[5] The Nikon F was the first 35 mm SLR system to be widely adopted by professional photographers, especially photojournalists covering the Vietnam War, as well as for use by NASA astronauts.

It had interchangeable prisms and focusing screens; the camera had a depth-of-field preview button; the mirror had lock-up capability; it had a large bayonet mount and a large lens release button; a single-stroke ratcheted film advance lever; a titanium-foil focal plane shutter; various types of flash synchronization; a rapid rewind lever; a fully removable back.

It was well-made, durable, and adhered closely to the successful design scheme of the Nikon rangefinder cameras.

Lead designer of the Nikon F was Yusaku Kamekura, the man behind the 1964 Summer Olympics logo.

The prototype model, in particular, was an SP with a mirror box, pentaprism and larger lens mount grafted on.

[8] The Nikon F revolutionized the photographic market, stealing the thunder of German manufacturers Leica and Zeiss.

The F was a modular system camera, with various assemblies such as viewfinders, focusing screens, and motor drives for 36-exposure and 250-exposure film cassettes.