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Nikon SP
Nikon SP
from Wikipedia
Nikon SP
Nikon SP chrome with matching Nikon exposure meter and NIKKOR-S 1:1,4 f=5cm lens
Overview
MakerNikon
Type35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens
Lens mountNikon 'S' bayonet mount
Lensinterchangeable lens
Sensor/medium
Film format35 mm
Film size36 mm × 24 mm
Film advancemanual
Film rewindmanual
Focusing
Focus modesSplit and superposed-image rangefinder
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesManual (M), and Bulb (B)
Exposure meteringno integrated meter
Flash
FlashPC Sync
Flash synchronization1/60 s
Shutter
Shuttermechanically timed
Shutter speed range1 s to 1/1000 s with Bulb and 1/60 s flash-sync
Continuous shooting1 FPS manual wind, 3 FPS S-36 motordrive
Viewfinder
ViewfinderDual brightline and etched frame viewfinder
Viewfinder magnification1x
General
Optional motor drivesS-36 motordrive
Dimensions136 mm (w) × 81 mm (h) × 43 mm (d)
Weight590 g (21 oz) (1.30 lb)
Made inJapan

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

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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)

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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

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  • 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
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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

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nikon SP is a professional-grade 35mm introduced by Nikon in September 1957, featuring a sophisticated universal , quiet , and compatibility with a wide range of NIKKOR lenses, marking the pinnacle of the company's rangefinder lineup before the shift to single-lens models. Designed to compete directly with the , the SP incorporated advanced engineering for press photographers and professionals, including a coupled and interchangeable lenses via the Nikon S mount. Its horizontal-traveling rubberized silk cloth offered speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second (plus T and B), with flash synchronization at 1/60 second or slower, and a unique rear curtain accelerator for whisper-quiet operation and reduced vibration. The camera's self-timer provided variable delays of 3, 6, or 10 seconds, while its build measured 136 mm wide by 81 mm high by 43 mm deep, weighing 590 grams for the body alone. The SP's standout feature was its bright-frame universal viewfinder, supporting six focal lengths—28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 135 mm—with automatic compensation, a first for Nikon's S-series and enabling seamless composition across wide-angle to telephoto lenses. Priced at 98,000 yen with a 50 mm f/1.4 lens, its complexity and high cost limited production, but it earned acclaim for precision and durability, winning the Grand Prix at the 1958 World Expo alongside NIKKOR optics. As part of the "SP sisters" family—alongside the more affordable S3 (1958), high-speed S3M (1960), and entry-level S4 (1959)—the SP shared core S-series traits like a full-size 24 × 36 mm format on 35mm film but stood out for its professional enhancements, influencing later innovations in the SLR system. Production ceased as single-lens reflex cameras gained dominance, yet the SP's legacy endures, with a limited-edition reproduction of 2,500 units released in to honor its craftsmanship.

History and Development

Origins and Predecessors

Nippon Kogaku K.K., the predecessor to Nikon Corporation, was founded on July 25, 1917, in as a merger of three Japanese optical firms to produce high-quality optical instruments domestically, including rangefinders and microscopes for military and scientific use. Initially focused on lenses and glass research, the company registered the NIKKOR brand for its in 1932 and leveraged wartime expertise in precision manufacturing during . Following the war, Japan's industry rebuilt amid economic challenges, with Nippon Kogaku shifting toward products; camera production planning began in 1945 through a special commission, leading to prototype development in 1946 using existing lens data. 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. 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. 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. The line evolved further with the Nikon S2 in December 1954, incorporating lever wind and a brighter 1.0x , producing over 56,700 units by 1958 and solidifying Nikon's position against European rivals. The Nikon SP, introduced in , represented the professional pinnacle of this series, refining features from its predecessors before Nikon transitioned to single-lens reflex cameras with the Nikon F in 1959.

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 that would surpass the in performance and versatility. Prototyping commenced in 1955, focusing on key innovations such as a 1:1 for precise focusing and a universal system with automatic correction and framelines for six focal lengths (28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm). 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. The SP was announced in September 1957 simultaneously in , New York, and , marking its launch as Nikon's flagship model. It debuted in 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. 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. 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 with framelines for three focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, and 105mm) while retaining the core chassis and shutter mechanism. A limited black-paint edition of the S3 was produced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, emphasizing durability for professional event coverage.

Design and Construction

Body and Ergonomics

The Nikon SP features a robust die-cast aluminum alloy body finished with , providing a premium aesthetic and structural integrity suitable for professional use. 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. 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. A hinged rewind crank on the top plate facilitates efficient film rewinding, folding away when not in use to maintain a streamlined profile. The body is covered in leatherette material, offering a secure grip and comfortable tactile feedback during extended shooting sessions. Durability is emphasized through meticulous , with the body sealed against dust and moisture primarily via precise that ensures tight component fits without relying on foam gaskets. This approach, combined with the metal construction, allows the SP to withstand rigorous field conditions better than its bulkier predecessors like the Nikon S.

