The Nikon Zoom 500 is a point and shoot camera. It was introduced in 1995. The compact camera was also sold as Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 105.
The zoom lens of the camera is fixed. 38 mm to 105 mm is the zoom range of the lens. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 respectively f/9.2. The lens is focused by autofocus.
The camera has a built-in light meter. The film speed is determined by the DX code. If the DX code on the cartridge of the film is missing, ISO 100 is set. Exposure is automatically set by the Nikon Zoom 500.
The 35mm photo camera comes with a built-in flash. The 35mm camera has a built-in self-timer and a thread for a tripod. The self-timer has a lead time of 10 seconds and can also take two shots in a row.
According to the manual the camera weighs 265 grams and measures 12,7 x 6,7 x 7,4 cm. A DL223 battery (eBay / Amazon*) provides the power supply. One battery should be sufficient for about 30 rolls of 24 pictures.
Nikon Zoom 500 QD
There was also a quartz date model of the compact camera. This model can print the time and date of the recording in the image. An additional battery, a CR2025 button cell (eBay / Amazon*) is needed for the built-in time measurement. This model also has a panorama mode. This mode covers a part of the image on top and bottom and creates a panorama look. Of course, the Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 105 QD was also offered.
Films for the Nikon Zoom 500
The Nikon Zoom 500 is designed for the 35mm format. Films of this format are still easily available today and are still being developed. The film in the camera is automatically rewound to the next frame.
Beautiful 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford XP2 Super*. Both films are a good choice for vacation pictures or portraits.
The colour film is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is carried out by all photo labs that offer development of 35mm film. The development of a 35mm colour film is possible at most drugstore chains in Germany, for example.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm - 105 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x DL223 battery |
| Size | 12,7 x 6,7 x 7,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.00 x 2.64 x 2.91 inches |
| Weight | 265 Grams |
| Names in other markets | International: Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 105 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 93,78 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 27 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 83,51 Euro (89.84 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 109,79 Euro (117.98 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 87,52 Euro (94.17 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon Zoom 500
How big is the Nikon Zoom 500?
The camera measures 12.7 x 6.7 x 7.4 cm and weighs 265 grams according to the manual. It's a compact and relatively lightweight device, easy to carry around.
What type of film does this snapshot camera use?
The Nikon Zoom 500 uses standard 35mm film. This format is still readily available and easy to develop at most photo labs.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, the Nikon Zoom 500 features a built-in flash for capturing photos in low-light conditions. It's a handy feature for various shooting situations.
What kind of lens does the little camera have?
It has a built-in zoom lens with a range of 38mm to 105mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 to f/9.5, providing some flexibility for shooting.
How does the camera determine the film speed?
The camera uses the DX code on the film cartridge to determine the film speed (ISO). If the DX code is missing, it defaults to ISO 100.