Nikon F2 Serial Numbers and Production Dates The Nikon F2 camera was produced between autumn 1971 and January 1980. The first serial number was 7100001 and upon the literature the last serial number was in the 806xxxx range. The Nikon F camera was produced between March 1959 and October 1973. The very first serial number was 6400001 and upon Japanese publications the last serial number was 7451052 (Peter Braczko, Nikon Pocket Book, July 1994, page 4-7: «The last serial numbers of the Nikon F production are 7451048 in chrome and 7451052 in black finish.»). For regular F3 bodies, serial numbers up through 189xxxx are from between 1980 and 1989. 19xxxxx is 1990s, with the 20xxxxx serial range being 2000-04ish. The F4 has a formula that is listed on the old Nikon F4 FAQ site, which has been archived, since the site owner shut it down. The formula isn't as accurate as the F3 method. Simply glance at the serial number and look for a “secret code.” Photographer Paul Eichengrun writes that Nikon physically marks every piece of equipment that it refurbishes. Possibly the most important part is the serial numbers, which are NOT available elsewhere - please send me: Serial number. Date purchased new - this helps me to date other similar cameras. Where the camera was bought - some cameras have regional serial numbers. The color - some number series may also be color dependant.
- Nikon Fe Serial Number Manufacture Date
- Nikon Fm Serial Number Manufacture Date
- Nikon F3 Serial Number Manufacture Date
- Nikon Serial Number Manufacture Date Lookup
- Nikon D800 Serial Number Manufacture Date
- Nikon F3 Serial Number Production Date
Nikon FM/FE/FA(main technical specifications of all cameras in this chapter in a matrix) Mid 1977 Nikon introduced the successor of the Nikomat/Nikkormat series: the first Nikon compact reflex camera, the Nikon FM. It is a full mechanical, all metal single lens reflex camera with fixed prism, but with built-in exposure meter, shutter speeds from 1 - 1/1000 sec. + flash sync. of 1/125 sec. The shutter is the newly developed Copal CCS-M shutter. The bayonet mount has the new locking tab for the AI-lenses, but it can be lifted for the use of all earlier lenses, except some fisheye-lenses, as the mirror can´t be locked up. This camera is still a ´wanted´ camera, because of its durability and versatility. Serial numbers of the Nikon FM started at 2100001. One year later (April 1978) an automatic version was presented, the Nikon FE. This camera has the same features plus an aperture-priority program. The electronic shutter runs from 8 - 1/1000 sec. The very first version of the FM differs a bit from later versions and the FE: the ribbed collar around the shutter release button can be rotated to lock the shutter. Later versions have a plane collar; when the film advance lever is in its closed position the shutter is locked. Serial numbers of the Nikon FE started at 3000001. Mechanical Nikon FM (in front) and electronic Nikon FE Black Nikon FM (first version) with contemporary Nikkor 1.2/55 mm. The back of a heavily used Nikon FE explains the different metals that were used. Left on top the ISO selector and exposure compensation selector. Below these selectors the battery check. At right on top the shutter speed selector with M90 and B as the only mechanical speeds. All other speeds need electric power. On the right side of the film winding lever the double exposure button. The success of both cameras made Nikon Corporation to improve both cameras and to introduce a more sophisticated version in March 1982: the award winning Nikon FM2, followed one year later with its electronic sister, the Nikon FE2 (see below). Serial numbers of the Nikon FM2 started at 7000001, the Nikon FE2 started at 2000001. Both cameras have a very fast shutter, running from 1 - 1/4000 sec. In those days a world record! In fact Nikon engineers were trying to increase the flash sync of the camera, which they did (1/200 sec., later 1/250 sec.); as a coincidence the top speed was increased as well.! The Nikon FM2 received some modifications in March 1984; known as the New Nikon FM-2 or Nikon FM-2n. The flash sync (1/250 sec. in red on the dial) was increased and the serial number was preceded by an N. In October 1989 the Nikon FM-2 received aluminum shutter curtains. The FM2 has got another sister in December 1993: the Nikon FM2/T. A ´normal´ FM2 but with its top and bottom made of a titanium alloy. Many publicists make us believe that the camera back is made of titanium as well, but that´s not true. Early this century, after nearly 20 years of production, the