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Nikon SP
View on WikipediaNikon SP chrome with matching Nikon exposure meter and NIKKOR-S 1:1,4 f=5cm lens | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Nikon |
| Type | 35 mm rangefinder camera |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Nikon 'S' bayonet mount |
| Lens | interchangeable lens |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Film format | 35 mm |
| Film size | 36 mm × 24 mm |
| Film advance | manual |
| Film rewind | manual |
| Focusing | |
| Focus modes | Split and superposed-image rangefinder |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure modes | Manual (M), and Bulb (B) |
| Exposure metering | no integrated meter |
| Flash | |
| Flash | PC Sync |
| Flash synchronization | 1/60 s |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter | mechanically timed |
| Shutter speed range | 1 s to 1/1000 s with Bulb and 1/60 s flash-sync |
| Continuous shooting | 1 FPS manual wind, 3 FPS S-36 motordrive |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder | Dual brightline and etched frame viewfinder |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1x |
| General | |
| Optional motor drives | S-36 motordrive |
| Dimensions | 136 mm (w) × 81 mm (h) × 43 mm (d) |
| Weight | 590 g (21 oz) (1.30 lb) |
| Made in | Japan |
The Nikon SP is a professional level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, rangefinder camera introduced in 1957. It is the culmination of Nikon's rangefinder development which started in 1948 with the Nikon I, and was "arguably the most advanced rangefinder of its time."[1] It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. (Nikon Corporation since 1988).[2] Three other lower featured rangefinder models were subsequently produced on the SP frame, and production continued into the 1960s, but further development of Nikon's professional rangefinders ended with the introduction and success of the single lens reflex Nikon F in 1959.
In 2005, 2,500 models of a reproduction model were manufactured under the name of "Nikon SP Limited Edition". The camera was exclusively sold in Japan and came with a (modern multi-coated) W-Nikkor 3.5 cm f/1.8 lens.[3]
Features
[edit]The Nikon SP has dual viewfinders providing frame lines for a total of six focal lengths. The main viewfinder has 1x magnification and has frame lines for 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm and 135 mm (selected by rotating a dial under the rewind crank). The frames are parallax-corrected and the focusing patch appears in the centre of the viewfinder. A separate, smaller viewfinder (less than life size) to the left of the main viewfinder has non-parallax corrected frame lines for 35 mm. The entire window acts as a frame for 28 mm lenses.
The camera uses Nikon's 'S' bayonet lens mount which is a modified Contax 'C' bayonet and Contax 'C' lenses are physically compatible but do not accurately focus with the built-in rangefinder. In common with Contax, a small toothed wheel in front of the shutter release is used to focus lenses that use the internal bayonet.
The camera does not have a flash sync on its hot shoe. Instead a pc sync socket is provided. The shutter on early models is a horizontally running mechanically timed rubberized silk fabric curtain. In 1959 the shutter curtain was changed to titanium similar to the Nikon F.
The camera will advance film at a rate of 3 FPS with an added S-36 motor drive. This made the SP the first rangefinder to have motorized film advance.[4]
The Nikon F SLR of 1959 has many structural similarities to the SP from which it evolved[5] with the addition of a reflex mirror and interchangeable pentaprism viewfinder.
SP Limited Edition (2005)
[edit]In 2001, following the success of the Nikon S3 reproduction to commemorate the Year 2000, Nikon began work on a limited-edition reproduction of the SP camera. Owing to the nearly 50-year time lapse between the release of the original SP in 1957 and the planned release of the reproduction in 2005, many of the original manufacturing methods and assembly lines had been lost and needed to be reconstituted. Nikon engineers started by purchasing two secondhand copies of the original SP to dissemble and study. The complexity of the dual viewfinder, with a 1:1 magnification main finder encompassing parallax-corrected 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm frame lines next to an auxiliary wide finder with uncorrected 28mm and 35mm frame lines, was particularly difficult to reproduce. Nikon cites that the reproduction SP's viewfinder assembly with its 28 internal lens elements took ten times as much assembly time as the Nikon FM3A camera, which was itself a fairly sophisticated electro-mechanical single-lens reflex camera.[6]
Orders for the SP Limited Edition, which was only available in painted black, were open only to Japanese customers from January 14, 2005, through June 30, 2005, with first shipments arriving in March 2005. The camera retailed for 690,000 JPY before tax (approximately US$6,228 in June 2005) and only 2,500 sequentially serialized copies were produced. Each camera was paired with a modern reproduction of the W-Nikkor-C 3.5 cm f/1.8 lens in matching black paint, with a matching serial number.
