Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

US Navy Nikon F/ KS-80A

Part of Joe Ehrenreich's plan in promoting the F was to get Nikon cameras in high profile places where they could gain public exposure and have the opportunity to prove their reliability and versatility. Placing Nikon Fs in the hands of Marine fighter pilots was one of those projects.

The cameras, military designation KS-80A, were provided with a special F36 motor mounted in a pistol grip. The lens was a 43-86/3.5, locked at infinity. The camera was provided with a standard eye-level finder.

Although it is said that Ehrenreich lost money on every KS-80A he sold, the prestige of supplying the Navy was one step in building the legend of the Nikon F.