Second-hand Equipment

Complete with maker's carrying case. A specialised version of a Nikon F camera, the Nikon F Hand Fundus Camera is designed for close-up ophthalmic photography of the retina of the human eye.

Serial numbers began with 670001, making this example number 19. Our research suggests that the camera was released in 1963 and discontinued in 1969.

The built-in flash unit is connected to the control unit by a cable and has three power settings: L=Low, M=Medium and H= High. The camera is fitted with a pistol grip for one-hand operation.

(Definition: Fundus: In medicine, the bottom or base of an organ. For example, the fundus of the eye is the retina.)

In order to avoid confusion and mistaken identity with the German camera firm Zeiss-Ikon, Nikon F cameras designated for the German market between 1963 and 1968 were inscribed with the name Nikkor instead of Nikon. These models are particular attractive to collectors. Ref: Nikon Pocket Book by Peter Braczko (Wittig Books) Nippon Kogaku triangle logo c/w 5cm f/2 Nikkor-S Auto scalloped focus barrel lens, RARE

Body serial number 7392008, c/w shutter cover (to be removed before first use) and original maker’s box. We have never had this particular example in such condition and not seen another plain prism black Apollo in a new/unused state. Flawless.

A very rare opportunity to acquire an unused Nikon FN Apollo camera body, chrome finish, mirror-up version and a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor SC pre-AI lens scalloped focus barrel complete with instruction manual and maker's boxes.

RARE EARLY COLLECTORS' ITEM NIKON F WITH PHOTOMIC NO II FINDER. The "Red Dot" version numbered 6595493. All Nikon F cameras of the 66xxxxx number block (and some of the 65xxxxx block)have a red dot in front of the camera of the serial number. This engraved dot indicates a production enhancement of the viewfinder allowing the mounting of the Photomic T and Tn (and the later FTn with modification of the name plate) finders. Our research suggests that there were just 2800 "Red Dot" 66xxxxx serial numbered Nikon F camera manufactured.

RARE EARLY COLLECTORS' ITEM NIKON F WITH PHOTOMIC NO II FINDER. The "Red Dot" version numbered 6595493. All Nikon F cameras of the 66xxxxx number block (and some of the 65xxxxx block)have a red dot in front of the camera of the serial number. This engraved dot indicates a production enhancement of the viewfinder allowing the mounting of the Photomic T and Tn (and the later FTn with modification of the name plate) finders. Our research suggests that there were just 2800 "Red Dot" 66xxxxx serial numbered Nikon F camera manufactured.

The "Red Dot" version numbered 6601585. All Nikon F cameras of the 66xxxxx number block (and some of the 65xxxxx block)have a red dot in front of the camera of the serial number. This engraved dot indicates a production enhancement of the viewfinder allowing the mounting of the Photomic T and Tn (and the later FTn with modification of the name plate) finders. Our research suggests that there were just 2800 "Red Dot" 66xxxxx serial numbered Nikon F camera manufactured.

An early Nikon F camera body, cross hatched self-timer, type 1 eye level finder, Nippon Kogaku triangle logo, c/w Nikon F instruction manual in Japanese text, original hanging tag and ephemera of the period. In original maker's box

early body, cross hatch self timer, type 1 eye level finder, Nippon Kogaku triangle logo, camera back type 1, late 1959. C/w + 5cm f/2 Nikkor-S Auto lens no. 526936 & Nippon Kogaku front cap

Complete with original maker's box and instructions.

Complete with original maker's box.

NEAR NEW (99.5%) EXAMPLE. No 7372506. The name "Apollo" derives from Nikon's association with NASA during the Apollo space program when Nikon supplied both test equipment and equipment to be used on flights. The APOLLO Nikon F bodies all had serial numbers beginning with 72*** and 73*** and were the very latest and greatest of the amazing and truly iconic F generation (incorporating improvements as a result of years of professional feedback). F cosmetics changed late in production to match the then currently produced and just introduced F2. The Apollo F was updated with a plastic tipped F2 type advance lever and self timer, and stronger camera strap eyelets. Earlier Apollos had the standard F flash connection, later ones had the F2 type threaded PC connection.

The name "Apollo" derives from Nikon's association with NASA during the Apollo space program when Nikon supplied both test equipment and equipment to be used on flights. The APOLLO Nikon F bodies all had serial numbers beginning with 72*** and 73*** and a few unusual ones 74*** and were the very latest and greatest of the amazing and truly iconic F generation (incorporating improvements as a result of years of professional feedback). F cosmetics changed late in production to match the then currently produced and just introduced F2. The Apollo F was updated with a plastic tipped F2 type advance lever and self timer, and stronger camera strap eyelets. Earlier Apollos had the standard F flash connection, later ones had the F2 type threaded PC connection. Serial no.7435635.

The name "Apollo" derives from Nikon's association with NASA during the Apollo space program when Nikon supplied both test equipment and equipment to be used on flights. The APOLLO Nikon F bodies all had serial numbers beginning with 72*** and 73*** and a few rare ones 74*** and were the very latest and greatest of the amazing and truly iconic F generation (incorporating improvements as a result of years of professional feedback). F cosmetics changed late in production to match the then currently produced and just introduced F2. The Apollo F was updated with a plastic tipped F2 type advance lever and self timer, and stronger camera strap eyelets. Earlier Apollos had the standard F flash connection, later ones had the F2 type threaded PC connection.

Serial no. 7130016

Serial number 6724019. Recently serviced and supplied with a minimum 12-month guarantee.

