Bundled Protein Filaments Win Popular Vote in Nikon Small World Competition

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A bundle of fluorescent actin
protein filaments captured by Dennis Breitsprecher of Hannover, Germany, awed
the public to win the Popular Vote in the 2009 Nikon Small World
Photomicrography Competition. The public voted for the image as its favorite
among the 137 finalists featured at www.nikonsmallworld.com.

Mr. Breitsprecher, whose winning image also received recognition as an Image of
Distinction, is a faculty member at the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry at
Germany's Hannover Medical School. Nikon will recognize Mr. Breitsprecher's
image alongside the other winners of this year's Nikon Small World
Photomicrography Competition.

Tracy Anderson of the University of Minnesota received second place in the
Popular Vote. His image of dried toluidine blue on a Petri dish was also named
as an Image of Distinction in this year's competition.

"Whether selected for aesthetic appeal, scientific relevance or technical
proficiency, these images continue to show us the amazing beauty and detail that
can be captured under the microscope," said Lee Shuett, executive vice
president, Nikon Instruments. "The Popular Vote gets the public involved so that
everyone has the chance to serve as a judge."

Now in its 35th year, Nikon Small World is the oldest and most respected
competition of its kind. The competition, which has become the preeminent forum
for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light
microscope, celebrates the world's best photomicrographers who create beautiful
imagery while showcasing a wide variety of advanced scientific disciplines.
Nikon Small World recognizes photomicrographers for their achievements in
capturing dynamic images at the intersection of science and art.

Top images from the 2009 Nikon Small World Competition will be exhibited in a
full-color 2010 calendar and through a national museum tour. For additional
information, including tour cities and dates, please visit
www.nikonsmallworld.com.

ABOUT THE NIKON SMALL WORLD PHOTOMICROGRAPHY COMPETITION

The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an
interest in photography. Participants may submit their images in traditional
35mm format, or upload digital images directly at www.nikonsmallworld.com. The
first, second and third prize winners will receive a selection of Nikon products
and equipment worth $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. For additional
information, contact Nikon Small World, Nikon Instruments Inc., 1300 Walt
Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747, USA or phone (631) 547-8569.

ABOUT NIKON INSTRUMENTS INC.

Nikon Instruments Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of
optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical and industrial
applications. Now in its 91st year, Nikon provides complete optical systems that
offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Cutting-edge
instruments include microscopes, precision measuring equipment, digital imaging
products and software. Nikon Instruments is the microscopy and digital imaging
arm of Nikon Inc., the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and
photo imaging technology. For more information, visit www.nikoninstruments.com.
Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.

-0-
CONTACT: Peppercom
Media:
Nicole Mudloff
212-931-6168
nmudloff@peppercom.com