Given the relatively exorbitant price, rarity, and vintage mechanical nature of the camera, at a time when most photographers had migrated to DSLR cameras with auto-focus and auto-exposure capability, many of the purchased copies were left unused in their boxes as collector's items. As a result, it is possible as of 2025 to purchase a full kit with the reproduction camera, matched lens, and all the original packaging from various secondhand camera stores in Japan.
The 2005 reproduction has several material changes compared to the original; some are listed here:
- Focusing scale updated from meters to meters and feet
- Film speed reminder dial changed from ASA units to ISO
- Lens cap changed to aluminum, and strap lugs changed to steel
- Lens optical formula modified to eliminate use of radioactive lanthanum
- Lens coatings updated to more modern formulas for less flaring and better contrast
Specifications
[edit]- Shutter: Horizontal running rubberized silk fabric curtain type focal plain shutter
- Shutter speeds: T, B and 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000 seconds (regular interval graduation)
- Range marker: M inscription (XXINF – 0.9)
- Self-timer: Connect time variable system (the graduation of 3, 6 and 10 seconds it is attached)
- Pc socket: Time lag variable system, it aligns the synchronizer socket attachment and the speed light/write in 1/60 seconds less than
- Finder: Rangefinder type fixed 1x magnification finder (wide angle finder for 28 mm and 35 mm finder)
- Framelines: Auxiliary window: 28 mm, 35 mm; Main window (parallax corrected): 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm and 135 mm
- Film wind: Hand operated lever system, 136 degree revolution (multiple winds possible), with 15 degree extra withdrawal angles
- Film rewind: Manual Crank system
- Film: 135 Film (35 mm film) with 36 mm × 24 mm image size
In popular culture
[edit]The camera is seen in the background, casually slung from the hand of Bob Neuwirth in Daniel Kramer's portrait of Bob Dylan that is the over image of his "Highway 61 Revisited" of 1965.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ [1] Nikon SP
- ^ "Nikon | Imaging Products | Product Archive".
- ^ "Nikon SP Limited Edition, by Nikon". Archived from the original on 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
- ^ [2] Nikon Owner Issue 19 History of Nikon Part XVI by Gray Levett
- ^ [3] Nikon S2, SP, S3, S4 and Nikon F Similarities
- ^ "Nikon SP Limited Edition | Camera Chronicle | Nikon Consumer". imaging.nikon.com. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
External links
[edit]Nikon SP
View on GrokipediaHistory and Development
Origins and Predecessors
Nippon Kogaku K.K., the predecessor to Nikon Corporation, was founded on July 25, 1917, in Tokyo as a merger of three Japanese optical firms to produce high-quality optical instruments domestically, including rangefinders and microscopes for military and scientific use.[2] Initially focused on lenses and glass research, the company registered the NIKKOR brand for its optics in 1932 and leveraged wartime expertise in precision manufacturing during World War II.[2] Following the war, Japan's optics industry rebuilt amid economic challenges, with Nippon Kogaku shifting toward consumer products; camera production planning began in 1945 through a special commission, leading to prototype development in 1946 using existing lens data.[4] Nikon's entry into the rangefinder camera market came with the Nikon I, released in March 1948 as its first 35mm model, adopting a 24x32mm format and drawing inspiration from German rangefinders like the Leica's screw-mount system and the Contax's bayonet mount, which were adapted into Nikon's proprietary S-mount.[4] This model marked Japan's post-war push to compete in the global precision camera sector, where Leica and Contax dominated professional photography. The Nikon I was followed by the Nikon M in 1949, which introduced a larger 24x34mm format, and the Nikon S in December 1950, featuring flash synchronization and the standard 24x36mm format borrowed from Leica.[4] These early cameras gained international acclaim during the Korean War (1950–1953), as LIFE magazine photographers like David Douglas Duncan initially paired NIKKOR lenses with Leica bodies but later adopted Nikon rangefinders, showcasing their reliability in combat and boosting Nikon's reputation among professionals.[4][5] The rangefinder line evolved further with the Nikon S2 in December 1954, incorporating lever wind and a brighter 1.0x viewfinder, producing over 56,700 units by 1958 and solidifying Nikon's position against European rivals.[4] The Nikon SP, introduced in 1957, represented the professional pinnacle of this rangefinder series, refining features from its predecessors before Nikon transitioned to single-lens reflex cameras with the Nikon F in 1959.[4]Design Process and Launch
