Nikon F with Mirror Pre-Release Modification

The design of the original mirror-lock-up of the F body causes that a frame is lost every time. To solve this problem, modified versions with a separate mirror pre-release button were customized for special applications (astro etc.). Of course the pre-release only works after the shutter has been cocked and for every vibration-free shot the mirror pre-release button has to be pressed again.

Forscher Modified Nikon F

Modification by Marty Forscher (Professional Camera Repair, New York City): the body has a larger plunger on the left side of the mirror box housing, just below the normal mirror lock-up knob.

Recorded body numbers between 6403979 and 7055462.

Example: 6421775.

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Questar Modified Nikon F

Modification by Questar or by EPOI for Questar: the body has a tiny button (about the same as the self-timer release button) next to the left side of the mirror box housing, just below the depth-of-field preview button.

Questar sold theese bodies directly. They usually came with a body cap, a waist-level finder, a D-screen (later B-screen), a cable release and an adapter ring. Later Questar also sold the cameras with Photomic finders.

Recorded body numbers between 6486777 and 7439745.

Examples: 6499759, 6775629, 6836559, 6888341, 6966911, 7251655, 7303375, 7435115.

On later Questar bodies a stick-on metallic label is affixed to the front of the left top plate.

Recorded body numbers between 7184715 and 7439745.

Examples: 7303375.

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Custom Modified Nikon F

Modification by unknown technician: the body has a large button next to the left side of the mirror box housing, just below the depth-of-field preview button.

Recorded body number 6787768.

Example: 6787768.

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