UV76
Established
I recently had a chance to obtain a heavily used but loved Nikon I (#609566) and a 708 series collapsible 5cm f2 lens with cap with descent optical condition from Indonesia.
The original leather had been long lost, and the replaced artificial leather almost completely gone since this late production Nikon I camera endured its 73-year fate crossing the Strait of Malacca with the ethnic Chinese Christian emissary family between Singapore and Indonesia. This is apparently the only Nikon I to have exited in Indonesia
Returned to Japanese soil once again, about time for a good maintenance…
I had briefly checked whether internal components had been changed over the years, the curtains seemed to have been changed.
Perhaps the best way to check this is to look at the internal numbers.
Nikon I internal numbers are mysterious. It is known to be arbitrarily placed in early production, and seemingly random also in late production (reference to Head Bartender’s article on this matter: https://www.cameraquest.com/nrf_one_mystery.htm)
So here are the fact-findings on #609566
NO NUMBERS INSIDE FILM CHAMBER
Body Casting Number: “3”
Focusing Helical Mounting Plate: “G” & “3”
Back of Infinity Lock Lever: “G” & “3”
Inside front name plate: “566”
Also, the film gate measurement was 24mm x 31mm (as opposed to official 24mm x 32mm)
If you own a Nikon I, please share your internal numbers.
It still remains a mystery…
The original leather had been long lost, and the replaced artificial leather almost completely gone since this late production Nikon I camera endured its 73-year fate crossing the Strait of Malacca with the ethnic Chinese Christian emissary family between Singapore and Indonesia. This is apparently the only Nikon I to have exited in Indonesia
Returned to Japanese soil once again, about time for a good maintenance…
I had briefly checked whether internal components had been changed over the years, the curtains seemed to have been changed.
Perhaps the best way to check this is to look at the internal numbers.
Nikon I internal numbers are mysterious. It is known to be arbitrarily placed in early production, and seemingly random also in late production (reference to Head Bartender’s article on this matter: https://www.cameraquest.com/nrf_one_mystery.htm)
So here are the fact-findings on #609566
NO NUMBERS INSIDE FILM CHAMBER
Body Casting Number: “3”
Focusing Helical Mounting Plate: “G” & “3”
Back of Infinity Lock Lever: “G” & “3”
Inside front name plate: “566”
Also, the film gate measurement was 24mm x 31mm (as opposed to official 24mm x 32mm)
If you own a Nikon I, please share your internal numbers.
It still remains a mystery…
Great to see more research on this almost unknown Nikon mystery!
Stephen
Stephen