Early Nikon Rangefinder?

[Sandxssun]

I came across something yesterday and I’m not sure what model Nikon it is.
One thing for sure. She’s beautiful!
The serial# is S 60910925.
I’ve read several articles that makes me think it’s ‘50s. Can anyone give me some insight?

Thanks for your help.

ps, the person also had two different right angle views Nippon Kogaku 30105? One had one eyepiece, the other cooler one had dual eyepieces. They seemed a bit larger than anything I saw online. so not really sure what they were. I didn’t really have the money for them…

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I know my Nikon M with Sync was made in 1950, which has an earlier serial number than this.
So- all of the Nikon S cameras were made in the early 1950s.

Nikon Rangefinder: Using & Identifying

Good reference from the owner of RFF.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I think you have one too many digits in the serial number there, but it would be a Nikon S camera. Probably made around 1951. The previous model to the Nikon S2, S3, S4 and SP. All beautiful rangefinder cameras.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Sandxssun]

I think you have one too many digits in the serial number there, but it would be a Nikon S camera. Probably made around 1951. The previous model to the Nikon S2, S3, S4 and SP. All beautiful rangefinder cameras.

Best,
-Tim

Correct, ty. No S. The serial# is 60910925

 

[Sandxssun]

Ok, now I have pics. I couldn’t seem to edit my original post.

 

[Blind_spark]

Per this nice little resource for all things Nikon:

Nikon S cameras with 8-digit serial numbers were produced for a short time.

"609" was a factory prefix denoting September 1946 (when the original Nikon I was designed), and the following digits following were the production number of the individual camera.

So when they reached 6099999 during Nikon S production, they continued on for a bit with 8-digit serials.

Someone probably realized that if they continued on like that the serial number would stretch into 9, 10, 11, etc digits. So, after a short period of 8-digit serials they started a new block of 610xxxx which then continued up to 612xxxx.

Nikon S2 production began at 613xxxx.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

What is the serial number of the lens? If it starts with a "50" that stands for 1950. Nikon soon changed the numbering scheme.

 

[Sandxssun]

What is the serial number of the lens? If it starts with a "50" that stands for 1950. Nikon soon changed the numbering scheme.

It says No. 625820

 

[Sandxssun]

Oh, this came with a close fitting leather case And some type of BCB Flash unit…

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The lens serial number is correct for the camera. The "5008" series is a bit earlier.

 

[Sandxssun]

And the Flash unit!