Nikon FM2 (and the FE2) was succeeded in July 2001 by a (technically) combination of the Nikon FM2 and Nikon FE2, the Nikon FM3a. This camera has all features of the Nikon FM2 + FE2. It has a hybrid shutter: mechanical speeds from 8 - 1/4000 sec., but if set on 'A' it becomes a electronic camera with aperture priority program. It is a pity that Nikon didn´t give the Nikon FM2/FE2/FM3a the folding AI-locking tab. This would have made these cameras the most versatile Nikon cameras ever. From left: Nikon FM2/T, Nikon FM2 & Nikon FM3a All cameras could be ordered in a chrome or black outfit. And all cameras can be fitted with either the MD-11 or MD-12 motor drive, giving them a top speed of 3.5 fps. The MD-12 is to be preferred as the MD-11 runs down the battery in the camera when the on/off switch of the motor drive isn´t set to ´off´. The exposure meter in the camera is fed by that small battery in the bottom of each camera. The batteries in the motor drives do not feed the exposure meter! Note: When using a MD-11 or MD-12 with a Nikon FM the ring around the shutter release button of the camera should be placed at the red mark. The Nikon FM and Nikon FE may be used with a data back: Nikon MF-12, the Nikon FM2/FE2/FM3a/FA takes the Nikon MF-16. Nikon Corporation made several commemorative cameras like the Nikon FA Gold, Nikon F5 Anniversary etc. In 1994 a limited number of Nikon FM/T Year of the Dog cameras were marketed. They are identical to the regular Nikon FM/T save the engraving on the front of the head of a Japanese Chen-ten dog. Serial numbers are known from 9400001 - 9400300. In the year 2000, which was the Chinese Year of the Dragon Nikon produced a limited series of 2000 (regular) Nikon FM2 with a symbol on its front. Each camera came with a (regular) Nikkor 1.4/50 mm. having the same serial number (xxxx/2000) as the camera body. A (nowadays very rare) Nikon FEA was made during the late 1970's for National Geographic's photographers. It has a non-exchangeable sports finder for better viewing when wearing a helmet etc. Less than a hundred were made and thus sought after. On the back FEA + serial number (#5xxxxx) is engraved. Nikon FM10 / FE10Many Nikon FM/FE/2 users became enthusiast when Nikon announced the Nikon FM10 in 1995. But what a disappointment when they found out that this camera (and the 2 years later introduced FE10) turned out to be a plastic and slimmed down copy - build for Nikon by Cosina - of the successful series. The cameras were initially meant for the poorer parts of our globe. In Europe these cameras weren´t even for sale. The Europeans may be lucky as the two cameras don´t deserve the name ´Nikon´ on top of them. Of course people with a low/no budget deserve a Nikon camera, but an all-metal durable upgrade of the Nikon FM would have been a more appropriate offer. Never do this again Nikon Corporation! Nikon FAIn September 1983 a very sophisticated camera (for those days), related to the FM/FE-series was introduced: the Nikon FA. It is the world´s first camera with multi-pattern metering (AMP), enabling to choose from P (Program), A (Aperture priority), S (Shutter priority) and M (Manual). LCD-window in the viewfinder, flash sync of 1/250 sec., exchangeable viewfinder screens and many more. The MD-11 and MD-12 can be fitted as well, although Nikon developed a special motor drive MD-15, which feeds the battery inside the camera too. This Nikon FA was the start of Nikon´s success with cameras with automatic exposure programs. Even the professional Nikon F4 has borrowed some features from this camera. A pity that this camera hasn´t received a great attention in the world of professional photography. Serial numbers of the Nikon FA started at 5000001. For all cameras mentioned above 2 data backs (MF-12 & MF-16) could be ordered. The MF-12 can be fitted on all cameras, but it only works if connected via a cable to the flash contact on the camera´s front. The MF-16 doesn´t need that cable. Both have a built-in clock (running up to the year 2100). |
Modern Classic SLRs Series : |
On the positive side: With so many entry & midrange Nikon models surfaced during the F5 era, Nikon could easily increased a few folds in volume for AF-D lenses to the mass market. What I meant is, the Nikkor lens upgrading occurred during the entire generation of the F5 has MATURED in terms of mass market ownership. So, from now on, Nikon users should expect better things to come in the future - that is, of course, as long as Nikon understands millions of OLD & NEW owners will also form as a backbone for its continued growth in the future.
