Nikon MF cameras
The Nikon MF cameras form a series of miniature cameras with m anuellem F okus the Japanese manufacturer Nikon . They were produced for all areas of photography .
Except for the first series, the Nikkorex series, which except for the Nikkorex F model was equipped with a built-in lens, all models have the manufacturer's F bayonet and can usually also be operated with current lenses . Lenses with a smaller image circle, tailored directly for digital SLR cameras, as well as G series lenses that lack the aperture setting ring, are limited or not usable .
Nikkorex series
The Nikkorex cameras are a relatively unknown chapter in Nikon's history. Because Nikon did not only deal with the so-called mass market with the Nikon EM or the F301. Just as the Nikon S3 and Nikon S4 rangefinder cameras were intended as an inexpensive version of the Nikon SP, the aim was to add an inexpensive model to the professional Nikon F as well . The question remains, why the Nikkorex series hardly appears in the official Nikon family tree, the main reason certainly being the fact that the Nikkorex models were created in cooperation with Mamiya and not, as usual, exclusively designed and manufactured by Nikon itself . From today's perspective, Nikon understandably does not quite fit into the image of a professionally oriented manufacturer to have had comparatively simple cameras in its range.
Nikkorex 35 (1960-1962)
The Nikkorex 35 was the first model in the Nikkorex series, manufactured from 1960. Several significant differences between the Nikon F and the Nikkorex model made it possible for Nikon to keep the price low. The camera had a built-in Nikkor-Q 50 f / 2.5 lens and a central shutter from Citizen , a company that is now known as a manufacturer of watches. The shutter speeds ranged from 1 - 1/500 of a second, the aperture was adjustable between 2.5 and 22. Above the lens of the Nikkorex 35 there was a large honeycomb window for the built-in selenium exposure meter. To alleviate the shortcoming of the built-in lens, Nikon supplied wide-angle (corresponding to the focal lengths of 35 and 38mm) or telephoto lens attachments (corresponding to the focal lengths of 85 and 90 mm) as accessories for this camera.
Nikkorex 35 II (1962-1964)
The modified version of the first model, the Nikkorex 35 II, came out in 1962; the camera was equipped with a shutter made by Seikōsha , a subsidiary of the Japanese company Seiko . The quick-action lever was enlarged and “NIKKOREX” could be read in the light meter window. The housing of the camera was clearly rounded compared to the previous model, but technically there were no other differences.
Nikkorex F (1962-1966)
An important Nikon innovation in 1962 was another model of the Nikkorex series, which, unlike all other Nikkorex models, offered the option of changing lenses and consequently had the Nikon F bayonet. The Nikkorex F was the first Nikon camera with a vertical metal blade shutter from Copal . Their housing differed significantly from all other Nikkorex models. In any case, this camera was a particularly inexpensive entry into the universal Nikon F system.
The camera, on whose prism the " F " known from the Nikon F was engraved on the front , had the classic speed dial on the top, but no longer had a built-in light meter. However, one with a selenium measuring cell could be attached if necessary and coupled with both the timing wheel and the aperture driver on the lens.
In terms of its possibilities, the Nikkorex F was comparable to the later developed Nikkormat FS, but like the entire Nikkorex series did not convey the usual feeling of robust, indestructible construction and solid workmanship.
Nikkorex Zoom 35 (1963)
The Nikkorex Zoom 35 is considered to be the first SLR camera in world production with a zoom lens as standard equipment. Except for the lens, it was identical to the Nikkorex 35 II. The real specialty of the camera was the built-in zoom lens with a variable focal length between 43 and 86 mm. This zoom lens was identical to the Nikkor 1: 3.5 / 43-86 mm zoom lens with Nikon F bayonet, which was available until the early 1980s and is also known as Nikon's first universal zoom lens.