ULTRA RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - PERHAPS THE LAST BRAND NEW ONE REMAINING IN THE WORLD. BOXED AND COMPLETE. (Shutter guard still in place to be removed prior to first use.)
Nikon's most versatile film camera. This high end professional camera was made available with no less than 4 battery packs (MB-20 standard, MB-21 High Power, MB-22 mains driven, and MB-23 heavy duty) and 4 finders (pentaprism, waist, action and 6X magnification) and a whole range of specialist screens. The F4 comes with a compact battery pack MB-20. The body represents Nikon's great and successful attempt at dominance of the autofocus market.

Nikon's most versatile film camera body. This high end professional camera, The F4s being equipped with MB21 high speed battery pack, was made available with no less than 4 battery packs (MB-20 standard, MB-21 High Power, MB-22 mains driven, and MB-23 heavy duty) and 4 finders (pentaprism, waist, action and 6X magnification) and a whole range of specialist screens. The body represents Nikon's great and successful attempt at dominance of the autofocus market. Complete with instruction manual (Japanese text) and various papers and original ticket price card, neck strap, screwdriver to adjust exposure compensation dial when using a focusing screen other than the standard interchangeable Advanced Type B BriteView screen provided in maker's box

Boxed and complete. Nikon’s most expensive film camera (when sold side by side with the F6 prior to discontinuation the F5 at around £2500 was the more expensive body). The multi-award winning Nikon F5 is the benchmark against which all other SLR cameras are judged. The F5 is the only film camera in the world that uses a 1005 pixel RGB metering sensor to measure the colour of a scene for supreme exposure accuracy. It features high speed Autofocus at up to 8 frames per second (with MN-30 Ni-MH battery) and is housed in an aluminium-alloy body with a titanium viewfinder. It can take standard, action, waist and magnification finders and a vast range of screens. Intelligent, fast and tough enough for the most challenging of assignments.

NEW! Boxed and complete. Nikon’s most expensive film camera (when sold side by side with the F6 prior to discontinuation the F5 at around £2500 was the more expensive body). The multi-award winning Nikon F5 is the benchmark against which all other SLR cameras are judged. The F5 is the only film camera in the world that uses a 1005 pixel RGB metering sensor to measure the colour of a scene for supreme exposure accuracy. It features high speed Autofocus at up to 8 frames per second (with MN-30 Ni-MH battery) and is housed in an aluminium-alloy body with a titanium viewfinder. It can take standard, action, waist and magnification finders and a vast range of screens. Intelligent, fast and tough enough for the most challenging of assignments.

In June 1998, a special model made in only very limited numbers (2000 for Japan and 1000 for the rest of the world) commemorating Nikon’s 50th anniversary of camera manufacture. The specially manufactured strap bears the dates 1948-1998. The F5 was Nikon's most expensive film camera (when sold side by side with the F6 prior to discontinuation the F5 at around £2500 was the more expensive body). The F5 was fitted with an RGB meter (basically 3 meters working in Red, Green and Blue ends of the spectrum) and could take standard, action, waist and magnification finders and a vast range of screens. The Nikon Corporation issued a comment on the F5 Anniversary model as follows:

“50th Anniversary Model of Nikon F5. In 1998, two years after the introduction of F5, we at Nikon marked the 50th anniversary of our camera production from the first release of Nikon I in 1948. In commemoration of this, we decided to offer the 50th Anniversary Model, which was designed based on the F5 with changes in the colour of the upper body cover and body cap to a sober dark silver colour, and the rubber of the oval section of the grip to a dark grey, adding a quality appearance to the camera. On the front of the viewfinder was inscribed the same Nikon logo as adopted in first Nikon I rangefinder camera of 1948, and the back of body was marked with the former company logo of Nippon Kogaku K.K.(Japan Optical) and the symbol for 50th Anniversary of Nikon Camera. This was the only variation model of F5."

In June 1998, a special model made in only very limited numbers (2000 for Japan and 1000 for the rest of the world) commemorating Nikon’s 50th anniversary of camera manufacture. The specially manufactured strap bears the dates 1948-1998. The F5 was Nikon's most expensive film camera (when sold side by side with the F6 prior to discontinuation the F5 at around £2500 was the more expensive body). The F5 was fitted with an RGB meter (basically 3 meters working in Red, Green and Blue ends of the spectrum) and could take standard, action, waist and magnification finders and a vast range of screens. The Nikon Corporation issued a comment on the F5 Anniversary model as follows:

“50th Anniversary Model of Nikon F5. In 1998, two years after the introduction of F5, we at Nikon marked the 50th anniversary of our camera production from the first release of Nikon I in 1948. In commemoration of this, we decided to offer the 50th Anniversary Model, which was designed based on the F5 with changes in the colour of the upper body cover and body cap to a sober dark silver colour, and the rubber of the oval section of the grip to a dark grey, adding a quality appearance to the camera. On the front of the viewfinder was inscribed the same Nikon logo as adopted in first Nikon I rangefinder camera of 1948, and the back of body was marked with the former company logo of Nippon Kogaku K.K.(Japan Optical) and the symbol for 50th Anniversary of Nikon Camera. This was the only variation model of F5."

