Nikonos

Last updated
Nikonos
Nikonos-V img 1851.jpg
Nikonos V black/orange (also available in all green)
Overview
Type 35 mm underwater viewfinder camera
Lens
Lens mount interchangeable Nikonos mount
Focusing
Focusmanual preset
Exposure/metering
Exposure TTL automatic exposure & manual
Flash
Flash accessory shoe & contacts in base
Shutter
Frame rate manual wind on
General
Dimensions 146 × 99 × 75 mm (W×H×D)

Nikonos is the brand name of a series of 35mm format cameras specifically designed for underwater photography launched by Nikon in 1963. The early Nikonos cameras were improvements of the Calypso camera, which was an original design by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Belgian engineer Jean de Wouters. [1] It was produced in France by La Spirotechnique (currently Aqua Lung) until the design was acquired by Nikon to become the Nikonos. [2] The Nikonos system was immensely popular with both amateur and professional underwater photographers. Its compact design, ease of use, and excellent optical quality set the standard for several decades of underwater imaging. Nikon ceased development and manufacture of new Nikonos cameras in 2001, but the camera remains popular, and there is a large and active secondary market.

Contents

History

Nippon Kogaku trace their underwater camera history back to 1956, when the company developed an underwater housing for the Nikon S2 rangefinder camera, which was marketed in May as the Nikon Marine. At approximately the same time, Jean de Wouters was building the first prototypes of the Calypso for La Spirotechnique, which went into serial production in 1961. [3] However, La Spirotechnique was not experienced with camera design and manufacture, so they approached Nippon Kogaku to license the production and sales rights in June 1961; the two companies signed a contract in February 1962 granting the worldwide sales and distribution rights to Nikon outside France and the European Economic Community. [4]

Nippon Kogaku acquired the patent to the Calypso in 1963 and began manufacturing the Nikonos (later designated the Nikonos I) equipped with Nikkor optics instead of the original SOM Berthiot and Angenieux lenses.

The "Workhorse of the War"

Because of its waterproof housing, lens options, and toughness, the Nikonos was an important tool for photographers working in the steaming jungles, flooded rice paddies, and rain-lashed battlefields of the Vietnam War. The wire services loaded their Nikonos cameras with Tri-X, Ektachrome-X or High-Speed Ektachrome. [5]

Discontinuation

Nikon continued to manufacture Nikonos V bodies until 2001, when it formally announced it was terminating the series. [6] Without any new models in years and with digital imaging taking over the market, Nikon saw no reason to continue the series.

However, in a 2010 interview with French magazine Focus-Numérique, Tetsuro Goto, Director of Laboratory Research and Development at Nikon Japan, said on the future of Nikonos, "Personally, I think the Nikonos will be reborn in the future." [7]

Design and operation

The numbered Nikonos cameras are often called rangefinder cameras, but in truth they are scale focus cameras as there is no rangefinder. The viewfinder is used purely to compose the shot, and to display exposure information on bodies with internal metering (Nikonos IV-A and V).

Focus distance is set with an outsized dial mounted on the left side of the lens barrel (as seen from the operator's point of view), and the aperture is set with a dial mounted on the right. Refraction affects the estimated distance underwater by making objects appear 25% closer than they actually are; for example, an object that appears to be three feet away underwater (judged by size) is actually four feet away. Nikon assumed the user did not compensate for appearances underwater, so the distance markers on the lens are marked for apparent (not actual) distance. Thankfully the Nikonos wide-angle lenses have ample depth of field, so these discrepancies are often not a noticeable problem. The depth of field indicators on most Nikonos Nikkor lenses mechanically adjust with aperture.

The numbered Nikonos models all had rugged construction, simple controls, and were waterproof to 50 m (160 ft). The camera is made waterproof by a simple system of o-rings at all the crucial joints. Each new model brought various improvements such as light metering, flash circuitry, and improved shutter and film advance design.

Nikonos camera specifications [2]
ModelIntroDiscImageSize (W×H×D)WeightMeteringShutter speedsSerial numbers [8] PriceRef.
(I)Mar 1963Mar 1969 Nikonos front 2016 Nikon Museum.jpg 125 mm × 97 mm × 68 mm (4.9 in × 3.8 in × 2.7 in) [lower-alpha 1] 700 g (25 oz) [lower-alpha 1] External, manual shutter speed & apertureB, 1⁄30, 1⁄60, 1⁄125, 1⁄250, 1⁄500900001–?
30,675 shipped		¥28,500 [lower-alpha 1] [9]
IIMay 1968Mar 1976 Nikonos II front-left 2016 Nikon Museum.jpg 129 mm × 99 mm × 47 mm (5.1 in × 3.9 in × 1.9 in) [lower-alpha 2] 495 g (17.5 oz) [lower-alpha 2] 950004–?
92,935 shipped		¥23,000 [10]
IIIJun 1975Sep 1983 Nikonos III front 2015 Nikon Museum.jpg 144 mm × 99 mm × 47 mm (5.7 in × 3.9 in × 1.9 in) [lower-alpha 2] 620 g (22 oz) [lower-alpha 2] 3100001–?
78,309 shipped		¥45,000 [11]
IV-AJul 19801984 Nikonos IV-A front-right 2015 Nikon Museum.jpg 149 mm × 99 mm × 58 mm (5.9 in × 3.9 in × 2.3 in) [lower-alpha 2] 740 g (26 oz) [lower-alpha 2] Internal TTL, Aperture-priority autoexposureElectronic stepless 1⁄30 to 1⁄1000
Mechanical (B, 1⁄90)		4100001–?¥54,500 [12]
VApr 1984Oct 2001 Nikonos V front 2015 Nikon Museum.jpg 146 mm × 99 mm × 58 mm (5.7 in × 3.9 in × 2.3 in) [lower-alpha 2] 700 g (25 oz) [lower-alpha 2] Internal TTL, Aperture-priority autoexposure and manual modesElectronic stepless 1⁄30 to 1⁄1000 (autoexposure mode)
Manual (electronic control 1⁄30, 1⁄60, 1⁄125, 1⁄250, 1⁄500, 1⁄1000)
Mechanical (B, 1⁄90)		2000001–?¥73,000 [13]
RSJun 1992Aug 1996 Nikonos RS AF front-left 2016 Nikon Museum.jpg 196 mm × 151 mm × 85 mm (7.7 in × 5.9 in × 3.3 in) [lower-alpha 2] 2,130 g (75 oz) [lower-alpha 2] B to 1⁄20000000001–?¥390,000 [9]
Notes
  1. 1 2 3 With W-Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 lens
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Body alone

