Keep the lens surface free from fingerprints and dust as far as possible. Use lens tissue to remove dust, never use cloth or ordinary tissue. If smudges or fingerprints persist, use lens tissue moistened sparingly with alcohol. Remember: Even an approved lens cleaner can cause damage if it seeps into the lens mount.
Keep the camera away from water.
Avoid excessive moisture. When using the camera near water, guard against splashes, especially salt-water spray.
Never oil any part of the camera.
Lubrication should be left to an authorized serviceman.
Prior to taking a holiday trip or being assigned an important photo job, test your camera by making a few trial exposures. Remember, it takes at least two or three weeks for processing the test film and making any needed repairs or adjustment. Follow this important precaution and you will have the pictures to remember by.
NIKON F FEATURES/SPECIFICATIONS
- 35mm single-lens-reflex camera. Negative size 24 x 36mm (about 1″ x 1-1/2″)
- lnterchangeable Eye-Level finder with pentaprism supplied as stam:lard equipment
- Type A interchangeable focusing screen supplied as standard equipment
- Vibration-free automatic instant-return mirror with locking-up feature
- Focal-plane shutter with titanium foil shutter curtain. Shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1 second plus B and T
- Built-in calibrated self-timer can be set for 3- to 10-second delay, with markings for 3, 6 and 10 seconds
- Flash synchronization at any speed except T with flashbulbs and at speeds up to 1/60 second with electronic flash
- Depth-of-field preview button
- Nikon F bayonet-type lens mount
- Self-resetting f_!ame counter
- Single-stroke film-advance lever winds the film, cocks the shutter and operates the frame counter
- Film-rewind crank folds flat when not in use
- Detachable camera back is interchangeable with Nikon Motor Drive backs
- Fixed take-up spool
- Tripod socket on the baseplate
- Film-speed reminder dial can be set for color or black-and-white. ASA rating from ASA 25-1600
- Dimensions: width 147mm (5.79 in.), height 98mm (3.86 in.), thickness 56mm (2.2 in.) (without lens)
- Weight: body without lens 685g (1.5 lbs); with 50mm f/1.4 lens 1,010g (2.2 lbs