Lenses plays an important component in any 35mm SLR photographic system and it is also one of the most important element in deciding to choose a particular label to build a system. Nikon knows it and so do others. Few key areas in the Nikon system lead in technology and performance. From now on they need to take full advantage of them by introducing capable camera models to catapult the Company back to drivers seat - instead of letting many Nikon photographers take the second fiddlers role to others ...hehe. |
The picture above simply highlights some of the strange decisions Nikon made at times. I know many Nikon users are complaining by saying that the Nikkor lens line requires a total revamp or streamlining its entire product specification - which to me, is irrelevant to photography. Personally, to summarize impression of Nikon F5 era in a few paragraphs:
It was the first model that has created watershed in how to operate a Nikon camera from now on via a combination of Main/Sub Command Dials and a 5-focus areas selector for autofocus control. | |
It is a BIG and heavy camera but delivers the kind of performance and supreme level of reliability one would expect HOW a Nikon-F would behave. It revolutionizes SLR metering technology with its unique 3D color meter, incorporates an extremely fast & dead accurate autofocusing system. But other than the pros who will definitely appreciate what it has to offer, it was also probably the least appealing professional Nikon F-models for serious amateur photographers with its pricey, inseparable body / power pack unit & a less desirable lens compatibility issue Nikon created. | |
When this site was at its preview stage, a surfer left a remark on the message board, disagreeing what I quoted 'Nikon is Big, if not cumbersome..'. in some ways, he may be right, as the 4-motors design in the F5 + one hell of a complicated electronic circuitry and other mechanical parts which has to screeze inside the rigid protective walls of the camera is no way an easy task for designers .. but I think he may have misunderstood what I intend to convey, as the state of its dimension I was referring was more confined to its overall dimension in its one-piece integrated unit rather than just the camera body itself. As some of you may have also noticed one of the best improvement made to the F5 from its predecessor was actually at the cumbersome hand grip of the F4, the F5 never feels difficult to hold securely in an average-sized palm now (just less than 1/2 inch makes a world of difference in handling) but it has taken a F-generation for Nikon to rectify this area. |
Now the unpopular decision to integrate the power pack is generally referred as another weak point in the F5. The F6 has reverted back to the old design again EXCEPT for another debatable move in removing the interchangeable prism feature... will the next F7 comes back with a removable finder again ? who knows. But seemingly, the success story of Canon EOS-1 series has inspired Nikon to think since the Canon pros can live without one, why should they wasting resources to fabricate so many individual components on viewfinder assembly to the F6 ? |
Next, hasn't anyone of you noticed that modern photography has put way too much emphasis on technologylately ? Technically, modern cameras require sound knowledge in operating a digital device in order to optimize its full features. Perhaps, it has indirectly created a new term of techno-photography because 2/3 of an image making process is via technologies. It handles focusing, exposures, metering and even flash-in perfect exposed images for you ! The thing left for the guy who holds the camera is how to compose a shot and what attracts him to shoot... but to a pro who might have dead lines to meet or must have 'something' to deliver to a fuzzy client, who cares ? |
Well, that sounds terrible.. I know. I don't deny the advantage technology used in a camera, autofocus, which along advanced metering systems for flash and ambient exposure, aided by secondary features like auto-bracketing, built-in custom settings etc.. each of these wonderful features offer a working solution to solve difficult photographic situations. For an instance, just take autofocusing as a point for discussion, one of my friends who happens to be the photo editor of a popular news network sighed and told me once. That throughout his working life as a journalist, autofocusing can easily be the BEST thing ever happened to him. Simply put it has improved his success rate where previously it would have required a little bit of luck than skill to achieve a usable picture for his news publishing.
I could not agree with him more. In fact, it has come to a point that it is almost impossible for anyone to get a badly exposed image anymore. When you relate the simple equation of SHUTTER SPEED + APERTURE = EXPOSURE, you can also notice these were the main areas where all camera manufacturers have centered their development effort on to improve every segment of it during the last 20 years (But strangely, somehow there are less unforgettable images surfaced like the old days where I thought all these lovely technological advances could have made photography more inspiring..and easier to create them). Sad state, indeed.