First generation Calypso derivatives

Nikonos II, one of the "Calypso"-derived models Nikonos II.jpg
Nikonos II, one of the "Calypso"-derived models

The initial Nikonos line consisted of three models that were improved versions of Cousteau's Calypso of 1961:

The Nikonos was introduced at Photokina 1963; [4] in the beginning, each camera was individually tested for water-tightness. In Europe, under the terms of the licensing agreement, the Nikonos was known as the Calypso/Nikkor. [14] In July 1966, Nikon began marketing the Nikonos as an all-weather camera and sold a limited number of cameras with a white finish, [15] which consisted of Nikonos cameras with white leather body panels. It is estimated that less than 150 examples of the white-finished Nikonos were made. [16] [17]

In total, approximately 200,000 Nikonos I, II, and III cameras were manufactured between 1963 and 1983. [18] The three Calypso-based Nikonos models share the same basic structure where the complete camera consists of three modules: lens, housing, and shutter/film transport assemblies. Film is loaded in the shutter/film assembly, which is inserted into the housing, and the mounting of the lens locks the three pieces together. The strap lugs are used to pry the shutter/film assembly out of the housing. [14]

The Nikonos II was cosmetically and dimensionally similar to the original Nikonos, but the shutter speed dial has an additional rewind setting, and the rewind knob is equipped with a lever to facilitate operation. Internally, all parts of the Nikonos II were coated to avoid corrosion; in case of leakage, the internal parts could be rinsed in fresh water and dried, leading some to call the Nikonos II indestructible. [14] The film transport mechanism was redesigned for the Nikonos III to use the sprocket holes for positive framing; the original Calypso design did not count sprocket holes which sometimes resulted in overlapping frames. This resulted in a noticeably larger body. In addition, the flash sync port gained an extra pin to support electronic flash units. [14]

Second generation metered cameras

A second viewfinder line was Nikon's complete re-design and included a through-the-lens (TTL) light meter with automatic exposure:

In contrast to the prior Nikonos line, the Nikonos IV-A introduced a one-piece body using a hinged back for film loading; sealing was accomplished through numerous o-rings, including a large gasket for the back. The film transport mechanism for the IV-A was adapted from the contemporary Nikon EM. [12] Like the EM, the Nikonos IV-A primarily operated in aperture-priority autoexposure mode using stepless quartz-controlled shutter speeds between 1⁄30 and 1⁄1000, but the camera also offered two mechanical shutter speeds ([B]ulb and 1⁄90, marked as M90) in case of battery failure. [9] In addition, the shutter speed dial can be set to "R"ewind. The viewfinder is equipped with a LED indicator, which glows steadily when the shutter speed is in the operating range (1⁄30 – 1⁄1000), and blinks when the range is exceeded. [19]

The Nikonos V retained the new features of the IV-A and added manual control to set discrete shutter speeds. The V was released to address specific criticisms of the IV-A, namely that the flat gasket design was prone to failure, and that the new flash sync shutter speed of 1⁄90 was too fast, especially since slower speeds could not be set manually to use fill-flash. [9] The Nikonos V was capable of off-the-film-plane flash metering with the SB-102 speedlight, which was introduced alongside the camera at the Photo Marketing Association Show in Las Vegas, held April 1984. [20]

Third generation autofocus SLR

The 1992 Nikonos RS introduced an entirely new concept. Unlike its predecessors, the RS was a complete amphibious single lens reflex camera, with auto-focus, waterproof to 100 m (330 ft) and its own set of unique lenses that also utilized water-contact optics. They are, a 50mm f/2.8 macro, 28mm wide, 13mm fisheye, and the world's first underwater zoom lens, a 20-35mm. The body features considerable automation, with a built-in motor drive for film advance and rewinding, an autofocus system with multiple modes, DX film speed detection, and an aperture-priority autoexposure mode. It is equipped with a high-eyepoint "action" finder, with an eye relief of 60 mm (2.4 in), allowing the user to wear a typical underwater mask. [22]

Previous Nikonos models used lens-mounted knobs for aperture and focus; these controls were moved to the top deck and front grip of the Nikonos RS, respectively. [22]

Nikonos list prices (June 1, 1996) [23]
ItemMSRPItemMSRP
Nikonos RS$3,550Nikonos V$800
 
