Camera for Vacation - Nikonos

srtviper15

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Hello all!

Looking at getting a Nikonos camera for vacation.

I was inspired by this post!
https://www.facebook.com/
My question is should I get the Nikonos iii or the V? I realized I probably need to get a dedicated rugged camera with manual features so I don't ruin my other nice gear on the beach.

I also thought about the Canon Sure Shot WP1 but realized that is more of a point and shoot. I think I would like the manual and mechanical feeling of a Nikonos

UPDATE: what would be a good price to pay for this? I don’t want to overpay? Looking for the kit with the 35 mm lens.
 
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BrianShaw

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There are a couple of resons to prefer the Nikonos V over the Nikonos III - it will be newer and has better exposure control technology. I have no idea how they compare for cost, though. The bottom line is that whichever you get, it should be in tip-top condition. I've used a Nikonos IVA in similar situations and find it to be a great camera but always wanted the manual exposure capabilities. The auto exposure is fairly good but manual control is better. Loading film is a bit of an exercisze...
 

eli griggs

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I had a Nikonos IVA also and while the auto function was ok, it's the Nikonos V and it's manual settings which I long for.

The 35 mm and 80 mm lenses, last I checked, several years back, were designed for atmospheric air, as well as underwater work, but there may be others now.

Just be very careful with the "O Ring" lubricant and use the correct material, for some, it's not what they expect it to be made of.

I suggest you keep two (2) full kits of O rings and lube in your bag, stuff happens. And use lens hoods above water.

Cheers
 
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ic-racer

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Yes, I got my Nikonos V to use above water in harsh conditions.
The 35mm is easy to zone focus and is corrected for above water and below water imaging.

 
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srtviper15

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I plan on getting. Nikonos V! Just put up a want to buy ad in the classifieds.
 
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srtviper15

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Thanks for the recommendations! I’m looking for a kit with the 35mm right now! Also need to find out a reasonable price to spend on the kit. Don’t want to overpay
 

Paul Howell

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If the price of a Nikonos is out of your budget then the Minolta Weathermatic, with switchable duel lens 35mm and 80mm, can be taken to about 15 feet, so not anywhere as deep as a Nikonos, when on land it has AF, fixed focused underwater. Not a Nikonos but a pretty good camera to use in the rain and wind. I had a couple sold them as I got crazy money for them, took them to Iceland, late in the summer. They show up on Shopgoodwill all the time.
 

Christiaan Phleger

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The V is the obvious choice, I've used all of them in Hawaii surf and worked on many, the V is way tougher than most people will ever need. Quite durable, although not infallible. I still have a couple in a box; every few years I find them and they still operate correctly after fresh battery. The V and all of them (kinda even the IV) are a rather safe and conservative design, there is not really a lot to go wrong in them. I used a 2 and 3 for years doing black and white and every so often one of the 2's would get hit on one side and the top would pop a bit, resulting in a minor flooding. A quick rinse in distilled water and a few minutes under the Senrac and good to go. Don't not consider a 3 or 2 if you like mechanical tactile cameras much like an F or Leica M (not quite).
 

perkeleellinen

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I have the Canon waterproof P&S and this is just a shout out to any of these sealed cameras. If you're doing beach holidays and have kids or like being in the water then these cameras are so good because you can relax, shoot away not worry about sand. No need for elaborate bags to protect gear.
 

Alan Edward Klein

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srtviper15

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Thanks, from what everyone else is saying. I'm definitely gonna grab a V!
 
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srtviper15

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Thanks! looking for a V today!
 
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srtviper15

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Awesome! thanks for the response! I'm starting my quest to look for one!
 
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srtviper15

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Does this one look like a good one?

Vintage Nikon Nikonos V Under Water 35mm Film Camera w/ Bag and Accessories | eBay

<p>Capture your memories underwater with this vintage Nikon Nikonos V film camera. This 35mm film camera is used and comes with a convenient bag and accessories. Camera works but unsure of last service or waterproofing. It does not have speed light but does come with the cables and mounting...
www.ebay.com

Hard to tell if the viewfinder has a haze or fog in it. Also on a reddit deep dive someone recommended this guy to service them!
 

BrianShaw

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I don't really like answering question like this... tell me which to pick and how to spend my money and what level of risk am I willing to take...

Either look like opportunities, quite possible good ones. The first is an experienced camera and comes with a bunch of goodies, quite possible very usefull extras. The stuff on it looks like dust as its relatively evenly distributed. The second one looks essentially NIB as if its never been underwater. Both sellers seem credible with good feedback.

If it were me, I'd choose...
 
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srtviper15

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Thanks for taking the time to respond!

I like how you worded it at the end lol.

I’ll keep this post updated on what I go with
 

MFstooges

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Not really related to the question but when I checked the Facebook link it seems that everyone there is asking about how to shoot with camera/film, which is amazing.
 
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