Rangefinder and Viewfinder System

The Nikon SP employs a coincident-image system with 1:1 and an effective base of 60 mm, providing high precision for focusing distances as close as 1 meter. This configuration allows photographers to align two superimposed images in the for accurate focus, particularly beneficial for fast lenses in professional applications. The integrates a main combined / 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 for 28 mm and 35 mm framelines with correction. This dual setup delivers six built-in framelines in total—the first 35 mm to achieve such versatility without external accessories—enhancing framing accuracy across a wide range of Nikkor S-mount lenses. Parallax correction adjusts framelines automatically based on focus distance, compensating for the offset between lens and perspectives to ensure precise composition at varying ranges. The system supports eye-level viewing with built-in compensation mechanisms, while optional diopter correction eyepieces extend usability for users with refractive errors. High-efficiency prisms and in the maintain brightness, rendering projected framelines clearly visible even in low-light conditions when properly maintained. This optical design contributes to the SP's reputation for a clear, distraction-free viewing experience suited to demanding photojournalistic work.

Optical System

Lens Mount and Compatibility

The Nikon SP employs the Nikon S-mount, a bayonet-style lens attachment system inspired by the design, featuring a of 34.85 mm to enable rapid lens changes while maintaining precise alignment with the camera's film plane. This mechanical 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 for accurate alignment. Unlike modern mounts, the S-mount includes no electrical contacts, necessitating fully manual focus and exposure adjustments by the photographer, with and set independently on the lens and camera body. The mount's design evolved from Nikon's earlier models and served as a foundational element leading to the F-mount in , though the S-mount remained dedicated to cameras and was incompatible with the reflex viewing systems of SLRs without adaptation. 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 calibration adjustments. Within the native S-mount ecosystem, full coupling is achieved with lenses spanning focal lengths from 28 mm to 135 mm, corresponding to the SP's framelines for 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 135 mm; wider or longer optics may require external s for precise framing. 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. 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 bodies. This optic features 7 elements in 5 groups, delivering and minimal across the frame, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 or beyond. Its design emphasizes central sharpness, making it ideal for portraiture and general , with a minimum focus distance of 1 meter and an E43 filter thread. For wide-angle , Nikon offered the 28mm f/3.5 Nikkor-H, a compact retrofocus lens providing a broad 74-degree suitable for landscapes and architecture. Constructed with 6 elements in 6 groups, it corrects for field curvature and effectively, yielding even illumination and good edge sharpness from f/8. The lens accepts a Series VI filter and focuses as close as 0.3 meters, enhancing its versatility for near subjects. 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 in and work. It uses an L39 screw-on filter mount (approximately 43mm equivalent) and achieves a minimum focus of 0.5 meters, balancing speed with compactness. 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. This lens, with a 48mm filter size and 1-meter minimum focus, provides a flattering compression on the SP's 35mm . 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. It shares a 52mm filter thread and focuses to 1.2 meters, making it a staple for professional portraiture. 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 when paired with the SP's . Its E43 filter compatibility and 1.5-meter minimum focus support handheld use. 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. These coatings, applied across multiple air-glass surfaces, enhanced transmission rates to approximately 98% per surface, minimizing ghosting in high-contrast scenes. Filter sizes varied by —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. Minimum focus distances, typically 0.3–1.5 meters depending on the lens, enabled close-range flexibility while maintaining coupling accuracy.
LensFocal Length & ApertureElements/GroupsFilter SizeMin. Focus Distance
Nikkor-S50mm f/1.47/5E431 m
Nikkor-H28mm f/3.56/6Series VI0.3 m
W-Nikkor35mm f/1.87/5L390.5 m
Nikkor-S85mm f/25/348 mm1 m
Nikkor-P105mm f/2.55/352 mm1.2 m
Nikkor-Q135mm f/3.54/3E431.5 m

Technical Features

Shutter Mechanism and Controls

The Nikon SP employs a horizontal-travel with rubberized silk cloth (titanium foil in later models from ), a that incorporates a rear accelerator for whisper-quiet operation and reduced . This mechanism supports shutter speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/1000 second, in addition to B () for time exposures and T (time) settings, with the dial positioned on the top plate for quick adjustment without rotating the entire assembly. A notable feature is the integrated self-timer, the first of its kind in a Nikon , offering a variable mechanical delay calibrated for approximately 3, 6, or 10 seconds—or intermediate durations—activated by winding the lever fully and pressing the release button. The film advance lever provides a single-action of 136 degrees, plus a 15-degree preparatory standby position, facilitating rapid frame advancement while tensioning the shutter. The shutter release button, located on the top right, incorporates a surrounding lock ring that doubles as an advance/rewind selector, preventing accidental firings when set appropriately. For flash photography, the SP includes a standard PC sync socket on the front, supporting X-type synchronization at speeds up to 1/60 second, with compatibility across all shutter speeds via manual timing. The camera lacks a built-in exposure meter, requiring external aids for precise control, while lens aperture is adjusted manually via rings on compatible Nikkor optics.

