Anyone Used a Nikonos III WOW!

[flipflop]

Just got a brand new one or one that has been for 2 rolls of film in its entire life. It was given to me by my uncle. Came with box and manual. The camera is silky smooth and the build quality is tank like.

Anyone have any expierience with one of these above or below water?

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Built like a tank!

Built like a tank!

The Nikonos III is indeed a very well made camera.
The mechanical innards really are a wonder to behold.

Big finder, big controls, easy to see and operate all. Of course -
it was designed for operation by a user wearing mask and gloves!

But most available are very well used, mostly underwater.
Many have been damaged by users who don't know the right
way to open them. Others have been flooded. Or both...

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-

 

[flipflop]

Chris,
THanks for the reply....What do you mean by some have been damaged by people not knowing how to open the camera?

How

 

[ChrisPlatt]

There's an illustrated version on the Web somewhere,
but I can't find it right now. So here's my version:

First remove the lens by turning 90° in either direction
and pulling straight out.

Then reach a couple of fingers into the mount opening.
Push straight up on the bottom of top casting,
below the viewfinder (where the focusing screen
would be if it were an SLR) while prying up with the
levers on the strap mounting. If you rely on the levers
alone, you will chip or crack the plastic top casting.

It sounds far more complicated than it really is.

Lubricate the lens and body O-rings wth petroleum
jelly whenever you load or unload film, and follow the
above procedure, and you will never have a problem
opening the watertight seal.

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-

 

[flipflop]

Chris,
Thanks for the reply, I have the manual and it goes over exactly what you stated. Thanks though, what I was asking is how people messed up the camera in doing this?
It seems as though you have one of these, how do you meter underwater? Do you have an underwater light meter? Or do you just use this camera as a camera that can survive any weather condition?

I have only put this camera underwater in my bathroom sink. no leaks....If it doesnt leak in my sink does this mean it wont leak at 60ft? Just wondering if the pressure at 60ft will play a role in it leaking.

When examining this camera close up, I do notice that there is a tiny gap on the rewind lever side of the camera, where the top halves go together. This gap is probably just me making a big deal out of nothing considering that is less than 1mm. Its just that the side that shutter speed dial is on does not have this gap.

Maybe I just need to change the O-ring, considering that it has been sitting in a box for 20 yrs. The O-ring did look properly lubed though and in good shape. Do I need to change it?

Also, as stated above the camera is not leaking water at a depth of 6 inches.

Thanks to all who post a reply!

 

[bobkonos]

You have an almost new III? Terrific...enjoy!!!

The Nikonos is a marvel, and I got onto using them in 1979 when I bought a III for backpacking and climbing (I do not dive). Years later I got onto the idea of collecting the I,II, and III models with one caveat: they must be new or near new. Why? Because 99% of all Nikonos cameras see terrific use in the hands of those who dive or want a quality adventure camera. So that was the challenge: find examples as perfect as posdsible when that goes against the grain (it is actually easier to find a black Nikon SP in mint condition, but tougher to purchase). I have succeeded in getting new and near new I, II, and III models and use a second III for outdoor rough stuff trips. My favorite is the II. FYI: I have tons of shades, replacement seal kits, lube, flashes, etc. as I really got into Nikons stuff 10 years ago. They still fascinate me, and I am very glad I have them to use and behold. Now I'd like an original Calypso, the camera designed in part by Cousteau that was the camera Nikon bought the rights to in 1960 to create the Nikonos brand.

Darn: now you know the roots of my RFF user name. Oh well...

 

[flipflop]

Bob.
What lenses do you have for these great cameras? Can you use any of the other lenses on land? From what I have read it states that they are for water use only, kind of a bummer!

I would be interested in a lens shade if you have an extra you would like to sell. I only have the 35mm lens.

How much do the original Calypso's sell for? Seems like they would be extra collectable and expensive due to Cousteau's name being synonymous with the camera.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

There are also O-rings inside the top casting, under the controls.
After 25+ years these may no longer be watertight.
For underwater use, these should be professionally serviced...

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-

 

[bobkonos]

I have several 35mm lenses, and they are fine for above and underwater. 28mm lenses are available for above water and underwater; the designation is LW for above water and UW for underwater. The 28mm UW ONLY works underwater; the LW works for both. The 28mm LW is, from my experience, diificult to find-I was lucky to find a new one years ago, but look for it. I use the 35 most of the time.

Here is a trick: install the lens UPSIDE DOWN. That way, assuming the camera is on a neck strap, you simply it turn up towards your face to easily read the aperture and distance scales.

PM me with your address and I'll dig around for a shade and anything else you may need/want.

Calypso? Very pricey, very rare, and real hard to find in mint condition. I have seen pictures of a complete outfit with mint camera, box, and instruction book. Mouth watering...

Be well, welcome to Nikonos!

 

[Michael I.]

I am so jelous

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

I have owned several of the Nikonos II cameras, very similar to the III. As I recall, the 80mm and 35mm lenses worked well above water. The other lenses at the time were corrected to use underwater only. Yes they made a Nikonos U/W light meter, used to have one. It was made by Sekonic.

Sure, the water pressure is greater as you go deeper, that's the whole issue. If there is a speck of sand or other crud on the O-rings, that will cause the camera to leak, more of a problem as you go deeper, and the water pressure increases.

Always wanted a Nikonos III. Very, very cool camera.

 

[FrankS]

I've got one of those Sekonic underwater meters, let me know if you are interested in buying.

 

[BillBingham2]

I used one several times during High School for pictures of the swim team and such. I have tried several times over the past three years to get one on EvilBay and never found one for the price when I was awake to bid. They are very picky about how to load and change lenses, read the instructions. IMHO, they are the best Nikonos ever built. I would love one as a bad weather camera (e.g. rainy football game for sideline shots).

I think the 35/2.5 is the same 35/2.5 as you find in Nikon S (RF mount), but I am not sure. Perhaps Vince or Kiu can confirm.

What a great gift, please treat her well, she is a treasure.

B2 (;->