On Fri, 10 Jan 2003 18:29:57 GMT, Phil Poemoceah <papfish@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the difference between the F2 and the F2A? I'll be

>using one for astrophotoghy. From what I've read the primary concerns are:

>

>Does it have mirror lockup?

>Is the "B" shutter setting fully mechanical?

>Does it have a "T" speed to obviate a cable release?

>

>Both models seem to use the same interchangeable viewscreens and add-on

>focus magnifiers.

>

>BTW, I'll be using the Nikon AF lenses that I already own.

The F2 and F2A bodies are identical; the F2 could have

a non-metering prism or a non-AI metering prism; the

F2A has an AI metering prism (it is the one, with the

F2AS, that will be the most convenient to use with

"prong-less" AF lenses). All common F2s have mirror

lock-up; all F2 shutter speeds are mechanically-timed

(no battery needed for any shutter speed); "T" is

present, but is released by turning the speed dial.