One of the big dilemmas with the Nikon I, was its picture size (the "Nikon" format of 24 x 32 mm) which did not correspond to the US automatic color slide cutting machines which operated with the Leica format (24 x 36 mm).
Because of this problem, the headquarter office did not permit the export of the Nikon I.
To solve the dilemma, the camera's frame size was to be changed to a 24 x 36 mm size, thus came up with the migration to a new camera model.
While trying to re-model the "Nikon format", it was still impossible to broaden the width to the standard 36 mm, since it would involve the heavy cost of changing the parts. It was a difficult situation for the company, as delay in delivery was not permitted.
Therefore, the maximum modification was made to change the feed of the film to 8 perforations per frame, the same as that of the "Leica" format. Howevder, the overall construction was not changed, which had then the size of 24 x 34 mm.
The prototype of that was completed in July 1949, and it was decided that this model would be put on the market as the Nikon M, with a M at the front of the Serial No. The Nikon M was released in October 1949. It was still irregular in picture size but changed to 36 frames, therefore removing the impediment for export.
Suggested by the US market that the Nikon M lacked the flash synchronization mechanism, thus the Nikon M body was modified in 1950 to incorporate two synchronization contacts. S (slow) and F (fast), on its left shoulder of the body.
The large MIOJ (MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN) engraving at the base plate was moved to an imprint on the back leather, where it was much harder to see.
It is also important to watch out that the Serial No on the camera body should always match that on the back, since many parts would have been mixed due to the scarcity of good example of these antique cameras.
From 1947, the production of the 50mm f/2 (product name was NIKKOR-H.C 5 cm f/2) was started as the standard lens. It was to note that they were marked as "Nippon Kogaku Tokyo", instead of "Nippon Kogaku Japan" on the later productions.
Reference
Nikon Rangefinder Camera - An Illustrated History of the Nikon Rangefinder Cameras, Lenses and Accessories by Robert Rotoloni
Comments