R-UW AF Nikkor 28mm$995UW-Nikkor 28mm$488
R-UW AF Micro-Nikkor 50mm$1,560W-Nikkor 80mm$488
UW Close-up Outfit [lower-alpha 1] $530
R-UW AF Zoom-Nikkor 20-35mm$3,690UW-Nikkor 20mm$960
R-UW AF Fisheye-Nikkor 13mm$2,480UW-Nikkor 15mm(N)$2,190
SB-104 (set) [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] $1,560
SB-105 (set) [lower-alpha 2] $820
Notes
  1. ↑ Includes close-up lens, field frames, and case
  2. 1 2 Includes strobe head, spare o-rings, mounting bracket, and sync cord
  3. ↑ SN-104 ($198) and SH-104 ($427) sold separately

The RS represented the pinnacle of Nikon's commitment to underwater imaging, and generated significant interest at the time. [24] Although groundbreaking in many ways, it was also very expensive, putting it out of reach of all but the most dedicated (or best funded) underwater photographers. According to Brian Long, the RS was a development of Japan's bubble economy of the late 80s, which saw a number of cost-no-object consumer products and automobiles produced. [25]

Unfortunately, early versions also had a tendency to flood if not maintained perfectly. Flooding was attributed to many factors, one of which was the change to orange-colored silicone o-rings that could swell and fail if third-party silicone grease was applied instead of the Nikonos grease that was petroleum-based. Non-Nikon (third party) silicone grease was commonly used without problems on black Nikonos o-rings by underwater photographers for several decades. Nikon replaced all these floods at first, but in the end, it clearly became not worth the trouble. The RS was quietly discontinued about 5 years later, and no subsequent models were ever designed or manufactured. [26] [27]

Digital Nikonos

United States Navy SEALs with a Nikon/Kodak DCS 425 underwater digital camera United States Navy SEALs 600.jpg
United States Navy SEALs with a Nikon/Kodak DCS 425 underwater digital camera

No Digital Nikonos has ever been made, but the Commercial & Government Systems division of Kodak modified a small number of Nikonos RS cameras for the United States Navy to create a digital unit known as the "Nikon/Kodak DCS 425". [28] The digital imaging portion was housed in an extended rear door and were largely identical to the options available for the contemporary Kodak DCS 420 cameras based on the Nikon F90. [29] [30]

Nikon celebrated the Nikonos legacy when the Nikon 1 AW1 was released, a waterproof interchangeable-lens digital camera. [31] Reviewers compared the features of the AW1 to the Nikonos line. [32] [33]

Lenses

Nikonos mount

With the exception of the above-water only LW-Nikkor 28mm, all Nikonos Nikkor lenses use two knobs to facilitate focus and aperture operation with gloved hands. In later years, these knobs were colored differently to allow the photographer to more clearly distinguish between their functions; for these lenses, the silver or chrome knob sets the focus distance, and the black knob controls the aperture. The LW-Nikkor uses conventional concentric focus and aperture rings. [34]

The two most common Nikonos lenses are the UW 28mm (for underwater use only) and the W 35mm (which is amphibious) with the UW 28mm being considered the better lens. Because water and air have significantly different indices of refraction, the 35mm lens is considered slightly wide on land, but is equivalent to a standard ~50mm lens under water. [35] The nominal focal length can be multiplied by 1.33× to determine the equivalent angle of view underwater. [36] These were also the first two lenses to be introduced with the Nikonos; the design of the W-Nikkor 35mm is based on the Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 lens for M39 mount first sold in 1952; it is a symmetric Double-Gauss lens behind an optical flat to make the assembly water-tight. This improves lens speed compared with the original lens fitted to the Calypso, the SOM Berthiot 35mm f/3.5, which had a Tessar-type construction. [37]

The Nikonos lenses designated "UW-Nikkor" were specifically designed for underwater photography only. It is said [38] [39] that, even to this day, no underwater lens matches the Nikonos "UW" lenses for sharpness and color saturation underwater. A brief explanation from Nikon about the difference between underwater-only lens and standard/"amphibious" lens can be found at Nikon official site, under the section "2. Rendition characteristics and lens performance". [40]

Nikon also created two lenses for use both above and under water, and one of them, the 35mm f/2.5, can be thought of as the "kit" lens. They made the Nikonos useful for aquatic activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or for foul weather situations. These two lenses, the W-35mm and W-80mm, were also fully waterproof, but because they utilized a flat port, they did not have the benefit of the specialized water-contact optics.

