- Nikon SP
-
Nikon SP 
Type 35 mm rangefinder camera Film format 35mm Film size 36mm x 24mm Lens interchangeble lens, Nikon 'S' bayonet mount Flash PC Sync Flash synchronization 1/60s Film advance manual Film rewind manual Shutter mechanically timed Shutter speed range 1s to 1/1000s with Bulb and 1/60s flash-sync Exposure metering no integrated meter Exposure modes Manual (M), and Bulb (B) Focus modes Split and superposed-image rangefinder Continuous shooting 1 FPS manual wind, 3 FPS S-36 motordrive Viewfinder Dual brightline and etched frame viewfinder Magnification 1x Dimensions 136mm width×81mm height×43mm depth Weight 590 g Optional motor drives S-36 motordrive Made in Japan 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). Further development of Nikon's S series ended with the introduction and success of the Nikon F.
In 2005 2,500 models of a repro 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.[2]
Contents
Features
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 50mm, 85mm, 105mm and 135mm (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 35mm. The entire window acts as a frame for 28mm 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. [3]
The Nikon F SLR of 1959 has many structural similarities to the SP from which it evolved[4] with the addition of a reflex mirror and interchangeable pentaprism viewfinder.
Gallery
Specifications
- 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 28mm and 35mm finder)
- Framelines = Auxiliary window: 28mm, 35mm; Main window (parallax corrected): 50mm, 85mm, 105mm and 135mm
- 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 (35mm film) with 36x24mm image size
See also
References
- ^ [1] Nikon SP
- ^ Nikon SP Limited Edition, by Nikon
- ^ [2] Nikon Owner Issue 19 History of Nikon Part XVI by Gray Levett
- ^ [3] Nikon S2, SP, S3, S4 and Nikon F Similarities
External links
Categories:- Nikon cameras
- Rangefinder cameras
- Photography stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
