Nikon

Rise of the Nikon F series

Nikon's rangefinder cameras, starting with the Nikon I in 1948, marked the entry of Nippon Kogaku K.K. into the photographic market, following its focus on optical instruments such as lenses and microscopes. These models, including the Nikon I, M, S, and subsequent series, utilized the S-Mount bayonet, inspired by the Contax RF system, and featured a compact design with a rangefinder viewfinder. They helped establish Nikon as a leading brand in professional photography until the shift to reflex cameras in the 1960s.

The Nikon SP and other 1950s and 1960s rangefinder cameras competed directly with models from Leica and Zeiss. However, the company quickly ceased developing its rangefinder line to focus its efforts on the Nikon F single-lens reflex line of cameras, which was successful upon its introduction in 1959.

For nearly 30 years, Nikon's F-series SLRs were the most widely used small-format cameras among professional photographers, as well as by some U.S. space programs, the first in 1971 on Apollo 15 (as a lighter and smaller alternative to the Hasselblad, used in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, 12 of which are still on the Moon) and later once in 1973 on the Skylab and later again on it in 1981.

Nikon popularized many features in professional SLR photography, such as the modular camera system with interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, motor drives, and data backs; integrated light metering and lens indexing; electronic strobe flashguns instead of expendable flashbulbs; electronic shutter control; evaluative multi-zone "matrix" metering; and built-in motorized film advance. However, as autofocus SLRs became available from Minolta and others in the mid-1980s, Nikon's line of manual-focus cameras began to seem out of date.

Despite introducing one of the first autofocus models, the slow and bulky F3AF, the company's determination to maintain lens compatibility with its F-mount prevented rapid advances in autofocus technology. Canon introduced a new type of lens-camera interface with its entirely electronic Canon EOS cameras and Canon EF lens mount in 1987.

The much faster lens performance permitted by Canon's electronic focusing and aperture control prompted many professional photographers (especially in sports and news) to switch to the Canon system through the 1990s.

Post-millennium film camera production

Once Nikon introduced affordable consumer-level DSLRs such as the Nikon D70 in the mid-2000s, sales of its consumer and professional film cameras fell rapidly, following the general trend in the industry. In January 2006, Nikon announced it would stop making most of its film camera models and all of its large format lenses, and focus on digital models.

Nikon continued to offer the high-end Nikon F6 and the entry-level FM10 after the 2006 restructuring. Both models still appeared in Nikon's film-camera lineup in 2019.

Digital single-lens reflex and point and shoot cameras

Nikon created some of the first digital SLRs (DSLRs) for NASA; the Nikon NASA F4 was used in the Space Shuttle since 1991. After a 1990s partnership with Kodak to produce digital SLR cameras based on existing Nikon film bodies, Nikon released the Nikon D1 SLR under its own name in 1999. Although it used an APS-C-size light sensor only 2/3 the size of a 35 mm film frame (later called a "DX sensor"), the D1 was among the first digital cameras to have sufficient image quality and a low enough price for some professionals (particularly photojournalists and sports photographers) to use it as a replacement for a film SLR. The company also has a Coolpix line which grew as consumer digital photography became increasingly prevalent through the early 2000s.

Through the mid-2000s, Nikon's line of professional and enthusiast DSLRs and lenses, including its backwards compatible AF-S lens line, remained in second place behind Canon in SLR camera sales, and Canon had several years' lead in producing professional DSLRs with light sensors as large as traditional 35 mm film frames. All Nikon DSLRs from 1999 to 2007, by contrast, used the smaller DX size sensor.

Then, 2005 management changes at Nikon led to new camera designs such as the full-frame Nikon D3 in late 2007, the Nikon D700 a few months later, and mid-range SLRs. Nikon regained much of its reputation among professional and amateur enthusiast photographers as a leading innovator in the field, especially because of the speed, ergonomics, and low-light performance of its latest models. The mid-range Nikon D90, introduced in 2008, was the first SLR camera to record video. Since the D90, video mode has been introduced to many more of the Nikon and non-Nikon DSLR cameras, including the Nikon D3S, Nikon D3100, Nikon D3200, Nikon D5100, and Nikon D7000.