Nikonos lenses [41]
NameFocal lengthIntroApertureWater [lower-alpha 1] Min focus Angle of view [lower-alpha 2] ConstructionSizeAttachment sizeRef.
AboveBelowAboveBelowElesGrps(Φ×L)Weight
UW-Nikkor15mm1972 [lower-alpha 3] f/2.8–22NoYes1 ft
0.30 m [lower-alpha 4] 		—94°9 [lower-alpha 5] 590 mm × 79.5 mm
3.54 in × 3.13 in		340 g
12 oz		84mm, P=0.75mm [42]
1981NoYes12 [lower-alpha 5] 993 mm × 90.6 mm
3.66 in × 3.57 in		665 g
23.5 oz		87mm, P=0.75mm [43]
UW-Nikkor20mm1985f/2.8–22NoYes1.3 ft
0.40 m		—78°9 [lower-alpha 5] 770 mm × 74 mm
2.8 in × 2.9 in		350 g
12 oz		67mm, P=0.75mm [44]
LW-Nikkor28mm1984f/2.8–22YesNo1.5 ft
0.46 m		74°—5568.5 mm × 57 mm
2.70 in × 2.24 in		240 g
8.5 oz		52mm, P=0.75mm [45]
UW-Nikkor28mm1965f/3.5–22NoYes2 ft
0.61 m		—59°6 [lower-alpha 5] 562 mm × 43.8 mm
2.44 in × 1.72 in		175 g
6.2 oz		58mm, P=0.75mm [46]
W-Nikkor35mm1963f/2.5–22YesYes2.75 ft
0.84 m		62°46°30'7 [lower-alpha 6] 562 mm × 39.5 mm
2.44 in × 1.56 in		160 g
5.6 oz		58mm, P=0.75mm [47]
W-Nikkor80mm1969f/4–22YesYes3.5 ft
1.1 m		30°20'22°45'5 [lower-alpha 6] 562 mm × 66 mm
2.4 in × 2.6 in		275 g
9.7 oz		58mm, P=0.75mm [48]
Notes
  1. ↑ Suitability for photographs above water, below water, or both.
  2. ↑ Provided for above and/or below water, as applicable.
  3. ↑ Blocks metering path for Nikonos IV-A and V, can only be used in manual mode.
  4. ↑ Sub-scale provided for focus from 0.9 to 0.7 ft (0.27 to 0.21 m) underwater.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Includes front glass dome
  6. 1 2 Includes front flat glass plate

Nikonos RS mount

The Nikonos RS mount is physically identical to the older Nikon F mount, but an additional external bayonet was added for sealing, and the claws are slightly offset compared to the venerable still camera mount. The electronic signaling is also different from regular AF Nikon bodies.

The sharpness of a remounted R-UW AF Fisheye-Nikkor 13mm was tested and found to be superior to an equivalent AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm using a dome port. [36]

Nikonos RS lenses
NameFocal lengthIntroApertureWater [lower-alpha 1] Min focus Angle of view [lower-alpha 2] ConstructionSizeAttachment sizeRef.
AboveBelowAboveBelowElesGrps(Φ×L)Weight
R-UW AF Fisheye-Nikkor13mm1994 [49] f/2.8–22NoYes0.5 ft
0.15 m		—170°10 [lower-alpha 3] 7126 mm × 92 mm
5.0 in × 3.6 in		970 g
34 oz		— [50]
R-UW AF Zoom-Nikkor [lower-alpha 4] 20–35mm1992f/2.8–22NoYes0.38 ft
0.12 m		—80° to 51°1010162 mm × 129 mm
6.4 in × 5.1 in		1,750 g
62 oz		148mm, P=1.0mm [52]
R-UW AF Nikkor28mm1992f/2.8–22NoYes0.9 ft
0.27 m		—60°6699 mm × 77 mm
3.9 in × 3.0 in		550 g
19 oz		88mm, P=1.0mm [53]
R-UW AF Micro-Nikkor [lower-alpha 5] 50mm1992f/2.8–22YesYes6.6 in
0.167 m		—35°109103 mm × 126 mm
4.1 in × 5.0 in		1,100 g
39 oz		88mm, P=1.0mm [54]
Notes
  1. ↑ Suitability for photographs above water, below water, or both.
  2. ↑ Provided for above and/or below water, as applicable.
  3. ↑ Includes L37c filter
  4. ↑ World's first true underwater zoom lens [51]
  5. ↑ Focuses to a reproduction ratio of 1:1

Third party lenses

Lenses were made for the original Nikonos mount (for example, by Sea&Sea), which included both prime lenses as well as focal length converters which attached to the front of a Nikonos lens.

Nikonos mount lenses by third parties
NameFocal lengthIntroApertureWater [lower-alpha 1] Min focus Angle of view [lower-alpha 2] ConstructionSizeAttachment sizeRef.
AboveBelowAboveBelowElesGrps(Φ×L)Weight
Sea&Sea SWL Fisheye (64000) [lower-alpha 3] 12mm1994?f/3.5–22NoYes11.8 in
0.30 m		—167°96108 mm × 91 mm
4.3 in × 3.6 in		570 g
20 oz		— [55] [56] [57]
Sea&Sea WL-15 (63000)15mm ?f/3.5–22NoYes10 in
0.25 m		—96°10885 mm × 68 mm
3.3 in × 2.7 in		365 g
12.9 oz		 [55] [58]
Sea&Sea WCL-16 (62001) [lower-alpha 4] 16mm ?f/5.6–22NoYes1 ft
0.30 m		—91°4478 mm × 54 mm
3.1 in × 2.1 in		400 g
14 oz		 [55] [58]
Sea&Sea WL-1717mm ?f/3.5–22NoYes ?—86° ? ?89 mm × 102 mm
3.5 in × 4 in		440 g
15.5 oz		 [59] : 164 
Subatec Subawider (II, III) [lower-alpha 4] [lower-alpha 5] 17mm [lower-alpha 6]  ?f/2.5–22NoYes ?—90° [lower-alpha 7]  ? ? ? ? [59] : 165   [60]
Sea&Sea WL-18 [lower-alpha 8] 18mm ?f/3.5–16NoYes ?— ? ? ? ? ? [59] : 164 
Sea&Sea WL-20 (60000)20mm ?f/3.5–22NoYes1.3 ft
0.40 m		—80°7757 mm × 62 mm
2.2 in × 2.4 in		270 g
9.5 oz		 [55] [58]
Seacor Sea-Eye21mm ?f/3.3–16NoYes2.5 ft
0.76 m		—92° ? ? ? ? [61]
Notes
  1. ↑ Suitability for photographs above water, below water, or both.
  2. ↑ Provided for above and/or below water, as applicable.
  3. ↑ "Full frame" or diagonal fisheye lens
  4. 1 2 Fitted to front of and requires W-Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 lens.
  5. ↑ Also applicable to the UW-Nikkor 28mm lens.
  6. ↑ 13mm with the 28mm lens
  7. ↑ 103° with the 28mm lens
  8. ↑ Blocks metering path for Nikonos IV-A and V, can only be used in manual mode.

