Oldest known production model Nikon camera goes up for auction
Oct 25, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Made in 1948, this Nikon I rangefinder camera, serial number 60924, represents the oldest known surviving production model Nikon in the world. The very first Nikon I held the serial number 60922, making this the third Nikon camera of all time off the production line. It is one of two cameras made in 1948 still known exist, and it has gone up for auction at WestLicht Photographica.
It’s an incredible piece of history, and not one that many of us are likely to afford, short of selling our homes. The starting price for this Nikon I is €90,000 (around $98,000) with the value estimated to be €160,000-180,000 ($175,000-196,000). Then you’ve got 20-24% to add on top of that for taxes, commission, etc. Of course, such a unique piece of photographic history has the potential to go much higher depending on who may be interested in it.
It’s an amazing piece of engineering from a time when camera bodies weren’t replaced by their owners every 3-5 years. These things were built to last, and WestLicht say that it even has its original shutter. It also comes with the extremely rare double strap everready case.
As well as this, the camera includes the original Nikkor-H 2/5cm (serial number 70811) with matching Nikon lens cap described to be in “fantastic original condition”.
It’s a bit of a cliché, but they really don’t build them like they used to. Most cameras these days become obsolete almost as soon as they’re released. Within a few months, rumours start propagating their replacements. I still have three Nikkormat cameras here made in the 60s and they’re just as solid and reliable today as they day they were made.
What I wouldn’t give to run a couple of rolls through this. You can check out the listing, and even bid if you’re in the mood, over on the WestLicht website.
[via Nikon Rumors]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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2 responses to “Oldest known production model Nikon camera goes up for auction”
I don’t own a rangefinder, but I would like to get an old rangefinder to shoot with. But, yea, in the “old days”, there weren’t frequent upgrades,
In 2013, I mentioned to my wife that a used camera dealer had a Canon New F-1 for sale with the AE Finder FN, and AE Motor Drive for sale.
She asked “That’s their flagship camera?” and I replied “Yes, for the 80’s”. She said “Buy it.” The Canon and Nikon pro film cameras had lifecycles of 10 years before upgrades. I’ve always wanted an F-1 and I can share lenses that I bought for my A-1 (bought in 1980) that I still use.
http://www.laurent-roy.com/photo/Pub/Nikon_Pub_1953.jpg