My favorite Nikon site is down at the mo, ill post links later
I would start with the "F" models
they go up to 6 but the original, the f2 and f3 are the early metal ones ... They have a veriety of "head's" to look into
after that you have the "FM" models which are mechanical so work without batteries, the battery just powers the led light meter
fm, fm2 and fm3a (the fm3a also has an electric shutter and different type of meter as well as a range of other fetures)
then there is the "FE" series
electric shutters and match needle metering
and the "FA" series
very advanced for their time, the first one was the first camera to sport a matrix meter and I belive the first to have the now familiar PASM modes ... But I'm open to be corrected on that.
those are the nicest in my view ... I had most of them when I had my collection. I recently sold them and just kept the f,f2,f3hp and fm2n as those were the ones I like most I suppose ... I'd love an fm3a mind!
There are also fg fg20 em which are series e cameras ... Not to bad, but the focus was on cost and weight. The fg20 is nice and the em makes for a good point and shoot camera.
then there are all the plastic ones 301 401 f60 f90 f100 ... I won't list them all ... Great cameras, but not what you are talking about
here is my f2 and fm2n. As mentioned to David Mitchell the other day, these two will cover you for all Pre ai, ai and ais lenses
if you want to know why I sold mine ... It was so I could buy more lenses ... Which IMO is ultimately a more worthwhile endeavour
