The Nikon F was introduced in 1959 and was based on the successful line of Nikon rangefinder cameras. It was from the beginning designed as a system camera with interchangeable lenses, finders, focusing screens and removable back. The modular design of the Nikon F enabled it to remain up-to-date by introducing new accessories such as finders and motor drives; the basic chassis was little altered over its life span. The F was replaced by the F2 in 1973. The basic configuration when introduced was a camera fitted with a non-metered pentaprism, a selenium meter could be attached to the camera which coupled to the shutter speed dial and diaphragm ring. The Photomic finders introduced in 1962 incorporated CdS cells, the last model was the Photomic FTN introduced in 1968.

This is a late model of the Nikon F made in 1973 fitted with a Photomic FTN finder (s/n 619702).