Nikkorex Auto 35 (1964-1967)
The last Nikkorex camera, the Nikon Auto 35, was also Nikon's first camera with automatic exposure. Once again fitted with a Seikosha central shutter, it had an automatic aperture in the range from 2.0 to 16, the built-in 48 mm lens had a speed of 1: 2.0. A measuring needle in the viewfinder indicated the aperture selected by the camera. In the manual area, a second needle had to be brought into line with the correct exposure setting. In contrast to the previous models, the camera had an exceptionally modern shape. Unmistakable feature: the shutter button was not on the top, but, as was the case for many years with the East German Prakticas, on the right diagonal front of the housing next to the lens. This Nikkorex was the only camera in the series that featured the Nikon logo.
Nikkormat series (Japanese models: Nikomat)
Nikkormat FT (1965)
Also known as the sister of the Nikon F or F2, the Nikkormat FT was used as a replacement camera by both professionals and amateurs. This camera was often used as an entry into the large and highly praised Nikon SLR system. This camera differs from the more technically mature models mainly in that no motor drive can be connected and that the viewfinder prism and the focusing screen cannot be exchanged.
Nikkormat FS (1965)
The Nikkormat FS is a simplified version of the Nikkormat FT without exposure metering and without the possibility of mirror locking. If the Nikkormat FT is a very rare camera, at least in Germany, the Nikkormat FS can confidently be called a rarity.
Nikkormat FTN (1967)
Version of the Nikkormat FT with improved details
Nikkormat FT2 (1975)
As the successor to the FTN, this camera differed in the flash shoe attached to the prism and modified electronics. Power is supplied by an alkaline type IEC type LR44 or a silver oxide cell SR44 (older models require mercury cells). It still belongs to the non-AI Nikon SLR cameras.
Nikkormat FT3 (1977)
In 1977 Nikon introduced the AI control system for automatically inputting the largest lens aperture to the exposure metering system. All cameras were fitted with the new AI diaphragm coupling and thus the FT2 was also renamed FT3 and sold as a new model. Otherwise the models do not differ.
In 1979 the production of the FT-3 was discontinued because this series of cameras was replaced by the FM series, which were more compact and powerful.
Nikkormat EL (1972)
The EL has an electronic shutter that allows automatic exposure control. Manual exposure adjustment is also possible.
Nikkormat ELW (1976)
As an amateur camera, the Nikkormat EL did not have the option of being operated by a motor drive for film transport. However, there has been a growing number of amateur photographers wanting a motorized camera below the professional grade of the Nikon F series. The ELW fills this gap. The battery-operated motor drive called AW-1 ( Auto-Winder ) weighed a few hundred grams and was attached to the tripod thread with a screw on the camera; the winder itself had a tripod thread. He took over the film transport via a coupling on the groove on the film transport axis.
Nikon EL2 (1977)
As the successor to the Nikkormat ELW, the Nikon EL2 ended the Nikkormat series. The winder EL-W and Nikkormat EL fit the camera.
The main changes:
- Naming changed uniformly to "Nikon"
- Conversion of the lens coupling to the new aperture transmission ring (AI), thus eliminating the driver, which transmitted the aperture setting through the fork ("rabbit ears") attached to the lenses of the camera.
- The electronics were revised and attached to flexible conductor tracks. By eliminating the sensitive soldering points, the robustness increased.
- An exposure correction was now also possible.
FM series
The FM and FE series (see below) are sister models in terms of design. FM stands for mechanical and FE for electronic , with the last FM3 being an exception. The screw-on motors are compatible and have always made these cameras the choice of professionals and committed amateurs for whom weight saving was important. In addition, two cameras in this series with a motor cost about the same as a Nikon F3 , but from 1982 offered 1/4000 s as the fastest shutter speed.
Nikon FM (1977)
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In 1977 Nippon Kogaku KK presented the Nikon FM for the 60th anniversary. It was completely redesigned, u. a. with an almost oil and lubricant-free mechanism and highly sensitive photocells (gallium arsenide) in the light meter, which measure within 1/25 of a second to 1/5 f-stop. Due to the lack of lubricant, the camera is suitable for use at extreme temperatures (- 30 to + 40 ° C).
