Thinking about getting a Nikonos V..any suggestions

[michaelbialecki]

Hey guys, I found a Nikonos V with a 20/2.8, 35/2.5 and a 15/2.8 with a viewfinder....it also comes with a nikonos fb 105 strobe, some cables, flash bracket and a protective plastic case for around 550 usd.....

Everything looks to be in pretty good shape...I have never done underwater photography but I am thinking about playing around with it....I live in Thailand and I like to snorkel off some of the islands here......it seems like a good deal....anything that I should look out for...any comments, recomendations? thanks in advance...

cheers, michael

[BillBingham2]

I know very little about the V, but you know they never made a bad Nikonos.

I'd strongly recommend that you look at this site:

http://www.southern-nikonos.com/WorkShop/Nikonos-III/WPCasing/wpcasing.htm

Bob is a good guy who really went out of his way to help me out a few years back.

I loved my Nikonos III, the V looks very interesting. Price seems reasonable for all the parts but I do not know enough about the market.

B2 (;->

[peterm1]

The Nikonos is the camera that got me into photography having been a scuba diver who travelled a lot in the Pacific region.

Later I figured out that I got better results from the Nik above water rather than under it as UW photography is so challenging. But I like the Nikonos. Its build quality is superb and it has some quite OK lenses. From memory though both the 20 and 28 can only be used below water. It does not have a rangefinder so that rather limits you to wide angles. Its a fun camera to own not only for divers but for people who like to rough it - if you do not mind the weight.

Check it and the lenses carefully to make sure its not been flooded at any time. And you may wish to have it pressure tested to make sure it is water tight. Check the cap on top of the wind on lever to make sure that there is no rust under it. (It can accumulate there.) Be aware that Nikon no longer makes the O rings but I have seen some threads on forums explaining what alternatives are available.

I have long since sold mine although I have from time to time considered buying one again just for nostalgia and those times I want to take photos in the rain.

[Roger Hicks]

It's not just for underwater either: anywhere there's water, sand, or a generally hostile environment. The 15 and 20 are underwater only as far as I recall: I've only ever had the 35. I lent mine to a friend who dropped it over the side, and like Peter, I've often thought of buying another.

Cheers,

R.

[ChrisN]

Unless you really need a kit with all those lenses and accessories, that's way too much to pay for the novelty. Remember that you can't trust it underwater without a full service - there are seals that can't be replaced without the full overhaul. But it is a nice camera.

[michaelbialecki]

Thanks everybody for the reply.......Chris has a point, it is sort of a novelty for me and I am not sure how handy it would be, or how much I would actually use it......I thought it was a good deal, but maybe it isn't.......I think I could get it for 500usd if I really wanted it.....but now I am starting to think again.......I guess I thought it was a good price, but maybe it isn't after all.....oh well, I am going to sleep on it....thanks again

cheers, michael

[craygc]

Michael, its a Songkran camera Chiang Mai (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craygc/sets/72157603450188985/)

[emraphoto]

LOVE the nkonos 5! i am not a diver by any stretch but i have one for when things (weather) get really ugly.

i have the 35 and run fast film (scale focus). it has held up brilliantly in some very hostile weather. highly recommended.

[michaelbialecki]

Hello Craig.....yeah, I definetly thought about it as a songkran camera...it would be pretty fun....

Hello emraphoto, I am not a diver either, I prefer to snorkel.... I think it would be fun to use in some crazy monsoon rain action.....

now that I have a couple more opinions, do you guys think 500usd is a good price for the kit....

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75507&d=1261065037

thanks again...cheers, michael
75507

[craygc]

That is well worth US$500. I paid US$350 for mine in mint condition with just the 35mm. The real issue is whether you would get the use out of the 20mm and 15mm as they are not amphibious like the 35mm. Do realise that under water all these lenses give an angle of view equivalent to a lens with a focal length of 1.25x due to diffraction in the water.

[dfoo]

That is a great price! Strobe, great lenses and the body all for $500? Wow. I warn you though, UW photography is really really hard.

