Possible Nikon F2 "Front Release" Modification

I saw this curious Nikon f2 with tape over the hole where the shutter release would be. Makes me wonder if this camera has been modified so the stop-down button releases the shutter.

The camera may have been used with a motor drive.

Or maybe the modification was to allow use with Exakta or Alpa lenses? Insert smiley if you need one.

The tape is really crusty, like it has been on there for years and seen use.

Interestingly, the pouch contains an adapter for a regular-ole shutter release cable. The F2 used early Leica-style cables, so the modification was made later in the camera's life.

Occam's Razor would suggest that it's just broken.

AnselMortensen said:

Occam's Razor would suggest that it's just broken.

Click to expand...

Yep, modified during impact with a 1950 Buick!

Probably broken and taped up right before being put on a shelf to collect its coating of dust. If something is going to rip off the shutter button the added height with the cable release adapter may offer enough mechanical leverage, otherwise I don't see how it would fail.

I have a Nikkormat where the shutter release collar and button are missing from the top plate, like that but I don't have the missing parts. It was probably knocked out somehow, although it would take a lot of force. The Nikkormat still works if you use a tool to press the shutter linkage below the button. On that F2, you would still be able to fire the shutter with the self timer, as the self-timer is triggered by the little button behind it rather than by the shutter release.