I want to buy a good used 24mm lens for a Christmas present for a friend who has a Nikon F2. Perusing eBay there seem to be many types, D, Ai, F, etc. Could someone tell me what type of lens I need for the F2 - and perhaps what would be a reasonable price to pay? Thank you!

I can't tell you the prices, but a D or G lens won't work. The F2 had an external connector between the lens and the viewfinder. You need an Ai type lens. Check out this page to learn more about Nikon lens types: http://www.nikonlinks.com/unklbil/nomenclature.htm

David, the list of Nikkor lens I have says that their fastest 24mm lens was from 08/77 to 11/82 manufacture. it's a 24 F2.0 with 52 mm filter ring Lens hood HK-2. It has CRC which I think means shifting elements. Serial No.s 176021- weighs 305gms

Then there is the 24 f2.8 manufactured from 01/75-03/77 52mm filter ring hood HN-1 it also has CRC weighs 280gms.

Then there is the 24mm f2.0 Ai-S (Automatic indexing) don't know what the S stands for ser No. 200001- manufactured 10/81- 52 filter ring weighs 305gms it also has CRC. HN-1 hood

Then there is the 24mm f2.8 Ai-S ser No. 700001- manufactured 08/81- 52mm filter ring has CRC weighs 250gms HN-1 hood

The rest are all Auto focus jobs.

Mick.

I can't tell you the prices, but a D or G lens won't work. The F2 had an external connector between the lens and the viewfinder. You need an Ai type lens. Check out this page to learn more about Nikon lens types: http://www.nikonlinks.com/unklbil/nomenclature.htm

D-lenses are just Ai-lenses withe a chip so they should work. The G-lenses does not have an apperture ring so they wont work. I think the S on AIS-lenses says something like Shutterpriority. They were made for the Nikon FA.
See more here http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/entry.htm
Regards Søren

D-lenses are just Ai-lenses withe a chip
What??? Weren't D lenses non-AI lenses with Deca (ten) elements?

What??? Weren't D lenses non-AI lenses with Deca (ten) elements?

:mad: You d*#"^* whistleblower :D
Regards Søren

Thank you all for the help.

weighs 305gms

weighs 280gms.

305gms it also has CRC. HN-1 hood
250gms HN-1 hood

Mick.
You weigh your lenses?!! :-)

A few years ago, for my F2, I picked up a Nikon 24mm f/2 AI in excellent condition on eBay for $295. You should be able to find one for a lot less.

Whoa there! Depending on which model F2 he has, different lenses may fit.

This is an abbreviated description, but basically AI lenses index to the meter via a cutout in the rear mount of the lens. Pre-AI lenses use that little rabbit ear tab sticking out from the aperture ring. Most AI lenses also have the tab to allow them to be used on pre-AI cameras. A better description than I gave is at http://www.aiconversions.com/compatibilitytable.htm

Now, depending on the prism on his F2, he may or may not need the AI lens. If he has an earlier prism, such as the DP-1, an AI lens will work, but is not required. If he has a later prism, such as the DP-11, then an AI lens is necessary to allow metering with fully opened aperture.

When Nikon first came out with the AI lenses, they offered a conversion service that replace the rear section of the lens. Others, such as John White (the www.aiconversions.com site), would mill the existing ring and (at least in the one he did for me many years ago) add a sticker to allow the prism to show the aperture.

There is no harm in getting an AI lens for his F2, but be aware that non-AI lenses typically sell for a lot less than the same lens does if AI.

Get a 24/2.8

An AI or AI-s is what you need. These lenses will couple to the last version of the F2, as well as the earlier ones.

Here is a link to the Nikon sight, showing the latest version:

http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/mf/wideangle/24mmf_28/index.htm

AI-s, under $ 200 US. AI, less. AF, $200

.

Since the camera is a F2, why not a non-Ai for that? I used to have a non-Ai 24mm lens years ago, and I liked it a lot. All of my lenses were non-Ai at that time because I was satisfied with their quality and didn't feel like paying extra.

As long as you pick up a Nikkor lens, you and your friend won't be unhappy about the results that it produces.

As mgb stated, the model of F2 determines the lens that fully functions with the F2 metering system--if it has one. There was an F2 (without meter), F2 Photomic (which requires an indexing prong on the lens), F2A (which uses AI lenses--"auto indexing"--which still have the prong). I might be mistaken but later lenses will all fit the F2 but they don't have the prong for indexing. I used Nikons from the early 70's through the 1990's but I never owned one newer than the F2A.

Incidentally, the 24/2.8 is a killer lens.

Yes, the D lenses will mount on the F2. I believe that if you have the older prism the meter (with the indexing prong) the meter won't work.