Nikon blows out the candles on its 100th birthday cake later this year, and it’s celebrating the occasion by releasing a handful of anniversary-edition products. These include metallic-grey editions of its D5 and D500 DSLRs announced last year, alongside a special edition AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.
8E FL ED VR, the original version of which arrived in October.
Nikon states that the D5, which currently serves as Nikon’s flagship DSLR, has “aided in activities related to the study and exploration of space”. Accordingly, the 100th Anniversary Edition model has a stamp at its base to show Nikon’s contribution in the field, and also comes with a booklet that further explains its involvement.
Its D500 DSLR, meanwhile, comes with a special metal case engraved with the commemorative logo (above) and serial number, together with commemorative versions of the body cap a leather strap.
The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2. 8E FL ED VR comes complete with the individual glass elements of that optic in their own stand and case, giving users the chance to marvel at its inner workings (or more adventurous ones the chance the assemble their very own version). The company has also thrown in a lens hood designed with the same finish.
Alongside the above, the company has given two further lenses a similar treatment and assembled them into a Triple F2. 8 Zoom Lens Set 100th Anniversary Edition. These are the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2. 8G ED, the normal AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2. 8E ED VR, and the aforementioned telephoto AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2. 8E FL ED VR, each bearing a commemorative serial number.
There’s no word on pricing on any of the above, but those who want to celebrate with Nikon without taking quite as big a hit can opt for one of a variety of 100th Anniversary Pins or brown and black leather straps, or even with a half-scale, die-cast version of its iconic Nikon F camera.
Alternatively, those feeling their inner Kanye can opt for an almost-full-scale version of the company’s 1948 Nikon Model 1 made with Swarovski crystals. Three special sets of binoculars, namely the WX 7x50 IF, WX 10x50 IF and 8x30 E II, will also be made available as part of the collection.
Nikon was founded as Nippon Kogaku K. K in July 1917 through the merger of two optical manufacturers – Optical Instruments Department of Tokyo Keiki Seisakusho and Reflecting Mirror Department of Iwaki Glass Manufacturing – together with investment from Koyata Iwasaki, the President of Mitsubishi.
Nikon states that more information will be made available in June, but in the meantime you can get up to speed on the company’s history and further understand its contribution to photography on a special website designed to mark the occasion. Those keen on watching a special movie on its 100 years in the business accompanied by a symphonic suite are also in luck.
. digitalrev.com2017-4-4 03:00