DON'T pick on me, it is just a rough round up graph for discussion, could missed some important elements. |
Any more room for improvements ? yes. Definitely - but manufacturers also begin to feel the strain in exploring a MAJOR breakthrough in most of these segments as evidenced by the recent (2005) Nikon F6. Which to me, looks more like an upgrade rather than considering it to be an entirely new professional class Nikon. On the other hand, the system road map for digital imaging has PLENTY of room for improvement. This includes starting from the basic format size, resolution (pixels), software conversion, colour management, even including related issues on digital ready Nikkor lenses. Naturally, this is NOT a proprietary problem for Nikon, these issues apply to all the market players. |
Comparing a poor old fashioned photographer in the 80's, all these nice technological advancements in a typical modern day SLR camera are something like a gift from God and to some of us with different age group (a better term for 'old'), photography may never be the same again, where during the old days, you tend to command more rather than living on dependency of technology. Another funny phenomenon arising among the techo-photographers is, minor differences in features could end up in a separation of opinions and thinking that label A is better than B or vice versa. Just remember,ALL those advancements in metering systems and exposure control have evolved from the basic equation illustrated above and very few people realize the plain truth that such level in improvement made could only be confined to minor difference within an exposure of 1/3 stop ! To the open minded, it is something of which can be easily resolved by the modern day wide latitude of various film types or by a simple click of a mouse to manipulate during desktop publishing or even using the auto-bracketing to buy insurance for the exposures. Currently, the most advance autofocusing tracking rate currently employed among top performing SLRs has a differential rate of 2 fps (frames per second) on focus tracking. Between the F5 's 8 fps and the F4 (or F90X) so-so performance of 3.4~4.3 fps of 1988/92, burst rate has improved considerably in nearly a fold in performance. For action-based, news reporting or wild life photography, admittedly, it makes tremendous amount of difference in the success rate.
You may not require technology to assist you to take GREAT picture like this..Neither any camera you used is important, Your personal interpretation of what you saw is what matters. |
In fact, development in film transport is reaching a plateau in practical usage where most people are starting to think is this enough or is there any necessity in squeezing another few frames more within a second ? Some may say YES, but the majority will say ENOUGH. Those who answer YES may be are the ones that depend very much on technology to bring them a little luck with the extra frames a camera delivers. Which also indirectly signals, dependency again rules in some segments of modern day photography. Camera manufacturers are also hitching a ride on this human weakness by toying around with possibility of a camera that will do all - except for the anticipation, composition and the eye for spotting something interesting to trip the shutter release button. However, in terms of pure film transport (without AF-tracking), they have only improved the film advance rate by 2 fps for the last 20 years (Nikon F3 peak rate is 6 fps) but the main difference is, now, you don't have to manually anticipate the flow of action, the camera will track and focus for you.
As you can notice, this site seldom uses other systems to mark F5 performance. Seriously, I don't like comparing brands. Each label has its strength and weaknesses. Those players who find it hard to establish a footing in this particular highly competitive pro-market will present its own approach on how to carry on with its growth. Olympus or Pentax may think instead of risking resources to build another complete SLR AF-system to try competing with the established, both have diverted to make excellent, respectfully hot selling film & digital P&S cameras. Between the giants, differences can be quite minute where one can excel in some areas over the others. The rest can be just personal interpretation in what system is good for you. So as long as you have committed to a particular label, just live with what you have invested and utilized what your hard-earned cash has turned into. Those who have already built up a reasonably good system should not waste resources by simply thinking another label could do wonders for your photography.