Accessories

Closeup

Because the numbered Nikonos cameras did not offer through-the-lens viewing, the extremely shallow depth of field for macro photography pragmatically required a focusing aid. The extension tube and Close Up Kit systems used a framer, which attached to the lens assembly and provided a direct physical index for the camera-to-subject distance, as well as its approximate width/height. The Nikon Close Up Kit provided a complete rectangular frame, but most third-party extension tube kits typically only indexed the bottom and two sides, not the top, and because of this shape, a slang term for Nikonos framers were Goal Posts.

For various reasons (such as concern for potential damage to the reef), some alternative products were developed over time to minimize or replace the basic framer design. One example (Fred Dion; Underwater Photo Tech) consisted of a bracket that held two small flashlights whose beams aligned at the focus plane.

Nikonos light meter

Nikonos light meter Nikonos case sekonic meter.jpg
Nikonos light meter

The Nikonos light meter accessory houses the selenium-celled Sekonic L-86 Auto-Lumi. [62] An underwater light meter is necessary for the Nikonos I, II, and III, which do not have metering in the body.

Flash

Because light becomes monochromatic as depth increases, a portable light source is required for underwater photography. The first Calypso-based Nikonos cameras (I and II) were equipped with two-pin sync ports for flashbulb units. The Nikonos III added a third pin to support electronic flash units; although a prototype was exhibited (SB-11), the first electronic Nikonos flash unit, the SB-101, was introduced with the Nikonos IV-A; both the IV-A and III supported the SB-101, but the IV-A dropped support for the flashbulb units. The SB-102 and -103 were introduced with the Nikonos V, with the SB-103 a more compact version of the SB-102, which in turn was an updated version of the SB-101. The SB-104 and -105 were introduced with the Nikonos RS; all four of these units (SB-102 through -105) supported TTL flash operation. [14] [24]

The SB-103 was recalled in September 1998; hydrogen gas could potentially build up and be ignited by the flash tube, which would eject the front lens and flash tube assembly from the unit. Owners of recalled units were offered the SB-105 as a replacement. [63] Because the SB-103 housing was designed to be pressure-resistant, Nikon was unable to crush the recalled units and instead drilled a hole through the "103" marking on the side of the flash. Some of the recalled units were subsequently resold on the secondary market. [64] The recall was still active as of October 2017; because the SB-105 is no longer being manufactured, SB-103 owners will instead receive a voucher. [65]

Nikonos underwater flash specifications
NameGuide No. [lower-alpha 1] Coverage
(Land/Water)		ModesPowerSizeWeightRef.
LandWaterTTLAutoManual
SB-10132 m (105 ft) [lower-alpha 2] 16 m (52 ft) [lower-alpha 2] 66°/50° [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] NoYes [lower-alpha 4] Yes
(Full, 1⁄4)		8×"AA"/R6 403 mm × 94 mm × 157 mm
15.9 in × 3.7 in × 6.2 in
(H×W×D) [lower-alpha 5] 		1,900 g (67 oz) [lower-alpha 6] [66]
SB-10232 m (105 ft) [lower-alpha 7] 16 m (52 ft) [lower-alpha 7] 79°/59° [lower-alpha 7] Yes [lower-alpha 8] Yes [lower-alpha 4] Yes
(Full, 1⁄4, 1⁄16)		6×"C"/R14 139 mm × 152.5 mm × 212 mm
5.47 in × 6.00 in × 8.35 in
(W×H×D) [lower-alpha 9] 		1,670 g (59 oz) [lower-alpha 6] [67]
SB-10320 m (66 ft) [lower-alpha 10] 10 m (33 ft) [lower-alpha 10] 79°/59° [lower-alpha 10] Yes [lower-alpha 8] NoYes
(Full, 1⁄4, 1⁄16)		4×"AA"/R6 175 mm × 130 mm × 99 mm
6.9 in × 5.1 in × 3.9 in
(W×H×D) [lower-alpha 9] 		780 g (28 oz) [lower-alpha 6] [lower-alpha 11] [68]
SB-10432 m (105 ft)16 m (52 ft)115°/100° [lower-alpha 12] Yes [lower-alpha 13] NoYes
(Full, 1⁄4, 1⁄16)		SN-104 NiCd124 mm × 222 mm
4.9 in × 8.7 in
(Φ×L) [lower-alpha 9] 		1,990 g (70 oz) [lower-alpha 6] [lower-alpha 14] [69]
SB-10522 m (72 ft) [lower-alpha 10] 11 m (36 ft) [lower-alpha 10] 103×84° [lower-alpha 12] [lower-alpha 15] Yes [lower-alpha 16] NoYes
(Full, 1⁄4, 1⁄16)		4×"AA"/R6 99 mm × 130 mm × 181 mm
3.9 in × 5.1 in × 7.1 in
(W×H×D) [lower-alpha 9] 		780 g (28 oz) [lower-alpha 6] [lower-alpha 17] [70]
Notes
  1. ↑ With ISO 100 film
  2. 1 2 3 Optional SW-101 adapter to expand coverage to 79°/59° (land/water) for UW-Nikkor 28mm lens; reduces guide number to 22 and 11 m (72 and 36 ft) for land and water, respectively.
  3. ↑ Covers W-Nikkor 35mm lens without accessories.
  4. 1 2 Using SU-101 sensor
  5. ↑ Includes grip.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Without batteries
  7. 1 2 3 Optional SW-102 adapter to expand coverage for UW-Nikkor 15mm lens; reduces guide number to 22 and 11 m (72 and 36 ft) for land and water, respectively.
  8. 1 2 With Nikonos V
  9. 1 2 3 4 Strobe head only
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Optional SW-103 adapter to expand coverage for UW-Nikkor 15mm lens; reduces guide number to 14 and 7 m (46 and 23 ft) for land and water, respectively.
  11. ↑ 1,650 g (58 oz) with bracket, arm, joint, and sync cord.
  12. 1 2 Covers UW-Nikkor 15mm lens.
  13. ↑ With Nikonos V and RS; Matrix-balanced fill-flash with Nikonos RS
  14. ↑ 3,450 g (122 oz) fully equipped, including SK-104A arm, SK-104B bracket/tray, and SN-104 battery
  15. ↑ Expands to 115° with SW-103.
  16. ↑ With Nikonos V and RS.
  17. ↑ 1,730 g (61 oz) with bracket, arm, joint, sync cord, and batteries.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Underwater photography</span> Genre of photography

