Nikon N2000

In the early 1980s, camera makers kept adding features to their models, allowing pro and amateur photographers to share common bodies. Cameras now had it all: manual, AP/SP assist, power winding, electronically controlled stepless shutters,  with bodies getting ever lighter thanks to polycarbonate use. All that was done while sacrificing simplicity. Such models are enigma till you consult the manual, so no more intuitive use. A good example is the Minolta 7000, with plane cockpit-like controls and a ‘read the manual first’ approach.

After the hugely successful F models, Nikon has gone the Swiss army knife school of thought and presented the N2000, AKA F-301, named after its top speed. This model was the first of the N series, closely followed by the N2020, adding autofocus.

As said, this camera can be intimidating. The unit I have, bought on the cheap, was dead. Guessed dead batteries, which it was, and after that, it came to life with great fanfare of lights and beeps. Certainly not an understated camera.

The four penlight AAA batteries are housed in the bottom cover, not a traditional location, matching the camera’s unorthodox approach. Nikon had done a good job here, frustrating poor me until I realized I tried to mount it in reverse. Other than that, my bad; the camera is a lovely instrument, ready to please.

It has all the modes one can think of. Manual or aperture or shutter priority, and two program modes. Nice and bright viewer, an exposure compensation, and continues shooting mode. All that in a modest-sized body weighs just at the average of this class.

The Nikon N2000 is not a classic collector’s model but an early modern camera. It is reflected in the price it sells for, which is generally very low. Nevertheless, for a film shooter, it is an able camera that will perform in any scenario.

Good to know, settings highlights:

Top:

• Trigger and assembly, lift to change position:
  L – lock
  S – single shot
  C – continues, fires as long as you press the trigger.
• Audible warning switch, on / off, an overkill feature, beeps when:
  using non-DX cartridge
  over/under exposure
  end of roll
  self-timer.
• Mode/speed dial:
  for manual, set the speed as desired
  ‘A’ for aperture priority (not auto!)
  ‘P’ for program mode
  ‘P hi’ again for program, in high shutter speeds, say sport shooting. See the table on page 19 in the manual.
  The dial locks out of the manual mode when set to A or P modes; press the button by it to get back to manual speeds.
• Exposure compensation dial, +/- 2 EV, press the button by it to unlock.
• An LED by it lights up whenever it feels like.

Front

• Self-timer button: just press the middle button; the light by it blinks, with beeps if audio is enabled. The lever around it seems to do nothing.
• Chrome button: lens release.
• Serrated black cover over remote port.

Back

• Rewind switch slider, press the black button above it to activate it.

Viewer

• Shutter speed scale on the right, with over/under arrows at the top and bottom.