For all practical reasons, the Nikon F is the grandfather, and original, single lens reflex for 35mm film. The model was announced, and released, in 1959 – it’s interesting to note that while later autofocus lenses would lose there automatic focussing abilities and aperture control, it is possible to mount ALL nikon lenses produced with the ‘F’ mount on virtually any Nikon camera later than 1959.
The ‘F’ remained in production for more than 14 years and in that time developed a well deserved reputation for being a rugged performer. The body was essentially milled brass and steel and as can be seen in the second illustration, even took bullet strikes in it’s stride – this belonged to Don McCullin who was holding it when a Vietnamese snipers bullet hit the body – which probably saved his life! I can’t say whether or not the camera worked afterwards…
The initial, quite ‘boxy’ design comes from the S series Nikon rangefinder cameras, themselves almost direct clones of the German Contax II 35mm film camera which was sold from the 1950’s.
The Nikon designers had obviously done their homework and a removable pentaprism was available from the begining – this enabled luxuries such as interchangeable focusing screens to be offered, a waist-level finder and possibly the most important, a metering (Photomic) pentaprism.