Archive 2012 · Got my grandfather's old Nikon F, looking for some information on it
jim allison Offline • • • [X]
p.3 #1 · Got my grandfather's old Nikon F, looking for some information on it
If my memory serves me Nikon USA is wrong! I used this camera when it first came out. I was one of the first Nikon Tech reps. We were told that the serial number indicated the age of the camera. Nikon USA did not exist in 1968.The company that distributed Nikon was Ehrenreich Photo Optical Industries which was started by Joseph Ehrenreich, one of the most important people in the success of Japanese products in the US. He also imported Mamiya, Fuji, Durst,Sinar and Sony Supersope.
Joe would roll over in his grave if he knew how the present management of Nikon USA had damaged Nikon's reputation with poor quality control and even worse customer service. Canon wasn't even much of a factor in those days. The competition was Pentax and Minolta. We all loved the product and Joseph Ehrenreich. He was very good to the employees. The company was like a big family.
p.3 #2 · Got my grandfather's old Nikon F, looking for some information on it
Yes, while I am not sure Nikon USA is "wrong" or not, or if they just do not want this information known these days (since they no longer use this practice), or maybe even if they themselves don't even know, I AM sure that Nikons from the 60s and 70s most certainly did have their serial numbers start with the first two digits of the year of manufacture. During the 80s I had an F2AS that I had the top plate replaced by Nikon. The new plate had a new serial number on it and I even spoke with the service rep about the new number and he and I discussed their practice of using the year as the first two digits of the serial numbers. Hr told me that since it was a new top plate, he could not do anything about its number and it was what it was.
Also...good comments on Ehrenreich....good company indeed. Those were the days.
