Nikon F301 (N2000) Review

Hello and welcome to the blog! I’m Saqib, your host for today, and we’re diving into a true gem from Nikon’s past – the Nikon F301, also known as the Nikon N2000 in North America. This camera holds a special place in Nikon’s history and has some unique features that make it worth a closer look, especially if you’re an analog photography enthusiast.

A Dual Identity: The F301 vs. N2000

The Nikon F301 was marketed under two names. Outside North America, it’s known as the F301, while in the U.S., it’s called the N2000. But don’t let the naming differences confuse you – they are the same camera under the hood. Introduced in 1985, the F301/N2000 remained in production until the late ’80s and played a pivotal role in Nikon’s transition from manual to autofocus cameras. While Nikon eventually added autofocus capabilities to this camera and rebranded it as the Nikon F501, many collectors and enthusiasts still prefer the F301 because of its fully manual focus system.

The Last of Its Kind

One of the most notable features of the Nikon F301 is that it’s Nikon’s last manual focus consumer SLR. This camera came at a time when autofocus was becoming the norm, but the F301 was designed for photographers who still valued the precision of manual focusing. Alongside this, it was also Nikon’s first SLR with motorized film advance, making it a camera that bridged the old with the new.

While the F501 introduced autofocus, Nikon’s early autofocus systems were notoriously slow and inaccurate, making the F301 a better choice for those seeking a reliable, manual experience.

Affordable and Accessible

These days, the Nikon F301 is an absolute steal. You can easily find these cameras in the U.S. for as little as $25 to $50, depending on the condition. For $50, you should be able to pick up a near-mint condition camera that functions perfectly. The camera is made primarily from polycarbonate plastic, which keeps the cost down but also means it’s not as durable as some of Nikon’s more rugged models like the FM series or the Nikon F.

This brings up an important point: if you find one in great condition, grab it. These cameras are cheap enough that it’s often not worth the cost of repairs if something goes wrong. Unlike the Nikon F2 or FM2, which have that famous “built like a tank” reputation, the F301 is more delicate due to its plastic construction. But that doesn’t mean it’s flimsy; it’s still a solid performer, especially when you consider the price.

Size and Handling

In terms of size, the F301 is small but not overly compact. If you’re familiar with other Nikon models like the FM or Nikomat, you’ll notice that the F301 is just a bit bigger than the FM but a little lighter because of its plastic build. It feels solid in hand without being too heavy, unlike some of Nikon’s older, more metal-heavy models like the Nikomat FTN, which weighs a ton by comparison.

The F301 strikes a nice balance between size and weight. It’s not going to weigh you down, but it’s not so small that it feels cramped to use. This makes it an excellent camera for street photography or travel, where you might not want to lug around something too bulky.

Features and Functionality

Now let’s dive into the features that make this camera stand out.

On the top plate, you’ll find the traditional shutter speed dial that ranges from 1 second to 1/2000th of a second. This is pretty impressive for a camera in this price range, as many other cameras of the era maxed out at 1/1000th of a second. There’s also an aperture priority mode, which is fantastic for beginners or for times when you want the camera to do some of the thinking for you.

In program mode (denoted by “P” on the dial), the camera automatically sets both the shutter speed and aperture, making it perfect for quick shooting situations. There’s also a Program High (P Hi) mode, which prioritizes faster shutter speeds. This mode is particularly useful for sports or action photography, or even for portraits when you want a shallow depth of field with a wide-open aperture.

One feature that might stand out for some users is the film advance. The F301 has a motorized film advance system that can shoot at 2.5 frames per second in continuous mode, which was pretty impressive for its time. However, the motor isn’t quiet by any means – if you’re looking for a stealthy, silent camera, this isn’t it. But for most photographers, the sound is just part of the charm of shooting film.

Simplicity in Film Loading

Loading film in the F301 is incredibly simple, even if you’re new to film photography. Just pull the film leader to the red mark inside the camera, close the back, and the camera will automatically advance the film to the first frame. There’s even a handy confirmation window that lets you know if the film is loaded correctly, as the stripes in the window will rotate with each advancement. While this auto-advance feature is convenient, it does have one downside – you lose the ability to squeeze out those extra frames from a 36-exposure roll.

Powering the Camera

One of the best features of the F301 is its battery system. Unlike many cameras that require specialized batteries, the F301 runs on ordinary AAA batteries. This is a huge advantage if you’re traveling or just don’t want to hunt down more uncommon camera batteries. Depending on the model, some F301s even use AA batteries, so be sure to check which version you’re getting.

Limitations

As much as there is to love about the F301, there are a few features missing that might be deal breakers for some photographers. First, there’s no provision for a cable release, which means you won’t be able to use a remote shutter release. It also lacks depth of field preview and mirror lock-up – two features that might be important for more advanced users, particularly those interested in macro or landscape photography.

However, if these aren’t critical features for your photography style, you’ll likely find the F301 to be more than sufficient for most tasks.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the Nikon F301 is an excellent camera for anyone looking to get into film photography without breaking the bank. It’s packed with features like aperture priority, program mode, and motorized film advance, yet remains simple enough for beginners to enjoy.

With Nikon’s autofocus systems in their early stages during the F301’s release, the manual focus on this camera is a breath of fresh air for those who enjoy taking full control of their shots. Plus, with prices as low as $25 to $50, it’s hard to find a better deal for a Nikon SLR with this level of functionality.

If you’re looking for a well-built, reliable, and easy-to-use film camera, the Nikon F301/N2000 should definitely be on your radar. Just remember, it’s not a camera you’ll want to toss carelessly into an overhead bin, but with the proper care, it’ll serve you well for years to come.