Metering and Accessories

The Nikon SP did not feature a built-in exposure meter, necessitating the use of external devices for accurate light measurement and exposure determination. Introduced in 1957 alongside the camera, the primary accessory was the selenium-based Nikon Photonic exposure meter, which clipped onto the accessory shoe and mechanically coupled with the dial via a front-plug design for direct readings. This meter utilized a cell with a liftable lid for low-light sensitivity extension and offered an ASA range of 6-800, later expanded in variants to 3200. Photographers could also employ handheld meters modeled after Sekonic designs for incident or reflected light readings compatible with the SP. Over time, (CdS) meters emerged as more sensitive alternatives to units, though these were often used as replacements rather than originals for the SP system. A variety of supplementary accessories expanded the SP's functionality for protection, viewing, and specialized photography. magnifiers attached over the / window, delivering approximately 2x of the central image area to aid critical focusing on fine details. For awkward shooting angles, right-angle attachments enabled 90-degree viewing, facilitating low-position or overhead compositions without strain. lenses, such as the UR series designed for S-mount , allowed macro reproduction ratios when screwed onto compatible Nikkor lenses, while bellows attachments provided variable extension for greater . Filters including UV, neutral density (ND), and polarizing types were available in screw-in formats matching the front threads of S-mount lenses, helping to control glare, exposure, or in various lighting conditions. Lens hoods were tailored to specific focal lengths, such as bayonet-mount types for 35mm and 50mm Nikkors or screw-in chrome hoods for 85mm lenses, effectively reducing and . The camera included integrated strap lugs on the body for securing neck or wrist straps, and an ever-ready leather case offered quick-draw access while protecting the instrument during transport. Additionally, the SP's PC sync terminal supported flash accessories for synchronized illumination in low-light scenarios.

Legacy and Impact

Professional Adoption and Use

The Nikon SP gained significant adoption among professional photojournalists during the late and early , particularly for its reliability in demanding field conditions. Marketed explicitly as a professional , it appealed to photographers seeking a robust tool for documentary work, with black-painted versions produced exclusively for this audience to reduce visibility and enhance durability. Its coupled system allowed for precise focusing in low-light scenarios common to news assignments, making it a staple in editorial workflows before single-lens reflex cameras dominated. In war photography, the Nikon SP offered key advantages for discreet operation, thanks to its compact form factor and quiet cloth , which minimized noise and bulk compared to emerging SLRs like the . This enabled closer, less intrusive approaches in street and combat environments, as evidenced by its use alongside SLRs by photographers covering the , where a wide-angle setup provided rapid grab shots without the mirror slap or larger profile of reflex models. For instance, French photojournalist employed the Nikon SP during her Vietnam assignments in the late , capturing intimate battlefield images that highlighted its suitability for high-stakes, mobile shooting. Nikon produced approximately 22,348 units of the SP between and , a limited run that contributed to its cult status among professionals and collectors alike. As of 2025, mint-condition examples command resale values exceeding $1,000, often reaching $1,300 or more due to their historical significance and mechanical excellence. To support professional users, Nikon supplied comprehensive operating manuals that underscored the camera's manual precision, detailing techniques for accurate exposure estimation, alignment, and film advance to ensure consistent performance in unpredictable settings.

Cultural Significance and Reproductions

The Nikon SP holds a prominent place in photographic culture as the pinnacle of mechanical design, often hailed as the "last great " for its sophisticated dual-viewfinder system and robust construction that rivaled contemporaries like the Leica M3. Its adoption by prominent photojournalists contributed to its legacy in capturing pivotal historical moments, underscoring Nikon's emergence as a professional-grade brand during the late 1950s. Among collectors, the Nikon SP is highly prized for its engineering excellence and historical importance as Nikon's final model, with well-preserved examples commanding premium prices due to their scarcity and condition. The rare paint variant, introduced around 1957 and produced in limited batches through the early , is particularly sought after for its stealthy aesthetic and association with field photographers, enhancing its appeal in enthusiast circles. In 2005, Nikon issued a limited-edition reproduction of the SP to commemorate the rangefinder era and preserve traditional manufacturing techniques, producing exactly 2,500 units exclusively for the Japanese market. These replicas faithfully recreated the original 1957 specifications, including a brass top plate, universal viewfinder for six focal lengths, and a bundled multi-coated W-Nikkor.C 35mm f/1.8 lens, with each set serialized from 0001 to 2500 and accompanied by a certificate, lens hood, and case. Priced at 690,000 yen (724,500 yen including tax), orders were accepted from January 14 to June 30, 2005, with sales beginning March 18, reflecting strong demand among aficionados. Production of the original Nikon SP ceased in 1962 as single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras gained dominance for their through-the-lens viewing advantages, marking the end of Nikon's line. Despite this shift, the SP's innovative features, such as its parallax-compensated viewfinder and, in later models, a shutter, left a lasting imprint on the genre, influencing the evolution of compact, high-precision systems seen in later digital models like the Leica M series.

References

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