Nikonos V

The Nikonos V is an underwater camera. It was manufactured by Nikon and presented in the 80s. With it, dives to a depth of 50 meters are possible.

The lenses of the Nikonos V can be changed. Lenses for the Nikonos bayonet can be used. Mostly the camera comes it with the W-Nikkor 35mm f/2.5. The lens is focused by hand.

The 35mm camera has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The exposure settings can be set automatically by the camera. However, the aperture and exposure time can also be set freely. The camera comes with a Bulb setting option. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter button is pressed. A use of a flash light is possible.

Films for the Nikonos V

Needed for the underwater camera are photo films. Films for the 35mm format are used. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed.

Possible films for the Nikonos V are the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 400* for B&W photos. The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is offered by most labs. Not every lab offers the possibility of developing black and white film. Therefore, one has more control over the whole process when developing at home with the appropriate photo chemistry.

The area of the Nikonos V negatives is 24 mm x 36 mm. With a normal film (135-36), 36 photos are usually possible. The film is rewound manually in the camera.

The camera weighs 700 grams and measures 14.6 x 9.9 x 5.8 cm. Two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed for power supply.

The underwater camera is no longer in production. Prices vary depending on condition. In addition to other lenses, there is a wide range of accessories for the underwater camera.