The development of the Nikon SP began in 1954 at Nippon Kogaku K.K. (later Nikon Corporation), with design specifications finalized in September of that year by a team of engineers and designers seeking to create a professional rangefinder camera that would surpass the Leica M3 in performance and versatility.[4][6] Prototyping commenced in 1955, focusing on key innovations such as a 1:1 rangefinder magnification for precise focusing and a universal viewfinder system with automatic parallax correction and framelines for six focal lengths (28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm).[4][6] These features addressed limitations in existing rangefinders, including the predecessor Nikon S2, by enabling seamless composition across a broader range of Nikkor lenses without external accessories.[4] The SP was announced in September 1957 simultaneously in Chicago, New York, and Tokyo, marking its launch as Nikon's flagship rangefinder model.[4][7] It debuted in Japan that month at a retail price of ¥98,000, including a 5cm f/1.4 Nikkor lens and leather case—equivalent to approximately $415 USD at the time based on contemporary U.S. pricing for the body and lens kit.[4][6] Production ran from 1957 until its discontinuation in April 1963, with a total of over 21,300 units manufactured, though some sources cite approximately 22,000 through minor extensions into 1964.[4][7][6] To broaden accessibility, Nikon introduced the S3 variant in March 1958 as a simplified version of the SP, priced at ¥86,000 and featuring a reduced viewfinder with framelines for three focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, and 105mm) while retaining the core chassis and shutter mechanism.[4] A limited black-paint edition of the S3 was produced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, emphasizing durability for professional event coverage.[8]Design and Construction
Body and Ergonomics
The Nikon SP features a robust die-cast aluminum alloy body finished with chrome plating, providing a premium aesthetic and structural integrity suitable for professional use.[3] This construction contributes to its overall weight of 590 grams for the body alone, balancing portability with durability in a compact form factor measuring 136 mm in width, 81 mm in height, and 43 mm in depth.[3] Ergonomic design elements enhance user handling, including a removable back that simplifies film loading by allowing quick access to the film chamber without complex disassembly.[3][6] A hinged rewind crank on the top plate facilitates efficient film rewinding, folding away when not in use to maintain a streamlined profile.[9][6] The body is covered in leatherette material, offering a secure grip and comfortable tactile feedback during extended shooting sessions.[6] Durability is emphasized through meticulous engineering, with the body sealed against dust and moisture primarily via precise machining that ensures tight component fits without relying on foam gaskets.[9] This approach, combined with the metal construction, allows the SP to withstand rigorous field conditions better than its bulkier predecessors like the Nikon S.[9]Rangefinder and Viewfinder System
The Nikon SP employs a coincident-image rangefinder system with 1:1 magnification and an effective base length of 60 mm, providing high precision for focusing distances as close as 1 meter.[9][10] This configuration allows photographers to align two superimposed images in the viewfinder for accurate focus, particularly beneficial for fast lenses in professional applications.[11] The viewfinder integrates a main combined rangefinder/viewfinder window offering 1:1 magnification with manually selectable, automatic parallax-corrected framelines for 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 135 mm focal lengths, alongside a separate auxiliary viewfinder for 28 mm and 35 mm framelines with parallax correction.[3] This dual setup delivers six built-in framelines in total—the first 35 mm rangefinder camera to achieve such versatility without external accessories—enhancing framing accuracy across a wide range of Nikkor S-mount lenses.[11][12] Parallax correction adjusts framelines automatically based on focus distance, compensating for the offset between lens and viewfinder perspectives to ensure precise composition at varying ranges.[9] The system supports eye-level viewing with built-in compensation mechanisms, while optional diopter correction eyepieces extend usability for users with refractive errors.[13] High-efficiency prisms and optics in the viewfinder maintain brightness, rendering projected framelines clearly visible even in low-light conditions when properly maintained.[3][14] This optical design contributes to the SP's reputation for a clear, distraction-free viewing experience suited to demanding photojournalistic work.[15]Optical System
Lens Mount and Compatibility