For the 60th anniversary, a very limited edition special model was gold-plated and finished with lizard leather.
Nikon FM2 (1982)
From 1982 the Nikon FM was upgraded to the Nikon FM2 with a newly developed shutter from Seiko , which allowed an exposure time of 1/4000 s and a flash sync time of 1/200 s.
The camera thus marks the end and climax of the development of the classic reflex camera with mechanical shutter control and, apart from small changes and a few special models, remained unchanged in the range for 18 years.
Nikon FM2n (1983)
In 1984 the FM2 was revised, the new version has the flash sync time of 1/250 s and was equipped with a lighter and now also exchangeable focusing screen of the type K2. Both changes represent adjustments to the technical level that was recently implemented with the FE2.
The name FM2n was not officially used by Nikon. The new version is also called FM2, but the serial number of the revised version has been supplemented by a leading "N". It can also be differentiated from the original variant by the flash sync time "250" instead of "125" marked red in the normal time series. The synchronous time "X200", which was previously separately marked and adjustable, is missing in the newer model.
In the autumn of 1989, the titanium clasp with a honeycomb pattern was replaced by a clasp with smooth aluminum lamellae derived from the clasps of the F801 and F4.
In 2000 a technically identical special edition appeared at the turn of the millennium in a set with the Nikkor 1.4 50 mm. Around the same time there was a "Nature Set" with the Nikkor 2.8 / 28mm, 2.8 / 55mm and 4 / 200mm together with a black FM2.
Nikon FM2 / T (1994)
In 1993 the FM2 / T was provided as a special model with upper right and left housing cladding as well as a base plate made of titanium in order to give this classic the status of a "camera for eternity". It was, so to speak, Nikon's departure from purely mechanical manual photography for the upscale customer base.
Nikon FM10 (1995)
The Nikon FM10 was not intended to be the successor to the FM2. Rather, it should make the leap into a significantly cheaper price range. The camera is reduced to the essential functions and has a plastic housing. Production is not carried out by Nikon itself, but by Cosina as a subcontractor. The camera, together with the professional Nikon F6 , is the last camera in the range that uses photographic film for image recording. The European Nikon branches never had the FM10 in their range.
Nikon FM3A (2001)
As the successor to the FM2, the Nikon FM3A offered both the fully mechanical timing control of the FM2 and an automatic timing system, as known from the FE series, thanks to a hybrid shutter. TTL flash technology, measured value memory, exposure correction and automatic recognition of the film DX coding are just a few features that make this camera - known from its predecessors - indestructible and working under the most difficult conditions. In 2006 the FM3A was withdrawn from the offer.
FE series
Nikon FE (1978)
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With the introduction of the FM series (1977), which worked fully mechanically, the demand for a camera with aperture priority arose. In 1978 the FE came on the market, which was equipped with an electronic shutter with which exposure times of 1/1000 to 8 seconds were possible.
When the battery was empty, only a shutter speed of 1/90 s was possible, whereby the shutter worked mechanically. In contrast to the FM, the user could change the focusing screens in order to exchange the standard focusing screen with sectional image and microprisms (model K) for a focusing screen without adjustment aids (model B), e.g. for telephoto lenses, or a grid screen (model E).
Nikon FE2 (1983)
Barely a year after the introduction of the Nikon FM2, the FE was also upgraded to the FE2. It got a new electronic shutter, which enables an exposure time of up to 1/4000 s and a flash sync time of 1/250 s. As with the FM2, this consists of a super-light titanium alloy . When the flash is attached, the electronics automatically increase the flash sync time if the exposure time is too short. Lighter type K2 focusing screens were installed, and a plate running in the opposite direction to the mirror reduced vibrations when the mirror hit.
Nikon FA (1983)
After the FE2, Nikon launched the FA in 1983, a revolutionary camera.