In June 1998, a special model made in only very limited numbers (2000 for Japan and 1000 for the rest of the world) commemorating Nikon’s 50th anniversary of camera manufacture. The specially manufactured strap bears the dates 1948-1998. The F5 was Nikon's most expensive film camera (when sold side by side with the F6 prior to discontinuation the F5 at around £2500 was the more expensive body). The F5 was fitted with an RGB meter (basically 3 meters working in Red, Green and Blue ends of the spectrum) and could take standard, action, waist and magnification finders and a vast range of screens. The Nikon Corporation issued a comment on the F5 Anniversary model as follows:

“50th Anniversary Model of Nikon F5. In 1998, two years after the introduction of F5, we at Nikon marked the 50th anniversary of our camera production from the first release of Nikon I in 1948. In commemoration of this, we decided to offer the 50th Anniversary Model, which was designed based on the F5 with changes in the colour of the upper body cover and body cap to a sober dark silver colour, and the rubber of the oval section of the grip to a dark grey, adding a quality appearance to the camera. On the front of the viewfinder was inscribed the same Nikon logo as adopted in first Nikon I rangefinder camera of 1948, and the back of body was marked with the former company logo of Nippon Kogaku K.K.(Japan Optical) and the symbol for 50th Anniversary of Nikon Camera. This was the only variation model of F5."

Boxed and complete. Nikon's ultimate film body.

Produced in limited batches and the only top-quality 35mm film body produced by a major Japanese manufacturer.

Incorporating all the advances of the F5 and fitted with a multi-control back as standard.

Superb technical excellence.

The Nikon 28Ti was released in 1994. The name referring to the 28mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens and the titanium camera body. Its most distinguishing feature is the analogue display on top. This watch-like display enables the user to operate the camera from the waist. It clearly displays the focusing distance and aperture. Two smaller dials show exposure compensation (plus or minus two stops) and the number of shots taken. The latter dial doubles as a self-timer. Four needle-style dials indicate focusing distance, aperture, frame number and exposure correction. The 28Ti had been preceded by the 1993 35Ti. Both are 135 film autofocus cameras with wide angle prime lenses. Nikon aimed at producing an easy to transport compact camera of the highest possible optical quality (hence, unlike other Nikon compacts the lenses are called/engraved Nikkor) with a single focal length for photography enthusiasts. In 1998 Nikon decided to discontinue both cameras, complexity of manufacture and the ensuing very high price contributed greatly to the decision. The camera remains greatly in demand and represents a pinnacle of compact camera design and optical quality. C/w CS-L101 leather pouch case, wrist strap, maker's box.

Boxed and complete. The Nikon 28Ti was released in 1994. The name referring to the 28mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens and the titanium camera body. Its most distinguishing feature is the analogue display on top. This watch-like display enables the user to operate the camera from the waist. It clearly displays the focusing distance and aperture. Two smaller dials show exposure compensation (plus or minus two stops) and the number of shots taken. The latter dial doubles as a self-timer. Four needle-style dials indicate focusing distance, aperture, frame number and exposure correction. The 28Ti had been preceded by the 1993 35Ti. Both are 135 film autofocus cameras with wide angle prime lenses. Nikon aimed at producing an easy to transport compact camera of the highest possible optical quality (hence, unlike other Nikon compacts the lenses are called/engraved Nikkor) with a single focal length for photography enthusiasts. In 1998 Nikon decided to discontinue both cameras, complexity of manufacture and the ensuing very high price contributed greatly to the decision. The camera remains greatly in demand and represents a pinnacle of compact camera design and optical quality. C/w CS-L101 leather pouch case, wrist strap, maker's box.

Lovely example of this late & great camera body (marketed both as Nikkormat EL and Nikon EL). Manufactured C. 1975. Body numbered 5119597. Fully guaranteed for 12 months.

body serial no. 5206304

Complete with maker's carrying case. A specialised version of a Nikon F camera, the Nikon F Hand Fundus Camera is designed for close-up ophthalmic photography of the retina of the human eye.

Serial numbers began with 670001, making this example number 19. Our research suggests that the camera was released in 1963 and discontinued in 1969.

The built-in flash unit is connected to the control unit by a cable and has three power settings: L=Low, M=Medium and H= High. The camera is fitted with a pistol grip for one-hand operation.

(Definition: Fundus: In medicine, the bottom or base of an organ. For example, the fundus of the eye is the retina.)

NEW/UNUSED. FLAWLESS AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE. Nikon introduced a rare and expensive version of the iconic F2 in tiny quantities with prism cover, back, lens surround area, top plate and bottom plate made of this (at the time) expensive and unusual metal. The already ultra-robust F2 body (picked by NASA for it's demanding space program) was further strengthened by this light and hard (Ti) element (rather than alloy) material. The F2 Titan is one of the most eagerly sought of all Nikon reflex bodies and few are ever seen in unused condition. All body numbers commence with the characters F2T 79xxxxx irrespective of year of manufacture. Ours is numbered 794694. This F2 Titan is complete with original numbered maker's box, original plastic shutter cover. Remarkable find and presenting a remarkable opportunity! There were 4,558 F2 Titans manufactured.

Source: A letter from F. Takahashi, Nikon Corporation, Japan dated 18th February 1992

With box. The F2 was manufactured from September 1971 to June 1980. It used a horizontal-travel focal plane shutter with titanium shutter curtains and a speed range of 1 to 1/2000th second (up to 10 seconds using the self timer) plus Bulb and Time, and flash X-sync of 1/80th second. The Nikon F2 camera body consists of the die-cast aluminum alloy shell, base plate, mirror box, front cover, top plate, bottom cover and camera back. The entire body was made up each of its 1,506 component parts designed, processed, finished and assembled as Nikon F2, widely regarded as the best mechanical SLR camera during its time back in the seventies. The original Nikon F2 Photomic, packaged with the Nikon DP-1 head, was manufactured from 1971 to 1977. The DP-1 had a center-the-needle exposure control system using a galvanometer needle pointer moving between horizontally arranged +/– over/underexposure markers at the bottom of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in 60/40 percent centerweighted, cadmium sulfide (CdS) light meter versus the photographer's actual camera selections. Flanking the needle array on the left and right were a readout of the camera set f-stop and shutter speed, respectively. The needle array was duplicated on the top of the DP-1 head to allow exposure control without looking through the viewfinder.