The Nikon SP employs the Nikon S-mount, a bayonet-style lens attachment system inspired by the Contax rangefinder design, featuring a flange focal distance of 34.85 mm to enable rapid lens changes while maintaining precise alignment with the camera's film plane.[16][4] This mechanical bayonet configuration, introduced with the Nikon S in 1951, uses three tabs for secure locking and supports the rangefinder coupling mechanism, which transmits focus distance information directly from the lens to the camera's viewfinder for accurate rangefinder alignment.[4] Unlike modern mounts, the S-mount includes no electrical contacts, necessitating fully manual focus and exposure adjustments by the photographer, with aperture and shutter speed set independently on the lens and camera body.[4] The mount's design evolved from Nikon's earlier rangefinder models and served as a foundational element leading to the F-mount in 1959, though the S-mount remained dedicated to rangefinder cameras and was incompatible with the reflex viewing systems of SLRs without adaptation.[4] For broader lens options, the S-mount provides compatibility with M39 screw-mount lenses—such as those from Leica's LTM series—via simple adapter rings that convert the screw thread to the bayonet interface, though this requires manual rangefinder calibration adjustments.[4] Within the native S-mount ecosystem, full rangefinder coupling is achieved with lenses spanning focal lengths from 28 mm to 135 mm, corresponding to the SP's viewfinder framelines for 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 135 mm; wider or longer optics may require external viewfinders for precise framing.[17] Teleconverters for the S-mount were produced in limited quantities, primarily as aftermarket or specialized accessories to extend focal lengths, but they remain rare in collections today due to the era's focus on prime lenses.[18]Recommended Lenses and Optics
The Nikon SP was typically supplied with the 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor-S as its standard kit lens, a fast normal prime renowned for its sharpness and low-light performance on rangefinder bodies.[19] This optic features 7 elements in 5 groups, delivering high contrast and minimal distortion across the frame, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 or beyond.[20] Its design emphasizes central sharpness, making it ideal for portraiture and general photography, with a minimum focus distance of 1 meter and an E43 filter thread.[20] For wide-angle photography, Nikon offered the 28mm f/3.5 Nikkor-H, a compact retrofocus lens providing a broad 74-degree field of view suitable for landscapes and architecture.[21] Constructed with 6 elements in 6 groups, it corrects for field curvature and coma effectively, yielding even illumination and good edge sharpness from f/8.[22] The lens accepts a Series VI filter and focuses as close as 0.3 meters, enhancing its versatility for near subjects.[23] Complementing this is the 35mm f/1.8 W-Nikkor, a faster wide-normal option with 7 elements in 5 groups, prized for its natural perspective and bokeh in street and documentary work.[24] It uses an L39 screw-on filter mount (approximately 43mm equivalent) and achieves a minimum focus of 0.5 meters, balancing speed with compactness.[23] Telephoto capabilities were addressed by the 85mm f/2 Nikkor-S for medium portraits, featuring a Sonnar design of 5 elements in 3 groups that excels in subject isolation with smooth out-of-focus rendering.[25] This lens, with a 48mm filter size and 1-meter minimum focus, provides a flattering compression on the SP's 35mm format.[26] The 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor-P extends reach for tighter compositions, employing 5 elements in 3 groups in a modified Sonnar formula optimized for high resolution and minimal aberrations, as designed by Zenji Wakimoto.[27] It shares a 52mm filter thread and focuses to 1.2 meters, making it a staple for professional portraiture.[28] For longer distances, the 135mm f/3.5 Nikkor-Q offers a lightweight telephoto solution with 4 elements in 3 groups in a Tele-Sonnar configuration, delivering crisp details for sports and wildlife when paired with the SP's viewfinder.[29] Its E43 filter compatibility and 1.5-meter minimum focus support handheld use.[23] Later production runs of these Nikkor lenses for the S-mount incorporated single-layer coatings, denoted by ".C" suffixes, to reduce flare and improve contrast in backlit conditions without altering the core optical formulas.[30] These coatings, applied across multiple air-glass surfaces, enhanced transmission rates to approximately 98% per surface, minimizing ghosting in high-contrast scenes.[31] Filter sizes varied by focal length—E43 for the 50mm, Series VI for the 28mm, L39 for the 35mm, 48mm for the 85mm, 52mm for the 105mm, and E43 for the 135mm—allowing consistent accessory use across the lineup.[23] Minimum focus distances, typically 0.3–1.5 meters depending on the lens, enabled close-range flexibility while maintaining rangefinder coupling accuracy.[23]| Lens | Focal Length & Aperture | Elements/Groups | Filter Size | Min. Focus Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikkor-S | 50mm f/1.4 | 7/5 | E43 | 1 m |
| Nikkor-H | 28mm f/3.5 | 6/6 | Series VI | 0.3 m |
| W-Nikkor | 35mm f/1.8 | 7/5 | L39 | 0.5 m |
| Nikkor-S | 85mm f/2 | 5/3 | 48 mm | 1 m |
| Nikkor-P | 105mm f/2.5 | 5/3 | 52 mm | 1.2 m |
| Nikkor-Q | 135mm f/3.5 | 4/3 | E43 | 1.5 m |