Nikonos II

[Øivind Tøien]

It was the Nikonos RS.
Here is a page describing the modification:
http://www.nikonweb.com/dcs425/

Attached a screen capture from the page:

[Matthew Currie]

ABout the only underwater photography I've done recently was on travels where film is not practical, and I don't anticipate using a Nikonos film camera in the foreseeable future.  But earlier today I was at the photo repair and old stuff store, and they had a Nikonos II in worn but working condition, no lens, for $5.00, and an invisible hand plucked a bill out of my wallet and... well, you know.  It's been there a while, and I just couldn't stand to see it languish.

If by chance someone for whom shipping from Eastern US is a practical matter would like to pay the small amount for a small flat-rate box, I'd be happy to send them the thing (I'll eat the 5 bucks if you can use the camera).

The camera in question has a foggy viewfinder, and it's definitely been around, but the shutter works fine, and it seems to be in good working order with no signs of leakage.

[Chip Chipowski]

I am now the proud owner of a V.  I wonder if anyone knows of a Nikonos service center in the US?  I want to change out all the seals and get a CLA but I have not heard back from the one or two shops I found with search engine.

[Wannabebetter]

ABout the only underwater photography I've done recently was on travels where film is not practical, and I don't anticipate using a Nikonos film camera in the foreseeable future.  But earlier today I was at the photo repair and old stuff store, and they had a Nikonos II in worn but working condition, no lens, for $5.00, and an invisible hand plucked a bill out of my wallet and... well, you know.  It's been there a while, and I just couldn't stand to see it languish.

If by chance someone for whom shipping from Eastern US is a practical matter would like to pay the small amount for a small flat-rate box, I'd be happy to send them the thing (I'll eat the 5 bucks if you can use the camera).

The camera in question has a foggy viewfinder, and it's definitely been around, but the shutter works fine, and it seems to be in good working order with no signs of leakage.

I only just today took possession of a Nikonos II albeit in much better cosmetic condition then yours and with a 28mm 3.5 UW Nikkor, and for six times what you paid. At the moment I'm contending with an intermittent shutter and - no surprise - the prospect of having to disassemble the viewfinder housing to clear-up some fogging. While it is doubtful the camera will pass any pressure-rating for dive depth after I'm done effectively turning it into a pretty paperweight, I'm confident it will serve me well enough snorkeling or rolling around in the mud during a hurricane - that is, after I replace that 28mm with a suitable land/air lens. (I would also gladly disabuse you of your Nikonos II as I'm a stickler for punishment especially when abused and orphaned Nikons are the concern. However...I realize this is a very old thread etc  )

[ggoodes]

the early nikonos are reputed to be liable to body cracks if not opened correctly. My experience with the version V is very positive: the ideal camera to operate in driving rain or heavy snow with gloves on and no worries about the device conking out.

For anyone with an early Nikonos (III or earlier), be aware that the lens MUST be removed before attempting to use the side-lugs to remove the body-casing and access the film compartment.  These side-lugs torque against little posts, and must be strong enough to potentially deal with a pressure differential between the inside and outside of the camera, so are quite hefty.  However, the lens-mount itself is part of the body-seal, and when a lens is present the camera body CANNOT be opened, and any attempt to do so using the side-lugs will at least crack the camera top-plate, and worst case destroy the camera.  This is how most I/II/III bodies died: Users were not aware they had to remove the lens first!

[Matthew Currie]

Good to know about the lens removal.  Since my previous post, I seem to have acquired (these transactions seem to happen in my sleep, or that's my story anyway) a Nikonos III with an actual lens on it.  I suspect it's been apart without lens removal more than once, as I don't recall having removed the lens when I put film in it, and don't recall any issues of vacuum and breakage.  I suspect that owing to seal age it's not underwater-proof any more, but OK for bad weather and maybe a short little dip. I keep forgetting to use it before the film expires. However, from now on I will be sure to take off the lens before opening it, just in case.