With box.

Very clean, late example of this body, fitted with A screen.
The combination of the basic F2 body and the DP-11 Photomic finder provides the Nikon F2A Photomic camera with a ruggedness and versatility that make it an ideal choice for general purpose photographic applications. The DP-11 finder fitted on this camera features the renowned centre-weighted, TTL metering system that concentrates 60% of the light reading in only one-eight of the image area, while simultaneously covering the entire field. As a result, this camera provides greater responsiveness for metering under varying lighting conditions and, with a range covering EV 1 to EV 17, fully suitable to meet the needs of all but the most extreme lighting conditions. Other features of the F2A camera include the display of exposure information within the viewfinder and atop the finder assembly, the convenience of AI meter for quicker lens mounting and the capacity for both full-aperture and stop-down exposure measurement. Shutter: Horizontal -travel focal-plane shutter; speeds of from 1 to 1/2000 second and "B"; speeds of from 2 to 10 seconds available via built-in self-timer; intermediate settings possible between 1/80 and 1/2000 second- shutter release via shutter button or self-timer Flash synchronization: Automatic selection as shutter speed is set; hotshoe contact with built-in safety switch provided; one threaded PC terminal provided for off-camera flash operation Synchronization range: 1/2000 -1/125 sec., 1/30 - I sec. and "B" for FP bulbs; 1/30 -1 sec. and "B" for M and MF bulbs; 1/80 -1 sec. and "B" for electronic flash Accessory shoe: Special Nikon-type built into body,fitted with hotshoe contact and electric safety switch which turns on contact as flash unit is mounted.

The combination of the basic F2 body and the DP-11 Photomic finder provides the Nikon F2A Photomic camera with a ruggedness and versatility that make it an ideal choice for general purpose photographic applications. The DP-11 finder fitted on this camera features the renowned centre-weighted, TTL metering system that concentrates 60% of the light reading in only one-eight of the image area, while simultaneously covering the entire field. As a result, this camera provides greater responsiveness for metering under varying lighting conditions and, with a range covering EV 1 to EV 17, fully suitable to meet the needs of all but the most extreme lighting conditions. Other features of the F2A camera include the display of exposure information within the viewfinder and atop the finder assembly, the convenience of AI meter for quicker lens mounting and the capacity for both full-aperture and stop-down exposure measurement.

Shutter: Horizontal -travel focal-plane shutter; speeds of from 1 to 1/2000 second and "B"; speeds of from 2 to 10 seconds available via built-in self-timer; intermediate settings possible between 1/80 and 1/2000 second- shutter release via shutter button or self-timer
Flash synchronization: Automatic selection as shutter speed is set; hotshoe contact with built-in safety switch provided; one threaded PC terminal provided for off-camera flash operation
Synchronization range: 1/2000 -1/125 sec., 1/30 - I sec. and "B" for FP bulbs; 1/30 -1 sec. and "B" for M and MF bulbs; 1/80 -1 sec. and "B" for electronic flash
Accessory shoe: Special Nikon-type built into body,fitted with hotshoe contact and electric safety switch which turns on contact as flash unit is mounted.

NEAR NEW OUTFIT! Fitted with a 50mm f/1.4 Ai lens. Exceptionally rare and almost unheard of in this condition. The body, lens, data back, motor drive and aperture control unit appear unused and only the charger (for the battery of the aperture control unit) shows signs of handling. See reference http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/f2/variants/f2data/index.htm The back, coupled to a special (F2 Data body) contains a mechanical clock/watch and calendar unit which are illuminated by a built-in flash system with this data recorded onto the side of the film. Additionally, data could be recorded by hand onto a special insert and this writing too would be photographed onto the film.

The F2S was the first Nikon Photomic without a meter needle and utilised an LED display in its place. Aperture and shutter speed settings are indicated in the finder and a diode read-out appears in the top of the finder. Film speed range 12 to 6400, shutter range 1 to 1/2000 sec with a 10 sec self timer. The camera features a titanium focal plane shutter curtain.

LIKE NEW CONDITION - REMARKABLE AS THIS IS THE RAREST VARIANT OF THE "STANDARD" F2. Number 7709082. The F2SB bodies were produced in a small run spanning only 8 months and are the most sought after of all F2 "standard" bodies. The F2SB accepts pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses which feature a coupling fork. The body comes with a plastic spacer (to be removed prior to first use with a film).

BRAND NEW AND UNUSED! A COLLECTOR HAS RELEASED THIS ULTRA-RARE CAMERA HE BOUGHT IN 1977 AND NEVER USED. THE CAMERA COMES IN ITS ORIGINAL NIKON BOX WITH INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SHUTTER GUARD WHICH MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST ROLL OF FILM BEING PUT IN. ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE AS THIS IS THE RAREST VARIANT OF THE "STANDARD" F2. WE BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST BRAND NEW F2SB LEFT IN THIS WORLD AND WILL BE A TREASURE IN ANY NIKON COLLECTOR'S CABINET. Serial Number 7707687. The F2SB bodies were produced in a small run spanning only 8 months and are the most sought after of all F2 "standard" bodies. The F2SB accepts pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses which feature a coupling fork. The body comes with a plastic spacer (to be removed prior to first use with a film).

