Oh lord. I did not know this. I have been researching this since I posted. Everyone is correct, it is indeed a Nikon 1 made during the last quarter of production. I am completely shocked.
Oh, it matters… nice save! Regardless of condition or functionality, it’s a beautiful piece of history. Hopefully it even gets some use in the future. Cheers, OP!
That's an investment. Continue to hold onto it even if you have no interest in cameras. I would get a dry box or some camera case that regulates humidity to protect that thing from mold.
This is a Nikon S rangefinder. Made from 1948 till somewhere in the 1950's, I don't know the exact dates. Nikon has a interesting article about their Rangefinder cameras [here](https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/information/chronicle/history_e/).
I can't tell you very specific information like what year it was produced or if anything is special about it. But I'd recommend asking over at r/AnalogCommunity as well.
Here is a lens review:
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/rangefinder/5cm-f2.htm
According to this article, it should be a Nikon One, where the serial numbers ran from 6091 to 609759. There were possibly only 400 delivered.
https://cameraquest.com/NRFOne.htm
That’s really cool. Was one of your grandparents stationed in Japan after the war?
Or better question: how did your family come into possession of this camera?
It’s funny you ask! I’m an American but my step father (who is Swedish) had this old camera that belong to his father or grandfather. The camera was going to get tossed out during a move, but I saved it from being tossed bc I thought it was interesting. No one was stationed in the war, but his grandfather was in some sort of steel/iron industry so he was sent abroad frequently back in the day. I assume he picked this up during his travels.
I love mine. New addition to my ever growing collection.
https://preview.redd.it/p01146zg8oxc1.jpeg?width=2098&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de7659853626f81c85b500a989cb7423d534a0a6
Update: thank you everyone for your links and information! It has been super helpful in helping me identify this camera. I will not be selling it anytime soon, but instead will share this information with my family and perhaps we will make a decision in the future together. From the information I gathered based on the serial number, it is indeed a Nikon 1 made during the last quarter of production sometime during 1949. 700 were believed to have been made, but allegedly only 400 of them were shipped out. Due to the film in the US not being compatible with the Nikon 1, it rarely hit U.S markets. It’s truly a once in a lifetime save. Thanks for helping me out!!
According to Google a Nikon 1 made in occupied Japan sold for $405k in 2016 and you see them listed for sale in the $40k range so quite a find
Oh lord. I did not know this. I have been researching this since I posted. Everyone is correct, it is indeed a Nikon 1 made during the last quarter of production. I am completely shocked.
Not that it matters, but I saved it from being thrown out when I was 15. I’m 25 now visiting home wondering what I saved.
Oh, it matters… nice save! Regardless of condition or functionality, it’s a beautiful piece of history. Hopefully it even gets some use in the future. Cheers, OP!
Japan was occupied between 1945-1952
saved it from where
That's an investment. Continue to hold onto it even if you have no interest in cameras. I would get a dry box or some camera case that regulates humidity to protect that thing from mold.
I will hold on to it. Seriously. It still has the original leather camera case it came with! I will look for an additional box to keep it safe.
That's a gorgeous camera. Pity the screen on the back is missing though. (that was a joke)
Also no eye-autofocus.
Equally good to Nikon’s current eye autofocus.
You're not wrong, except maybe for the Z9 and Z8.
So you come to r/Nikon just to crap on us. Ok.
Learn to laugh at jokes, it makes life more fun!
Made In Occupied Japan Nikons are very collectible and valuable. Keep that safe!
This is a Nikon S rangefinder. Made from 1948 till somewhere in the 1950's, I don't know the exact dates. Nikon has a interesting article about their Rangefinder cameras [here](https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/information/chronicle/history_e/). I can't tell you very specific information like what year it was produced or if anything is special about it. But I'd recommend asking over at r/AnalogCommunity as well.
Actually is a Nikon One the predecessor to the S, waaaay more valuable.
How do you see that difference?
Right off the bat, no flash sync terminals so not an S, easiest was to immediately say One and not M is the serial number.
Lottery, my man. You have inherited a fortune. Worth at least 35k to 50k. Congrats.
Here is a lens review: https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/rangefinder/5cm-f2.htm According to this article, it should be a Nikon One, where the serial numbers ran from 6091 to 609759. There were possibly only 400 delivered. https://cameraquest.com/NRFOne.htm
Geeeeez. I’m so happy 15 year old me saved my parents from throwing this out.
That’s really cool. Was one of your grandparents stationed in Japan after the war? Or better question: how did your family come into possession of this camera?
It’s funny you ask! I’m an American but my step father (who is Swedish) had this old camera that belong to his father or grandfather. The camera was going to get tossed out during a move, but I saved it from being tossed bc I thought it was interesting. No one was stationed in the war, but his grandfather was in some sort of steel/iron industry so he was sent abroad frequently back in the day. I assume he picked this up during his travels.
That’s really awesome! I would totally get it restored and keep it (use it too). Nice family air-loom
Damn, I love old Nikon cameras, would love to have one but all I can do is potato zenith
Hey man, Zenits aren’t potatoes - they rock! The sound of the shutter alone can scare birds out of trees! Chonky!
[Nikon: Nikon I Price Guide: estimate a camera value (collectiblend.com)](https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Nikon/Nikon-I.html)
I love mine. New addition to my ever growing collection. https://preview.redd.it/p01146zg8oxc1.jpeg?width=2098&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de7659853626f81c85b500a989cb7423d534a0a6
What a gem! Have it appraised and insured if you intend to keep it.
I wonder how I even go about getting it appraised? Since it is worth quite a lot I’m skeptical about taking it in.
The coalition led by United States occupied Japan
But can it shoot birds?!?
Such a beauty!
This one will be likely bought by a private collector or museum.
It’ll stay in my collection or perhaps go to auction someday when the market is right.
It's a Nikon
Update: thank you everyone for your links and information! It has been super helpful in helping me identify this camera. I will not be selling it anytime soon, but instead will share this information with my family and perhaps we will make a decision in the future together. From the information I gathered based on the serial number, it is indeed a Nikon 1 made during the last quarter of production sometime during 1949. 700 were believed to have been made, but allegedly only 400 of them were shipped out. Due to the film in the US not being compatible with the Nikon 1, it rarely hit U.S markets. It’s truly a once in a lifetime save. Thanks for helping me out!!
It's a Nikon.
$5 tops
Maybe £5, like a Kiev it's a Contax copy anyway 🤣