Customer Reviews

Nikon Compendium: Nikon Systems from 1917

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(...)this book is a must-have for any Nikon enthusiast, whether you are a collector, a gearhead, or a real photographer. Its strength is the enormous wealth of information compiled on the millions of pieces of Nikon equipment. A great guide that can help you choose and buy the right equipment that fits your needs.

Simon's latest compendium on the Nikon system is loaded with incredible photos that any Nikon collector (mostly SLR) would be pleased to pour over. The most remarkable thing about this book are those,--the photographs, and how the equipment appears to be in mint condition. That in itself makes this book worth the purchase. There is virtually no coverage of Nikon in the old days (prior to 1959 and the Nikon F) so the title is somewhat misleading. If you want more on the rangefinder line go to Robert's rangefinder book (Nikon Rngefinder Camera, Robert Rotoloni). Equally, there is only a passing discussion of Nikon's production of lenses for non-Nikon cameras prior to the 1950s. Perhaps a page is spent there. All in all, a rather good work. There are a scattering of technical errors as well as some brought on because this is a translation from the German edition. The former always disturbs me. I have yet to find a technically correct Nikon book. The vastness of the subject matter is what apparently precludes this. In summary, for the Nikon SLR collector, this is a beautifully assembled book worthy of purchase. --Santa Barbara, April 2004

There are just a few writers who should attempt to write a book about the history of Nikon and its vast range of camera equipment and the technical editor of Nikon Owners' Club International Simon Stafford is probably at the top of that list. This is a great book; the photographs by the author are excellent. I have a very large library of titles on the Nikon system going back over 40 years, Simon Stafford's book is one of the best ever. I understand that Nikon U.K. Limited have ordered a large number of copies for all their sales and technical staff to have to hand.