In 2008, Nikon released a photograph and video editing suite called ViewNX to browse, edit, merge and share images and videos. Despite the market growth of mirrorless cameras, Nikon did not neglect its F-mount SLR cameras and continued to release some professional DSLRs, such as the D780 and the D6 in 2020.

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

In reaction to the growing market for mirrorless cameras, Nikon released its first Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras and also a new lens mount in 2011. The lens mount was the Nikon 1, and the first bodies for it were the Nikon 1 J1 and the V1. The system was built around a 1-inch (CX format) image sensor with a 2.7× crop factor. In 2018, Nikon officially discontinued the 1 series, after three years without a new camera body, the last one being the Nikon 1 J5.

Immediately following the demise of the Nikon 1, Nikon introduced a new mirrorless system in its lineup: the Nikon Z system. The first cameras in the series were the Z6 and the Z7, both with a Full Frame (FX) sensor format, In-Body Image Stabilization and a built-in electronic viewfinder. The Z-mount is not only for FX cameras though, as in 2019 Nikon introduced the Z50 with a DX format sensor, without IBIS but with the compatibility to every Z-mount lens.

In 2020, Nikon updated both the Z6 and the Z7 with the Z6II and the Z7II. The improvements over the original models include the use of dual EXPEED 6 processors, an added card slot, improved video and AF features, higher burst rates, battery grip support, and USB-C power delivery.

In 2021, Nikon released two mirrorless cameras, the Zfc and the Z9. The Nikon Zfc is the second Z-series APS-C (DX) mirrorless camera in the lineup, designed to evoke the company's famous FM2 SLR from the 1980s. It offers manual controls, including dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation and ISO. The Z9 became Nikon's flagship mirrorless camera, succeeding the D6 at the top of the company's professional camera range. It uses a 45.7-megapixel Full Frame (FX) format stacked CMOS sensor and omits a mechanical shutter. Its specifications include 20 fps continuous shooting at full resolution in raw format, 30 fps continuous shooting for full-resolution JPEGs, 4K 120p video and 8K internal recording.

Mirrorless fixed-lens cameras, the cancelled release of DL series

Before the introduction of the Z-series, on February 23, 2016 Nikon announced its DL line of fixed-lens compact cameras. The series would have comprised three 20 megapixel 1"-type CMOS sensor cameras with Expeed 6A image processing engines: DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 black and silver and DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6. Nikon described the range as a premium line of compact cameras, which combines the high performance of Nikkor lenses with always-on smart device connectivity. All three cameras were showcased at CP+ 2016. One year after the initial announcement, on February 13, 2017, Nikon officially cancelled the release and sale of the DL-series, which was originally planned for a June 2016 release. They cited design issues (with the integrated circuit for image processing) and profitability as main issues causing the cancellation.

Movie camera production

Although few models were introduced, Nikon made movie cameras as well. The R10 and R8 SUPER ZOOM Super 8 models (introduced in 1973) were the top of the line and last attempt for the amateur movie field. The cameras had a special gate and claw system to improve image steadiness and overcome a major drawback of Super 8 cartridge design. The R10 model has a high speed 10X macro zoom lens.

Contrary to other brands, Nikon never attempted to offer projectors or their accessories.

Thai operations

Nikon has shifted much of its manufacturing facilities to Thailand, with some production (especially of Coolpix cameras and some low-end lenses) in Indonesia. The company constructed a factory in Ayuthaya north of Bangkok in Thailand in 1991. By 2000, it had 2,000 employees. Steady growth over the next few years and an increase of floor space from the original 19,400 square meters (209,000 square feet) to 46,200 square meters (497,000 square feet) enabled the factory to produce a wider range of Nikon products. By 2004, it had more than 8,000 workers.

The range of the products produced at Nikon Thailand include plastic molding, optical parts, painting, printing, metal processing, plating, spherical lens process, aspherical lens process, prism process, electrical and electronic mounting process, silent wave motor and autofocus unit production.

