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Page last updated: Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Legendary Nikon F (1959 to 1974)
The first Nikon F, released in March of 1959, bears the serial number of 6400001, and would fetch quite a bit of money, were it to hit the market today. Many lower numbered Nikon F's fetch a premium, nearly always in the thousands of dollars. Mine, on the other hand, is serial number 6729415, which, according to European Nikon guru Richard de Stoutz, was probably made in the last quarter of 1965. Mind you, this is not a bad thing, and I was quite pleased to find that the camera bears the "Nippon Kogaku" (Japan Optical) logo on its top plate. In 1966, the logo was replaced with "Nikon" on the top. While still pricy, especially when compared with Nikkormats of that era, my Nikon F was just over $300, and included two lenses, a leather eveready case, and a camera bag.
Come back soon to read more about the Nikon F, and to see photos of mine.
The Gracious Nikon F2 (1971 to 1980)