The Nikkormat ELW is a single lens reflex camera. It was introduced in 1975 by the manufacturer from Japan. The model is very similar to the Nikkormat EL. The finish of the camera is black. It also comes with a secondary on/off switch around the shutter release and contacts for the Autowinder AW-1.
The lenses of the Nikkormat ELW can be changed. A Nikon F lens mount was installed for this purpose. Nikon first developed the mechanical F bayonet in the 1950s. Unlike other camera brand, the bayonet was not discontinued with the introduction of an autofocus.
In addition to over 400 Nikkor lenses, there is a wide range of other manufacturers’ lenses. It must be considered, however, that not all modern camera lenses can be used with the old film cameras. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function.
The Nikkormat ELW has an integrated light meter. It is designed for films in an ISO range of 25 to 1600. The exposure meter is designed to measure exposure through the lens of the camera. The exposure is set automatically by the camera. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer.
The camera has a bulb mode. An external strobe or a flash unit can be connected to the Hot Shoe. The Nikkormat ELW comes with a self-timer. There is also a connector for a cable release and a thread for a tripod.
The camera weighs 790 grams and the dimensions are 14,5 x 5,4 x 9,3 cm. The camera needs one 6V battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikkormat ELW
The Nikkormat ELW is designed for 35mm films. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most photo labs. The Fujifilm Superia 400* is a possible color film for the Nikkormat ELW. Black and white images are with the AgfaPhoto APX 100* possible.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most development laboratories.
The negatives of Nikkormat ELW have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film in the camera must be winded manually, as there is no automatic film transport.
Nikomat ELW
Under the name “Nikomat ELW” the model was sold on Nikon’s Japanese home market.
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 | 1/4000 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 |
| Size | 14,5 x 5,4 x 9,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 2.13 x 3.66 inches |
| Weight | 790 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Nikomat ELW |