By the early 2010s, Nikon's Thai facility produced DX-format DSLRs and models including the D600, while several professional and semi-professional FX-format cameras—including the D700, D3 series, D4, D800 and Df—were produced in Sendai, Japan. The Thai facility also produced many DX zoom lenses and other lenses in the Nikkor line.

Nikon-Essilor Co. Ltd.

In 1999, Nikon and Essilor signed a memorandum of understanding to form a global strategic alliance in corrective lenses by forming a 50/50 joint venture in Japan to be called Nikon-Essilor Co. Ltd.

The main purpose of the joint venture was to strengthen the corrective lens business of both companies by integrating Nikon's brand and optical technology and sales network in the Japanese market with the global marketing and sales network of Essilor.

Nikon-Essilor Co. Ltd. started its business in January 2000, responsible for research, development, production and sales mainly for ophthalmic optics.

In October 2024, EssilorLuxottica disclosed a 5.1% stake in Nikon, deepening the relationship between the two companies.

In October 2025, EssilorLuxottica became Nikon's largest shareholder after its voting-rights ratio reached 10.75%. Nikon also stated that EssilorLuxottica had obtained regulatory clearance to increase its holding to up to 20%. As of March 31, 2026, Nikon's shareholder register listed "SG/ESSILOR LUXOTTICA" as the largest shareholder, with 18.53% of outstanding shares.

Recent developments

Beginning in the early 2010s, Nikon faced a contraction in the market for interchangeable-lens cameras. In 2013, the company forecast its first decline in interchangeable-lens camera sales since the introduction of the Nikon D1 in 1999.

In March 2014, the annual consumer-rights program "3.15" on China Central Television criticized Nikon over black specks appearing in photographs taken with some D600 cameras and the company's handling of customer complaints. Nikon said it would improve its after-sales service in China; Chinese authorities subsequently ordered sales of the D600 to stop on the mainland, and Nikon withdrew the model from sale there and offered free repairs.

Revenue from Nikon's camera business fell 30% in the three years prior to fiscal 2015, and in 2016 the company announced a restructuring that included the reassignment of more than 1,500 employees and a workforce reduction of about 1,000, mainly in its camera and semiconductor lithography businesses.

The restructuring was followed by a substantial recovery in profitability. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, Nikon's operating profit increased to ¥56.2 billion from ¥0.8 billion in the previous year, largely reflecting lower restructuring costs. Operating profit in the Imaging Products business rose 76.2% to ¥30.2 billion as restructuring improved profitability and sales of the D850 were strong. Precision Equipment operating profit rose 296.6% to ¥53.4 billion, and Nikon reported that its Semiconductor Lithography Business had achieved break-even as planned.

At the same time, Nikon expanded into new business areas and reorganized its imaging business. In 2015, Optos plc became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikon, adding retinal imaging to the company's healthcare operations. In August 2018, Nikon introduced the Z-mount system and announced the Z 7 and Z 6, its first full-frame mirrorless cameras. In September 2023, Nikon completed the acquisition of SLM Solutions, which became Nikon SLM Solutions AG, expanding the company's metal additive-manufacturing operations. In April 2024, Nikon completed its acquisition of Red Digital Cinema, extending its imaging business into professional digital cinema cameras.

On July 29, 2024, Nikon began operations at its relocated headquarters in Nishi-Ōi, Shinagawa, Tokyo. In October 2025, EssilorLuxottica became Nikon's largest shareholder after its voting-rights ratio reached 10.75%. On April 1, 2026, Nikon introduced a new management structure, with Muneaki Tokunari becoming representative director and chairman and Yasuhiro Ohmura becoming representative director, president and CEO.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, Nikon recorded an operating loss of ¥112.4 billion and a loss attributable to owners of the parent of ¥86.1 billion. The result included ¥90.6 billion in impairment losses in the Digital Manufacturing business.