Underwater photography is the process of taking photographs while under water. It is usually done while scuba diving, but can be done while diving on surface supply, snorkeling, swimming, from a submersible or remotely operated underwater vehicle, or from automated cameras lowered from the surface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikkor</span> Brand of lenses produced by Nikon

Nikkor is the brand of lenses produced by Nikon Corporation, including camera lenses for the Nikon F-mount.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fisheye lens</span> Wide-angle photographic lens with strong barrel distortion

A fisheye lens is an ultra wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image. Fisheye lenses achieve extremely wide angles of view, well beyond any rectilinear lens. Instead of producing images with straight lines of perspective, fisheye lenses use a special mapping, which gives images a characteristic convex non-rectilinear appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FM</span>

The Nikon FM is a mechanically operated, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured in Japan between 1977 and 1982 by Nippon Kogaku K. K..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon</span> Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in optics

Nikon Corporation is a Japanese optics and photographic equipment manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The companies held by Nikon form the Nikon Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FM2</span> Camera model

The Nikon FM2 is an advanced semi-professional, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nippon Kogaku K. K. in Japan from 1982 to 2001. The original camera was released with some incremental improvements in 1984, and this later version is commonly referred to as the FM2ɴ, although both versions are labelled as the FM2 on the front of the camera body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FA</span> Camera model

The Nikon FA is an advanced amateur-level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. in Japan from 1983 to 1987. The FA used a titanium-bladed, vertical-travel Nikon-designed, Copal-made focal plane shutter with a speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/250th second. It was available in two colors: black with chrome trim and all black. The introductory US list price for the chrome body only was $646. Note that SLRs usually sold for 30 to 40 percent below list price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FE2</span>

The Nikon FE2 is a 35 mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera manufactured by Nippon Kogaku K. K. in Japan from 1983 to 1987. The FE2 uses a Nikon-designed vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with a speed range of 8 to 1/4000th second, plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/250th second. It was available in two colors: black with chrome trim and all black. The introductory US list price for the chrome body only was $446. Note that SLRs usually sold for 30 to 40 percent below list price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FE</span> Camera model

The Nikon FE is an advanced semi-professional level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nikon in Japan from 1978 to 1983, and was available new from dealer stock until c. 1984. The FE uses a metal-bladed, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a speed range of 8 to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb, and flash X-sync of 1/125th second. It had dimensions of 89.5 millimetres (3.52 in) height, 142 mm (5.6 in) width, 57.5 mm (2.26 in) depth and 590 grams (21 oz) weight. It was available in two colors: black with chrome trim and all black. As on the FM, its model designation did not appear on the front of the camera, but was engraved as a small "FE" preceding the serial number on the rear of the housing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FG</span> Camera model

The Nikon FG is an interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nippon Kogaku K. K. in Japan from 1982 to 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon F-mount</span> Lens mount

The Nikon F-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its 35mm format single-lens reflex cameras. The F-mount was first introduced on the Nikon F camera in 1959, and features a three-lug bayonet mount with a 44 mm throat and a flange to focal plane distance of 46.5 mm. The company continues, with the 2020 D6 model, to use variations of the same lens mount specification for its film and digital SLR cameras.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon F2</span> Camera model

The Nikon F2 is a professional-level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by the Japanese optics company Nippon Kogaku K. K. in Japan from September 1971 to 1980. It used a horizontal-travel focal plane shutter with titanium shutter curtains and a speed range of 1 to 1/2000 second plus Bulb and Time, and flash X-sync of 1/80 second. It had dimensions of 98 mm height, 152.5 mm width, 65 mm depth and 730 g weight. It was available in two colors: black with chrome trim and all black. The F2 was adopted by both casual photographers and professional photographers, the latter of those especially photojournalists covering the later half of the Vietnam War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon FM10</span> 135-film camera model

