The Nikon S
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
New in box with warranty papers as it came from the dealer
Like New
Indistinguishable from new but no box or no papers or both
Like New Minus
Very close to new condition with only subtle signs of use or handling.
Excellent Plus Plus
Extremely nice condition but does show some handling and use but no hard use whatsoever.
Excellent Plus
Excellent condition but shows some wear and use.
Excellent
Perfectly Excellent operating condition but cosmetics leave something to be desired.
Good Condition
Usable but has mechanical, optical and cosmetic issues as indicated in individual descriptions
Fair Condition
Issues as indicated in individual descriptions
Ugly Condition
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.
Under Evaluation Process; Not Yet Offered For Sale