Boxed - like new!

In 1994 Nikon offered the Nikon F3 Limited exclusively for the Japanese market and in tiny quantities. The Limited shares many features with the earlier F3P: a titanium prism cover, prism hot shoe, taller shutter speed dial, and taller shutter release with mechanical lock. Like the F3P, it is devoid of cable release socket, self timer, shutter blind, secondary film door lock, and multiple exposure lever. The "Limited" features the engraving of an "L" in front of the serial number and (unlike the F3P) is fitted with the standard back instead of the MF6B. The F3 Limited was issued in a special presentation box with outer sleeve to the box and with a special F3 Limited camera strap. Ultra rare. The F3 Limited is Nikon's rarest variant of the "normal speed" F3 (others being the F3P professional, F3T Black titanium and F3T champagne titanium). The F3 Limited also incorporated all the advances of the F3P including titanium metal for strength and lightness, special rubber covered release and special flash shoe mounted on the prism, but was available for use without a motor drive (the F3P being equipped for MD-4 use and thus somewhat bulky). F3 series bodies had a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, high eyepoint (as in this case), action, waist level and magnification finders. The body could also accept 16 different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories! New & Boxed condition with original unique registration document, original price tag and other papers.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL MANUAL (Japanese text) AND PAPERS, ALSO COMES WITH BASE PROTECTOR AND SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVE PRIOR TO FIRST TIME SHOOTING.) THIS LATE MODEL IS CE MARKED WHICH INDICATES IT WAS PRODUCED IN THE LATTER PART OF THE F3 PRODUCTION. The Nikon F3 has a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard (DE-2), high eyepoint (DE-3), action (DA-2), waist level (dw-3) and 6x (DW-4)magnification finders. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - POSSIBLY THE LAST BRAND NEW F3H IN THE WORLD! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH OUTER SHIPPING CARTON, REAR SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST ROLL OF FILM INSERTION), AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL. In June 1996, Nikon released the Nikon F3H (the "H" stands for "high speed"), a single-lens reflex film camera intended for press photographers. Based on the Nikon F3 and its MD-4 motor drive, both of which Nikon had released in 1980, the F3H was capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 13 fps. Like the earlier F2H it uses a fixed pellicle reflex mirror that transmits 70% of the light through it to the film and reflects the remaining 30% into the viewfinder. The camera has the familiar HP (High Eyepoint) finder with accessory shoe and a type B focusing screen is supplied as standard. When the MD-4H motor drive is powered by an MN-2 NiCd battery, the camera is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at 13 fps at shutter speeds of 1/1000 second and above. When the motor drive is powered by eight AA alkaline batteries, the camera is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at 7.5 fps at shutter speeds of 1/250 second and above.

Nikon's finest manual focus body retailed for about £2,200.00 some years ago. These bodies had a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, high eyepoint (as in this case), action, waist level and magnification finders. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories. On the rear of the camera to the right hand side of the finder eyepiece there is a red letter 'D' for Demo preceding the serial number.

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.Weight (without lens) about 700g. Complete in maker's box and papers. Complete in maker's box, protective cover to shutter and baseplate and papers.

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.Weight (without lens) about 700g.

Complete with instruction manual (Japanese text) and makers box. Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.Weight (without lens) about 700g.

BRAND NEW AND RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH SPECIAL TRANSPARENT DISPLAY CASE THAT WAS NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE JAPAN.Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

BRAND NEW AND RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH SPECIAL TRANSPARENT DISPLAY CASE THAT WAS NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE JAPAN. Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

Boxed and complete. Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL MANUAL AND PAPERS, ALSO COMES WITH BASE PROTECTOR AND SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVE PRIOR TO FIRST TIME SHOOTING.) Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

A special limited edition of Nikon FA Gold camera produced to commemorate Nikon FA's selection as winner of two of the industry's most coveted awards, "Camera Grand Prix '84" and being crowned European Camera of the Year" The Nikon FA Gold camera features pure 24K gold plating and complemented by use of lizard leather. The twenty parts of the FA body coated with pure gold plating include top cover (with screws), accessory shoe, baseplate (with screws), film rewind crank, mounting flange, shutter release, lens release button, battery chamber lid and cover for the motor drive electrical contacts, etc. It is fitted with a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AIS lens fitted with a gold mounting ring and special lens cap with gold coloured "Nikon" lettering.

Only 2000 units of the Nikon FA Gold were produced to commemorate these two awards

The Nikon FA was most advanced manual-focus camera ever designed by the company. According to Ken Rockwell "the only camera on earth that can give Program auto exposure along with Matrix metering with all AI and AI-s manual-focus lenses". The camera was advanced enough for Nikon to produce a gold plated exotic leather edition. Nikon billed the professional FA as the "Technocamera" at its 1983 introduction. A decade or two later it's still Nikon's most technically advanced manual focus camera. It was discontinued in about 1988. This is the Demo version signified by a red letter 'D' preceding the serial number at the rear of the camera to the right hand side of the finder eyepiece. It is otherwise a fully working camera.

The Nikon FA was most advanced manual-focus camera ever designed by the company. According to Ken Rockwell "the only camera on earth that can give Program auto exposure along with Matrix metering with all AI and AI-s manual-focus lenses". The camera was advanced enough for Nikon to produce a gold plated exotic leather edition. Nikon billed the professional FA as the "Technocamera" at its 1983 introduction. A decade or two later it's still Nikon's most technically advanced manual focus camera. It was discontinued in about 1988.

