Nikon SLR Production
Written by David Barth, May 1, 2004
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon I 1948 1949 NAI
The Nikon I was the first camera body that Nikon manufactured. They are extremely rare because fewer than 1000 were made.
Most were sold in Japan, Hong Kong, and a few other countries, but not the US. Poor engineering caused Nikon to
recall those that hadn't been sold and destroy them to keep from having to pay annual inventory tax.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon M 1950 1952 NAI
The "M" model was the first viable Nikon camera. It corrected the problems inherent in the Nikon I
and was used by many correspondents in the Korean War. It has been said that the "M" stands for "Modified."
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon S 1951 1954 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon S2 1954 1958 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon SP 1957 1965 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon S3 1958 1960 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon S4 1959 1960 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikon S3M 1960 1961 NAI
The "S3M" model is very rare because it is a half-frame camera that was primarily used by police departments to shoot
mug shots. Not many were sold to individual buyers.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F 1959 1972 NAI
The Nikon F began a line of single lens reflex cameras that continues into the 21st century. The serial numbers range
from 6400000 to 7400000 indicating that approximately 1 million Nikon F's were manufactured during the production run.
The "F" designation honors Fukata, the designer of the F, Nikon's first SLR camera.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkorex 35 1960 1961 NAI
The Nikkorex line of fixed lens reflex cameras were intended to be an entry level Nikon. It is said they were
manufactured by Mamiya for Nikon. The leaf shutter in the non-removable lens was the weakness, and they usually
failed within a few years.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkorex 35-2 1962 1964 NAI
This was the second and last Nikkorex 35 model. Unfortunately, the leaf shutter was no better than that in the
earlier model 35.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkorex F 1962 1965 NAI
This camera was a single lens reflex with a focal plane shutter, much like the more expensive Nikon F, but with fewer
features and fewer accessories. This camera was as robust as the Nikon F.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon Photomic F 1962 1966 NAI
This was the first Nikon F with a metered prism. The non-through-the-lens (non-TTL) light sensor was behind a
window on the front of the prism housing. There were two major versions of the first Photomic metered finder. The
first version used a flag-type switch that was lifted to turn on the meter. The second version had a button to
turn on the meter.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkorex Zoom 35 1963 1965 NAI
This was the world's first camera with a zoom lens. The 43-86mm zoom was not detachable and used a leaf shutter in the
lens. As with the Nikkorex 35 cameras, the leaf shutters were failure-prone.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikonos I 1963 1968 NAI
This camera was the result of Nikon's purchase of an Italian company that manufactured underwater cameras. The
underwater camera line has lived up to the high standards and highly regarded reputation that most Nikons
enjoy.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon Auto 35 1964 1966 NAI
This was Nikon's entry into the "point-and-shoot" market. This camera was issued with both "Nikon" and "Nikkorex"
nameplates. Once again, the shutter mechanism was faulty and few of these cameras have survived with an operable
shutter.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat FT 1965 1967 NAI
This was the first Nikkormat model to be introduced. It has a built-in light meter.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat FS 1965 1971 NAI
This model was introduced shortly after the FT model, but does not have a built-in light meter. Although it was offered
for nearly 6 years, it was not a popular camera, and is relatively rare.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F Photomic T 1965 1966 NAI
This was the first TTL (through-the-lens) Nikon. The meter was placed inside the prism housing to measure light
coming through the lens. This improved exposure measurement for lenses of different focal lengths.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F Photomic TN 1967 1968 NAI
This was an improved version of the TTL Nikon Photomic T.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat FTN 1967 1975 NAI
Like the Nikon F line that went through several model designations, depending on the light meter design, the Nikkormat
line did the same. Unlike the Nikon F, the Nikkormat does not have interchangeable prisms, so these cameras cannot be
retrofitted with a different meter. This is the most common Nikkorex model produced.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F Photomic FTN 1968 1972 NAI
This was the final model F produced. It had the most improved version of the TTL metering system.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikonos II 1968 1975 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 1971 1980 NAI
This was the second-generation Nikon professional camera.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Photomic 1971 1977 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat EL 1972 1977 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Photomic S 1973 1976 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikonos III 1975 1981 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat FT2 1975 1977 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Photomic SB 1976 1977 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2T 1976 1980 NAI
This was the titanium version of the F2. It is the first titanium body produced by Nikon.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2H 1976 1980 NAI
This was a high-speed version of the F2 that was made possible by a specially-designed high-speed motor drive. Like the F2T, it also has a titanium body.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Titan 1976 1976 NAI
This was a special version of the F2 developed for NASA.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat ELW 1976 1977 AI
This was the first Nikkormat that could use a motor drive. This is one of two models that can mount the AW-1 auto winder. The other is the Nikon EL2 (actually, a Nikkormat).
