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Nikonos V

The Nikonos V is the culmination of Nikon's underwater 35mm viewfinder camera system. Introduced in 1984, the Nikonos V enjoyed a production run lasting until 2001. The Nikonos V is the most complex and feature-filled of the non-SLR Nikonos cameras and, as such, it is also one of the most sought after cameras.

While the preceding Nikonos IV-A introduced TTL light metering and an aperture priority mode to the system, the Nikonos V added a full manual exposure, in addition to as aperture priority. Otherwise, the V has a very similar form and control layout to the IV-A. The camera is a viewfinder-only camera, and focusing must be done via distance scale on the lens. The aperture and focus are set via large knobs to either side of the lens, while shutter is set via a familiar shutter speed dial, atop the camera. The viewfinder displays a simple light meter that indicates over, under, or correct exposure.

Most of the Nikonos lenses were marked "UW" and are for underwater use only. However, there are two Nikonos lenses, the 35mm f/2.5 and the 80mm f/4, which can be used both above and below water. On land, the 35mm has a slightly wide angle field of view, while underwater it has a field of view roughly equivalent to 50mm. The same applies to the 80mm, this field of view multiplication is due to diffraction caused by water. Nikon also produced an on-land only LW 28mm f/2.8.

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Nikonos V - Don't Fear The Rain

Easily one of our all-time favorite rainy weather cameras: the Nikonos V. We love the feel of this camera, the muffled sound of its shutter, the smooth film advance stroke, and the utter fearlessness it gives us walking around in the Oregon winter weather. If you are in need of a stalwart, rainy-weather companion, this is a camera to track down.

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Nikonos V

Rain. Snow. Rain again. Rain some more. In between the rain, maybe some fog or mist or light showers. As photographers, we can sometimes struggle with this winter and spring weather; in part, because maybe we don't like to be wet, cold, and miserable but, also in part, because we are rightfully worried about our gear. Water and cameras don't usually mix well. So we go out with giant plastic bags wrapped around our cameras, umbrellas squeezed under arms, carefully wiping and re-wiping our cameras dry. ⠀

You know what makes a good alternative to this risk and tedium? Underwater cameras. If a camera is designed to work under water, then there is no rain storm that mother nature can throw at it that will cause it any worry. Unlike underwater housings for your SLR, which can be either expensive, hard to find, or both, it seems like a lot of underwater film cameras can be had for bargain prices. If you have ever held a Nikonos V in your hands you know how great a camera it is, and they can easily be had for under $200. Even less expensive is the Nikonos III. We frequently see water and weather-proof compact cameras made by Canon and Minolta and there are several other great options out there. Just think of the freedom of hiking through Pacific Northwest rain showers without having to worry about that camera on your shoulder, or standing at the base of a misty waterfall or a stormy coast without having to be preoccupied by protecting that camera in your hands.⠀ ⠀

Keep underwater cameras in mind, not just for underwater uses, but for all-weather uses.

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Nikonos V

To be honest, this image was made to showcase our beloved former staff member, Erin's incredible nails.

Nikonos V

Yes, you can.

And not just for underwater adventures, but great for waterfall hunters or those that hang out a lot in the rain. The Nikonos V is an excellent camera for folks in the Pacific Northwest.

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Nikonos V at the River

Don't forget to pack your favorite summer camera!

Nikonos V and Bath Time

Upgrade your rubber ducky.

Nikonos V at the river

A summer remembrance.

We enjoy spending our summer afternoons at the river. One of our former staff even lives right along the Washougal River, so we take every chance we can to pay him a visit. Naturally, you'll want to have an appropriate camera since, generally speaking, water and cameras don't mix well. If that camera of choice is a Nikonos V, then you will be just fine.

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