This is the Demo version signified by a red letter 'D' preceding the serial number at the rear of the camera to the right hand side of the finder eyepiece. It is otherwise a fully working camera.

The Nikon FA was most advanced manual-focus camera ever designed by the company. According to Ken Rockwell "the only camera on earth that can give Program auto exposure along with Matrix metering with all AI and AI-s manual-focus lenses". The camera was advanced enough for Nikon to produce a gold plated exotic leather edition. Nikon billed the professional FA as the "Technocamera" at its 1983 introduction. A decade or two later it's still Nikon's most technically advanced manual focus camera. It was discontinued in about 1988. This is the Demo version signified by a red letter 'D' preceding the serial number at the rear of the camera to the right hand side of the finder eyepiece. It is otherwise a fully working camera.

The Nikon FA was most advanced manual-focus camera ever designed by the company. According to Ken Rockwell "the only camera on earth that can give Program auto exposure along with Matrix metering with all AI and AI-s manual-focus lenses". The camera was advanced enough for Nikon to produce a gold plated exotic leather edition. Nikon billed the professional FA as the "Technocamera" at its 1983 introduction. A decade or two later it's still Nikon's most technically advanced manual focus camera. It was discontinued in about 1988.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - BRAND NEW! COMES WITH EXTERNAL WHITE BOX, INTERNAL GOLD BOX, INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BOTH CAMERA AND LENS, TRIPOD BASE PROTECTOR AND SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST USE)To celebrate the new Millennium Year 2000 (The Chinese Year of the Dragon), Nikon released the Nikon FM2 Millennium Edition. The camera has special markings: a Chinese-style golden Dragon sits above the self-timer and has matching serial numbers for the camera body and 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AIS lens. It is presented in a rich gold maker’s box with a red satin lining, a white outer shipping carton, warranty card, instruction manual and certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Michio Kariya, President Nikon Imaging Company, Japan.

The Dragon is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and the only animal that is legendary. The Year 2000 is a Chinese Golden Dragon Year.

Released in September 1971 The Nikon F2 was designed to replace the venerable Nikon F flagship 35mm SLR. Shutter speed range: 1 to 1/2000 sec. (Maximum of 10 seconds on the self-timer), T and B. Shutter: Titanium focal plane type. Flash synchronisation: cable and direct contact, 1/80 sec. for flash. Focusing screen: Type K Matt Fresnel field with central split-image rangefinder surrounded by micro-prism ring. Interchangeable with any of 18 other screens. Mirror lock-up lever provided. Depth-of-field preview: manual via button provided on the front of the body. Direct motor drive coupling: For MD-1, MD-2 and MD-3 motor drive units. Weight: 730g (body only) In beautiful condition. Only a minor blemish on baseplate, otherwise perfect.

Complete with maker's box. Launched in 1977 the F2AS Photomic offered the most sophisticated metered prism among all finders available for the Nikon F2. F2AS was also regarded by many Nikon fans and collectors alike as being the most collectible among all regular production Nikon SLR models as it represented the best and finest example of camera body mechanical excellence of the seventies stretching the design and precision production to the limit.

In fact, when the electronic Nikon F3 was introduced officially to replace the Nikon F2, the F2AS was commanding a higher premium in its retailed price than the new third generation professional camera. The F2AS was the very last all-mechanical Nikon camera with removable Photomic finder and incorporated the new AI (Auto Indexing) system.

Complete with maker's box. Launched in 1977 the F2AS Photomic offered the most sophisticated metered prism among all finders available for the Nikon F2. F2AS was also regarded by many Nikon fans and collectors alike as being the most collectible among all regular production Nikon SLR models as it represented the best and finest example of camera body mechanical excellence of the seventies stretching the design and precision production to the limit.

In fact, when the electronic Nikon F3 was introduced officially to replace the Nikon F2, the F2AS was commanding a higher premium in its retailed price than the new third generation professional camera. The F2AS was the very last all-mechanical Nikon camera with removable Photomic finder and incorporated the new AI (Auto Indexing) system.

Launched in 1977 the F2AS Photomic offered the most sophisticated metered prism among all finders available for the Nikon F2. F2AS was also regarded by many Nikon fans and collectors alike as being the most collectible among all regular production Nikon SLR models as it represented the best and finest example of camera body mechanical excellence of the seventies stretching the design and precision production to the limit.

In fact, when the electronic Nikon F3 was introduced officially to replace the Nikon F2, the F2AS was commanding a higher premium in its retailed price than the new third generation professional camera. The F2AS was the very last all-mechanical Nikon camera with removable Photomic finder and incorporated the new AI (Auto Indexing) system.

The Nikon F3 has a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard (DE-2), high eyepoint (DE-3), action (DA-2), waist level (dw-3) and 6x (DW-4)magnification finders. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.

ULTRA RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH INSTRUCTION MANUAL (JAPANESE TEXT), SPECIAL EDITION LAPITA STRAP, NIKON WORLDWIDE SERVICE WARRANTY CARD AND A CERTIFICATION PAPER OF AUTHENTICITY ALONG WITH OTHER ORIGINAL PAPERWORK. (COMES WITH SHUTTER GUARD INTACT TO BE REMOVED BEFORE FIRST USE.) Nikon FM2 LAPITA Limited Edition, only 100 units made. Rarer than the Nikon Year of the Dog, Year of the Dragon or any Titanium limited edition.

