Nikon closes book on six decades of SLR camera history

Nikon F and digital successors found fans from pros to families

20220712 Nikon F

The Nikon F, released in 1959, was noted for its pyramid-shaped viewfinder. (Photo courtesy of Nikon)

TSUYOSHI TAMEHIRO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Upon its launch in 1959, Nikon declared the Nikon F the "ultimate" single-lens reflex camera, able to "meet all photography needs in a single device."

Though it was not the first of its kind -- Asahi Optical came out with Japan's first 35 mm SLR model in 1952 -- the Nikon F's durability and cutting-edge capabilities made the brand a byword for quality for professional photographers and made SLR the technology of choice for many years.

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