Nikon SLR-type digital cameras

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NASA Spec. Nikon Photomic FTn

(Unknown Specifications)

Nikon F3 Prototypes

F3 prototype, 1974

A tentative a version improved of F2 and first prototype of F3. The Photomic finder has the shutter-priority auto exposure function.

This camera seems to be with automatic exposure to priority diaphragm.
The finder block is special and does not derive from one model existing.
The development of this camera is stopped halfway and finally F3 was produced with a photographic exposure meter integrated in the body contrary to this design.

Button speeds with mode " A ".
The other parts are similar to F2.

F3 prototype, 1977

It is the prototype F3 developed differently in a spirit of the design of Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The mechanism with reference by mirror of the light on the scale of the diaphragms is already present.
The design and feeling are the same as professional Nikon cameras. It is between the F2 pro and more compact FM.
This image of the model shows signs of intensive use, perhaps it was used for reliability test led by Nikon.
To note the concentric button of shutter release to the lever of rearmament with the cavity to shoot by cable like the model F3 in 1980.

Nikon F4 Prototypes

F4 prototype, 1985

Appearance very close to improved F3, but all the parts Re-were developed, Re-manufactured upwards.
Mechanism and operations are very similar to F4 of production.

Although it has an integrated engine, it is more compact than that of F3. None the designer (Giugiaro, or of the designer of the Nikon house) was implied in this design, and the engineering and design department made the external design itself.
Outside and the matters used are very similar to those of F2.
Some small dials of control and buttons appear on the pentagonal prism.
That does not appear very practical and comfortable with size for a real use.

F4 prototype, 1988

It is identical to the commercial version of F4- with the exception of the color of the body of the case. The gray color suggested by Giugiaro was to reinforce the " concept of camera completion new ".
The panel of the back is covered with a surface of the rubber type rough, which is also a proposal of industrial Italian designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Nikomat Prototype

Nikomat prototype, 1964

This prototype of the Nikomat shows a body mounted CdS meter which was scrapped in favor of a TTL meter on the Nikomat FT.
Nikon made changes to the cameras body, prism, and metering system to allow for a TTL CdS meter to be used in what would become the Nikomat FT. These final changes were expedited and completed in less than 5 months for the new cameras release in July 1965. Very early Nikomat FT bodies have a blank circle in the body location where the original body mounted meter would have been, suggesting that some left over parts were used. At the same time as the Nikomat FTs release, an unmetered model called the Nikomat FS was also released.

Others Prototypes

Nikon format 16 mm prototype, 1957

At the end of the 50s, the 16 mm compact market was very popular in Europe. Nikon Inc USA therefore asked Nikon to establish a prototype to compete with the Minox, Gami or Mamya models.
This camera had a 25 mm /4 lens but was developed too late, it was never commercialized.

Nikon SP20 prototype, 1990

This weird prototype is one of those that has given rise to the most speculation.
It is a compact body with a metal finish, active autofocus, 1/4000th of a second, Auto exposure mode and interchangeable lenses.

Although it has no format change mode selector. I think this prototype is an APS-C model, as the 24-80 mm zoom focal length seems to indicate.
This camera has a specific mount, a solution that will not be retained by Nikon, its two APS SLRs retaining the F mount for their IX lenses.

Nikon 6x7 format prototype, 1966

This prototype of Nikon medium format was never commercialized.
Nikon manufactured medium format lenses from the 1960s for Bronica and Plaubel and manufactured LF lenses until the 1990s but never propose medium format camera body.

Credit:

Information above on the several rare models and of Nikon collection is due to the efforts, and the generosity of Nikomat Club in Japan. and the site of Leefoo .