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Nikon's MF SLR system began with the introduction of the Nikon F in 1959. The introduction of this SLR was for Nikon as well as for photography in general, one of the most important events of the twentieth century.
The Nikon F was introduced June of 1959 along with 5 lenses. Three were excellent while only very subjective Nikon loyalists would label the other two (as well as many others of the early retrofocus offerings) as other than abysmal. The 10.5cm f2.5 and the 13.5cm f3.5 were both carry overs from lens designs of the rangefinder series and having been superb examples of that generation, were very credible SLR family members. The early seven element "S" 5cm f2 normal was a brand new formulation (the "S" 5cm f2 rangefinder normal had a rear element position when focused on infinity that would have impinged on Nikon F's mirror...that simply would not do) which was extremely sharp. The 5.8cm F1.4 was expensive and not extremely when compared to concurrent rangefinder offerings. All of Nikon's early wide angle lenses (early retrofocus: focal point of the lens behind the rear element) were early examples of Nikon's learning curve while it was to learn how to feed this new kind of SLR beast.
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