60-year-old Nikon documentary surfaces online, and it’s an absolute must for camera nerds like me
Vintage documentary goes behind the shutter curtain to lift the lid on Nikon’s manufacturing process during the heyday of the F-mount SLR
For fellow Nikon enthusiasts, a 1966 documentary titled "The Eye of Science – Nikon" is now available online. The video, produced by the Japan-based National Museum of Science and Technology, offers an in-depth look at the iconic optical manufacturer's history. Released just after Nikon released the F Photomic T and Nikkormat FT/FS models, the documentary showcases manufacturing processes that appear to be meticulously hand-assembled.
Notably, Nikon's shutter durability tests demonstrated its cameras' ability to withstand "approaching 150,000 consecutive cycles." Among the highlights is the lens element manufacturing process, starting with large, rugged blocks of glass that undergo a series of heating, pressing, grinding, polishing, and assembly steps. The film also explores Nikon's impact on the wider world, including the Motor Drive that enabled 4 frames-per-second burst shooting, a revolutionary feature for its time.
Additionally, the documentary features Nikon's groundbreaking waterproof 35mm film camera, the Nikonos (I), and showcases the company's presence in other optical product domains, such as microscopes, telescopes, and medical equipment. If you're a Nikon fan or interested in camera manufacturing, this 30-minute documentary is undoubtedly worth watching.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
