Nikon F Camera Buyer’s Guide – The Legendary 35mm SLR That Changed Everything
The Nikon F camera isn’t just an ordinary camera—it’s a cornerstone of photographic history. Introduced in 1959, it marked Nikon’s bold entry into the professional 35mm SLR market, revolutionizing how photographers captured the world. Fully mechanical, modular, and built to last generations, the Nikon F was the tool of choice for war photographers, photojournalists, and fine art shooters alike. Even today, it remains a favorite among film photographers who appreciate pure, no-frills image-making. It feels like a combination of art and history in the palm of your hand.
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Table of Contents
Why Photographers Still Love the Nikon F Camera
There’s something magical about using a camera that asks you to slow down and truly observe. The Nikon F offers that experience in spades. With no built-in light meter, no automation, and a shutter that clicks with authority, every frame feels earned. It rewards patience, awareness, and craftsmanship—and in return, it offers an unmatched sense of satisfaction. I call it the 35mm version of large format photography.
Using a Nikon F is like writing with a fountain pen: tactile, deliberate, and soulful. You come to appreciate the mechanical precision, the weight of the camera in your hands, and the clarity of a fully manual process.
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Nikon F Camera Models & Timeline
- Nikon F (1959–1973)
- Original model with interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens, and 100% mechanical operation.
- Early versions had non-serial-numbered backs; later ones included small refinements.
- The Photomic heads (meters) were introduced as optional viewfinder attachments.
- Nikon F Photomic (1962–1973)
- Adds clip-on metered prism heads, including:
- Photomic T (1965): First TTL meter.
- Photomic Tn (1967): Improved metering.
- Photomic FTn (1968): Most advanced; supports open-aperture metering with compatible lenses.
- Adds clip-on metered prism heads, including:
Tip: The base body remains the same across these versions. You can swap viewfinders freely if you want to go fully meterless or have multiple metering options.
Key Differences Between Nikon F Camera Models
| Model | Years | Meter Type | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon F | 1959–1973 | None (bare body) | F-mount lenses | Pure mechanical operation |
| Photomic T | 1965–1967 | External clip-on TTL | Pre-AI lenses | Slightly bulky, early metering tech |
| Photomic Tn | 1967–1968 | Improved TTL | Pre-AI lenses | Better meter, same look |
| Photomic FTn | 1968–1973 | Open-aperture TTL | Pre-AI lenses | Best metering option for Nikon F |
Note: All Nikon F cameras are fully functional without a meter. Many photographers prefer the clean look and tactile joy of the plain prism version.
Lenses & Accessories
- Mount: Nikon F-mount (Pre-AI lenses work natively).
- Lens Options: Everything from 20mm to 1000mm was made for this system. Classic picks include:
- 50mm f/1.4 – Classic standard.
- 105mm f/2.5 – Legendary for portraits.
- 35mm f/2 – Excellent general-purpose lens.
- Accessories:
- Interchangeable focusing screens.
- Motor drives (rare and collectible) and not needed in my opinion.
- Mirror lock-up for certain wide-angle lenses.
Tip: Pre-AI lenses are plentiful and affordable. Look for smooth focusing and clean glass.
What to Check Before Buying
- Shutter speeds: Listen for consistency—especially at 1s and below.
- Film advance: Should feel smooth and firm.
- Viewfinder condition: Watch for desilvering or fog.
- Light seals: Expect to replace them.
- Lens condition: No haze, fungus, or oil on blades.
Tip: These cameras are built like tanks but still benefit from a CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) every few decades. If you can find one from a trusted seller that has CLA’d the camera, you will be good to go for decades.
Mastering Exposure Without a Meter (Sunny 16 Rule)
Using the Sunny 16 Rule is easy with a little practice—and incredibly rewarding.
Sunny 16 Rule Basics:
- Set your aperture to f/16 on a sunny day.
- Use the shutter speed closest to your film speed (e.g., 1/500 sec for ISO 400).
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 & Kodak Tri-X 400 Exposure Tips:
| Lighting Condition | Aperture | Shutter Speed (ISO 400) |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Sun (no clouds) | f/16 | 1/500 sec |
| Slight Overcast | f/11 | 1/500 sec |
| Overcast | f/8 | 1/500 sec |
| Heavy Overcast | f/5.6 | 1/500 sec |
| Open Shade / Sunset | f/4 | 1/500 sec |
Tip: You can rate HP5 and Tri-X at EI 200 or EI 800 depending on your development plans—both films handle push and pull exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon F isn’t just a camera—it’s a long-term companion that invites you to slow down, focus, and create with intention. Its rugged build, timeless design, and legendary optics make it one of the best investments in film photography.