The Nikon FM10 is a manual focus 35 mm film camera sold by Nikon Corporation. It is of SLR design and was first available in 1995. It is normally sold in a kit that includes a Zoom Nikkor 35–70 mm f/3.5-4.8 zoom lens, although a Zoom Nikkor 70–210 mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens is also available. An electronic companion model known as the FE10 was also sold at one stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon D40</span> Digital single-lens camera by Nikon

The Nikon D40 is a 6.1-megapixel DX format DSLR Nikon F-mount camera announced by Nikon on November 16, 2006. It replaces the D50 as Nikon's entry level DSLR. It features a 2.5-inch 230,000-dot resolution LCD monitor, CCD sensor with ISO 200-1600 and 3D Color Matrix Metering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon D90</span> Digital single-lens reflex camera

The Nikon D90 is a 12.3 megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) model announced by Nikon on August 27, 2008. It is a prosumer model that replaces the Nikon D80, fitting between the company's entry-level and professional DSLR models. It has a Nikon DX format crop sensor.

A list of flash guns, for easy comparison of strobes, from different manufactures. The list is intended to supplement the list of photographic equipment makers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calypso (camera)</span> 35mm film camera

The self-contained amphibious underwater Calypso 35mm film camera was conceived by the marine explorer Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997), designed by Jean de Wouters and manufactured by Atoms in France. It was distributed by La Spirotechnique in Paris from 1960. The camera is rated to operate down to 60 m (200 ft) below sea level. The Calypso was sometimes advertised as the "CALYPSO-PHOT". Nikon took over production and sold it from 1963 as the Nikonos, which subsequently became a well-known series of underwater cameras.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon D3100</span> Digital camera model

The Nikon D3100 is a 14.2-megapixel DX format DSLR Nikon F-mount camera announced by Nikon on August 19, 2010. It replaced the D3000 as Nikon's entry level DSLR. It introduced Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processor and was the first Nikon DSLR featuring full high-definition video recording with full-time autofocus and H.264 compression, instead of Motion JPEG compression. It was also the first Nikon DSLR to provide high-definition video recording at more than one frame rate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikon 1 series</span> Camera line by Nikon

The Nikon 1 series is a discontinued camera line from Nikon, originally announced on 21 September 2011. The cameras utilized Nikon 1-mount lenses, and featured 1" CX format sensors.

