Nippon Kogaku/Nikon/Nikkor S

$2,830.00

Appears to be a very odd late "S" body prototype with an approximate 24mm by 37.3mm film opening coupled with an approximate 42mm film feed. This results in a body that makes fewer than 36 exposures on a standard 36 exposure roll rather than the 40 or so that are normally achieved with an "S". Body is in very nice lightly used but not perfect condition as shown. Viewfinder/rangefinder is clear bright and contrasty.

The "S" Body Chrome

Pic

Grade

Price

Description

12 Photos

$1,399.00

Very early post occupation "S". in relatively pristine condition. One of the first 1000 S's with many of the mechanical trappings of M's. Deep bright chrome plate. More obviously custom "TABBED" fitted back. (Cannot fit later bodies.) Stamping on closure knob "MADE IN JAPAN" and not "JAPAN". Very similar to later "M" bodies.

Viewfinder is very bright and contrasty. Mechanics are extremely smooth.

This camera body evidences only the lightest of use.

SOLD

10 Photos

$790.00

Extremely nice condition. Perfect brilliant viewfinder/rangefinder. Has very recently been completely overhauled and service to factory spec condition (CLA'd) by our lab which has over 40 years of experience with Nikons. Shutter speeds and all mechanics perfect.

NOT FOR SALE

9 Photos

$590.00

Early 609XXXX body. Brilliant, bright and high contrast rangefinder/viewfinder. Unusual high 9 count serial number: 6099199. One of the very first 9200 manufactured. Works perfectly and has almost no internal evidence of wear from use. Body does evidence shiny streaks and external mark evidence of use but internals are that of a pristine or almost unused body. And, yes, as the seventh illustrative picture shows, the serial number on the back is identical to that on the body.

11 Photos

$899.00

Later model in relatively superb condition. Externals exhibit only light wear. Internal mechanics reveal only a minimal roll count. Viewfinder/rangefinder is very bright and contrasty. Body has been completely CLA'd and both shutter curtains have been replaced.

10 Photos

$685.00

Positively beautiful condition as shown but does have a cleanly executed identification engraving on the SN matched base; OW would have been graded higher.
Brilliant/perfect viewfinder/rangefinder. Evidences only light use over its life. Perfect shutter speeds. Has been completely CLA'd by our lab. Internals evidence only the lightest wear. This camera body has seen only a very few rolls of film in its very long life.

15 Photos

$699.50

Superb perfect operation. Brilliant contrasty viewfinder/rangefinder. Completely CLA'd by our 40+ year experienced photo-metrology lab. Brand new shutter curtains. Very light wear evidenced internally.

With the exception of some scratches, bumps, paint wear and tripod related abrasion as illustrated; camera body is extremelyy clean and exhibits only the very lightest use and wear.

10 Photos

$600.00

Appearance reveals past use and body operates perfectly and entirely within factory specifications. Has been completely CLA'd. Bright clean perfect viewfinder/rangefinder.
Shows use but is in very nice physical condition for a camera body of this vintage as shown.

NOT FOR SALE

9 Photos

$485.50

Completely CLA'd. Shutter speeds and body mechanics perfect. Brilliant viewfinder/rangefinder. Reasonable condition as shown in pictures. Camera has been downgraded for inscribed ID number and deteriorated covering, both shown in rear view. A relative bargain as it works perfectly and is not at all mechanically worn.

NOT FOR SALE

Description
Specifications

The Nikon S

Introduced at the very beginning of 1951 (about nine months prior to end of the US occupation and hence the end of "MIOJ" production) the "S" was simply an extension of the very last version of the "M" body. Like the later "M" it had a 24mm by 34mm focal plane shutter film opening; combined viewfinder/rangefinder window; two sets of flash sync/trigger contacts on the front and rear left corners of the upper body (set on front is for shutter speeds 1/30 to 1/500 and flashbulbs); Built in Factory aligned take up spool; two piece back/bottom lock mechanism; to name a few of the features in common with the later "M" bodies. However the "S" was nothing more than an extension of production of the "M" with a different name designation.

A word about serial numbers. The very first "S" bodies had SN's with "609" as the leading digits and a four digit sequence number following. after the 9999 mark was exceeded (in all approximately over 30,000 were produced.) For about 1215 units in excess of the first 10,000 SN's employed, Nikon briefly produced 8 digit SN "S" bodies. For example, the "S" SN 60911111 does exist. This only went up for a very short while until the people who made decisions at Nippon Kogaku decided to include the 1st and 2nd digits after the "6" in the number sequence scheme and 610XXXX followed by 611XXXX followed by 612XXXX eventually occurred prior to the S-2 series.

Type of Lens (mount[s])	Nikon Rangefinder Bayonet
Self Timer	No
Metering Type	None
Focusing System/Method (Camera)	Manual
Camera Format Type	24X34mm
Exposure Control Modes	Fully Manual
Shutter Speed Range	1 to 1/500
Viewfinder Information	None
Weight	1lb 6oz (630gm)
Multiple Exposure Capability	Yes
Color Scheme(s)	Black Painted Black and Chrome
Dimensions	5.7in(145mm)W X 3.1in(79mm)H X 1.7in(44mm)D
Type of Battery/Cell	None
Shutter Technology	Mechanical Horizontal Travel Fabric Behind The Lens/Focal Plane Shutter
Flash Connection	Proprietary Connector
Date/Event of introduction	January 1951
Serial Number Onset Data	6094000 (approximately)
Date of Final Production or Date of Withdrawal	January 1955
Type of Camera	Rangefinder (mechanical)
FP Shutter Travel Time (X Sync Speed)	1/30 (24ms actual travel time)
Motor Drive Capability	None

New in box with warranty papers as it came from the dealer

Indistinguishable from new but no box or no papers or both

Very close to new condition with only subtle signs of use or handling.

Extremely nice condition but does show some handling and use but no hard use whatsoever.

Excellent condition but shows some wear and use.

Perfectly Excellent operating condition but cosmetics leave something to be desired.

Usable but has mechanical, optical and cosmetic issues as indicated in individual descriptions

Issues as indicated in individual descriptions

Very significant conditions as indicated in individual descriptions. The lower end of this range is basically a paperweight that looks something like it might once have taken some pictures.

ID: {inv_id} - "S" Body Prototype : {inv_pic_name}