Introduced in 1959, the Nikon F was conceived as a system-oriented SLR camera with interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens and a comprehensive motor drive capability. It quickly became the premiere photojournalist's camera, the first truely reliable 35mm SLR and was nearly as compact as the popular rangefinders of the time. Today it is regarded as the camera that changed the course of modern photography.
The Nikon F is one of the most rugged and reliable cameras ever made. It offers only the essential features. Focusing screens are interchangeable and they are the same as for the following F2 model. Continuing in production until 1974, there were several distinct models offered over the production run but the difference was largely in what viewfinder/metered viewfinder was fitted.