[michaelbialecki]

hey thanks guys........I also have a swimming pool in my building and I think it would be fun to take it in there and get used to it before I hit the islands on a snorkeling trip....I think it would be fun to have a foul weather camera..sort of like the fuji "big job" digital camera that is sometimes advertised here in the classifieds....anyways, I am not so sure yet, i am going to sleep on it and email the guy back tomorrow...if anybody else has some opinions, one way or the other, I would love to hear them....

cheers, michael

[michaelbialecki]

Hello dfoo, thanks for the reply....yeah, I think uw photography is hard...and that is sort of why I want to try it.....something different...ok, so I got two replies saying that 500usd is a good deal....alright, time for me to go to bed and think about things, I will check this thread (in the morning) to see if anybody else has commented on it....thanks again, michael

[charjohncarter]

I don't know if you can use it on the V but I have one of those shoe mount large frame finders. And it really makes it less challenging as Peter M. says. I got one for 5-10 US dollars. I think mine will also work on the 28mm; it is made for the 35mm, maybe I have it backwards and it is the 80mm. If you want to know I'll dig out the manual.

[bobkonos]

I collect mint Nikonos (hence my RFF name) and use a II and I can tell you that this is a terrific deal. The body alone is worth $250 so do the math and you will see that even if you do not like it you can sell all and make a profit easily. Get it...now!

[michaelbialecki]

Hey charjohncarter...thanks for the reply, but I am not so sure what you are talking about....I don't think you are talking baout the viewfinnder for the 15mm and I am unaware of a "shoe mount large frame finder"...any more info would be greatly appreciated....thanks again...

cheers, michael

[michaelbialecki]

wow bobkonos, thanks alot for that email..you may have pushed me over the edge...photography gear tends to be more expensive out here...I have found some good deals though, but it is usually through foreigners who are selling gear...such as this deal here....

anyways, here are some more photos...and yes the case is included too....it is too late to email him tonight and I am going to decide in the morning, but he already sent me an email back saying that he will wait for me to decide....so I have to (should) make my mind up by tomorrow afternoon one way or the other...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75512&d=1261067753

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75511&d=1261067735

cheers, michael

75511

75512

[chrishayton]

Curious about these cameras too, Id love a 'rain' camera and those underwater photos by trent parke gave me some inspiration to try it.

How come the lenses can only work underwater?

[dfoo]

What I know for sure is that when I was doing UW photography I would have killed for that gear Mike :)

[emraphoto]

Go Nikonos man, if you EVER find yourself in super dodgy conditions it is a pure pleasure to be able to use one.

I don't use it much but I have been very, very happy to have one on occasion!

I think it's a pretty good deal.

[Gary Sandhu]

Cool camera-- Super action finder and the quietest film camera I have-- the hexar af is noisier.

[Warren T.]

I had an early Nikonos (Model 1) with the 35mm lens. I got mine used and the thing was built like a tank, super heavy duty, and the seals were simple and effective (cannot speak for later models). I only used it once under water, in the Caribbean, while snorkeling and I got decent shots with it. I used it more for above water than under, and eventually sold it due to lack of use. I should have kept it for its historical significance.

--Warren

[charjohncarter]

Hey charjohncarter...thanks for the reply, but I am not so sure what you are talking about....I don't think you are talking baout the viewfinnder for the 15mm and I am unaware of a "shoe mount large frame finder"...any more info would be greatly appreciated....thanks again...

cheers, michael


35mm & 80mm Finder on Nikonos II, it really helps.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4193454188_a3651792a8.jpg

[BillBingham2]

The II or the III are the best for folks who prefer manual everything. I had the III and it is the perfect bad weather camera. The 35/2.5 is a razor above or below water. You can find good III with lens for well south of $400 these days. I'd check with southern-nikonos (post #2 in this thread) to see if they have anything. As Chris pointed out, there are some internal access only rings that can only be accessed by a full stripping.

B2 (;->

[snausages]

As others have said, the revelation of the Nikonos + 35 is that it's most fun as a rugged all-weather camera that you can take fearlessly anywhere. I'm not tempted to get another lens for it, but if you plan on doing a lot of diving stuff I guess they'd make sense...