For an instance, if you think a high performance camera such as fabulous Canon EOS-1v extra 2 fps in AF focusing tracking could mean life & death situation to your profession, why bothers ? just sell all your Nikon gears and switch. Well, at any one time, if you often do high speed bursting of frames in assignments, as all pro-series SLRs may finish a 36-exposures in just 3 sec. while there is no option of 250 exp. Bulk Film Back as alternative anymore, as a modern photographers, you ought to train yourself how to change film roll fast and swift. Essentially, most producers do not emphasize too much on burst rate, adding the fact, it also requires other departments in a camera to improve considerably to deliver maximum level of reliability for extended long professional use. |
Some people have asked me about a NIKON F5 Serial number & Manufacturers date guide. For all those interested, here are the details for the NIKON F5:
Serial/Number Manufacture/DATE
3033XXX LATE 1996
30329XX JUN 1997
30372XX MAY 1997
303XXXX SEP 1997
306XXXX LATE 1997
3102XXX LATE 1998
315XXXX DEC 1999
3134XXX AUG 2000
3167XXX AUG 2001
32111XX MAY 2002
321XXXX AUG 2002
3212XXX NOV 2002
3221XXX MAR 2003
__________________________
As a footnote, the oldest Nikon F5 body in my Nikon system (which I still use as my main tool for expeditions) has a SN of 3119XXX (and still going strong despite being dropped twice on to rocks from a great hight!). The youngest Nikon F5 body that I own (with Action Finder DA-30 and Data Back)has a SN of 3230XXX - one of the very last F5s made during 2004. The F6 came into production in October 2004. -
Info supplied by our friend, GLOBETROTTER <globetrotterworld@hotmail.com>; Website: http://www.myspace.com/globetrotterworld
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|Back| Main Index Page - Nikon F5 Professional SLR camera
As a host, I have nothing to offer you guys, except here are some little souvenirs, Wall Paper(s) for FREE-download:-
The Camera - Background, Issues & Summary
Basic Features | Focusing | Metering Systems | Exposure Control | Reliability Issues | Nikkor lens Compatibility
Prisms/Finders - Index page - 2 parts
Film Backs: Index Page - 1 parts
Focusing Screens - Index Page - 1 part
Flash System - Index Page - 3 parts
System Accessories: | Power Sources | Cases | Remote Control |Miscellaneous
Macro Photography- Related info on Micro-Nikkor lenses
Technical Specification for Nikon F5
Main Reference Map / Nomenclature
Resource Centre: Instruction Manuals
Nikon F5 Camera Body - 18 parts
MF-28 Multi-Function BackHTML - 8 parts
PC Links - Photo Secretary- 2 parts
AF-TTL Speedlights: SB-28/ SB28DX | SB29(s) info | SB30 | SB50DX| SB80DX| SB600 info | SB800
Variants: F5 50th Anniversary Model | Nikon/Kodak DCS-620 | DCS-720 Digital Still SLR camera | NASA-modified Nikon F5
| Back | Index Page of Digital Nikon SLR cameras
| Back |Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLR cameras
| Nikon F|Nikon F2|Nikon F3|Nikon F4|Nikon F5|Nikon F6|Nikkormat / Nikomat|Nikon FM|Nikon FE/ FA|Nikon EM/FG/FG20|Nikon Digital SLRs| Nikon - Other models |
The Eyes of Nikon:-
Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index PageNikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular |Full Frame|Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm |Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm |Standard Lenses - 45mm50mm58mm|Telephoto Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm|Super-Telephoto Lenses -
Index Page | Special Application lenses: Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm85mm -105mm200mmMicro-Zoom 70-180mm Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm35mmPC-Micro 85mm Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm Medical Nikkor: 120mm200mm Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm1000mm2000mm Others: Noct Nikkor| OP-Nikkor| UV Nikkor55mm105mm|Focusing Units| Bellows-Nikkor105mm135mm Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm|E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm |
MFZoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters
Nikon Fe Serial Number Manufacture Date
:TC-1| TC-2 | TC-200|TC-201| TC-300| TC-301|TC-14| TC-14A| TC-14B| TC-14C| TC-14E |Nikon Fm Serial Number Manufacture Date
TC-16| TC-16A| TC-20ENikon F3 Serial Number Manufacture Date
Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
Nikon Serial Number Manufacture Date Lookup
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
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Tony Davies-Patrick, UK; RickOleson, US; KohKho King, Malaysia.
Nikon D800 Serial Number Manufacture Date
Credit:Mr.Our staff, HowKiat® who created the 3D-Nikon F5 logo.Mr. Lew Chee Wai of YL camera for lending his F5 for me to take some shots appeared in this site. All those nice folks who have contributed their images, in particular Mr. Mike Long, Edwin leong, Palmi Einarsson, Sergio Pessolano, Fred Kamphues, Harry Eggens, Curtis Forrester, Nick (Natures Moments), Sandra Bartocha; fellow countrymen, Vincent Thian, Koh Kho King, Philip Chong, CY Leow etc. and contributions from a few nice folks from Photo Malaysia Forum. Disclaimers & acknowledgments: Certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their own work for public publishing in this website, where majority of the extracted information are used basing on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from any possible dispute except rectifying them after verification from respective source. Neither Nikon or its associates has granted any permission(s) in using their public information nor has any interest in the creation of this site. 'Nikon', 'Nikkormat', 'Nippon Kokagu KK' 'Silent Wave', 'Focus Tracking Lock-on', 'Nikkor' & other applicable technical/business terms are registered trade name(s) of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.
Nikon F3 Serial Number Production Date
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