References

  1. ↑ Stafford, Simon (2004). The new Nikon compendium : cameras, lenses & accessories since 1917. New York: Lark Books. ISBN   1-57990-592-7.
  2. 1 2 3 "Nikon - Imaging Products - Evolution of NIKONOS". Imaging.nikon.com. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  3. ↑ "Camera Chronicle Part 17: Nikonos (I)/ -II / III". Nikon Imaging Products. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  4. 1 2 Fuketa Masahiko (November 12, 1992). "A brief history of Nikonos". Letter to Bob Rogen. CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  5. ↑ Fondiller, Harvey V., ed. (1979). The Best of Popular Photography. New York: Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. p. 229. ISBN   9780871650375 . Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  6. ↑ "NIKONOS-V camera body to be discontinued". Nikon.com. September 18, 2001. Archived from the original on 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  7. ↑ "Interview exclusive de Tetsurô Gotô". Focus-Numérique (in French). 20 January 2010. Archived from the original on 22 January 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  8. ↑ van Dijk, Nico. "The Nikonos Story". Self. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Hilllbrand, Rudolf; Hauschild, Hans-Joachim (1993). "10: The Nikonos Program". Nikon Compendium: Handbook of the Nikon System. Translated by Krueger, Rolf. Hove Books. pp. 162–172. ISBN   1-897802-02-1 . Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  10. ↑ "Nikonos II Repair Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  11. ↑ "Nikonos III Repair Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Nikonos IV-A Repair Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  13. ↑ "Nikonos V Repair Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue. "The Nikonos Story: How it all began" (PDF). Earthsea Publishing. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  15. ↑ Fuketa Masahiko (December 12, 1992). "Nikonos questions". Letter to Bob Rogen. CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  16. ↑ "Nikonos (I) - Version 2/A: 'White'". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  17. ↑ Rogen, Robert (2013). "The 'mythical' white Nikonos? It's no longer a myth!". Nikon Historical Society. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  18. ↑ Fuketa Masahiko (March 1, 1993). "Nikonos production". Letter to Bob Rogen. CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  19. ↑ Church, Jim; Church, Cathy (August 1981). "Three Tough Cameras". Popular Photography. Vol. 88, no. 8. Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. pp. 108–111. ISSN   0032-4582.
  20. ↑ "Preview: New products from the 1984 Las Vegas Photo Show". Popular Photography. Vol. 91, no. 4. Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. April 1984. pp. 70–73. ISSN   0032-4582.
  21. ↑ "Nikonos underwater camera models". Mir.com.my. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  22. 1 2 "Nikonos RS AF brochure" (PDF). Nikon. 1993. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  23. ↑ "Nikon Consumer Products (NCP) Dealer Price List" (PDF). Nikon Inc. June 1, 1996. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  24. 1 2 Grotta, Daniel; Grotta, Sally (June 1993). "Underwater Wizardry". Popular Science. pp. 112–116. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  25. ↑ Long, Brian (2018). Nikon: A Celebration (Third ed.). The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN   978-1-78500-470-4 . Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  26. ↑ Kline, Thomas C. Jr. "Evaluation of an underwater single lens reflex camera equipped with automatic focus, automatic exposure and water contact optics". American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. ↑ Kline, Thomas C Jr. "Nikonos RS Postmortem: The Rise and Fall of the Only Underwater Single Lens Reflex Camera Equipped with Water Contact Optics". American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  28. ↑ Diaz, Jesus. "The Secret Behind the Mysterious Digital Nikonos Camera". Gizmodo.com. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  29. ↑ Aasland, Jarle. "Kodak DCS 425 - Digital Nikonos". NikonWeb. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  30. ↑ McGarvey, Jim (June 2004). "The DCS Story: 17 years of Kodak Professional digital camera systems" (PDF). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  31. ↑ "In the Tradition: Legacy Nikonos underwater cameras". Nikon Imaging. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  32. ↑ Tomkins, Mike (September 18, 2013). "Nikon AW1 preview: World's first waterproof, shockproof mirrorless is like a digital Nikonos Lite". Imaging Resource. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  33. ↑ Britton, Barney; Keller, Jeff (September 19, 2013). "Nikon AW1 First Impressions Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  34. ↑ Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue. "The Nikonos Lens System: Choosing the right tool" (PDF). Earthsea Publishing. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  35. ↑ Church, Jim (13 November 1994). Jim Church's Essential Guide to Nikonos Systems . Aqua Quest Publications, Inc. p.  93 . Retrieved 13 November 2018– via Internet Archive.
  36. 1 2 Furlan, Borut (May 2014). "Nikonos RS R-UW AF 13mm f2.8 lens – adaptation to modern digital Nikon cameras in a SEACAM housing and review" . Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  37. ↑ Ohshita, Kouichi. "NIKKOR - The Thousand and One Nights No.8: W Nikkor 35mm F2.5". Nikon Imaging. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  38. ↑ "Rob Barker's Underwater Photography". Archived from the original on 2012-07-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  39. ↑ "The Nikonos System". Archived from the original on 2012-05-11. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  40. ↑ "Nikon | Imaging Products | NIKKOR - the Thousand and One Nights / Tale 8 : W Nikkor 35 mm f/2.5". Archived from the original on 2013-09-11. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  41. ↑ "Nikonos V Instruction Manual" (PDF). Pacific Rim Camera. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  42. ↑ "Version 2 - UW-Nikkor 15mm - Product Sheets". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  43. ↑ "Version 3 - UW-Nikkor 15mm - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  44. ↑ "UW-Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  45. ↑ "LW-Nikkor 28mm - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  46. ↑ "UW-Nikkor 28mm f/3.5 - Version 2 - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  47. ↑ "W-Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 - Product Sheets". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  48. ↑ "Version 2 - Nikkor 80mm - Product Sheets". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  49. ↑ Ohshita, Kouichi. "NIKKOR - The Thousand and One Nights No.6: OP Fisheye-NIKKOR 10mm F5.6". Nikon Imaging. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  50. ↑ "R-UW AF Fisheye-Nikkor 13mm f/2.8 - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  51. ↑ Foo, Leonard. "Nikonos RS Underwater camera". Malaysian Internet Resources. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  52. ↑ "R-UW AF Zoom-Nikkor 20–35mm - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  53. ↑ "R-UW AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  54. ↑ "R-UW AF Micro-Nikkor 50mm f/2.8 - Product Sheet". CalypsoNikonos. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  55. 1 2 3 4 "Product Line: Nikonos Accessories". Sea and Sea. 2001. Archived from the original on 5 March 2005. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  56. ↑ "SWL フィッシュアイ" [SWL Fisheye]. Sea and Sea Japan. Archived from the original on 6 April 2003. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  57. ↑ Drafahl, Jack; Drafahl, Sue (May 1996). "Sea & Sea's 12mm Lens: Full Frame Fisheye Offers a New View of the U/W World" (PDF). Skin Diver. pp. 16, 58–62. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  58. 1 2 3 "ワイドレンズ" [Wide Lens]. Sea and Sea Japan. Archived from the original on 9 December 2002. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  59. 1 2 3 Church, Jim; Church, Cathy (1986). The Nikonos Handbook . Logan, Utah: Herff Jones. ISBN   0-9616093-0-3.
  60. ↑ "Subawider III". Subatec. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  61. ↑ Roberts, Howard R. (1978). The Beginner's Guide to Underwater Photography. New York: David McKay Company. p. 86. ISBN   0-679-20450-4.
  62. ↑ James's Light Meter Collection: Sekonic L-86 Auto-Lumi Archived December 30, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  63. ↑ "Alert — Nikon SB-103 Recall". Undercurrent. Vol. 13, no. 10. October 1998. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  64. ↑ Trigger, John Q. (April 1999). "Nikon SB-103 Strobe Slow Repairs and Stolen Units". Undercurrent. Vol. 14, no. 4. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  65. ↑ "SB-103 Recall (USA)". Nikon Imaging Support. October 25, 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  66. ↑ "Nikonos Speedlight SB-101" (PDF). Nikon. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  67. ↑ "Nikonos Speedlight SB-102" (PDF). Nikon. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  68. ↑ "Nikonos Speedlight SB-103" (PDF). Nikon. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  69. ↑ "Nikonos Speedlight SB-104" (PDF). Nikon. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  70. ↑ "Nikonos Speedlight SB-105" (PDF). Nikon. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  71. ↑ Cameron, Kelly (October 27, 2012). "Bond's 50th Anniversary at the TIFF Lightbox High Res Photos". Broadway World. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  72. ↑ Moore, Sir Roger; Owen, Gareth (2012). Bond On Bond: Reflections of 50 years of James Bond Movies. Guilford, Connecticut: Lyons Press. ISBN   978-0-7627-8281-9 . Retrieved 30 December 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.