[michaelbialecki]

ok guys...I think I am going to pull the trigger and get it...I have given myself about 3-4 more hours before I send him an email....I think it will be fun to use and I think it will be challenging as well.....I am a Leica user and in Leica terms, I can barely get a Leica lens for that price, let alone a whole under water kit....That said, I have no desire to buy any more Leica lenses, I am pretty set.....

I looked at Trent Parke's photos and they are really cool and inspiring....

the only concern that I have is the seals....but I imagine that somewhere, somehow I could find replacements if need be....does anybody have any experience with the seals....is it difficult or are there solutions available out there....

thanks again guys...it looks like that this is going to be my christmas present to myself...

cheers, michael

and please, if anybody has anything to add, please let me know....I am really in the dark when it comes to this kind of gear/photgraphy

[charjohncarter]

My old Nikonos II is still rock solid. In fact, I just got a flash for it. I'm a bit old to fly off to some foreign waters and I don't like taking a lot of photo equipment on the plane, so I use it in my pool with anybody that wants their photo taken underwater. I've used only the 35mm lens and it is great, maybe my best lens. You can't help but have fun with these cameras.

Not my best, but I can't find the others good ones, this is this summer without flash and TriX:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3881967617_bfd9a48df5.jpg

[michaelbialecki]

wow John.....thanks alot for that photo....it looks cool....I am hoping to play around with in my pool before I head out to the islands...that is exactly what I am looking for...posts to push me over the edge...thanks again

cheers, michael

[ornate_wrasse]

I've been doing underwater photography for over 10 years, used to dive regularly with the Nikonos V, and I can tell you the price is excellent. The 15mm lens has been said to be the best ever underwater wide angle lens. Period. Many photographers who went on to use housed SLR cameras still often preferred to use the 15mm lens for the Nikonos for its incredible sharpness corner to corner. I myself could not afford to buy one as they were well over $1,000 so I purchased the slightly slower Sea & Sea 15mm lens for the Nikonos for a lot less money. In its heyday, it was said that images produced by the Nikonos V and the 15mm lens graced the covers of more magazines than any other lens used underwater.

I strongly recommend you head over to the Southern Nikonos web site for the following link in particular:

http://www.southern-nikonos.com/nikonosworkshopseries.html

Bob Warkentin (who used to service my Nikonos V camera) has a great tutorial that I've referred to time and again. One of his tricks is using the 35mm lens as a magnifying glass to inspect the o-rings for hairs, particles, etc. each time after you open the back of the camera before closing it again.

I definitely recommend you have the camera serviced before using it for the first time so you don't experience the "F" word (flood).

I also recommend that you head on over to www.wetpixel.com if you have any questions that come up. I'm one of the moderators on that site and I can tell you there are lots of friendly folks willing to help out if you have questions and/or need information.

Someone recently posted about a company that wants to make a digital camera that accepts the lenses for the Nikonos. If the project is successful, I think it will increase the value of the lenses. That's why I'm keeping my lenses as well as my Nik V :D

I used to use q-tips to clean the o-ring grooves, but changed to eye makeup applicators made of sponge material. The reason is that the q-tips can leave bits of cotton in the groove which can make the camera liable to flood.

Enjoy your Nikonos if you decide to buy it!

Ellen

[michaelbialecki]

Thanks for the links Ellen....I just emailed the seller and asked if the camera and lenses have ever been flooded....the seller also mentioned that he has some extra o-rings and seals for the camera.....thanks again for the info....if I decide to get it (I probably will) I will post a message here (probably with some questions)

I am going to read about the links now and see what's up....

