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TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon F55 35mm (135) format autofocus SLR camera.
A compact, lightweight AF SLR, the Nikon F55 offers superior performance, housed in a classic Nikon design, at an affordable price.
The Nikon F55 is meant for those who want to be able to easily take SLR-quality pictures -- including first-time SLR users.
The Nikon F55 boasts an intelligent layout, with buttons and dials conveniently placed to facilitate use. Nikon’s new SLR also offers AUTO mode, which gives users point-and-shoot operational simplicity, allowing them to focus on the subject or scene they wish to capture. The camera further incorporates Vari-Program modes which automatically provide aperture and shutter-speed values to match a variety of shooting situations. P, S, A and M modes are also available.
From its legendary predecessors, the F55 inherits Nikon’s exclusive high-performance features such as 3D Matrix Metering and Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash capability. The intelligent built-in Speedlight automatically pops up to fire when shooting in low light or when the subject is backlit. And the new Three-Area Autofocus system provides broad horizontal coverage.
For enhanced creative power, the Nikon F55 incorporates exposure control functions like Auto Exposure Bracketing, Exposure Compensation and Multiple Exposure. And the F55’s classic F lens mount makes the camera compatible with more than 40 AF lenses from Nikkor’s world-class lineup of optical systems. All in all, the Nikon F55 is an easy-to-handle, feature-packed SLR camera ideally suited for inexperienced and first-time SLR users.
Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area.
Nikon F55 Feature Highlights
Intelligent design for easy operation
The F55’s design makes sophisticated photographic effects easily accessible to newer SLR users. A large LCD panel with large, easy-to-read characters simplifies mode selection and monitoring. Select a mode based on the conditions and the type of photograph desired, and the built-in Speedlight pops up automatically if shooting a subject in low light. There’s also a diopter adjustment which ensures a clear view of the subject through the viewfinder.
Three-Area Autofocus system
The F55 features three autofocus areas, enabling wide horizontal coverage. This system virtually ensures crisp, clear pictures, even when shooting a subject not centered in the frame, or when attempting to capture fast-moving subjects.
3D Matrix Metering
This metering system delivers enhanced metering results, in a wide variety of lighting conditions. In order to provide accurate exposure, 3D Matrix Metering uses three types of data -- scene brightness, scene contrast, and subject distance. The F55 incorporates a microcomputer which analyzes the data and performs the calculations required to ensure proper exposure.
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash
The user can take advantage of this feature when using the intelligent built-in Speedlight. In low-light conditions, it automatically delivers the correct foreground and background illumination balance. When shooting in bright light, it fills in or eliminates shadows on subjects with backlighting or high-contrast.
Nikon F55 Major Features
- AUTO mode makes Nikon-quality SLR photography as simple as point-and-shoot
- Vari-Program modes tailored to specific scenes and subjects significantly enhance the F55’s versatility (Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports Continuous, Night Portrait)
- Auto-Multi Program (P), Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A), and Manual (M) exposure modes deliver precise exposure control, expanding creative potential
- Exposure compensation and Auto Exposure Bracketing are extremely helpful when shooting under complicated lighting conditions, or when experimenting with different exposure settings
- Multiple exposure enables capture of as many images as desired in a single frame, further expanding creative possibilities
- Three-Area Autofocus provides broad coverage for sharp pictures even when shooting off-center subjects
- Dynamic AF maintains focus on fast-moving subjects
- Built-in Speedlight automatically pops up to fire in low-light or backlit conditions in AUTO and certain Vari-Program* modes
*Speedlight not available in Sports Continuous and Landscape modes.
- Auto Flash and Slow Sync flash modes offer added versatility
- Red-Eye Reduction minimizes the red-eye effect in portraits of people and animals
- Diopter adjustment enables users to make compensation necessary for a clear view
- Command Dial operation makes setting selection smooth, fast and easy
- Large, clear LCD panel maximizes visibility of camera setting information
Nikon F55 Specifications |
| Type of camera |
Integral-motor autofocus 35mm single-lens reflex with electronically controlled focal-plane shutter and built-in Speedlight |
| Exposure modes |
AUTO mode; Vari-Program modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports Continuous, Night Portrait); P: Auto-Multi Program (Flexible Program possible); S: Shutter-Priority Auto; A: Aperture-Priority Auto; M: Manual |
| Picture format |
24 x 36mm (standard 35mm film format) |
| Lens mount |
Nikon F mount (with AF coupling, AF contacts) |
| Lens |
AF Nikkor and Ai-P Nikkor lenses (except AF Nikkor for F3AF and IX-Nikkor) |
| Viewfinder |
Fixed eyelevel penta-Dach-mirror type; built-in dioptre adjustment (-1.5 to +0.8m-1) |
| Eyepoint |
17mm (at -1.0m-1) |
| Focusing screen |
B-type Clear Matte Screen V with focus brackets |
| Viewfinder frame coverage |
Approx. 89% |
| Finder magnification |
Approx. 0.68-0.60x with 50mm lens set to infinity (at -1.5 to +0.8m-1) |
| Viewfinder information (with illuminator) |
Focus indications, focus area, shutter speed, aperture, electronic analog exposure display/exposure compensation value display, exposure compensation, flash ready-light/flash recommended/full flash output; three sets of focus brackets (area) |
| Reflex mirror |
Automatic, instant-return type |
| Lens aperture |
Instant-return type |
| Autofocus |
TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-Assist Illuminator (approx. 0.5m-3m/1.6 ft.-9.8 ft.); detection range: EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO 100) |
