Last Updated on 04/16/2026 by Chris Gampat
Nikon has been one of the few companies that has always had to work hard to prove itself; and that’s especially been the case since the inception of mirrorless camera. Sometimes, we all forget that they started the same way that many Chinese manufacturers have today: by imitating Leica. The company has launched some exceptional cameras over the years, with the Z system helping them to reach newer heights. But while they battle other brands for a larger user base, a recent trend showcases that their older cameras are still the talk of the town. Here’s a quick look at how Nikon is finding ways to rekindle its bond with those who like analog.
According to Google Trend search, for the past year, people in the United States have been looking up a few models over and over. This includes the popular Z8 and the Z50, both of which were introduced in 2023 and 2019, respectively. However, while these cameras are from the newer lot, it was surprising to see one of the oldest models beat the Z8 on multiple occasions: the Nikon F.
As you can see above, the Nikon F, a camera introduced in 1959, beat the Z8 in 2025, then came close in 2026, and is also currently seeing an upward trend in the United States. A quick look at the worldwide search engines, you see similar trends, with a major peak seen in 2025 followed by 2026.
For the uninitiated, the Nikon F was the first highly professional 35mm SLR that many consider to be worth talking about. The F-mount was further expanded, with models like FM2 being used by iconic photographers around the world. The Nikon F also combines various features in one model, which includes ease of use, interchangeable lenses, as well as interchangeable backs and viewfinders. As we added in a previous article:
The motor drive is believed to be what set the Nikon F ahead of its contemporaries. The F36 Motor Drive and its direct-connecting cordless battery pack converted the Nikon F into an integrated one-piece automatic unit. This made it popular among pro photographers for its mobility and promise of a new era in photography.
Now here’s the really crazy part, it can sell for more than the Nikon Z8 brand new, which is only around $3,500 at the time of publishing. And so, both in search and in price, the Nikon F is outpacing the Z8.
Being the first F-mount camera, the device is now popular amongst many film photographers, who want to get the hang of history. As you can see above, some models sell for far more than others, thanks to the serial runs. In fact, if you look at Reddit, you’ll find many photographers who still adore the mechanical marvel.
One of the reasons for its revival also has to do with nostalgia. If you have used film, you are likely to go back, based on the project or the shooting experience. As for budding photographers, film offers colors and grains that digital can’t compete with. Nikon F, in addition to all this, offers mechanical precision, which can be welcoming for those who want to slow down.
The revival of vintage cameras only proves that there is still space for them, no matter how niche it is. For some, it’s about curiosity to see age-old machines; for others, it’s about truly being one with the photographic process. Either way, Nikon F‘s rise proves that there is still love for analog, no matter how daunting they can appear to some.