Origins

In 2009, Nikon expanded its industrial metrology portfolio through the acquisition of Metris, adding optical 3D measurement technologies to its existing measurement and microscopy operations. The Nikon Metrology business subsequently offered product lines including X-ray and CT systems, laser radar, video measuring systems, optical manual measuring instruments and industrial microscopy.

Nikon I (1948)

Nikon M (1949)

Nikon S (1951)

Nikon S2 (1954)

Nikon SP (1957)

Nikon S3 (1958)

Nikon S4 (1959) (entry-level)

Nikon S3M (1960)

And later commemorative editions:

Nikon S3 2000 (2000)

Nikon SP Limited Edition (2005)

High-end (Professional)

These models are intended for professional use, and are heavy-duty and weather resistant.

Nikon F series (1959, known in Germany for legal reasons as the Nikkor F)

Nikon F2 series (1971)

Nikon F3 series (1980)

Midrange

Nikkorex series (1960)

Nikkormat F series (1965, known in Japan as the Nikomat F series)

Nikon FM (1977)

Nikon FM2 series (1982)

Nikon FM10 (1995)

Midrange with electronic features

Nikkormat EL series (1972, known in Japan as the Nikomat EL series)

Nikon EL2 (1977)

Nikon FE (1978)

Nikon FE2 (1983)

Nikon FA (1983)

Nikon F-601M (1990, known in North America as the N6000)

Nikon FE10 (1996)

Nikon FM3A (2001)

Entry-level (Consumer)

Nikon EM (1979)

Nikon FG (1982)

Nikon FG-20 (1984)

Nikon F-301 (1985, known in North America as the N2000)

Film APS SLR cameras

Nikon Pronea 600i / Pronea 6i (1996)

Nikon Pronea S (1997)

High-end (Professional)

Intended for heavy-duty professional use and feature weather resistance.

Nikon F3AF (1983, modified F3 body with Autofocus Finder DX-1)

Nikon F4 (1988) – (World's first professional auto-focus SLR camera and world's first professional SLR camera with a built-in motor drive)

Nikonos RS (1992) (Professional when reviewed in underwater conditions) – (World's first underwater auto-focus SLR camera)

Nikon F5 (1996)

Nikon F6 (2004)

High-end (Prosumer)

Intended for pro-consumers who want the main mechanic/electronic features of the professional line but don't need the same heavy duty/weather resistance.

Nikon F-501 (1986, known in North America as the N2020)

Nikon F-801 (1988, known in the U.S. as the N8008)

Nikon F-801S (1991, known in the U.S. as the N8008S)

Nikon F90 (1992, known in the U.S. as the N90)

Nikon F90X (1994, known in the U.S. as the N90S)

Nikon F80 (2000, known in the U.S. as the N80)

Nikon F100 (1999)

Mid-range (Consumer)

Nikon F-601 (1990, known in the U.S. as the N6006)

Nikon F70 (1994, known in the U.S. as the N70)

Nikon F75 (2003, known in the U.S. as the N75)

Entry-level (Consumer)

Nikon F-401 (1987, known in the U.S. as the N4004)

Nikon F-401S (1989, known in the U.S. as the N4004S)

Nikon F-401X (1991, known in the U.S. as the N5005)

Nikon F50 (1994, known in the U.S. as the N50)

Nikon F60 (1999, known in the U.S. as the N60)

Nikon F65 (2000, known in the U.S. as the N65)

Nikon F55 (2002, known in the U.S. as the N55)

Compact cameras

Between 1983 and the early 2000s a broad range of compact cameras were made by Nikon. Nikon first started by naming the cameras with a series name (like the L35/L135-series, the RF/RD-series, the W35-series, the EF or the AW-series). In later production cycles, the cameras were double-branded, with both a series-name and a sales name. Sales names were for example Zoom-Touch for cameras with a wide zoom range, Lite-Touch for ultra compact models, Fun-Touch for easy to use cameras and Sport-Touch for splash water resistance. After the late 1990s, Nikon dropped the series names and continued only with the sales name. Nikon's APS-cameras were all named Nuvis.

