DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Oldest known production model Nikon camera goes up for auction

Oct 25, 2016 by John Aldred 2 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

34011_2

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.

34011_1

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.

34011_14

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”.

34011_3

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.

34011_4

34011_5

34011_7

34011_10

34011_9

34011_8

34011_12

34011_11

34011_16

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]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

This is the oldest known photograph of a Presidential inauguration This is the oldest known portrait of a U.S. President Nikon Cautions Buyers As Multiple Fake Nikon D800E Cameras Surface On Online Auction Sites OPPO 48-megapixel smartphone camera module with “10x zoom” goes into full production

Filed Under: news Tagged With: Auction, Nikon, Nikon I, WestLicht

John Aldred: from diyphotography.net

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 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.

« This old Soviet camera cost £4 at a London flea market
This DSLR-sized camera shoots over 21,600fps and costs only $2,500 »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • The “Digitally Analog Polaroid” runs ChatGPT code on a Raspberry Pi
  • My first year with the Mamiya M645 medium format film camera
  • 2023 Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest unveils jaw-dropping winning photos
  • Rare albino giant panda caught on camera in China
  • Astera’s 1,000W output LeoFresnel light uses only 250W of power

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 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.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy