Nikon SP
Nikon SP chrome with matching Nikon exposure meter and NIKKOR-S 1:1,4 f=5cm lens | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Type | 35 mm rangefinder camera |
| Lens | |
| Lens | interchangeable lens, Nikon 'S' bayonet mount |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Film format | 35 mm |
| Film size | 36 mm × 24 mm |
| Film advance | manual |
| Film rewind | manual |
| Focusing | |
| Focus modes | Split and superposed-image rangefinder |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure modes | Manual (M), and Bulb (B) |
| Exposure metering | no integrated meter |
| Flash | |
| Flash | PC Sync |
| Flash synchronization | 1/60 s |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter | mechanically timed |
| Shutter speed range | 1 s to 1/1000 s with Bulb and 1/60 s flash-sync |
| Continuous shooting | 1 FPS manual wind, 3 FPS S-36 motordrive |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder | Dual brightline and etched frame viewfinder |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1x |
| General | |
| Optional motor drives | S-36 motordrive |
| Dimensions | 136 mm (w) × 81 mm (h) × 43 mm (d) |
| Weight | 590 g (1.30 lb) |
| 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." It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. (Nikon Corporation since 1988). Three other lower featured rangefinder models were subsequently produced on the SP frame, and production continued into the 1960s, but further development of Nikon's professional rangefinders ended with the introduction and success of the single lens reflex Nikon F in 1959.
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.