Nice things come in small packages

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 26, 2014

They really do!
Have a look at Nikon's advertisement for their "Little Nikon":

[video=youtube;LlYxSJQyKcE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlYxSJQyKcE[/video]

Nikon EM: the Little Nikon that could!

I learned something new with that prospect: there is a CF-14 case, but it isn't clear (I can't read Japanese) what actually is. If someone can read it and clarify what is it, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Chan Tran · Jan 26, 2014

I bought the EM and the MD-E in 1979 and sold it about a year after that. Shortly after I got it the AI meter coupling got sticky. I sent it back to Nikon and it came back working for a short while then had the same problem again. I finally sold it because I couldn't get rid of the problem.

David Lyga · Jan 26, 2014

This Nikon EM was, theoretically, 'useful'. It had no provision for manual exposure but there were 'workarounds' that most of us know about.

However, through the years, this specific Nikon has been a 'pejorative' to their good name, in that I have seen MANY, MANY whose functions malfunctioned. Sometimes there were quick fixes like cleaning the dirt from underneath the upper portion of the lens mount (for less shaky meter reading) but, that said, the absence of manual exposure spoke of a professional name that was, perhaps, now a bit dethroned (for favor of mass marketing purposes). - David Lyga

gone · Jan 26, 2014

Great video! I've been shooting an EM for over 5 years. It's a wonderful little camera. I modified mine to shoot in stop down metering mode w/ non AI lenses, and by twisting the ring tab around the lens mount w/ my finger, the one that would ordinarily activate and sync the metering for AI lenses, I can vary the exposure. You can always just use the ISO dial, but that's not going to work on the fly. There's also the little button on the front that gives you either 1 1/2 stops more exposure, or 2 stops more, I can't remember exactly. The meters are really pretty good, and you can't beat the size and weight. Mine is cute as a bug. Sometimes I shoot mine w/ a Leica R 90 lens w/ a Nikon mount on it. A bit too front heavy, but I like the oddness of it all.

pen s · Jan 26, 2014

I think I'd rather have an FG model. About the same size with full manual contol if you want it. Never could understand the 'full auto only' concept applied to 35mm interchangeable lens SLR's. Yeah, I know, you can bias the exposure plus or minus, still I like the option of setting the aperture and shutter speed manually if I so desire.

This is probably more of a personal psychological hang up than any valid reason. But there you go.

benjiboy · Jan 26, 2014

Nikon's original idea in marketing the EM was to produce a camera that would appeal to ladies.

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 26, 2014

Chan,
I think you just had a bad sample or some gremlins were at play there.
I have 7 EMs, all bought in second hand during the last 3 years, some in great cosmetic condition, some seem to have gone though a few wars with so many scratches. All are working as intended. Granted most needed to replace the seals and a cleaning of the AI tab.
My last one arrived in very poor condition and had the sticky AI tab as you described it. All it needed was a quick blast of air around the mount and 5 minutes exercising the AI tab side to side. It is in full working condition again!

However, through the years, this specific Nikon has been a 'pejorative' to their good name, in that I have seen MANY, MANY whose functions malfunctioned.

David,
It might be your experience in the US, but it isn't mine here in the UK. I have to see one that has been so badly treated that wouldn't work.
The only Nikon I have that isn't in full working order is a FM: it needs a complete CLA. Although cosmetically it looks nice, the winding is rough and the shutter is tapering.

the absence of manual exposure spoke of a professional name that was, perhaps, now a bit dethroned

All major Japanese camera manufacturers released at the time models of their SLR lines that were AE only. Some weren't sold very well (I believe the Canon model didn't fare well, just like the Minolta one), some did well like the original Pentax ME.
It was the success of the ME that prompted Nikon to enter that market.

elcabezagrande · Jan 26, 2014

Ricardo Miranda said:
Chan,

All major Japanese camera manufacturers released at the time models of their SLR lines that were AE only. Some weren't sold very well (I believe the Canon model didn't fare well, just like the Minolta one), some did well like the original Pentax ME.
It was the success of the ME that prompted Nikon to enter that market.

The Minolta XG-A at least allows control of the aperture, and exposure compensation. It is not a terrible camera. The Canon T-50, with program exposure only, is basically a Sure Shot with manual focus and interchangeable lenses.

elekm · Jan 26, 2014

When the Nikon EM hit the market, there was a lot of talk about whether a camera like this would sully Nikon's good name.