Hey Vic, thanks for the suggestion, I am afraid though, if I test the waters (excellent phrase BTW) and I like it, then I am going to want "more"....and given the cost of everything, I am willing to pay 200 more for this kit...

very funny comment about the drunken parties with wet women BTW.....I already have some ideas about what i want to shoot, if I get it...

good point about being stuck with heavy gear, but I am ok with that....

thanks everybody...now, I am waiting to hear back from the seller.....

if anybody else has comments, please let me know...cause I am still thinking about it

cheers, michael

[michaelbialecki]

I just heard back from the seller, he bought the camera and the 15mm new and they have never been flooded...he bought the 35 and 20 from a friend who assured him that they have never been flooded...he also said that he has never had problems with anything before....I believe him too...so, everything appears to be good...

one question, how do I test this camera when I look at....I am going to look at it good, but does anybody have any tips....thanks

cheers, michael

[dfoo]

Michael, If you want to test the waters, get a Canon PowerShot D10 Underwater camera. Great for pools and snorkeling, and its digital, fits in your pocket. Good for monsoon weather too, or drunken parties with wet women:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605229-REG/Canon_3508B001_PowerShot_D10_Digital_Camera.html

US cost is $266 at B&H, but I'm sure the prices are cheaper in Thailand.

Once the novelty of the Nikonos V wears off you will be stuck with some heavy gear.

Here's some underwater photography using a Nikon D3x:

http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10601

Not good for serious diving though. 33 feet is too shallow, and that strobe is too pathetic :) The Nikonos is a serious camera. I'd love to have that baby, and all for $500? Wow.

Just remember, you can't change the lens under the water! :D

[charjohncarter]

Michael, If you want to test the waters, get a Canon PowerShot D10 Underwater camera. Great for pools and snorkeling, and its digital, fits in your pocket. Good for monsoon weather too, or drunken parties with wet women:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605229-REG/Canon_3508B001_PowerShot_D10_Digital_Camera.html

US cost is $266 at B&H, but I'm sure the prices are cheaper in Thailand.

Once the novelty of the Nikonos V wears off you will be stuck with some heavy gear.

Here's some underwater photography using a Nikon D3x:

http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10601

That's very good. Some of the best I've seen. I assume they are yours.

[dfoo]

^ Agreed! The shot of the harlequin shrimp is amazing!

[michaelbialecki]

Thanks JSU for the tip on how to test the camera....yeah, I will run a roll through it when I get it.......I don't think that I'll want to submerge the camera in water until I check it out throughly and review the website above and make sure the seals are good and everything is in order.....

I emailed the seller an hour ago and told him that I want it.....he also has an fm2 for 80usd and 3 lenses to go with it, a 28/1.8, 35/2.5, 50/2.8..he wants 160 for the whole kit....I told him that I want that kit as well....I have been looking for an fm2 for awhile....I bought an fm a couple of months ago but my gf prefers that over a Leica and she has been using the fm....so, looks like I am going to be buying myself some christmas gifts....the best part is (well, not really) I am going to be taking a 10 hour bus to go get the gear...but it is an excuse to visit a friend of mine who lives in the same town as the seller....that, and I am going to make a side trip to the border of Myanmar and visit some refugee camps for a couple of days.....I will bring my Leica and a couple of lenses to shoot in the camps.....all in all, it should be a fun trip....

will let you guys know how everything goes...and thanks again....

cheers, michael

edit.... I forgot to mention, he told me the strobe is new and has never been wet.....I will test everything out the best I can (above water)

[michaelbialecki]

So I have been reading some threads over at wetpixel.com (thanks Ellen for the link) and I am a little surprised to learn that the 15mm may flood if I am not scuba diving.....I think it has something to do with the pressure of being deep underwater.....I dont scuba dive, but I do snorkel quite often........

I posted a thread with some questions and so far the responses have been to wrap a rubber band tight around the lens if I am not going to go down "deep".... I just posted another question to ask about the 20m and 35mm if I might have the same problem....still waiting to hear back from some of the members there.....

It's a good, informative sight, but I have to admit, I am confused with some of the terms "lingo" that they use, due to the fact that I am basically clueless about UW photography and scuba diving....anyways, I planned on using this camera in my pool as well to play around with it....it now seems that I may be limited to just using one or two of the lenses in shallow water without the possibility of flooding the camera....not so sure yet though...still waiting for some responses....

