A Short History of Nikon
"Nikon" is an acronym of the company name, "Nippon Kogaku" which translated is "The Japan Optical Company." When the company was deciding on a
name, it also considered "Niko," but it decided to add an "n" at the end because it sounded better. The company was started in 1917 by a merger of three small
optical companies. Nikon made a variety of optical instruments, including lenses for camera companies such as Canon, but it did not begin manufacturing bodies
until 1948 when it introduced the Nikon One rangefinder, marketing 200 through Japanese and Hong Kong stores. Nikon rangefinder history is thoroughly described
by Robert Rotoloni in his book "Nikon Rangefinder Cameras." Nikon One cameras, the first camera body offered by Nikon, have sold for more than US$25,000.
In 1959, Nikon introduced its first 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Nikon created a camera "system" for the F by manufacturing accessories to provide it
with capabilities to meet the needs of professional photographers. With few exceptions, all Nikon lenses built for SLRs will fit all Nikon SLR bodies, spaning the
range of SLR cameras from the F in 1959 to the present, including digital cameras, a phenomenon matched by few other camera companies.
The chief designer of every Nikon from the Nikon I to the F was Mr. Masahiko Fuketa. One opinion is that the F designation is in his honor. The F line has continued
with the release of a new version approximately every ten years, through the F5, introduced in 1996, the F100, introduced in 1998, and the F6 of 2005. Along the way,
to supplement the professional F series, Nikon manufactured several less complex cameras for amateurs. These non-professional units have provided excellent
service to their users, including many that have acted as backup cameras for professionals.
Nikons were primarily mechanical until the introduction of the electronic F3 in 1980. High impact plastic bodies were presented with the advent of the EM in 1979,
and followed by the "N" series in 1985. As the Nikon line has passed through various evolutionary changes, the older, out-dated models have begun to command
a greater respect in the used market. As mentioned, Nikon rangefinders are highly valued. Nikon F cameras, manufactured from 1959 to 1974, in good condition,
are becoming collectable, especially models with earlier serial numbers beginning with "64."
The F6 is the last film camera manufactured by Nikon. Production is now oriented toward digital cameras. The early Nikon digital SLR cameras had receptor units
that were smaller than a 35mm film frame. This resulted in a 1.5 magnification factor of lenses. Nikon introduced the DX series of lenses designed exclusively for
Nikon digital cameras. These lenses are smaller and lighter than non-DX lenses of similar characteristics because their elements are smaller to waste less,
unusable glass that the smaller receptor does not require.