The LAPITA was a special order made under the request by a Japanese magazine (小学館) in the year 1999. Sales began in the year 2000. Only 100 units available before Nikon discontinued the FM2 model.

Comes with genuine cow leather in orange colour and with a strap with LAPITA wording on it. INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN PERHAPS THE LAST BRAND NEW LAPITA IN THE WORLD.

Complete with instruction book and papers (Japanese text) and maker's box. This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for 'new'). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second.

This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for 'new'). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second. Complete with instruction manual (Japanese text).

ULTRA RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - NUMBER 62 OF 300 EVER MADE! PERHAPS THE LAST BRAND NEW ONE REMAINING IN THE WORLD. BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL PAPERWORK, CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AND WARRANTY CARD. (STILL HAS IT'S SHUTTER GUARD INTACT TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST USE.) The Nikon FM2/FM2n's reputation as a tough, rugged and reliable camera was further enhanced when, during the late 1993 Nikon introduced the FM2/T.

It is identical to the standard FM2n, including its aluminium alloy chassis, except that the titanium is used for the top and base plates and the camera back.

No other specifications were changed and the FM2/T accepts all the same accessories. There's also been a couple of special limited editions of the camera; the Year of the Dog version of which only 300 units were produced, was released in 1994 and has a picture of a dog’s head engraved on the front place next to the FM2/T badge.

The Dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year-cycle. Years of the Dog: …1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030…
The FM2/T Year of the Dog was never exported to the UK. This brand new example is the 62nd example made and is a real collector's treasure!

Boxed. The FM2 was manufactured for only a brief period before the N version was introduced. In 1982 the FM2 became the first commercial production SLR to brake the speed barrier of 1/4000 sec shutter speed and 1/200 sec sync speed mainly due to a newly designed titanium shutter. In 1994, Nikon introduced a very limited quantity of a hand assembled FM2n Titanium version based on their immensely popular mechanical Nikon FM2n. The expensive and exclusive titanium camera body was officially discontinued in 1997 after a small number had been produced.

Boxed and complete. Nikon's final manual camera. Built incorporating Nikon's 50 years of manual camera manufacture and thus the ultimate all-manual reflex camera. The Nikon FM3A is an interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nikon Corporation in Japan, on small-volume assembly lines, from 2001 to 2006. The camera was available in two colours: all black, and satin chrome. The FM3A was the successor to the renowned Nikon FM2N camera of 1984 and was the last member of the successful, semi-professional line of Nikon compact 35 mm SLRs. The other members were the Nikon FM (released 1977), FE (1978), FM2 (1982) and FE2 (1983). They (and the Nikon FA) all used the superficially similar (but not identical) rugged copper aluminium alloy chassis and high-quality Nikon vertical bearing-mounted metal shutter and ball-bearing mounted film advance, but with improved feature levels, minor external controls and cosmetic differences. The major improvements in the FM3A compared to the FM2n are the hybrid electro-mechanically controlled aluminium-bladed focal plane shutter, the aperture priority auto-exposure mode, the match-needle exposure control system and provision for through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) electronic flash automation. In other words, the FM3A merged the robust mechanical systems of the FM2n with the proven, reliable electronic exposure controls of the FE2. The FM3A is built to a high level of workmanship and material quality. It shares the advantages of the FM and the FM2n, both generally regarded as two of the most reliable cameras ever built (both in terms of operation under extreme conditions and in day-to-day reliability reports from repair shops and magazine surveys). It has an extremely strong body of copper silumin alloy. The electronics are well protected within the body and of extremely high quality, including the flexible circuits. The FM3A's film transport consists of high-strength hardened metal gears and moving parts, mounted on clusters of ball bearings. The vertical metal shutter utilises precision tapered high-strength aluminium alloy blades and oil-less self-lubricating bearings. The guide rails are made of stainless steel. The mirror is made of titanium. It is large to reduce chances of vignetting with super-telephotos of up to 800 mm, and uses the same mechanism found on Nikon's pro F2, with some improvements designed to further reduce effects of vibration and mirror bounce.

The FM3A accepts all of the Nikkor lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount that support the Automatic Indexing (AI) feature (AI, AIS), first introduced in 1977.[2] The chrome FM3A was often sold in a kit that includes a colour coordinated chrome finished Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P lens. This special flat "pancake" lens was manually focused on the FM3A, but contained a CPU which could communicate focal distance to Nikon's later autofocus (AF) camera bodies. Other accessories for the FM3A include the Nikon MD-12 motor drive (automatic film advance up to 3.2 frames per second), as well as the Nikon MF-16 databack (sequential numbering, time or date stamping on the film), and the various compatible Nikon TTL flashes (SB-15, SB-16B, SB-20, etc.)

In manual mode, the camera is completely mechanical in operation, and only requires batteries for the light metering information system. In aperture priority mode, the batteries continue to power the meter, but are also utilized for shutter timing and the exposure control electronics. The FM3A's metering information system consists of a match-needle system using two needles pointing along a vertical shutter speed scale on the left side of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in 60/40% centre-weighted silicon photo diode light meter versus the actual camera settings. This system can be traced back to the Nikkormat EL (Nikomat EL in Japan) of 1972. The viewfinder also has Nikon's fully-interchangeable bright focus screen with various options for focus. During the mid-1990s, a demand arose among some photographers for a quality manual-focus alternative to the 35mm autofocus SLR camera. These cameras required complex computer and processing mechanisms, and especially in their amateur and consumer versions, were known for neither their ruggedness nor a long service life. Nikon owners began to demand a durable, precision-made camera with the AE electronic features and prized construction of the discontinued Nikon FE2, which had begun to skyrocket in value on the second-hand market. Nikon responded to this phenomenon with a revival of their classic FM/FE series design.

