The Nikkormat EL is a camera from Nikon. It is a single lens reflex camera. It was introduced in the early 1970s and was one of the first attempts by Nikon to develop a camera with built-in electronics.
The lenses of the Nikkormat EL can be easily interchanged. It features a Nikon F lens mount. In 1959, the Japanese company introduced the Nikon F connector. Over the years, the lens mount has been refined and improved by Nikon. As a photographer you can choose from over 400 lenses from Nikon and other manufacturers. Not all current camera lenses can be used with the old cameras. You have to focus the lens manually.
For photographing, the Nikkormat EL an exposure meter. It was designed for films in a range between ISO 25 and ISO 1600. The correct exposure is measured through the lens of the SLR camera. The aperture and shutter speed is set automatically and cannot be changed. The desired exposure time as well as the number of f-stops can be set by the user.
The Bulb mode can be used for long exposures. An external flash can be used with the 35mm camera via hot shoe. The 35mm camera has a built-in self-timer. In addition, there is a connector for a cable release and a thread for a tripod.
The power supply is provided by one 6V battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikkormat EL
The Nikkormat EL needs photo film for taking pictures. Or more precisely 35mm film. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. A possible film for color photography is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. One option for b/w images is the Ilford XP2 Super*.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The Nikkormat EL exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. For example, a normal 35mm film can hold at this size a least 36 pictures. The film in the camera must be winded manually, as there is no automatic film transport.
The Nikkormat EL can today only found in used condition. The value of the camera depends on the condition of the camera.
Nikomat EL
The cameras were sold on the Japanese market under the name Nikomat EL.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 4 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 6V battery |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Nikomat EL |
| Estimated value / Used price | 171,11 Euro 278,89252,47167,201329,64147,3628682,412001,10184,54 Estimate based on used prices of 47 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 13.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 160,47 Euro (173.18 US-Dollar) |