Nikonos Advice?

Frank Petronio

Frank Petronio

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Since the search function works for @#$& I'm re-asking a question that has been asked a hundred times...

What's the advice for getting a decent Nikonos w a 35mm for ABOVE water but lousy weather shooting? Best model, etc.?

For servicing, is it easy for owners to do -- are the rings and lubes readily available?

And if I did want to just use it in the pool or snorkeling at shallow depths, anything a non-Scuba diver duffer should know?

Thanks
 
Frank, Nikonos III's are full mechanical and rock solid. They seem to go for around $100-$125 now with the 35mm lens. Cheap because they are not in favor with everyone who is terrified of estimating exposure and zone focusing. I believe the O ring sets are still available. Many of us have spares that we will probably never use. I don't think the grease is anything special.

Shallow depths (3-4 feet) in clear water: just add a stop of exposure to sunny 16.
 
I have the II, and I would try for something newer if I were re-buying. But mine is all decked out with the underwater finder, and a Toshiba TM-1 underwater strobe. I liked mine for fishing trips in Oregon, and now I use it mostly on people swimming in my pool. The strobe is great for that, it adds a little contrast. Also, the 35mm focal length lens is really a great lens. Sometimes, I think it is my best 35mm film lens.

Have fun:

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I once owned a Nikonos II and currently own a Nikonos V. The all-mechanical models are all pretty good with the III being the best. The IV-A and the V have electronic shutters and built-in light meters making them easier to use (auto-exposure too). The IV-A has a bad rap (bad electronics) while the V has a good reputation. I don't know if "O" rings are still available, the grease still is, it's pretty standard stuff. I kayak the Great Lakes and my Nikonos is always in my boat.

Jim B.

sunkenboat.jpg
 
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With model III and earlier, the shutter release is part of the film advance lever. You squeese/pull it towards you to fire the shutter. I found that this produced quite a bit of camera shake and was not very successful taking shots below 1/125. The standard shutter release buttons of model IV and V are better in this regard.
 
Go for it Frank, they are great cameras to use. I have all models except the IV and IV-A, and I like the II the best, only slightly more that the III. Both are wonderful to use (I use mine above water). I have plenty of seal kits, lenses, finders, bodies, etc. so PM me if I can help. My RFF name says it all.
 
I use a Nikonos III with a 35mm and a 90mm lens for shooting in bad weather. I have never taken it underwater but could because I had a scuba shop in Houston, Texas replace the seals and test it for underwater conditions.
 
charjohncarter said:
Also, the 35mm focal length lens is really a great lens. Sometimes, I think it is my best 35mm film lens.
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I couldn't agree more.. Some examples from my II w/the 35:

3515985328_34abc158a5.jpg


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A few thoughts on the II (which may apply to other models):
--keep an eye out for cracked rewind levers & overly loose strap connectors.
--be aware that the frame spacing is quite a bit larger than normal.
--enjoy one of the most silent shutters ever!
 
I have a Nikonos III with 35mm lens. Lots of fun. It's a great little point and shoot, especially for nasty weather. You can put the lens on upside down which is quite handy and it has a nice depth of field indicator like the Hasselblads. Every experianced photographer should have one. Joe
 
I have the Nikonos V. The problems with the camera are not easily visible. 1. Where the lens attaches to the body is a rubber O-ring. This O-ring will eventually go bad and will need replacement. It should be lubricated with Nikonos O-ring grease once per year. 2. The recommended battery is the Radio Shack silver oxide R-76 1.5v. 3. The cap above the advance lever will trap water and rust the internal advance mechanism. The cap should be removed. If the advance mechanism is rusted it will NOT be visible even with the black plastic cap removed. 4. Recommended servcing is once per year but you can go longer. 5. Always wash camera in FRESH water after pool/ocean use with the back CLOSED. 6. When using the camera in a pool or very wet conditions, since it is not an SLR, check the lens for water splattering & remaining on the front of the lens. 7. When using the camera on a small boat, snorkeling, diving attach it to yourself! 8. Try to get one with the long Nikonos strap as it is more practical than others. 9. Lastly, and this happens---NEVER CHANGE FILM UNDERWATER.
 
I've had both the III and the V, and I love the III. I'd prefer the mechanical one, rather than one which relies on a battery. Plus, if you flood the body (particularly with salt water), you can rinse it out, let it dry, and you'll probably be good to go. Probably can't do that with a IV or V.
 
Frank, as it happens I have a spare used Nikonos V with 35/2.5 in full working order. Send me a message/make me an offer if you are interested. O ring sets are still quite readily available.
 
Steve Bellayr said:
I have the Nikonos V. The problems with the camera are not easily visible. 1. Where the lens attaches to the body is a rubber O-ring. This O-ring will eventually go bad and will need replacement. It should be lubricated with Nikonos O-ring grease once per year. 2. The recommended battery is the Radio Shack silver oxide R-76 1.5v. 3. The cap above the advance lever will trap water and rust the internal advance mechanism. The cap should be removed. If the advance mechanism is rusted it will NOT be visible even with the black plastic cap removed. 4. Recommended servcing is once per year but you can go longer. 5. Always wash camera in FRESH water after pool/ocean use with the back CLOSED. 6. When using the camera in a pool or very wet conditions, since it is not an SLR, check the lens for water splattering & remaining on the front of the lens. 7. When using the camera on a small boat, snorkeling, diving attach it to yourself! 8. Try to get one with the long Nikonos strap as it is more practical than others. 9. Lastly, and this happens---NEVER CHANGE FILM UNDERWATER.
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In relation to point 3 regarding the film advance lever..... This is a pretty well known issue with the Nik 5 but when I owned one (a few years back now) I did not like the idea of leaving the black plastic cap off. So I temporarily removed it and then filled the space below it with flexible waterproof silicone and then replaced the plastic cap. A couple of times over the space of a few years diving (up to 50 meters - the limit for this camera) I removed the silicone to check that all was OK and it was. This may be an option for anyone who wishes to consider doing the same.

Boy does this bring back memories - Palau, Truk, Vanuatu, The Coolidge. Here is a totally gratuitous link to a site of time I spent on the "Eye of the Wind" in the mid eighties travelling the Pacific and diving with this camera. That's me at the helm. Great days. I could not imagine doing this with any other camera. Incidentally its my time with this camera that first got me into photography in a serious way.

http://www.tallshipstales.de/80s/Sailing_Solomons.php
 
All Nikonos V with the 35mm Nikonos V Shots. Given the water splashes on the lens, I have found a generic metal hood invaluable in solving 95% of this issue. Personally, I prefer the meter built in - my handhelds arent waterproof :D
 
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