AboutJohn and Chris Expertise We are both professional photographers, with over 15 years experience. We can answer questions about photography, as well as questions about cameras from the 60s to 90s. (extensive 35mm, quite a bit of other formats.) Please, no darkroom questions.
Expert: John and Chris Date: 11/14/2006 Subject: Camera information
Question Hello, good evening, I have two general questions, with regard to 2 Cameras. Having retired early due to health probs, i have gone back to a hobby i put down, in the 80s. I am now buying and selling (but mainly keeping Cameras, just cant let them go)I have recently aquired a early Nikon photomic F I think a very early model, and hoped if i supplied serial number (6862905) you could tell me its year of manufacture, or somewhere close, it is in superb condition, and is fitted with an early vivitar 28mm wide angle lens that also oozes quality. The other Camera in question is a Petri, which i know little of , and have heard even less! I tried looking it up, and found some quite damming reviews of the make in general? But I cannot find (probably cos i don't know where to look) on this particular model, The Petri GX -4. It seems to be a very busy Camera, with lots of miniature switching on top, and in view LED Display, could you please tell me a little about this Camera, and where i might get more info to download? Many thanks for your time and consideration, Best Regards, Trevor.
Answer Sorry, but you're not going to like my answers.
The serial number is not a good indication of age. The F began production in 1959 and ended in May 1974 The first serial number used was 6400001 and the last was 7451052. But not all number blocks were used. 862,600 were built. Yours is very early, but I can't possibly narrow it down for you.
As for the Petri, I really don't know anything. I've seen Petri cameras but I don't recall a GX-4. I doubt you will ever find much, because Petri's were never considered great machines. They hold no collector value and little practical value.
