Photography

Third camera off Nikon production line up for auction

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The serial number of this Nikon One rangefinder is 60924, signifying that it was third off the production line
Photomuseum WestLicht
The serial number of this Nikon One rangefinder is 60924, signifying that it was third off the production line
Photomuseum WestLicht
The Nikon One rangefinder camera comes with its original Nikkor-H 2/5cm lens
Photomuseum WestLicht
The Nikon One rangefinder was released in Japan in 1948
Photomuseum WestLicht
The Nikon One is the first Nippon Kogako KK product to proudly display the name Nikon
Photomuseum WestLicht
The Nikon One rangefinder was inspired by German cameras of the day and used a 24 x 32 mm frame size
Photomuseum WestLicht
"Made In Occupied Japan" is engraved in large capital letters on the baseplate
Photomuseum WestLicht
The interior of the Nikon One features a single pair of guide rails, with removable take-up spool
Photomuseum WestLicht
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In the mid-1940s, optical products maker Nippon Kogako KK decided to make a camera of its own. Though designed and prototyped in 1946, the 35 mm interchangeable lens rangefinder didn't go into production until early 1948. The release signaled a new direction for the company, and introduced a new name – Nikon. Next month, what's billed as the earliest known surviving production Nikon in the world will go for auction in Europe.

From 1917 to just after World War II, Tokyo-based Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Kabushikigaisha manufactured a vast catalog of optical products, including microscopes, telescopes, survey equipment and photographic lenses. During WW2, the company focused on optics for the Japanese military, but a post-war company reorganization resulted in a severe downsizing and a return to the manufacture of fine civilian optical products. In September 1946, the design for the firm's first camera was approved.

Now known as the Nikon One, the rangefinder was inspired by German cameras of the day. The camera didn't have a flash sync and came with either a 50 mm F3.5 or F2.0 Nikkor lens. It used a 24 x 32 mm frame size pioneered by Chiyoda Kogaku's 1947 Minolta 35 camera. The so-called Nippon format allowed for more exposures per standard length of photographic film, and was more inline with most used photo paper sizes.

The model being offered for sale is reported to be the third camera off the Nikon production line, with serial number 60924. From the Tad Sato collection, it's said to be in excellent condition and comes with its original shutter, original Nikkor-H 2/5cm interchangeable lens, and double strap case. "Made In Occupied Japan" is engraved in large capital letters on the baseplate.

The Nikon One is due to go under the hammer on November 19 for a starting price of €90,000 (about US$98,000), with an estimated sale price of €160,000 to €180,000.

Source: WestLicht Photographica Auction

View gallery - 7 images
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2 comments
P51d007
99% of people wouldn't have a clue how to use one of these. With all of the automation, photography, as opposed to taking pictures, have somewhat become a lost art. I started taking photos in my teens, in the mid 70's, grew up taking photos the old fashion way. Setting the ISO film speed, metering, f/stop, shutter speed. I have had a digital SLR for almost 7 years. I never use the automatic modes. It's just as easy for me to set everything manually, plus, sometimes I will bracket shoot, or want a certain effect that you can't get using the auto mode.
WeeLiam
Hmmm. Am I you?
Seriously, I was a few years ahead of you, but otherwise the story is the same. My first 35mm was something from Sears-Roebuck and I don't remember what it was called, of course.
Then I excitedly graduated to a Miranda 35mm SLR. I sold my digital SLR and lenses early this summer and now work almost exclusively with my iPhone. My "medium format" camera is an iPad Mini!