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat FT3 1977 1978 AI
This is the first Nikkormat that was designed to mount AI (aperture indexed) lenses. Unlike the Nikkormat ELW and Nikon EL2, it was not designed to use a motor drive.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikkormat EL2 1977 1979 AI
Although this model has a "Nikon" nameplate, it is actually a Nikkormat. In fact, it is identical to the Nikkormat ELW except that it has automatic indexing (AI). It was one of only two models built to mount the AW-1 auto winder, the other being the Nikkormat AW-1.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Photomic A 1977 1980 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F2 Photomic AS 1977 1980 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FM 1977 1982 AI
This is a mechanical camera that uses three diodes, visible in the viewfinder, to show the exposure. Without battery power, it will still operate, but without the meter. The speed and aperture must be manually set. It accepts the MD-11 or MD-12 motor drives.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FE 1978 1982 AI
This camera is nearly identical to the FM except that it may be operated manually, like the FM, but it also has the ability to automatically set the speed in aperture priority mode, according to the meter reading.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon EM 1979 1984 AI
This was the first Nikon to use a plastic body. Also, it was the least expensive Nikon. It does not have a manual mode, but is automatic in aperture priority.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikonos IV-A 1980 1985 NAI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F3 1980 1983 AI
Like the F and F2, several models were produced that used the same body with different prisms. It was produced into the 21st century. The first model had a prism manufactured from 1980 to 1983.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FM2 1982 1984 AI
This is nearly identical to the FM except that the shutter speed was increased.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F3HP 1982 19xx AI
The "HP" designation stands for "high eyepoint" prism which provides easier viewfinder viewing, especially for eyeglass wearers. The camera body was unchanged from the standard F3.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F3/T 1982 19xx AI
This is the titanium version of the F3. The titanium finder is the high-eyepoint (HP) model.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FG 1982 1986 AI
This entry-level model was a follow-on to the EM, although this one has a metal body and can be operated in either manual or aperture priority modes.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F3AF 1983 1988 AF
This is the world's first auto focus camera. It uses a large prism, the DX-1, which has the autofocus computer. The focusing motor is in the lens, of which Nikon only produced two models, an 80mm and a 200mm.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F3P 1983 1988 AI
This is a "professional" model designed for use when the user is wearing gloves. It was not very popular and is considered relatively rare.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FE2 1983 1987 AI
Just as the FM2 is an improved version of the FM, the FE2 is an improved version of the FE.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FA 1983 1987 AI
When it was introduced, this model was called a "techo-camera" by the media. It was the first camera to employ "matrix metering" in which several portions of the view that are independently metered, and a computer determines the exposure.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
RF Nikonos V 1984 19xx NAI
This camera is fully automatic, using through-the-lens (TTL) metering and automatic exposure.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FG-20 1984 1986 AI
This is a version of the FG with fewer capabilities.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N2000 1985 1990 AI
The non-U.S. designation is F301. It has a plastic body.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N2020 1986 1990 AF
This model is nearly identical to the N2000 except that it is autofocus. It is the first non-professional camera to have autofocus. The non-U.S. designation is F501.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N2020 1987 1989 AF
This model can only mount AF (auto focus) lenses. The non-U.S. designation is F401.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N8008 1988 1991 AF
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F4/F4S 1988 19xx AF
The is the fourth in the series of Nikon professional cameras.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FM2n 1989 19xx AI
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FM3a 19xx 19xx AI
The last mechanical, manual focus, camera manufactured by Nikon, it is an improved version of the FM2. Highly valued by some professional photographers who like manual control.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N4004S 1989 1991 AF
An improved version of the N4004. The non-U.S. designation is F401s.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N8008S 1991 1994 AF
This model was considered a lower level professional camera. Many pros used it as a backup camera to the F4. The non-U.S. designation is F801x.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N6000 1991 1994 AI
A non-autofocus version of the N6006. The non-U.S. designation is F601.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N5005 1990 1994 AF
The non-U.S. designation is F401x.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N6006 1990 1998 AF
The non-U.S. designation is F601M.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N90 1992 1994 AF
The non-U.S. designation is F90.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon FM2/T 1994 19xx AI
This model is the titanium model of the FM2n.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N50 1994 19xx AF
This model will only mount AF (auto focus) lenses. The non-U.S. designation is F50.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N70 1994 19xx AF
The non-U.S. designation is F70.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N90S 1994 19xx AF
The non-U.S. designation is F90x.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon N60 1998 19xx AF
This model has a white light built into the body for red-eye reduction and focusing in dim light. The non-U.S. designation is F60.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F5 1996 20xx AF
The fifth in the series of Nikon professional cameras.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F100 1998 20xx AF
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F5 1996 20xx AF
This camera is the first Nikon to have a lightweight magnesium body.
Type Model Begin End Lens coupling
Year Year
SLR Nikon F5 1996 20xx AF
The sixth in the series of Nikon professional cameras.