About the Nikon F SLR Camera
The Nikon F, introduced in 1959, was the first SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) camera from Nippon Kogaku (Nikon). It played a crucial role in establishing Nikon as a leading camera manufacturer. The Nikon F was renowned for its durability, precision, and interchangeable lens system, which made it popular among professional photographers and photojournalists.
Collecting the Nikon F
Serial numbers can help identify the production year and batch. Early serial numbers and limited production models are more desirable to collectors. Original Nikkor lenses add significant value to the camera, and collectors often look for specific lenses to complete their collection. Early and rare models, especially those in mint condition or with historical significance, can fetch high prices. Cameras with a documented history, such as those used by famous photographers or in significant events, can have added historical and monetary value.
It is important to note that features listed below do not start and end definitely in serial number ranges because Nikon had several production lines and they used-up parts as available. This means features were mixed around certain serial numbers and finding some later features in an earlier serial number does not necessarily mean the part was swapped with an unavailable part of the time. Obviously, an early Nikon F should not have a part that would normally be found on a Nikon F from the last production run.
Serial Numbers and Production Year
It is commonly thought one can determine the year of manufacture of a Nikon F camera from the first two digits of its serial number. This is not true. For example, the Nikon F began production in 1959 and its serial number began with 64. Use online resources to determine these data. Late serial numbers are closer, but not exactly matched to the year.
"Nippon Kogaku Tokyo"
Nippon Kogaku Tokyo was printed on the camera until 1966 (middle of the 67xxxxx block) when it was replaced with Nikon.
"Nikkor F"
Some Nikon F cameras were instead printed "Nikkor" uniquely for the German market.
Self-timer Wind Levers
There are six variations of self-timer levers.
In 1959, at the introduction of the Nikon F, the self-timer levers were very hard-edged, inset and diagonal-patterned. This lever ended with bodies numbered approximately 6409xxx.
Some time during 1960, a self-timer lever with a fatter diagonal pattern was introduced (not pictured). It had a very short run and is rather rare (approximately around 6410xxx).
Then, still in 1960, a self-timer lever, like the original, was used but with softer edges and corners. It was more refined than the original. Bodies numbered approximately 6410xxx-64240xx.
In late 1960 or early 1961, a self-timer lever with vertical lines, while still being inset, was introduced. Featured on bodies from approximately 64242xx to 6500xxx.
In 1963, a self-timer lever with vertical lines and flat (not inset) was used (approximately 6501xxx-734xxxx).
In 1972, a self-timer lever with a plastic or hard rubber tip was introduced (from approximately 734xxxx until production ended). These bodies are known as Nikon F "Apollo" bodies. In 1971, Nikon introduced the Nikon F2 with a self-timer lever similar to this so people often refer to this camera as a Nikon F with F2 cosmetics. Nikon also updated the Nikkormat FTN with F2 cosmetics around this time.
Viewfinders/Prisms/Meters
External Exposure Meter
Photographers used to always use an external light meter, so when the Nikon F was introduced in 1959 it came with a non-metering eyelevel viewfinder. There was an option for an attached selenium light meter accessory which coupled to the aperture ring and shutter speed dial. A selenium light meter is a type of light meter used to measure the intensity of light. It utilizes a selenium cell, which is a photovoltaic cell made from the semiconductor selenium and requires no power source such as a battery. Model I and II meters were not produced in large numbers. By 1960, the Model III was already being produced. 1963 was the last year of these meters.
Standard Eyelevel/Non-metered Viewfinder
There are five types of eyelevel viewfinders. Earliest ones have engraved lettering "NIPPON KOGAKU JAPAN" (approximately until body No. 6410xxx) while second ones are the same but anodized (approximately No. 6409xxx-643xxxx). Third ones read Nikon F, JAPAN (approximately No. 643xxxx-675xxxx) while the ones that followed read Nikon, MADE IN JAPAN (approximately No. 675xxxx-692xxxx) (that's four). And then of course, in 1968, Nikon introduced one that accepts diopters (approximately No. 692xxxx-745xxxx), and this was obviously the one used on the last Nikon F "Apollo" version (five!). There were exceptions made for the German market which tended to read Nikkor instead of Nikon.
Waist-level Viewfinder
Photomic Viewfinder
In 1962, Nikon introduced the Photomic viewfinder which was nothing more than a battery powered incident light meter coupled to the lens aperture and shutter speed.
There are two versions of this viewfinder. Model I with a flag that covers the photocell of the light meter to turn it off, and Model II with a deliberate on/off switch.
Photomic T Viewfinder
In 1965, Nikon introduced the Photomic T viewfinder which was their first attempt at through-the-lens light metering. It was a huge success.
The Red Dot:
When the Nikon Photomic T viewfinder came out, existing Nikon F bodies had to be modified to accept it. Nikon modified many bodies to accept this viewfinder, but this is besides the point. The red dot next to the serial number signals that a body to be sent to the manufacturing line has a mirror housing that has been modified to accept the new Photomic T viewfinder as well as the Photomic Tn and Photomic FTn viewfinders (covered below) that followed. Only some 65xxxxx and 66xxxxx bodies have red dots. That's right, some bodies during this time were not made to accept the Photomic T viewfinder. It is odd that Nikon felt they needed to add a red dot as it is very easy for the person assembling the camera to see if the mirror housing can accept the Photomic T viewfinder.