Whether you’re drawn to its history, reliability, or sheer mechanical joy, the Nikon F will never get in your way—and that’s exactly why so many photographers still trust it today.
Explore the “Guides” section for more 35mm camera and film guides to help you choose your next creative tool with confidence.
Resources
- Nikon F Instructions (PDF)
- Nikon F Accessories (PDF)
- Nikon F Sales Booklet (PDF)
- Nikon F Manual (PDF)
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Nikon Lenses
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My Personal Nikon F Kit
- Nikon F (serial number 6437539 indicated it was made in 1960)
- Waistlevel Finder III
- Eye-Level Standard Prism Finder
- Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 [lens specs and details]
- Nikkor-S 35mm f/2.8 Nippon Kogaku [lens specs and details]
- Nikkor-S 50mm f/1.4 Nippon Kogaku [lens specs and details]
- Micro Nikkor-P 55mm f/3.5 Nippon Kogaku [lens specs and details]
- Nikkor M2 Extension Tube (1:1 Macro with Micro 55mm lens) [lens specs and details]
- Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Nippon Kogaku [lens specs and details]
- Nikkor-Q 200mm Auto f/4 [lens specs and details]
My Nikon F camera with serial number 6437539 was manufactured in the Nov 1960 – Apr 1961 range.
Nikon F Serial-Production Timeline
Production Overview
- Nikon F produced March 1959 – October 1973
- Serials span: 6400001 to 7451052 (destoutz.ch)
Full Nikon F Serial Number Production Table
| Serial Prefix | Serial Range | Production Period |
|---|---|---|
| 640xxxx | 6400001 – 6409999 | Mar 1959 – Jan 1960 |
| 641xxxx | 6410000 – 6419999 | Jan 1960 – Aug 1960 |
| 642xxxx | 6420000 – 6429999 | Jul 1960 – Jan 1961 |
| 643xxxx | 6430000 – 6439999 | Nov 1960 – Apr 1961 |
| 644xxxx | 6440000 – 6449999 | Apr 1961 – Aug 1961 |
| 645xxxx | 6450000 – 6459999 | Aug 1961 – Jan 1962 |
| 646xxxx | 6460000 – 6469999 | Jan 1962 – May 1962 |
| 647xxxx | 6470000 – 6479999 | May 1962 – Sep 1962 |
| 648xxxx | 6480000 – 6489999 | Sep 1962 – Jan 1963 |
| 649xxxx | 6490000 – 6499999 | Jan 1963 – Jun 1963 |
| 650xxxx | 6500000 – 6509999 | Jun 1963 – Oct 1963 |
| 651xxxx | 6510000 – 6519999 | Oct 1963 – Jan 1964 |
| 652xxxx | 6520000 – 6529999 | Jan 1964 – Mar 1964 |
| 653xxxx | 6530000 – 6539999 | Mar 1964 – Apr 1964 |
| 654xxxx | 6540000 – 6549999 | Apr 1964 – Jun 1964 |
| 655xxxx | 6550000 – 6559999 | Jun 1964 – Sep 1964 |
| 656xxxx | 6560000 – 6569999 | Sep 1964 – Dec 1964 |
| 657xxxx | 6570000 – 6579999 | Dec 1964 – Apr 1965 |
| 658xxxx | 6580000 – 6589999 | Apr 1965 – Jul 1965 |
| 659xxxx | 6590000 – 6599999 | Jul 1965 – Oct 1965 |
| 660xxxx | 6600000 – 6609999 | Oct 1965 – Jan 1966 |
| 661xxxx | 6610000 – 6619999 | Jan 1966 – Mar 1966 |
| 662xxxx | 6620000 – 6629999 | Mar 1966 – May 1966 |
| 663xxxx | 6630000 – 6639999 | May 1966 – Jul 1966 |
| 664xxxx | 6640000 – 6649999 | Jul 1966 – Sep 1966 |
| 665xxxx | 6650000 – 6659999 | Sep 1966 – Dec 1966 |
| 666xxxx | 6660000 – 6669999 | Dec 1966 – Mar 1967 |
| 667xxxx | 6670000 – 6679999 | Mar 1967 – May 1967 |
| 668xxxx | 6680000 – 6689999 | May 1967 – Aug 1967 |
| 669xxxx | 6690000 – 6699999 | Aug 1967 – Oct 1967 |
| 670xxxx | 6700000 – 6709999 | Oct 1967 – Jan 1968 |
| 671xxxx | 6710000 – 6719999 | Jan 1968 – Mar 1968 |
| 672xxxx | 6720000 – 6729999 | Mar 1968 – May 1968 |
| 673xxxx | 6730000 – 6739999 | May 1968 – Jul 1968 |
| 674xxxx | 6740000 – 6749999 | Jul 1968 – Sep 1968 |