| Lens servo |
AF: Auto-Servo AF: camera automatically chooses Single Servo AF or Continuous Servo AF operation according to the subject status, i.e. stationary or moving (including directional information); Single Servo AF (focus is locked when the subject is in focus); Continuous Servo AF (camera continues to focus on a moving subject); Focus Tracking with Lock-On™ automatically activated by subject’s status
M: Manual focus |
| Focus area |
One of three focus areas can be selected |
| Focus Area mode |
Dynamic AF Mode with Closest-Subject Priority; Dynamic AF Mode; Single Area with M focus mode |
| Metering system |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; three metering systems selectable (limitations with lens used): 3D five-segment Matrix Metering with G- or D-type AF Nikkor; Five-segment Matrix Metering with AF Nikkor other than G- or D-type (except AF Nikkor for F3AF and IX-Nikkor), AI-P Nikkor; Center Partial Metering: automatically selected with Manual exposure mode |
| Metering range |
EV 1-20 (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens) |
| Exposure meter coupling |
CPU |
| Exposure compensation |
Exposure compensated in ±2 EV range, in 1/2 steps (except in M, AUTO or Programmed Flash) |
| Auto Exposure Bracketing |
Bracketing range: ±2 EV; number of shots: three; bracketing steps: 0.5, 1, 1.5 or 2 EV (except in AUTO or Vari-Program) |
| Film speed setting |
Automatically set to ISO film speed of DX-coded film in use (manual not selectable); film speed range: DX: ISO 25-5000, automatically set to ISO 100 with non-DX-coded film |
| Shutter |
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter speeds |
In AUTO, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports Continuous, Night Portrait, P, A: automatically set between 30 and 1/2000 sec.; in S: 30 to 1/2000 sec. (in 1/2 steps); in M: 30 to 1/2000 sec. (in 1/2 steps), Time |
| Sync. contact |
X-contact only; flash synchronisation up to 1/90 sec. |
| Built-in Speedlight |
In AUTO, Vari-Program (except in Landscape or Sports Continuous): automatically activated; in P, S, A, M: activated by pressing flash lock-release button; guide number: 12/39 (at ISO 100, m/ft.); flash coverage: 28mm or longer lens; film speed range: ISO 25 to ISO 800 |
| Flash control |
Controlled by TTL Sensor.
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash: built-in Speedlight and CPU Nikkor lens (except in Manual exposure mode).
Standard TTL: in Manual exposure mode.
Programmed Flash (Non-TTL Auto Flash): optional Speedlight and CPU Nikkor lens (except in A or M exposure mode).
Film speed range in TTL auto flash: ISO 25 to 800. |
| Flash sync. mode |
Front-Curtain Sync. (normal sync.), Slow Sync., Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync., Flash Cancel |
| Ready-light |
Flash fully charged: ready-light lights; full output warning: ready-light blinks |
| Flash recomended indication |
Blinks when the subject is dark or backlit and Speedlight is recommended in P, S, A and M |
| Accessory shoe |
Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact (sync. contact, ready-light contact, GND), safety lock provided |
| Self-timer |
Electronically controlled; timer duration: 10 sec. |
| Film loading |
Easy loading, automatic prewind with built-in motor; film automatically advances to first frame (frame of the maximum number of available exposure) when camera back is closed |
| Film advance |
Automatic advance with built-in motor; continuous shooting possible in Sports Continuous; film advance speed: approx. 1.5 fps (fresh batteries) |
| Film rewind |
Automatic rewind with built-in motor; mid-roll rewind available |
| Multiple exposure |
Selectable in P, S, A, M |
| LCD panel information |
Shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, exposure compensation value, Auto Exposure Bracketing, multiple exposure, flash sync. mode, focus area, battery power, frame counter, self-timer |
| Date/time imprint function (F55D only) |
Built-in clock: 24-hour type with timing accuracy within ±90 seconds a month; leap year adjustment until December 31, 2049; usable film: ISO 32 to 3200 DX-coded film; display mode: Year/Month/Day, Day/Hour/Minute, No Imprint, Month/Day/Year and Day/Month/Year; power source: one 3V CR2025 lithium battery; battery life; approx. three years (depending upon use of data imprint function and other operating conditions) |
| Camera back |
Hinged back with film confirmation window; F55D: data imprint LCD panel/buttons |
| Power source |
Two 3V CR2 lithium batteries |
| Power switch |
Power ON and OFF positions |
| Exposure meter |
Auto meter shut-off 5 sec. after power turned on if no operations are performed; activated by lightly pressing shutter release button after power is turned on |
| Battery power confirmation |
In LCD panel, with exposure meter on; full battery power symbol indicates sufficient power; half-depleted battery symbol indicates batteries are nearing exhaustion; blinking half-depleted battery symbol indicates batteries are just about exhausted |
| Usable number of 36-exposure (24-exposure) film rolls per set of two fresh 3V lithium batteries |
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At 20°C/68°F |
At -10°C /14°F |
| Without flash |
Approx. 45 (67) |
Approx. 27 (40) |
| With flash and AF-Assist Illuminator for half of all exposures |
Approx. 11 (16) |
Approx. 7 (10) |
Autofocus operation using an AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G lens, covering the full range from infinity ( ) to the closest distance and back to infinity () before each shot, with a shutter speed of 1/90 sec. or faster. |
| Tripod socket |
1/4 (diameter, JIS standard) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
F55: Approx. 129 x 92 x 65mm/5.1 x 3.6 x 2.6 in.; F55D: Approx. 129 x 92 x 67.5mm/5.1 x 3.6 x 2.7 in. |
| Weight (without batteries) |
F55: Approx. 350g/12.3 oz.; F55D: Approx. 360g/12.7 oz. |
| Optional exclusive accessory |
Soft case CF-62 |
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All specifications apply when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature (20°C/68°F).
Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
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