Nikon F

The Nikon F is a professional 35mm SLR film camera released in 1959, known for its robust build quality and reliability. It was Nikon's first SLR camera and played a pivotal role in establishing Nikon's reputation in the professional photography market. The camera is fully mechanical, meaning it can operate without a battery. It offers a range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, and supports a bulb mode for long exposures. The Nikon F is compatible with non-AI Nikon F-mount lenses. Despite its age, the Nikon F remains a popular choice among film photography enthusiasts due to its durability and mechanical reliability. Common issues specific to the Nikon F include occasional problems with the prism, which can become loose over time.
Nikon F manual
Nikon F

Camera Details

Target Audience

Targeted towards professional consumers

Shutter Type

Fully Mechanical

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed from 1/1000 to 1 seconds

Aperture Priority Mode

No

Weight

Body weighs 780g

ASA

N/A, camera does not have built-in light meter, and does not need to know the ISO of the film

Battery

No battery required for basic operation, but some accessories may require batteries

Bulb Mode

Yes

Average Price

Average price on Ebay: $200

Advanced Features

Depth of Field Preview, Timer

Additional Information

Nikon F; Eyelevel finder as standard; interchangeable with 7 other types including 4 metering prisms
Split-image Type A provided as standard; interchangeable with 16 other types
Fastest flash sync speed: 1/60
All lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount