Nikon N2000 (1985)

Name: Nikon N2000
Brand: Nikon

A manual focus 35mm film SLR with internal motor drive, released as Nikon's advanced yet affordable option in 1985.

Overview

The Nikon N2000, also known as the Nikon F-301, is a 35mm film SLR introduced in 1985 as the successor to the Nikon FG. Nikon designed it as an advanced amateur model, not for professionals. It was Nikon's first SLR with internal, automatic film winding. The body is plastic, and that earned it the nickname "ugly plastic camera". Even so, it's recognized as a very capable and durable SLR, and Nikon fans often call it a "sleeper". The viewfinder is bright and has a split-image rangefinder, considered one of the best in any Nikon SLR. A coreless integrated motor drive handles autoloading and film movement confirmation.

Specifications

Film Format	35mm film
Exposure Modes	Programmed Auto (P, P Hi), Aperture-Priority (A), Manual (M)
Shutter Speed Range	1 - 1/2000 sec
Film Speed Range	ISO 25–4000 (DX-coded); ISO 25–3200 (manual)
Viewfinder Magnification	0.85x
Viewfinder Coverage	92%
Viewfinder Display	Shutter speed, under/overexposure warning, TTL flash ready-light
Built-in Motor Drive	Yes, with automatic film advance
Lens Compatibility	AI, AI'd, AIS, and Series E lenses

Design

The N2000 is Nikon's first plastic-bodied 35mm SLR, built from a hybrid of plastic and metal. The coreless integrated motor drive handles autoloading and film movement confirmation, and the camera relies entirely on batteries to operate. There is no autofocus and no CPU lens support. It does have an EV compensation dial, and it was designed primarily for use with Series E lenses. The shutter is noted for being accurate and durable.

Context

The N2000 came out in 1985 as the successor to the Nikon FG. It sat below the autofocus Nikon N2020 (F-501), which followed in 1986. It was part of a new series of consumer-oriented SLRs, and it earned the nickname "The Poor Man's F3" for offering high-end features at a low price. People overlooked it at first. It has since been re-evaluated as a superb value and a flexible Nikon film camera.

Market

The N2000 was once available for as little as $25 on the used market, and interest has been rising. Body-only prices range from $10-20 (bargain) to $30-40 (excellent). Kits with a lens sell for $40-50 (bargain) up to $100-120 (excellent). It is not considered a classic collector's model, but it is highly functional and an affordable way into Nikon's manual focus SLR system.