| 675xxxx | 6750000 – 6759999 | Sep 1968 – Dec 1968 |
| 676xxxx | 6760000 – 6769999 | Dec 1968 – Mar 1969 |
| 677xxxx | 6770000 – 6779999 | Mar 1969 – May 1969 |
| 678xxxx | 6780000 – 6789999 | May 1969 – Aug 1969 |
| 679xxxx | 6790000 – 6799999 | Aug 1969 – Oct 1969 |
| 680xxxx | 6800000 – 6809999 | Oct 1969 – Jan 1970 |
| 681xxxx | 6810000 – 6819999 | Jan 1970 – Apr 1970 |
| 682xxxx | 6820000 – 6829999 | Apr 1970 – Jul 1970 |
| 683xxxx | 6830000 – 6839999 | Jul 1970 – Oct 1970 |
| 684xxxx | 6840000 – 6849999 | Oct 1970 – Jan 1971 |
| 685xxxx | 6850000 – 6859999 | Jan 1971 – Apr 1971 |
| 686xxxx | 6860000 – 6869999 | Apr 1971 – Jul 1971 |
| 687xxxx | 6870000 – 6879999 | Jul 1971 – Sep 1971 |
| 688xxxx | 6880000 – 6889999 | Sep 1971 – Dec 1971 |
| 689xxxx | 6890000 – 6899999 | Dec 1971 – Feb 1972 |
| 690xxxx | 6900000 – 6909999 | Feb 1972 – May 1972 |
| 691xxxx | 6910000 – 6919999 | May 1972 – Jul 1972 |
| 692xxxx | 6920000 – 6929999 | Jul 1972 – Oct 1972 |
| 693xxxx | 6930000 – 6939999 | Oct 1972 – Jan 1973 |
| 694xxxx | 6940000 – 6949999 | Jan 1973 – Apr 1973 |
| 695xxxx | 6950000 – 6959999 | Apr 1973 – Jul 1973 |
| 696xxxx | 6960000 – 6969999 | Jul 1973 – Sep 1973 |
| 745xxxx | up to 7451052 | Final units, Oct 1973 |
- My Nikon F #6437539 falls clearly within the Nov 1960 – Apr 1961 range.
🔴 Note: Prefix “74x” represents late production, but the series was cut off at 7451052 in October 1973 (destoutz.ch)
Serial Number Summary Table
| Prefix | Production Period |
|---|---|
| 640–644xxx | 1959 – mid‑1961 |
| 674xxx | early 1966 |
| 701xxx | mid‑1969 |
| 728–732xxx | late 1971 – late 1972 |
| 740–745xxx | late 1972 – Oct 1973 |
Details About My Serial Number
- My camera ( SN #6437539) is in the 643xxx block: manufactured Nov 1960–Apr 1961 (nicovandijk.net, cschu.redirectme.net, pacificrimcamera.com)
- Thus, my camera is an early-model plain-prism Nikon F, likely one of the last before the Photomic T meter appeared in 1962.
Nikon F Registry (AllNikonData)
- Website: http://www.destoutz.ch/nikon-f.html
- Why it’s useful: Maintained by Roland Vink, this site has a huge table of serial numbers, production changes, and timelines.
- Includes side-by-side comparisons of:
- Standard prism vs. Photomic models
- Black vs. chrome finishes
- Estimated date ranges by serial number
Camera-Wiki.org
- Website: https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Nikon_F
- Why it’s useful: Provides a concise overview of Nikon F history with links to external resources and useful trivia about design changes over time.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re ever in doubt, many collectors also reference Peter Braczko’s book “Nikon – Die Geschichte der Kameras” or Uli Koch’s Nikon reference guides for in-depth serial info and production data.
Useful Resources
- Nikon F – Official Nikon Chronology
A comprehensive historical overview from Nikon, detailing the design, development timeline, and importance of the Nikon F in photography history. - Nikon F Technical Specifications – MIR Camera Database
An in-depth reference with technical specifications, modular system details, and compatibility charts for accessories and lenses. - Start of a Legacy – Nikon F Review by PhotoThinking
A thoughtful article that explores the Nikon F’s role in professional photography and why it remains a beloved mechanical 35mm SLR.
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