In 1994, Nikon produced the first camera featuring optical vibration reduction, the Nikon Zoom 700VR/700VR QD, also released in some markets as the Nikon Zoom-Touch 105 VR). It was a 35mm compact film camera with a 38-105mm f/4-7.8 zoom lens, with a quartz data back variant. It was the world's first compact with Vibration Reduction.

The cameras came in all price ranges from entry-level fixed-lens-cameras to the top models Nikon 35Ti and 28Ti with titanium body and 3D-Matrix-Metering.

Movie cameras

Double 8 (8mm)

NIKKOREX 8 (1960)

NIKKOREX 8F (1963)

Super 8

Nikon Super Zoom 8 (1966)

Nikon 8X Super Zoom (1967)

Nikon R8 Super Zoom (1973)

Nikon R10 Super Zoom (1973)

Professional underwater cameras

Nikonos I Calypso (1963, originally known in France as the Calypso/Nikkor)

Nikonos II (1968)

Nikonos III (1975)

Nikonos IV-A (1980)

Nikonos V (1984)

Nikonos RS (1992) (World's first underwater autofocus SLR camera)

Filmless, although not digital

The Nikon QV-1000C was the first filmless camera manufactured by Nikon. It was announced on August 26, 1988. It stored analog black and white images (NTSC) on a magnetic two-inch video floppy disk.

Digital compact cameras

The Nikon Coolpix series are digital compact cameras produced in many variants: superzoom, bridge, travel-zoom, miniature compact and waterproof/rugged cameras. The top compact cameras are several "Performance" series indicated by a "P" at the start of the model number.

Larger sensor compact cameras

Coolpix series since 2008 listed.

Nikon Coolpix P6000, 2008-08-07 (CCD, 14 megapixels, 4x zoom)

Nikon Coolpix P7000, 2010-09-08 (CCD, 10.1 megapixels, 7x zoom)

Nikon Coolpix P7100, 2011-08-24 (roughly same specifications as predecessor)

Nikon Coolpix P7700

Nikon Coolpix A, 2013-03-05 (16MP DX-CMOS sensor)

Nikon Coolpix P7800

Lightweight fast lens compact cameras

This is a set of fast lens compact cameras.

Nikon Coolpix P300

Nikon Coolpix P310

Nikon Coolpix P330

Nikon Coolpix P340

Nikon Coolpix A900

Bridge cameras

Nikon produced the following set of bridge cameras:

Nikon Coolpix L810, Feb, 2012–16 MP, 26x optical zoom, no wi-fi, fixed LCD, ISO 80–1600

Nikon Coolpix L820, Jan, 2013–16 MP, 30x optical zoom, no wi-fi, fixed LCD, ISO 125-3200

Nikon Coolpix L830, Jan, 2014–16 MP, 34x optical zoom with 68x Dynamic Fine Zoom, no wi-fi, tilting LCD, ISO 125-1600 (3200 in Auto)

Nikon Coolpix L840 Feb, 2015–16 MP, 38x optical zoom with 76x Dynamic Fine Zoom, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication), 3 inch high-resolution tilting LCD, ISO 125 – 1600, ISO 3200, 6400 (available when using Auto mode)

Nikon Coolpix P500, Feb, 2011–12.1 MP, 36x optical zoom, tilt LCD, ISO 160–3200

Nikon Coolpix P510, Feb, 2012–16.1 MP, 41.7x optical zoom (24–1000mm), no wi-fi, vari-angle LCD, ISO 100–3200

Nikon Coolpix P520, Jan, 2013–18.1 MP, 42x optical zoom, optional wi-fi, vari-angle LCD, ISO 80–3200

Nikon Coolpix P530, Feb, 2014–16.1 MP, 42x optical zoom & 84x Dynamic Fine Zoom, opt wi-fi, fixed LCD, ISO 100–1600 (ISO 3200, 6400 in PASM mode)

Nikon Coolpix P600, Feb, 2014–16.1 MP, 60x optical zoom and 120 Dynamic Fine Zoom, built in wi-fi, vari-angle LCD, ISO 100–1600 (ISO 3200, 6400 in PASM mode)

Nikon Coolpix P610

Nikon Coolpix B500, Feb, 2016-16 MP, 40x optical zoom, tilt LCD, ISO 160–6400

Nikon Coolpix P900

Nikon Coolpix P950

Nikon Coolpix P1000

Nikon Coolpix P1100

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

Nikon produced two lines of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras - the Z series and the 1 series.