This rare Nikkormat FS series is without an integrated light meter, and therefore lacks an ASA/ISO scale and aperture coupling lug. First production date: July 1965 (production until September 1967). Shutter speed range: 1 to 1/1000 sec. and B. Shutter: Metal focal plane. Flash synchronisation: M and X cable options, 1/125 sec for electronic flash.10 sec. self-timer. Weight: 705g. There is an engraved FS prefix to the serial number. Chrome finish. Rare.

Nippon Kogaku (Nikon) built the Nikkormat series as an economical alternative to the Nikon F or for use as a second body. First production date: July, 1965 (until in August, 1967). Excellently made, the camera does not have interchangeable finders nor provision for a motor drive.It features TTL full aperture metering with a needle indicator, exposure monitoring available in a top side window, mirror-lock up and 1/125th sec. flash synchronisation speed.
Film speed range: ASA/ISO speed range: 12 to 1600
Shutter speed range: 1 to 1/1000 sec. and B
Weight: 740g

The Nikkormat FTn was produced in 1967. Shutter speed range: 1 to 1/1000 sec. and B. Flash synchronization: M and X, 1/125th sec. weight: 750g. It offers centre biased metering, a needle indicator combining plus/minus adjustment, shutter speed scale visible in the viewfinder and automatic lens speed recognition with a control scale. The camera can be identified by an uppercase 'N' positioned above the exposure display window and FT engraved before the serial number on the top plate next to the rewind handle. Later examples were given a black plastic sheathing for the lever wind and self-timer.

Boxed and complete. Has received a service from Nikon UK.

Nikon's final manual camera. Built incorporating Nikon's 50 years of manual camera manufacture and thus the ultimate all-manual reflex camera. The Nikon FM3A is an interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nikon Corporation in Japan, on small-volume assembly lines, from 2001 to 2006. The camera was available in two colours: all black, and satin chrome. The FM3A was the successor to the renowned Nikon FM2N camera of 1984 and was the last member of the successful, semi-professional line of Nikon compact 35 mm SLRs. The other members were the Nikon FM (released 1977), FE (1978), FM2 (1982) and FE2 (1983). They (and the Nikon FA) all used the superficially similar (but not identical) rugged copper aluminium alloy chassis and high-quality Nikon vertical bearing-mounted metal shutter and ball-bearing mounted film advance, but with improved feature levels, minor external controls and cosmetic differences. The major improvements in the FM3A compared to the FM2n are the hybrid electro-mechanically controlled aluminium-bladed focal plane shutter, the aperture priority auto-exposure mode, the match-needle exposure control system and provision for through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) electronic flash automation. In other words, the FM3A merged the robust mechanical systems of the FM2n with the proven, reliable electronic exposure controls of the FE2. The FM3A is built to a high level of workmanship and material quality. It shares the advantages of the FM and the FM2n, both generally regarded as two of the most reliable cameras ever built (both in terms of operation under extreme conditions and in day-to-day reliability reports from repair shops and magazine surveys). It has an extremely strong body of copper silumin alloy. The electronics are well protected within the body and of extremely high quality, including the flexible circuits. The FM3A's film transport consists of high-strength hardened metal gears and moving parts, mounted on clusters of ball bearings. The vertical metal shutter utilises precision tapered high-strength aluminium alloy blades and oil-less self-lubricating bearings. The guide rails are made of stainless steel. The mirror is made of titanium. It is large to reduce chances of vignetting with super-telephotos of up to 800 mm, and uses the same mechanism found on Nikon's pro F2, with some improvements designed to further reduce effects of vibration and mirror bounce.

The FM3A accepts all of the Nikkor lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount that support the Automatic Indexing (AI) feature (AI, AIS), first introduced in 1977.[2] The chrome FM3A was often sold in a kit that includes a colour coordinated chrome finished Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P lens. This special flat "pancake" lens was manually focused on the FM3A, but contained a CPU which could communicate focal distance to Nikon's later autofocus (AF) camera bodies. Other accessories for the FM3A include the Nikon MD-12 motor drive (automatic film advance up to 3.2 frames per second), as well as the Nikon MF-16 databack (sequential numbering, time or date stamping on the film), and the various compatible Nikon TTL flashes (SB-15, SB-16B, SB-20, etc.)

In manual mode, the camera is completely mechanical in operation, and only requires batteries for the light metering information system. In aperture priority mode, the batteries continue to power the meter, but are also utilized for shutter timing and the exposure control electronics. The FM3A's metering information system consists of a match-needle system using two needles pointing along a vertical shutter speed scale on the left side of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in 60/40% centre-weighted silicon photo diode light meter versus the actual camera settings. This system can be traced back to the Nikkormat EL (Nikomat EL in Japan) of 1972. The viewfinder also has Nikon's fully-interchangeable bright focus screen with various options for focus. During the mid-1990s, a demand arose among some photographers for a quality manual-focus alternative to the 35mm autofocus SLR camera. These cameras required complex computer and processing mechanisms, and especially in their amateur and consumer versions, were known for neither their ruggedness nor a long service life. Nikon owners began to demand a durable, precision-made camera with the AE electronic features and prized construction of the discontinued Nikon FE2, which had begun to skyrocket in value on the second-hand market. Nikon responded to this phenomenon with a revival of their classic FM/FE series design.