Nikon SP black
The Nikon SP is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced in the late 1950s, positioned as Nikon's top-of-the-line rangefinder body when new. The black-finish variant was produced in much smaller numbers than the standard chrome version, which is the principal reason it is sought after today.
At UK auction, hammer prices for black Nikon SP bodies have ranged from £2,600 to £3,600, with both recorded sales sitting in that bracket — these are wholesale saleroom results before commission, not retail asking prices. With only two verified results on file, the figure is indicative rather than a settled market value, and what a black SP is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, originality of the black paint, and whether the matched-period finder masks and accessories are present.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2018
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36957) Title: Nikon SP black paint outfit 'Al Satterwhite'
Description:
Impressive Nikon outfit, used and owned by world renowned photographer Al Satterwhite, with Nikon SP black paint body (clear finder and in fully working order), with motor plate, black paint motor drive no.97069 in fully working order, proper brown battery pack with black cable, separate regular base plate, Nikon film cassette, incl. set of 8 lenses: (1) Nikkor N-C 1.1/5cm, no.119691 (the 90th lens made, clean glasses, original rear cap, brown NKT leather case), (2) Nikkor S-C 1.4/5cm, no.395711 with both caps, (3) Nikkor H 2/5cm no.761120 (late version, clean glasses, both caps, black plastic case), (4) W-Nikkor-C 4/2.5cm no.402961 (small cleaning marks on front element, matching worn finder), (5) W-Nikkor-C black 3.5/2.8cm no.714215 (clean glasses, both original caps) (6) W-Nikkor-C black 2.5/3.5cm no.262463 (EP markings on barrel, clean glasses, both original caps, NKT brown leather case) (7) W-Nikkor-C 1.8/3.5cm no.353742 (original hood for 3.5/2.5cm lenses, original front cap, NKT brown leather case) (8) Nikkor-P C 2/8.5cm black no.496306 (clean glasses, original rear cap), a very impressive ensemble, incl. original 35x28cm print signed by Mr. Satterwhite Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 24,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 3,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34601) Title: Nikon SP black outfit
Description:
wonderful outfit of the professional rangefinder Nikon SP cloth shutter version, in maker’s box and in fully working and excellent repainted condition, with all black ‚Olympic‘ Nikkor-S 1.4/50mm no. 141230, with clear and clean glass, front cap and the very rare original hood, with original black carrying case. Also provided with a mint and boxed exposure meter and booster cell, each in its own fine brown leather case. The outfit comes with a matching mint and boxed close-up device with close-up lens and the very rare original instructions Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 15,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34276) Title: Nikon SP black paint 'Zinn Arthur'
Description:
The well-known Nikon SP owned by the famous American photographer Zinn Arthur (1912-2003). Zinn started taking photographs in 1945 while he was in the Army and continued after his honourable discharge. His 27-year celebrity photographer career started with shooting musicians such as Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Igor Stravinsky, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. He moved on to shoot celebrities on Broadway and then on 66 films. His work appeared in numerous publications including Life, Look, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar and The Sunday New York Times magazine. He also worked as an associate producer to the film and Broadway director Josh Logan, whom he had met in the military. The black SP body is in perfect working condition with Nikkor-S 1.4/5cm no.396028 comes with Zinn Arthur's book 'Shooting SUPERSTARS Me, my camera, and the Showbiz Legends' with pictures of the photographer with his Nikon and a handwritten dedication 'WITH COMPLIMENTS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO USED THE SP NIKON CAMERA # 6215437 ALL MY BEST - ZINN ARTHUR' Estimate: EUR 9,000 - EUR 11,000 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_29307) Title: Nikon SP black paint
Description:
fully original black painted SP with titanium shutter, rare motor coupled base plate, Nikkor-S.C 1.4/5cm no.382904 (hood) Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12248) Title: Nikon SP Schwarz Lackiert
Description:
100% original black paint Nikon SP with cloth shutter in perfect technically and optically condition Estimate: EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,000 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 3,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11159) Title: Nikon SP Schwarz Lack
Description:
100% original black paint Nikon SP in perfect technically and optically condition (with cloth shutter), Nikkor-S 1.4/5cm no.404896 (cap) Estimate: EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 2,600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20281) Title: Nikon SP black
Description:
fully original and rare black paint SP body with cloth shutter in perfect working condition, black W-Nikkor.C 3.5/3.5cm no.439818 with cap (condition A-) Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| May 2005 | EUR 11,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_25045) Title: Nikon SP black
Description:
Nikon SP black paint, in fully original and perfect working condition (Titanium shutter), with motorplate, Nikkor-S 1.4/5cm no.397152, cap Estimate: EUR 9,000 - EUR 11,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a black Nikon SP worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, a black Nikon SP has sold for between £2,600 and £3,600 at hammer, though condition and originality of the black finish drive significant variation in price.
How much does a Nikon SP black sell for at auction?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices sit at £2,600 and £3,600, giving a median around £3,100 — buyers should add saleroom commission on top of these wholesale figures.
Why is the black SP more valuable than the chrome version?
Black-paint Nikon SP bodies were produced in far smaller quantities than chrome examples, and original-finish bodies in honest condition are scarce, which is reflected in the price collectors pay.