Nikon 1 series – CX sensor, Nikon 1 mount lenses

Nikon 1 J1, September 21, 2011, 10 MP

Nikon 1 V1, September 21, 2011, 10 MP

Nikon 1 J2, August 10, 2012, 10 MP

Nikon 1 V2, October 24, 2012, 14 MP

Nikon 1 J3, January 8, 2013, 14 MP

Nikon 1 S1, January 8, 2013, 10 MP

Nikon 1 AW1, September 19, 2013, 14 MP

Nikon 1 V3, March 13, 2014, 18 MP, tilt LCD

Nikon 1 J4, April 10, 2014, 18 MP

Nikon 1 J5, April 2, 2015, 20 MP

High-end (Professional)

Intended for heavy-duty professional use, featuring weather resistance.

Nikon D1, DX sensor, June 15, 1999

Nikon D1X, DX sensor, February 5, 2001

Nikon D1H, DX sensor, high speed, February 5, 2001

Nikon D2H, DX sensor, high speed, July 22, 2003

Nikon D2X, DX sensor, September 16, 2004

Nikon D2HS, DX sensor, high speed, February 16, 2005

Nikon D2XS, DX sensor, June 1, 2006

Nikon D3, FX/Full Frame sensor, August 23, 2007

Nikon D3X, FX/Full Frame sensor, December 1, 2008

Nikon D3S, FX/Full Frame sensor, October 14, 2009

Nikon D4, FX/Full Frame sensor, January 6, 2012

Nikon D4S, FX/Full Frame sensor, February 25, 2014

Nikon D5, FX/Full Frame sensor, January 5, 2016

Nikon D6, FX/Full Frame sensor, February 12, 2020

High-end (Prosumer)

Intended for pro-consumers who want the main mechanical/weather resistance and electronic features of the professional line but don't need the same heavy duty durability.

Nikon D100, DX sensor, February 21, 2002

Nikon D200, DX sensor, November 1, 2005

Nikon D300, DX sensor, August 23, 2007

Nikon D300S, DX sensor, July 30, 2009

Nikon D700, FX/Full Frame sensor, July 1, 2008

Nikon D800, FX/Full Frame sensor, February 7, 2012

Nikon D800E, FX/Full Frame sensor, April 2012

Nikon D600, FX/Full Frame sensor, September 13, 2012

Nikon D610, FX/Full Frame sensor, October 2013

Nikon Df, FX/Full Frame sensor, November 2013

Nikon D810, FX/Full Frame sensor, June 2014

Nikon D750, FX/Full Frame sensor, September 11, 2014

Nikon D810A, FX/Full Frame sensor, February 10, 2015

Nikon D500, DX sensor, January 5, 2016

Nikon D850, FX/Full Frame sensor, announced July 25, 2017

Nikon D780, FX/Full Frame sensor, January 7, 2020

Midrange and professional cameras with DX sensor

Nikon D70, January 28, 2004

Nikon D70S, April 20, 2005

Nikon D80, August 9, 2006

Nikon D90, August 27, 2008

Nikon D7000, September 15, 2010

Nikon D7100, February 21, 2013

Nikon D7200, March 2, 2015

Nikon D7500, April 12, 2017

Upper-entry-level (Consumer, DX sensor)

Along with the D750 and D500 above, these are the only Nikon DSLR's with the articulated (tilt-and-swivel) display.

