One of the very earliest Nikon F cameras, serial number 6401xxx. It is said that approximately the first 1,000 units produced immediately after production began were not offered for general retail sale, but instead supplied to press organizations and selected professional photographers.

According to Camera Review Classic Camera Special No. 52, the Nikon F purchased by Asahi Camera magazine at the time was serial number 6401096. Since this example carries an even earlier serial number, it is highly likely that it was also supplied through press-related channels, such as to a newspaper company.

Even among the early 640-series Nikon F cameras, this example displays numerous features characteristic of the very earliest production. The body shell has sharply pressed, crisply defined edges. The undersides of both the film advance lever and the diagonally grooved self-timer lever are machined with material removed to reduce weight. The mounting pins for the eye-level finder are triangular rather than semicircular. The NIPPON KOGAKU JAPAN lettering is engraved, while the bottom-plate locking key is stamped JAPAN. The ASA scale is marked in red from 10 to 32 and in white from 50 to 400, among many other details that reveal the original form of the earliest Nikon F.

This camera has seen extremely heavy use, with countless signs of wear, dents, and scratches to the point that the loss of plating is hardly noticeable. Even so, we can only admire the fact that it has continued to maintain its proper function as a camera. It must surely be one of the toughest cameras ever made.

In July 2026, the rewind knob and finder removal mechanism were serviced. Under the previous owner, the camera was also overhauled by a specialist in 2024.

It is truly remarkable that, despite such extensive use, the shutter and mirror still operate with a crisp, satisfying sound. The Iron Man of the camera world!

A genuine body cap with the Onigiri mark is included.