All 66xxxxx bodies are chrome. The original Photomic viewfinder (above one section) can mount on all Nikon F bodies regardless of the type of mirror housing.
Photomic Tn Viewfinder
In 1967, Nikon introduced the Photomic Tn viewfinder which was their second attempt at through-the-lens light metering. It also was a huge success because it offered a 60/40 center-weighted light metering pattern. This is the classic metering pattern Nikon cameras are known for.
Photomic FTn Viewfinder
In 1968, this viewfinder introduced the Nikon F photographer to the "Nikon Shuffle" or "Nikon Twist" which set the maximum aperture of the lens to the light meter by twisting the aperture ring back and forth after mounting the lens. This semi-automatic exposure meter indexing was a huge success. This was also known as "Click-Click" indexing, and it was also introduced in the Nikkormat FTN.
This viewfinder requires a modified Nikon nameplate because it latches on by the nameplate. Many nameplates were modified to accept this finder.
Film Back
Bottom Latch/Tripod Socket
Early backs have a bottom latch that reads JAPAN in place of MADE IN JAPAN printed near the tripod socket. For a short period, these were seen together (for example on body number 6402305). The early "MADE IN JAPAN" ones featured a letter "M" with slanted sides while later ones have a letter "M" with straight sides.
ASA Dial
On early backs, the ASA dial, which reminds the photographer of the film speed that is loaded, has text that is half red and half white on a black dial.
Patent Pending Numbers
There are faint patent pending numbers engraved into the inside of the film back of early models. This ended with the 65xxxxx bodies.
Film Advance Levers
The earliest advance levers are machined and the earliest of these have two hollow cavities on the underside. Theses ended very early in the 1959 production run, numbers 6400xxx-6401xxx. They are the rarest. So far, the latest serial number found with this lever is 6401058. There certainly could be later serial numbers with this lever.
Later levers have just one cavity for the whole length of the lever. There are two versions of this lever. These ended approximately around the time bodies were numbered 647xxxx.
The last ones are solid and not machined.
The last of the solid ones have a plastic or hard rubber cap for the Nikon F "Apollo" camera, and some of these have screws on the underside and some do not, as pictured below. For the most part, these started at around body number 734xxxx, but there is Nikon documentation showing 72xxxxx bodies with this advance lever. That's five types total!
Film Rewind Knob
Some early bodies have rewind knobs with a big T engraved in them. Found on bodies No. 6402305 and 6413681.
Focusing Screens
The first focusing screens had white lettering and the earliest of these show Fresnel lines when looking through the viewfinder. This is not a sign of damage as they are supposed to be this way. Only the early (to No. 641xxxx) white letter screens have these lines, later white letter screens, such as those found on 65xxxxx bodies, for example do not have this. The second focusing screens have yellow lettering, and these appear to have begun showing up around 67xxxxx bodies. The third, have red lettering just like Nikon F2 ones.
65xxxxx Chrome Finish
Some of the chrome 65xxxxx bodies had a duller finish with less luster.
Aperture Button
The aperture button on some of the earliest bodies measured 3mm in height rather than 4mm of the later bodies. Get out a ruler!
Prism Release and Flash Sync Terminal Isolator
The prism or viewfinder release button varies. Earlier ones do not accommodate the fingernail, while later ones do accommodate the fingernail via a slot cut in it, just like on the Nikon F2, but this predates the invent of the F2. The later one can be found on body numbers 6961692 and 6963113, so possibly beginning with bodies numbered 696xxxx.
In the above images, notice the different colors between the flash sync terminal isolators with a white one on the early body and and a black one on the later "Apollo" body. The prism release button with the slot cut in it predates the black isolator. There are actually three flash sync terminals. The first were rounded and lasted until the end of the 649xxxx bodies.
Nikon F Lenses
Auto Nikkor (1959-1971)
For the earliest 1959 Nikon F cameras there are "Tick Mark" lenses which have marks at each aperture stop and marked focus distance. These lenses have 9-bladed diaphragms and are marked in centimeters. None of the Nikkor-H f=2.8cm f/3.5 lenses feature tick marks.
After the tick mark lenses were quickly retired, the 9-bladed diaphragm continued on. These lenses are appropriate for 1959-1960 Nikon F cameras. None of the Nikkor-H f=2.8cm f/3.5 lenses feature 9-blade diaphragms.
All of these early lenses were marked "PATS PEND" or "PAT. PEND." for patent(s) pending.
The later of these lenses drop the patent pending, use millimeters and have five-, six- or seven-bladed diaphragms, which moved more quickly, or snappily, in these early designs. These changes did not happen all at once. For example, the Nikkor-H f=2.8cm marked its focal length in centimeters for sometime after other designs dropped this.