Nikon D5000, April 14, 2009

Nikon D5100, April 5, 2011

Nikon D5200, November 6, 2012

Nikon D5300, October 17, 2013

Nikon D5500, January 5, 2015

Nikon D5600, November 10, 2016

Entry-level (Consumer, DX sensor)

Nikon D50, April 20, 2005

Nikon D40, November 16, 2006

Nikon D40X, March 6, 2007

Nikon D60, January 29, 2008

Nikon D3000, July 30, 2009

Nikon D3100, August 19, 2010

Nikon D3200, April 19, 2012

Nikon D3300, January 7, 2014

Nikon D3400, August 17, 2016

Nikon D3500, August 3, 2018

Nikon digital file naming

Nikon's raw image format is NEF, for Nikon Electronic File. The "DSCN" prefix for image files stands for "Digital Still Camera – Nikon."

Lenses for Nikon Z-mount

Nikon introduced the Z-mount in 2018 for its system of digital full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) mirrorless cameras.

Lenses for Nikon 1-mount

Nikon introduced the 1-mount in 2011 for its system of digital crop-sensor CX format mirrorless cameras. They were produced until 2018, when the Z-mount was introduced.

Lenses for F-mount cameras

The Nikon F-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its 35 mm Single-lens reflex cameras. The F-mount was first introduced on the Nikon F film camera in 1959. Starting in 1999, it was also used on their line of DSLR cameras, starting with the Nikon D1. This includes the IX-Nikkor zoom lenses.

Lenses for Nikon S-mount

Nikon introduced the S-mount in 1948 with its line of rangefinder cameras. They were produced until 1967.

Electronic flash units

Nikon uses the term Speedlight for its electronic flashes. Recent models include the SB-R200, SB-300, SB-400, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, SB-5000 and R1C1.

Since the release of the SB-5000 in 2016, there have been no new flash units released.

Film scanners

Nikon's digital capture line also includes a successful range of dedicated scanners for a variety of formats, including Advanced Photo System (IX240), 35 mm, and 60 mm film.

(1988) LS-3500 (4096x6144, 4000 dpi, 30 bits per pixel) HP-IB (requires a third-party NuBus card; intended for Mac platforms, for which there is a Photoshop plug-in).

(1992) Coolscan LS-10 (2700 dpi) SCSI. First to be named "Coolscan" to denote LED illumination.

(1994) LS-3510AF (4096x6144, 4000 dpi, 30 bits per pixel) Auto-focus SCSI (usually employed on Mac platforms with a Photoshop plug-in; TWAIN is available for PC platforms).

(1995) LS-4500AF (4 x 5 inch and 120/220 formats, 1000x2000 dpi, 35mm format 3000x3000). 12bit A/D. SCSI. Fitted with auto-focus lens.

(1996) Super Coolscan LS-1000 (2592x3888, 2700 dpi) SCSI. scan time cut by half

(1996) Coolscan II LS-20 E (2700 dpi) SCSI

(1998) Coolscan LS-2000 (2700 dpi, 12-bit) SCSI, multiple sample, "CleanImage" software

(1998) Coolscan III LS-30 E (2700 dpi, 10-bit) SCSI

(2001) Coolscan IV LS-40 ED (2900 dpi, 12-bit, 3.6D) USB, SilverFast, ICE, ROC, GEM

(2001) Coolscan LS-4000 ED (4000 dpi, 14-bit, 4.2D) Firewire

(2001) Coolscan LS-8000 ED (4000 dpi, 14-bit, 4.2D) Firewire, multiformat

(2003) Coolscan V LS-50 ED (4000 dpi, 14-bit, 4.2D) USB

(2003) Super Coolscan LS-5000 ED (4000 dpi, 16bit, 4.8D) USB

(2004) Super Coolscan LS-9000 ED (4000 dpi, 16bit, 4.8D) Firewire, multiformat

Nikon introduced its first scanner, the Nikon LS-3500 with a maximum resolution of 4096 x 6144 pixels, in 1988. Prior to the development of 'cool' LED lighting this scanner used a halogen lamp (hence the name 'Coolscan' for the following models). The resolution of the following LED based Coolscan model didn't increase but the price was significantly lower. Colour depth, scan quality, imaging and hardware functionality as well as scanning speed was gradually improved with each following model.

