On Sun, 16 Aug 1998 19:34:37 GMT, Jack Daynes <"jackd1[NOSPAM]"@san.rr.com> wrote:
>I've recently inherited a Nikon F2 with a DP-1 metered
>prism. I'm interested to learn the difference between "AI"
>and "AIS". I've searched several WEB sites, but I have not
>found a definitive answer. What I want to learn is how I can
>tell by the lens descriptions, which are compatible with the
>F2/DP-1 system (F2 Photomic, I believe).
Actually, the AI vs AIS question is irrelevant concerning the
F2... Any Nikkor ever made will fit the non-AI F2 you have.
Lenses with the "prong" at f5.6 will meter-couple (put on the
lens, then rotate the aperture ring from smallest to largest
stop to index the meter). Lenses without the "prong" (AF,
E, I, S, P, one AIS lens, and lenses with max stops smaller
than f5.6) require "stop-down" metering (press a fingernail
into the middle of the slot in the underside of the front
of the meter head [with the lens removed...] until you hear
two clicks [the scale on the meter should show "f5.6"], put
on the lens, and meter while holding in the DOF preview
button on the front next to the lens). The meter will reset
when a lens with a "prong" is next mounted. BTW, AIS
is useful on (but not needed by) older bodies that
have "S" and "P" modes...