Nikon F

35mmSLRMount: Nikon F
Introduced: 1959
Nikon F
Image: Dnalor 01 — CC BY-SA 3.0

Nikon F is the founding Nikon professional SLR — introduced 1959, in production through 1973. The F established the F-mount bayonet that has remained Nikon's lens mount in continuous production for 65+ years (with successive AI / AI-S / AF / AF-D / G refinements). The Nikon F was the first 35mm camera to combine professional-grade interchangeable lenses, interchangeable viewfinders, and motor-drive capability into a single body — establishing the modern professional SLR template that Canon F-1, Pentax LX, and Olympus OM-1 would later refine.

Key features

  • F-mount bayonet — the founding Nikon lens mount; non-AI-only on original F bodies (AI conversion possible)
  • Mechanical horizontal cloth shutter — 1s to 1/1000 plus B
  • Interchangeable viewfinders — eye-level prism, waist-level (DW-1), action finder (DA-1), Photomic metering prisms (TN, FTN, T)
  • Mechanical battery-independent operation — works without batteries (meter requires battery)
  • Robust pro construction — brass top plate, steel chassis; many F bodies still functional in 2026

Practical notes

  • Nikon F bodies are abundant on the used market — typical $200-400 for a working body
  • The original Photomic FTN finder is the most common variant; pre-AI-only meter coupling
  • Compatible with virtually all manual-focus F-mount lenses; AF lenses work as manual-focus only
  • Mirror lockup available; long-exposure work is easy

Related cameras

  • Nikon F2 — direct successor; refined mechanical SLR
  • Nikon F3 — electronic successor with LCD finder
  • Nikon F6 — last 35mm Nikon F-series body
  • Canon F-1 — Canon's competing professional 35mm

Native lenses