I already emailed the seller and told him that I want it, and I also told him that I want his FM2 kit as well, he emailed me back this morning and said that he will set them aside for me, because he has some people coming by today to look at some of his gear that is for sale...

anyways, are there any experienced divers here, or does anybody have any info on this matter......

cheers, michael

[BillBingham2]

Michael,

Drop a not to Bob over at Southern-Nikonos. As long as you read his site (all of it) and have a question he will answer it until you understand. Bob is a great guy.

B2 (;->

[ornate_wrasse]

Here's some underwater photography using a Nikon D3x:

http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10601

Here's one I took at the same place in Tulamben Bali last fall:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4142956526_8b3b142f89.jpg

I was shooting with a D70S in a Subal Housing. If you want to talk about heavy, that camera inside of a housing weighs a lot. The weight of the Nikonos pales in comparison :D

Ellen

[michaelbialecki]

Thaanks B2, I am going to read EVERYTHING on his site before I send him some questions...I just posted a couple of questions on the wetpixel site again....

I am starting to have second thoughts here, because I planned on using the camera for snorkeling trips and playing around in my pool....As cool as deep water diving is (scuba diving) I don't really plan to go in that direction...I prefer snorkeling...

Hey Steve, I totally understand your point, I was thinking the same thing, even a diver who is going down deep, has to enter the water and thus expose the camera and lens to the same pressure that a snorkeler would face......wouldn't water enter the camera then? or does it take time....I have no idea about any of this stuff....

Hello Ellen, thanks for the warm welcome over at wetpixel, I appreciate it.....I just posted a couple of questions over there...

I will post the same question here and see what I get....

Has anybody used the Nikonos V with a 15mm lens for snorkeling or in a pool without any problems ...I know that Steve mentioned above that he has used the 20mm and the 35mm on the surface without any problems...just trying to figure out what i am getting myself into here.....

thanks again to everybody...I am going to be meeting the seller in 24 hours...but to be honest, I am now having second thoughts because I am not so sure if this camera will work for me......I planned on using it on the surface.....

I think I am getting myself into something here much more complicated than I thought...

oh well, I am going to see what kind of responses I get here and over at wetpixel in the next 24 hours....

cheers, michael

[ornate_wrasse]

Michael,

I didn't really want to say anything before and suggest another camera might be a better way for you to go on this but now that Mike V. over at Wetpixel brought it up, I second his opinions that a camera like the G11 with a housing might be preferable than buying the Nik V for your snorkeling photography.

Allthough the Nik V is quite durable and the lenses are excellent, the problem is that learning how to shoot underwater takes quite a bit longer with film. Also, when shooting topside, it's very easy to change rolls of film if you want to shoot more pictures. When shooting underwater, it's not a simple thing! I don't want to get into a digital vs film debate, but shooting underwater IS different from shooting topside.

If you are having second thoughts, especially about the 15mm lens, there are many Nik V's for sale that are being sold quite cheaply nowadays.
You can always get one if you want one. I could also refer you to a reputable seller of Nikonos cameras, lenses and accessories who sells on Ebay.

Ellen

PS If you have any questions about the lingo used on wetpixel, just holler at me and I can help you. I'll be honest with you, for the first year of lurking on that site, I was quite intimidated with all the language I didn't understand.

[michaelbialecki]

I just wanted to say "thanks" to the replies that I got...I met with the seller and decided not to purchase the kit...everything was in really nice shape and all, but I decided it was not for me....I will look into a waterproof case for my g10 when I am back in Bangkok, I think it might be more along the lines of what I need....

I did purchase a Nikon Fm2 and 3 lenses from the seller for an excellent price.....I also received an email from Sherry K that my m6ttl is ready and that the bill is 717.00 usd...ouch....but I had her install an MP viefinder in it and I was aware of how much everything was going to be, I think that email also helped me decide against dropping 500usd on the Nikonos.....

anyways, I am up in Northern Thailand now, in a small town that borders Myanmar, it is filled with different hill tribe people, Burmese refugees and all sorts of interesting things...... I have a big bag of film and my Leica kit with me, and a "new to me" fm2 kit, I am going to try and have some good times.....thanks again...

cheers, michael