Awesome Cameras

Nikon F Camera Manual

Brief History

Released in 1959, the Nikon F was one of the most influential 35mm SLR cameras ever made, marking the beginning of professional SLR dominance over rangefinders. It was Nikon’s first SLR, designed as a modular system camera with interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens, and motor drives, making it incredibly versatile.

The Nikon F revolutionized photojournalism, sports, and professional photography, offering unmatched durability, reliability, and lens compatibility. It quickly became the camera of choice for war photographers, including those covering the Vietnam War, thanks to its rugged, all-metal construction and fully mechanical operation.

Production lasted until 1973, when it was succeeded by the Nikon F2, but its legacy remains unmatched in the history of photography.

Key Features & Synopsis

  • Lens Mount: Nikon F-mount, introduced with this camera and still in use today (with modifications), making it one of the longest-running lens mounts in photography history.
  • Shutter: Fully mechanical cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B) mode.
  • Viewfinder Options: Interchangeable pentaprism and waist-level finders, including the Photomic finder with a built-in light meter.
  • Film Advance: Manual lever advance with an optional motor drive attachment for high-speed shooting.
  • Light Metering: The original Nikon F has no built-in meter, but later models with a Photomic metered prism introduced TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering.
  • Build Quality: All-metal, tank-like construction, making it one of the most durable cameras ever made.
  • Power: Fully mechanical, requiring no batteries (except for metered prisms).

Why It’s Still Popular Today

  • Historic Significance: The first truly professional SLR, changing photography forever.
  • Incredible Durability: The Nikon F is nearly indestructible, surviving wars, extreme weather, and decades of use.
  • Fully Mechanical: No batteries required, making it ultra-reliable.
  • Modular System: Interchangeable prisms, screens, and motor drives allow customization.
  • Legendary Lens Compatibility: Uses classic Nikon F-mount lenses, many of which are still prized for their optical quality. Iconic Look & Feel: A beautifully designed camera with a timeless aesthetic.

Potential Downsides

  • No Built-in Meter (on the standard prism model): Requires an external meter or guesswork using the Sunny 16 rule.
  • Weight: Very heavy, especially with the motor drive and a metered prism attached.
  • Film Loading: Older back-hinged film loading is slower compared to later models.
  • Viewfinder Options Can Be Expensive: Some Photomic prisms are prone to failure, and replacements can be costly.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon F is a legendary workhorse, known for its durability, reliability, and historic significance. If you’re looking for a mechanical SLR that’s built like a tank, or simply want to own a piece of photographic history, the Nikon F remains one of the best classic film cameras ever made.