The final 'top of the line' 35mm Coolscan LS-5000 ED was a device capable of archiving greater numbers of slides; 50 framed slides or 40 images on film roll. It could scan all these in one batch using special adapters. A single maximum resolution scan was performed in no more than 20 seconds as long as no post-processing was also performed.

With the launch of the Coolscan 9000 ED Nikon introduced its most up-to-date film scanner which, like the Minolta DiMAGE scanners were the only film scanners that, due to a special version of Digital ICE, were able to scan Kodachrome film reliably both dust and scratch free. In late 2007 much of the software's code had to be rewritten to make it Mac OS 10.5 compatible. Nikon announced it would discontinue supporting its Nikon Scan software for the Macintosh as well as for Windows Vista 64-bit. Third-party software solutions like SilverFast or Vuescan provide alternatives to the official Nikon drivers and scanning software, and maintain updated drivers for most current operating systems.

Between 1994 and 1996 Nikon developed three flatbed scanner models named Scantouch, which couldn't keep up with competitive flatbed products and were hence discontinued to allow Nikon to focus on its dedicated film scanners.

Former rifle scopes

At the end of 2019, Nikon informed dealers in North America that it would discontinue its riflescope line while continuing its binocular, laser-rangefinder and spotting-scope businesses. The following models had been sold under the Nikon brand.

Market position and recent products

As of February 2018, Nikon held 10.3 percent revenue share in the semiconductor lithography market while the share of ASML was over 80 percent.

In 2019, Nikon listed the following lithography-related equipment:

Cutting-edge flat panel display lithography equipment (The FX series)

i-line steppers

KrF steppers

ArF steppers

ArF immersion steppers

Inspection and alignment equipment

In the 2020s, Nikon continued to develop ArF lithography systems and expanded into digital lithography systems for advanced semiconductor packaging. Orders for the DSP-100, Nikon's first digital lithography system for semiconductor packaging applications, began in July 2025. The system has a resolution of 1.0 µm L/S and a throughput of 50 panels per hour using 510×515 mm substrates, and is scheduled for release in fiscal year 2026. In June 2026, Nikon announced development of another digital lithography system with 1.5 µm L/S resolution and a target throughput of at least 65 panels per hour, scheduled for release in fiscal year 2027. Nikon has also been jointly developing a new ArF immersion lithography system with a major semiconductor manufacturer; in 2025 it stated that a prototype of the next-generation series was planned for delivery in fiscal year 2028. Under the company's FY2026–2030 medium-term management plan, Precision Equipment is positioned as one of the businesses targeted for longer-term growth.

Products

Coordinate-Measuring-Machines

Bridge, Gantry and Horizontal Arm CMMs

Digital / Analog Tactile and / or Non-Contact Optical sensors

Portable arms – 6 and 7 axis models

Laser Scanning – Optical Line Scanners in single Line and Multi-line (Cross Scanner) configurations

X-ray-and-CT-Inspection

Video-Microscope-Measuring – Optical Probe and Multi-Sensor options available

Microscope-Systems

Large Volume Systems

Application Software – several options available depending on specific application and hardware.

CMM-Manager – Multi-sensor 3D Metrology software for third party CMMs, Articulated Arms, and Nikon video-measurement systems

Automeasure, NIS Elements, E-Max, Automeasure Eyes – 2D / 3D imaging software for use on Nikon video-measurement systems

Focus, CMM-Manager, CAMIO – Software for 3D Metrology

Digital Manufacturing

The Digital Manufacturing business includes metal additive manufacturing and laser-based material processing. Nikon made SLM Solutions a wholly owned subsidiary in 2023 and renamed the operation Nikon SLM Solutions. In FY2026, the business recorded an operating loss of ¥106.282 billion, including substantial impairment losses associated with the business.

Other products

Nikon has also marketed eyeglasses, sunglasses, and glasses frames under the brands Nikon, Niji, Nobili-Ti, Presio, and Velociti VTI.

Nikon has designed image sensors for some of its cameras while outsourcing fabrication, including to Sony.

In 2019, Sendai Nikon, a Nikon group company, entered a manufacturing agreement to produce Lidar sensors for Velodyne.