Nikon

Nikon F2 of 1970's featuring an interchangeable viewfinder with built-in light meter.

When Nikon F was first produced in 1959, it soon became the popular choice over Leica's rangefinder cameras for being able to use telephoto lenses. The camera had identical shutter drum as Leica M cameras. The body design of Nikon was the work of Yusaka Kamekura, and architect that designed the original Nikon F body.

Canon F1 placed the meter on the body instead. Both schemes seemed to work well for both cameras except a few special finders that Canon was able to offer in addition to its light meter but Nikon's sport finder couldn't offer one.

Hiring outside designers to design camera bodies became popular in Japan, Canon later hired Luigi Golani to design their T-series cameras, and Nkon Hired Giorgetto Giugiaro to design their F3.

Nikon F

Nikonos Underwater Camera

Nikon S

Nikon F3

Nikkor lenses