It was in 1996 that Nikon first began a serious effort to sort out the various materials that had long been lying around and to put them into a proper historical archive. The following year a number of cameras that appeared to be prototypes from the early years were discovered in a cardboard box. The serial number on one of these cameras, which were in extremely poor condition, was "No. 6091."

The first Nikon camera

How it differs to mass-produced models

In 1998, Model No. 1 became a major talking point when it was featured as a special exhibit at Nikon Forum 98, an exhibition held in Tokyo to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Nikon Camera.

Photographs of Model No. 1 had been published in magazine advertisements prior to its launch; however, little remains now other than the sprocket, the A-R lever, and the focusing gear on the camera's housing. In its current decrepit state, it can no longer function as a camera and is a mere shadow of its former self. However, there are a few noteworthy differences from mass-production Nikon camera models.

Main ways in which Model No. 1 differs from mass-produced models

1. There is no infinity lock mechanism or release lever on the mount.
2. The Nikon logo is smaller and in thinner type.
3. There is no NIPPON KOGAKU TOKYO inscription, which features the stylized prism-and-lens design, on the top cover.
4. There is no country of origin designation ("MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN") on the base of the camera.
5. The screws that secure the apron are in a different position.

In the immediate aftermath of Japan's defeat in World War II, camera manufacturing represented a new business venture for Nippon Kogaku Kogyo (present-day Nikon). All the resources of the company were thrown into an attempt to successfully manufacture a consumer camera, as this was seen as key to the company's survival. A "camera committee" (what would today be called a "project team") was established, and a production plan was developed.

However, a raft of disasters ensued and, beset with problems, the development of the "all-purpose compact camera" fell behind schedule.

As Masahiko Fuketa (the former vice president of Nippon Kogaku Kogyo; he passed away in 2001), who was head of Nikon camera development, recalled about this period:

"Everything about the design and the factories was new, and there were numerous problems and issues. In effect, we were trying to 'think on the run,' whereas in retrospect we should probably have been trying to do the very opposite and 'make haste slowly'."

Although only the housing of Model No. 1 remains, the many improvements that have been made since that time are a testament to the strenuous efforts of the development team.