Last of 6FB: Nikon S
- hometecheasy
- Jan 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7
The term "Nikon S rangefinder" refers to a series of legendary 35mm rangefinder cameras produced by Nippon Kogaku K.K. (Nikon's original name) from the late 1940s through the early 1960s. These cameras were instrumental in establishing Nikon's reputation for high-quality optics and precision engineering, rivaling the likes of Leica and Contax.
Here's a breakdown of the Nikon S rangefinder system:
1. The "S" Series Lineage:
The "S" series is the most well-known and commercially successful line of Nikon rangefinders, evolving from their very first camera, the Nikon I.
Nikon I (1948): Nikon's first 35mm camera, notable for its non-standard 24x32mm "Nikon format" film frame. It lacked flash sync.
Nikon M (1950): An evolution of the Nikon I, with a slightly larger 24x34mm frame. Later versions of the M (often called "M Synchro") added flash synchronization.
Nikon S (1951): The first Nikon rangefinder to be officially imported into the US. It essentially enhanced the M with built-in flash synchronization. It still used the 24x34mm format.
There were different versions of the story concerning the transition from Nikon M to Nikon S:
1. As long as the Serial No was started as M, it was considered as Nikon M, thus the Serial No ended on the last unit of M (at around M6094000), or
2. Production of Nikon M stopped on Dec 1951 and production of Nikon S began on Jan 1952, as soon as the flash sync were added on the camera, starting from (around) M6092400.
2. Nikon S-Mount:
All Nikon S-series rangefinders use the Nikon S-mount, which is a dual bayonet mount system:
Inner Bayonet: Primarily for 50mm normal lenses. These lenses have a built-in focusing helicoid in the camera body, making the lenses themselves very compact. Focusing is done via a small focusing wheel on the camera body or by rotating the lens barrel.
Outer Bayonet: For wide-angle and telephoto lenses. These lenses have their own focusing helicoid built into the lens barrel, similar to SLR lenses.
Important Compatibility Note: The Nikon S-mount is mechanically based on the pre-war Contax rangefinder mount. While wide-angle lenses are often cross-compatible between Nikon S-mount and Contax cameras, 50mm and longer lenses are generally NOT reliably interchangeable due to slight differences in flange focal distance and focusing helicoid travel. Using incompatible lenses can lead to focusing errors, especially at closer distances or infinity.
3. Key Features of the Nikon S-Series:
Robust Mechanical Construction: Known for their durable, high-precision metal bodies and smooth operation.
Excellent Nikkor Lenses: Nikon built its initial reputation on the superb quality of its Nikkor lenses, which were often considered on par with, or even superior to, their German counterparts. The system offered a wide range of focal lengths, from ultra-wide to long telephoto (though longer telephotos often required a reflex housing).
Bright Viewfinders: Particularly the S2 and SP offered very bright and clear viewfinders. The SP's universal viewfinder was a major innovation for its time.
Horizontal Cloth Focal Plane Shutter: Reliable and relatively quiet, with speeds typically up to 1/1000th of a second (S2, SP, S3). Early models had slower top speeds.
Manual Operation: These were fully mechanical cameras, relying on the photographer for all exposure settings. No built-in light meters (though external ones could be attached).
Removable Back: The entire back of the camera slides off for film loading, a design feature that can be a bit quirky for those used to hinged backs.
The 3.5CM f/3.5 lens (now marked as Nippon Kogaku Japan) and a shoe-mounted viewfinder with the matching 3.5cm setting.
4. Legacy and Collectibility:
The Nikon S rangefinders, particularly the S2, SP, and S3, are highly sought after by collectors and users alike. They represent a golden age of mechanical camera manufacturing and are capable of producing excellent results. Their historical significance, coupled with their beautiful design and solid performance, makes them valuable pieces of photographic history.
Reference
Nikon Rangefinder Camera - An Illustrated History of the Nikon Rangefinder Cameras, Lenses and Accessories by Robert Rotoloni
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