How can I recognize an original black Nikon SP?

[Nappy]

Come posso riconoscere una Nikon SP nera originale?

 

[NIKON KIU]

Mainly by the serial number.

Kiu

 

[wes loder]

I recently commented in the Nikon rangefinder facebook group on this topic. Here is what I wrote: Identifying an original black paint Nikon SP can be difficult. Some modern repaints, particularly done in Japan, can be so good that it can be difficult to tell if they are original without the camera in-hand. The serial number lists others have mentioned is a good place to start. What to look for: The difference between a chrome and a black-finish Nikon is mainly the brass covers that go on the top, bottom and front. Brass is a naturally oily metal that does not hold paint well. Black Nikon covers were first anodized with a nickel compound that would hold paint before being coated with a semi-gloss lacquer enamel. This paint will not normally chip, but will slowly wear away with hard or careless use. Painting chrome covers black over the original chrome does not last long and will often show chipping and the chrome underneath. So, first thing, look at the wear. Next, check the chrome rivets that hold the base to the camera back. The backs were assembled after the painting. The rivets should be nice and clear. The self-timer, with the exception of late SPs from the Sixties when Nikon was using a lot of F parts, should be black with a chrome tab in front. The ring below the shutter speed dial should be black—again, with late SP exceptions. The accessory shoe should be black except for the spring rails. The lens mounting index mark should be RED, not pink as in the black S2s. The black of an original SP has a patina that is the result of aging that no modern repaint can match. You have to have one in hand to know, but an overly glossy Nikon should be suspect. Check the white lettering. It should not be white-white. On old black Nikons, the white ages to a sightly ivory tint. Although "perfect" original black-paint Nikons do show up, there is almost always some wear to the frame counter cap and the milled rewind crank's knob. Most black Nikon rangefinder cameras were sold to working professionals who were concerned about taking pictures, not keeping their cameras pretty. If a black RF Nikon looks too good and too new to be true, it's probably a repaint. That statement does not apply to the re-issues from the 2000s. Hope all this information helps.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Wes spilled all of our secrets.

LOL

Kiu

 

[bucs]

Was hoping not to get pulled into this rabbit hole.

I’ll purchase Mr. Rotoloni’s book so this time I won’t pester @NIKON KIU for information on S/Ns. My only bigger problem is that I’ll probably see other stuff there that I’ll end up lusting after lol

 

[NIKON KIU]

I can tell you need a 1.1

But first things first! The 10.5cm is not only cheap but it is legendary stuff!



Kiu

 

[Persimmon]

I recently commented in the Nikon rangefinder facebook group on this topic. Here is what I wrote: Identifying an original black paint Nikon SP can be difficult. Some modern repaints, particularly done in Japan, can be so good that it can be difficult to tell if they are original without the camera in-hand. The serial number lists others have mentioned is a good place to start. What to look for: The difference between a chrome and a black-finish Nikon is mainly the brass covers that go on the top, bottom and front. Brass is a naturally oily metal that does not hold paint well. Black Nikon covers were first anodized with a nickel compound that would hold paint before being coated with a semi-gloss lacquer enamel. This paint will not normally chip, but will slowly wear away with hard or careless use. Painting chrome covers black over the original chrome does not last long and will often show chipping and the chrome underneath. So, first thing, look at the wear. Next, check the chrome rivets that hold the base to the camera back. The backs were assembled after the painting. The rivets should be nice and clear. The self-timer, with the exception of late SPs from the Sixties when Nikon was using a lot of F parts, should be black with a chrome tab in front. The ring below the shutter speed dial should be black—again, with late SP exceptions. The accessory shoe should be black except for the spring rails. The lens mounting index mark should be RED, not pink as in the black S2s. The black of an original SP has a patina that is the result of aging that no modern repaint can match. You have to have one in hand to know, but an overly glossy Nikon should be suspect. Check the white lettering. It should not be white-white. On old black Nikons, the white ages to a sightly ivory tint. Although "perfect" original black-paint Nikons do show up, there is almost always some wear to the frame counter cap and the milled rewind crank's knob. Most black Nikon rangefinder cameras were sold to working professionals who were concerned about taking pictures, not keeping their cameras pretty. If a black RF Nikon looks too good and too new to be true, it's probably a repaint. That statement does not apply to the re-issues from the 2000s. Hope all this information helps.

Great reply. Thanks for the wise info if I also go down that rabbit hole.
Just purchased your book and very much looking forward to reading it when it arrives.
It will I am sure be a wonderful compliment to Bob Rotoloni’s book. ( Book 3 version )

 

[splitimageview]

I’ll purchase Mr. Rotoloni’s book so this time I won’t pester @NIKON KIU for information on S/Ns.

The latest serial number list is posted in the NHS member forum here

 

[bucs]

The latest serial number list is posted in the NHS member forum here

Fine a NHS membership will be in order 🤣