The FA was the world's first camera with AMP multi-field metering (Automatic Multi Pattern). The viewfinder image was divided into five measuring fields. The measured values of the fields were analyzed by a selection system and thus led to an almost error-free "automatic" exposure. Program, time and shutter priority also made the FA Nikon's first multi-automat. The camera was not a sales success, however, as larger numbers could not be produced until a year later and at that time the first autofocus camera from Minolta was already competing with the Nikon FA. In terms of technology, the FA is still a milestone in camera technology and was voted the best new camera release in 1984. Nikon rewarded this with a gold-plated special model.
Together with the FM2n and the FE2, Nikon was able to offer three cameras with the FA with very similar basic properties and a largely compatible range of accessories, which differed significantly only in the type of exposure control. This group of three was promoted by Nikon at the time of their joint market presence in an advertisement under the slogans "The Mechanic" (FM2), "The Electronics Technician" (FE2) and "The Computer" (FA).
Nikon FE10 (1996)
As usual, a year after the manual version (FM10) , a housing with automatic timing was offered. In order to be able to offer a reasonable price for this camera , the FE10 manufactured by Cosina has dispensed with options such as exposure correction or the connection of a motor drive. The camera in the plastic housing sold surprisingly well as an entry-level camera. The camera was primarily for the emerging markets, u. a. Southeast Asia and only found their way to Europe in rather small numbers. Besides, it was probably the only camera in the company's history that was virtually identical to a Canon: its T60 also rolled off the production line at Cosina. However, a few years earlier and with a different bayonet. The base of both cameras can still be seen from a distance in the Voigtland rangefinder models.
Compact Nikon
Nikon EM (1979)
The Nikon EM came on the market in 1979. It was the first model in a revised design concept, which should usher in a series of housings with the characteristics of compactness, light weight and easy handling.
Nikon FG (1982)
As a higher-quality addition to the EM, the FG was also equipped with an automatic program, TTL flash control and manually adjustable shutter speeds.
Nikon FG-20 (1984)
The FG-20 was the successor to the EM with the additional option of manually adjustable shutter speeds.
Nikon F-301 (1985)
The F-301 ushered in a new generation of cameras at Nikon as a successor to the FG. The built-in motor that automatically pulls in the film, the usual ease of use and the compatibility with the Nikon system made this camera interesting even for technically inexperienced hobby photographers. In addition to the fully automatic function, it offers all manual options, only a dimming button is missing.
The camera uses four batteries of the type Micro (AAA) for the supply of motor-driven film feeder. After replacing a higher battery cover available as an accessory, four Mignon (AA) batteries could be inserted.
The optically very similar successor, the Nikon F-501 , appeared in 1986 with an autofocus system (see Nikon AF cameras ).
Nikon F-601M (1990)
The Nikon is an identical version of the Nikon F-601 without autofocus focusing and without a built-in flash unit. It is equipped with LC displays in the viewfinder and on the housing and has a central dial and a built-in motor for individual and series switching (up to two images per second). In addition to the manual exposure setting, it is equipped with automatic programs: aperture, multi and normal program, plus program shift and time automatic, in addition also measured value storage, HP viewfinder and variable self-timer.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ http://www.digitalb2.de/nikon/systemcd/htm/01/0106___d.htm .
- ↑ cf. Peter Braczko, Nikon Pocket Book , Rita Wittig Fachbuchverlag, Hückelhoven 1994, ISBN 3-88984-133-3 , pp. 4-19ff.
- ^ Rudolf Hillebrand, Hans Joachim Hauschild, Nikon Compendium. The Nikon Photo Technique Handbook. Verlag 'Photographie' AG, Schaffhausen 1991, ISBN 3-7231-0013-9 , p. 33.
- ^ Peter Braczko, Nikon Pocket Book , Rita Wittig Fachbuchverlag, Hückelhoven 1994, ISBN 3-88984-133-3 , pp. 4–55.