Nikon Nikonos V Underwater Cameras

Nikon Nikonos V Underwater Cameras 

DESCRIPTION

It's easy to take great pictures with this fun underwater camera. With Aperture-Priority automatic exposure operation, the Nikonos-V sets the right shutter speed for you - from 1/1000 of a second to 1/30 of a second for ambient light exposures. Also available is TTL auto-flash exposure control. Or, for greater creative control, you can opt for manual exposure. Ergonomically designed for easy operation with diving gloves or bare hands. O-rings allow for water-tight picture-taking down to 165 feet.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 14  
[Jun 28, 2023]
hendrenu


Strength:

The material is very tough; I''ve used some other Tenba bags for up to 20 years, and they are still good, and if you wash them with soap, they look almost like new. I bought this pack about six months ago looking for a pack that could take my 35mm camera equipment, and other things like clothes and food for trips of one or two days. of course it''s definitely too big and bulky for that (I got a Lowepro Orion AW now fitting perfectly for that purpose). Granite Bay Masonry

Weakness:

None . .

Purchased:
New  
OVERALL
RATING
5
[May 29, 2010]
David Lennon
Intermediate

Don't understand the reviews praising this camera unless they are 4-5yrs old. I now use a range of digital cameras including the Canon 10m and they take superior photos. The problem with the Nikonos is the focusing unless you use a wide angle lens and large depth of field. On average you would get 5-10 good shots from a roll of film.

It was great but just too hard nowadays.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Nov 16, 2003]
Tristessa
Professional

Strength:

rugged construction. TTL. 15mm lens.

Weakness:

Although most people ignore this, this camera needs alot of care and maintenence.price of 15mm.

This camera has provided me with the sharpest, clearest u/w images ever. Superior optics and construction. array of aftermarket products. People should consider that this camera works as a rangefinder.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

nikonos 4, nikon F4s subal housing, jvc dvp-3 ikelite housing. Sunpak marine 32, nikonos sb-102 and sb-105, sb-104, Hartenberger 625, nikon d100(housed)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 19, 2003]
Eric
Intermediate

Strength:

Pretty simple camers to use. Many accessories still available.

Weakness:

Learn how to use in Manual mode. TTL often overcompensates for the divers ignorannce in not being able to fill the frame with the subject therefore the camera thinks the whole ocean, 2/3's of the planet, need more light

A very solid camera that can be a joy to own if you understand the effects of the ocean environmet. Can also be truly hated if you are not one to perform the reccomended maintenance.

Customer Service

Always used Bob Workington in Texas and have always been satisfied.. Spend a few dollars and get a flood policy

Similar Products Used:

Nikonos 3, Ikelite strobes

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 14, 2003]
Andrew Starte
Intermediate

Strength:

rugged and simple to maintain (if you take basic precautions). It has spent many hours in the bottom of a RIB.

Weakness:

Expensive 15mm lens. I understand it needs a full service if it gets flooded. I am considering a Nik IV as backup as this is mechanical and can survive flooding.

Stunning camera which I have used on over 400 dives. 15mm lens used on most dives. 28mm or 15mm for shark/large palegic photography. Need a big strobe.

Customer Service

Never needed it (touch wood)

Similar Products Used:

Motor marine II (can also survive some floods)

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jan 07, 2002]
albertseee
Professional

Strength:

Strong advertising and marketing.

Weakness:

Poor customer support,always blaming the customer for negligence the reason for flooding.

NIKONOS V has finally decided not to continue manufacture.Major flooding has occurred to me twice in three years. IT COSTS $600 TO SERVICE A FLOODED CAMERA.Now I finally gave up. Nikonos Flaw not a mishap,its a tragedy.

Customer Service

Service personnel can quote you in 5 minutes,cost of repair $600 due to flooding due to negligence.

Similar Products Used:

SUBAL F100 HOUSING,SONY MPK-DVF2 VIDEO HOUSING.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Sep 24, 2001]
Daniel Lindsay
Expert

Strength:

Tough, with the best underwater optics in the industry. The latest 15mm UW-Nikkor is what I leave on it.

Weakness:

Sometimes it''s difficult to view the meter with a mask on.

This is the standard for underwater photography,--but you need to buy your''s soon because Nikon just announced that they are ceasing production of this camera due to low sales figures. Perhaps others are going to housed cameras? Digitals? Get one if you want something small but sophisticated for clear images. This is a sad time, marking the end of the Nikonos line of cameras, since Cousteau''s Calypso (Nikonos I) made it''s debute in 1959.

Customer Service

Never been a factor. But keep up with your o-rings!

Similar Products Used:

Nikonos II, Nikonos IVA

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 19, 2000]
Ted Cheeseman
Professional

Strength:

Great camera, as long as it doesn't flood!

Weakness:

FLOODS! Despite a well-greased o-ring, my 5 sprung a leak

Buy a used Nikonos IV or use an F4 in a housing!

Customer Service

Nikon Professional Service (if you are a member) used to be second to none. They apparently decided customers aren't important anymore, and despite many Nikonos Vs flooding refuse to admit that it might be a design flaw

Similar Products Used:

Nikonos IV

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Jun 13, 2000]
Alexander Koedijk
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: Nikonos V

Strength:

Strong an solid body. Fine lens (35 mm lens), quiet.

Weakness:

Heavy (except under water).

Very fine tank. Ideal camera for snapshots because of the silent shutter. Fine optics outperform many "quality" rangefinder camera's (except probably Leica and Contax).

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

none

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 07, 2000]
Stephen Hawkins
Expert
Model Reviewed: Nikonos V

Strength:

Ease of use
Lots of accesories
No Housing
Useful above water
very sharp lens

Weakness:

None. Does what it sets out to do.
Dont try and change film while diving

Used to work in a Camera shop specialising in Marine photography
This is the best amphibious camera bar none (forget the cheap plastic ones) and works well on land in extremem conditions (I use mine cave diving and caving). Mine has been to 134m and not leaked. The 15mm fisheye lens for it is amazing.

When I worked in the Camera shop, the only returns on this camera were when people had opened the back underwater (dont ask, but they do) or had contaminated the O ring. Typical Nikon kit.

When I worked in the camera shop it was interesting to see the diffrence in return rates of different manufacturers. A certain well know brand has almost a 30% return rate (IMO) verses Nikon's very low rate (I'd guess <5%)

Customer Service

Never used Nikon customer service in 20 years of owning Nikon

Similar Products Used:

Haminex 35mm
Sea & Sea 35mm
Various housing for F801/F90

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 14  

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