This amazing Nikkorex F was released in 1962 and was Nikon’s first foray into the entry level market. At half the price of the Nikon F it allowed users to purchase a camera with a lens for a lot less investment. Nikon had no issue in selling the F’s, though some believe that the high entry point was hindering lens sales. So the Nikkorex F kept the cost down, which allowed people more money to buy additional lenses. Developed to hit a price point it helped Nikon grab a larger market share. The camera was technologically advanced and had many first over its bigger brother the Nikon F.
The Nikkorex F was the first Nikon camera with a vertical metal focal plane shutter. Until its release, all Nikon models featured a horizontal curtain shutter. Focal plane shutters are the norm today. It was the first Nikon to have a hinged film door, allowing for faster loading and unloading of the film. It had a 125/th of a sec flash sync speed, up from the 1/60th of the Nikon F. It was also the first Nikon SLR designed and developed by another manufacturer.
The Nikkorex was designed and manufactured by Mamiya. Only Nikon and Mamiya know who approached who, but the Nikkorex was the end result. One of the major players was a US distributor for Nikon and Mamiya, so he may have been key. Mamiya would go on to license the camera design to Ricoh and would last be sold as the Sears SL II.
This particular Nikkorex F comes with the original case, lens, hood, and optional meter. The body is in perfect shape and shutter has correct timing. The lens is in great physical shape, though has a sticky aperture. The meter works great and reads accurately. The case is marked internally with the original owner's initials and US Navy. This camera was purchased by him on leave in Japan in the early 1960’s. It would make a great addition to a collection for a Nikon shooter or a Mamiya shooter. Check it out at Richmond Camera Carytown. Asking Price $150.00