Having established itself as a maker of professional gear, the Nikon EM, its "Nikon" (rather than "Nikkor") lenses and limited functions raised a lot of eyebrows. As I recall, Nikon went out of its way to let people know that the lenses deserved to have "Nikon" on them.

I bought one of these around 2001. Worked fine. I had the body and three lenses: 35-50-100. All seemed to be nicely made. I gave it to a family friend for Christmas.

I bought another about three years ago. Bad electronics.

I bought a third last year. This one works nicely. I might give this one away, too.

I have enough other Nikons.

I still prefer cameras that aren't battery dependent, although I will confess to enjoying the Minolta XD-11, the various Yashica/Kyocera Contaxes and my Rolleiflex SL35 E, as well as others.

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 26, 2014

The Minolta XG-A at least allows control of the aperture, and exposure compensation.

So does the EM!

Having established itself as a maker of professional gear, the Nikon EM, its "Nikon" (rather than "Nikkor") lenses and limited functions raised a lot of eyebrows. As I recall, Nikon went out of its way to let people know that the lenses deserved to have "Nikon" on them.

Today we know that the Nikon Series E lenses were made to high standards, despite being simpler designs and lower weight than equivalent Nikkors.
Optically some were very good and au pair with Nikkors: the 100mm, the 135mm, the 75-150mm zoom and even the 70-210mm.
As a curiosity all Series E zooms are constant aperture, which just shows the care that Nikon had in producing lenses that were easy to use.

Sometimes I shoot mine w/ a Leica R 90 lens w/ a Nikon mount on it.

Momus,
There is a story about a costumer buying an EM to use with telephoto lenses for use in nature photography. The shop assistant couldn't believe the gent wanted to use a small camera with such a long lens as the 600mm.

Les Sarile · Jan 26, 2014

The EM/FG/FG20 were really not all that much smaller but definitely lighter.

elcabezagrande · Jan 26, 2014

Ricardo Miranda said:
So does the EM!

I was comparing the XG-A and the T50.

David Lyga · Jan 27, 2014

I have found, through the years, that the Minolta "electronics" are second to none. That is a bold statement to make and certainly Canon's electronics either match or come close. But, alas, I have held too many Pentax "electronics" (the "ME", Super or not, is usually the culprit, and that's why the MX is so damn 'rare') leave a lot to be desired in terms of longetivity. On the other hand, Pentax "mechanicals" (ie, clockspring driven) are unsurpassed, even by Nikkormat. - David Lyga

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 27, 2014

elcabezagrande said:
I was comparing the XG-A and the T50.

Got it! Thanks!

I have found, through the years, that the Minolta "electronics" are second to none.

I have no experience of the MD mount, but from the Dynax cameras I have a 700SI that has gone to battles and still works. The worst on that camera is not the electronics in themselves, it is the buttons, or better the lack of contact with heavy use. You have to press very hard the most used ones in order for them to work.

elcabezagrande · Jan 27, 2014

I have the opposite experience with Minolta electronics, as my small collection of faulty X-370 and X-700 cameras can attest to, all suffering from the same "dry capacitor" syndrome. One X-370N is even NIB, but unusable unless I get it repaired. They are nice cameras, when they work. The same can be said for the Yashica electronics. The Yashica FX-103 is a beautiful compact SLR, if you can find one that still works. Canon, Contax or Nikon has never let me down, as far as electronics go. Or mechanical issues, for that matter. I've never used a Pentax K-mount body (only a Sears/Ricoh in K mount), but I agree that the Pentax screw-mounts are incredibly durable.

David Lyga · Jan 27, 2014

elcabezagrande said:
I have the opposite experience with Minolta electronics, as my small collection of faulty X-370 and X-700 cameras can attest to, all suffering from the same "dry capacitor" syndrome. One X-370N is even NIB, but unusable unless I get it repaired. They are nice cameras, when they work. The same can be said for the Yashica electronics. The Yashica FX-103 is a beautiful compact SLR, if you can find one that still works. Canon, Contax or Nikon has never let me down, as far as electronics go. Or mechanical issues, for that matter. I've never used a Pentax K-mount body (only a Sears/Ricoh in K mount), but I agree that the Pentax screw-mounts are incredibly durable.

Interesting to hear about the faulty Minoltas but my experience has been just the opposite. This is good feedback to receive as it explains something that is new to me. We all learn with such output. The Yashica electronics (and many mechanicals as well) really were not as well made. The lenses are an entirely different story, however. - David Lyga

Nice things come in small packages

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