Multicoated Auto Nikkor "…•C" (1971-1974)
Nikon began multi-coating all their lenses in 1971, and this continues to this day. The Nikon Nikkor 50mm/2 of the day was the Nikkor-H•C Auto 1:2 f=50mm lens. These lenses are common to the Nikon F "Apollo" camera.
"New" Nikkor, a.k.a. "K", (1974-1977)
Nikon adopted a modern look to all their lenses in 1974 and updated several lenses using modern lens design principles of the day. Also, the multi-coating was further improved upon. These lenses can be seen on the last of the Nikon F "Apollo" cameras because dealers would sell them with remaining Nikon F stock. Manufacture of the Nikon F stopped near the end of 1973.
Rarest Nikon F Cameras
- Black 64xxxxx bodies are rather hard to find, but do pop up occasionally.
- The earliest Nikon F cameras had cloth shutter curtains. Some of these were replaced with titanium curtains by the owner making the already rare cloth ones even rarer.
- NASA Space Program Nikon F cameras are extremely rare, obviously. The only way to get ahold of one of these is by watching eBay for a NASA employee/contractor selling them.
- The made-for-1972-Olympics Nikon F with 7 FPS motor drive is hard to find, to say the least. 30 of these were made.
- Nikon F cameras modified to accept a battery and the Nikon F2 metered prisms/viewfinders.
- Several one-offs not worth mentioning because there is almost no chance of finding them in the wild. A quick Google search will turn these up.
Tid-bits
- Movies featuring the Nikon F SLR camera:
- Goldfinger (1964)
- Blowup (1966)
- Apocalypse Now (1979)
- The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)
- The Killing Fields (1984)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
- Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
- City of God (2002)
- The Bikeriders (2024)
- Some famous and infamous Nikon F shooters:
- The use of "F" possibly came from Nikon employee Masahiko Fuketa, who was responsible for designing the Nikon F camera. He is also known as the father of the Nikon F. Note: Nikon Chronicles claim it's for the F in reflex — a hard sell to buy.
- There are 967 parts in the Nikon F camera with standard F prism (including rivets).
A brief read of the history of the Nikon F as presented by Wikipedia:
The Nikon F was the first 35 mm SLR system to be widely adopted by professional photographers, especially photojournalists covering the Vietnam War, as well as for use by NASA astronauts.
It was originally priced at US$186 with 50 mm f/2 lens; in November 1963 the US price was $233 for the body with a standard prism plus $90 for a 50 mm f/2 lens or $155 for a 50 mm f/1.4.
A combination of design elements made the Nikon F successful. It had interchangeable prisms and focusing screens; the camera had a depth-of-field preview button; the mirror had lock-up capability; it had a large bayonet mount and a large lens release button; a single-stroke ratcheted film advance lever; a titanium-foil focal plane shutter; various types of flash synchronization; a rapid rewind lever; a fully removable back. It was well-made, durable, and adhered closely to the successful design scheme of the Nikon rangefinder cameras. The camera was the first to use the F-mount bayonet lens mount system, which is still used as of 2024. Lead designer of the Nikon F was Yusaku Kamekura, the man behind the 1964 Summer Olympics logo.
The Nikon F evolved from a rangefinder camera, the Nikon SP. The prototype model, in particular, was an SP with a mirror box, pentaprism and larger lens mount grafted on.
The F was a modular system camera, with various assemblies such as viewfinders, focusing screens, and motor drives for 36-exposure and 250-exposure film cassettes. Third parties manufactured other film backs, such as two Speed Magny film backs—one using Polaroid 100 (later 600) type pack films, and another designed for 4x5 film accessories including Polaroid's own 4x5 instant film back. Each of these assemblies could be fitted and removed, allowing the camera to adapt to almost any task. The F36 motor drive, one of the first popular motor drives for SLR cameras, was capable of firing up to 4 frames per second with the mirror locked up or 3 frames per second with full reflex viewing maintained.
The Nikon F had a wide range of lenses, covering 21 mm to 1000 mm focal length by 1962. Nikon was among the first companies to manufacture Catadioptric system lens designs, combining mirrors and lenses to make more-compact lenses with longer focal lengths.
The Nikon F revolutionized the photographic market, stealing the thunder of German manufacturers Leica and Zeiss. The F had a reputation for being extremely resilient to damage or mechanical failure, becoming known as "the hockey puck."
In some markets, the camera was marketed as a "Nikkor F" due to trademark conflicts. In Germany, "Nikon" was seen as too similar to the Zeiss Ikon camera line. Nikkor F cameras have become collector's items.
The first Nikon F Photomic viewfinder, delivered since 1962, had an independent photocell. Then Nikon introduced the Photomic T (superseded by the Photomic Tn), which featured through-the-lens (TTL) metering. The final metering prism for the Nikon F, the Photomic FTn, introduced in 1968, provided 60% center-weighted TTL, which became the standard metering pattern for Nikon cameras for decades afterwards. Additional viewfinders included a waist-level viewer, a 6 power magnifying finder, and an "action finder" with a larger viewable area through which one could see the entire frame while wearing goggles and/or a helmet.
The Nikon F was succeeded in 1972 by the Nikon F2 series after a production total of 862,600 bodies.
More history: