Nikon M Questions

[ornate_wrasse]

I was at a birthday party for some friends this week. I started talking to one of the women at the party and found out she had what likely is a Nikon M. It had been stored in the drawer of a relative. I saw two images of it (which she sent me via a Facebook message) and it appears to be in excellent condition. I would post the images here except I can't figure out how to save them from the Facebook message. I told her I'd try to find out more information about her camera so decided to post here.

The Serial number on the camera is 60910231.

After doing some research on the Camera Quest website, I learned that it appears to be a Nikon M, but I don't know if it's an unsynced M (supposedly more valuable) or a synced M. Would the serial number reveal the type of Nikon M it is? Any other ways to visually tell the difference between the two versions of the Nikon M?

Most importantly, does anyone know the value of this camera?

My jaw was almost dropping as she was telling me about this camera. She was even talking about buying some film and going out shooting with it but I advised her not to do it!

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Ellen

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Two images of the Nikon Rangefinder camera

 

[Lawrence Sheperd]

mir.com shows photos of an "M":

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/RF_images/nikonMtop.jpg

The site states that the M series serial numbers began with "M."

Could your friend's example actually be a Nikon 1? Here's a mir.com photo of that:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/RF_images/nikon1topview.jpg

ON EDIT:

Actually seems to be an 8-digit serial S series:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/NikonS-8digits/index.htm

In any event, a very fine looking Nikon!

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Larry,

Yes, I do believe that it's the 8-digit serial S series.

They all look so similar but if the Nikon M always has the "M' before the serial number, and hers does not, then it probably eliminates that.

The Nikon One doesn't seem to have enough numbers in the serial number as hers does.

The 8-digit serial S series seems to match the best. Her model is just a bit older (going by serial number) than the one you've linked.

I'm assuming this means it's worth less than the Nikon M I originally thought it was.

 

[B-9]

Still a great camera!

Throw some film in it and have some fun!

 

[ChrisLivsey]

Actually an unusual S variant designated type II eight digit.

When the S series reached 6099999 they carried on with 60910000 these ran up to 60911230 at which point the 609 prefix was dropped and numbers went 6100000 (7 digits). So only 1,230 exist of this series making it collectible!!
The lens is period correct for the body.

 

[Livesteamer]

My first rangefinder camera was a common Nikon S with 50mm f2.0 lens bought in 1971 for $100 with four Nikon cassettes. Still have it and use it now and then. I mostly use Leica M but that little S is a great camera and lens combination that has been very reliable. In the late 70's I used it in the college theater. Quiet with precise focusing it was and is an excellent tool. Back then the slow speeds would not work unless I wrapped the camera in a towel, put it on a radiator for an hour to gently warm it and then rush to the theater to take photos. I had it serviced many years ago and it still works well. Great cameras. Joe

 

[sp9107sp]

camera is a Nikon S, second series 8 digit, approx 1250 were made in the 2nd series, 1st series were 6094xxx1 about 50 were made.