I'm grateful that this thread came up as my partner recently purchased a Nikonos V locally and we're trying to figure out what to do with it. It was used by a scuba diver that recently passed away and were told it was maintained well, but we don't know how much we can trust the knowledge of the friend who sold it to us.
It's planned to be used as a "barely under the surface" kind of camera, but we would still like to get it serviced. The two US businesses listed above don't seem to be a possibility now as the Southern site is down, and Narcosis comes up as not a secure site. The only other place I found is Viejita Vintage. Anyone have experience with them or know of another alternative?
If not, I appreciate the advice above, as we may have to do some DIY testing.
That will honestly be the most likely use. The idea of bringing a camera into water still stresses me out.I now use it for my bad weather camera.
Welcome toAPUGPhotrio!!
I'm grateful that this thread came up as my partner recently purchased a Nikonos V locally and we're trying to figure out what to do with it. It was used by a scuba diver that recently passed away and were told it was maintained well, but we don't know how much we can trust the knowledge of the friend who sold it to us.
It's planned to be used as a "barely under the surface" kind of camera, but we would still like to get it serviced. The two US businesses listed above don't seem to be a possibility now as the Southern site is down, and Narcosis comes up as not a secure site. The only other place I found is Viejita Vintage. Anyone have experience with them or know of another alternative?
If not, I appreciate the advice above, as we may have to do some DIY testing.
Buy a new set of O rings. All of them. Lens, battery compartment back, strobe light connector etc.
That will honestly be the most likely use. The idea of bringing a camera into water still stresses me out.
I'm grateful that this thread came up as my partner recently purchased a Nikonos V locally and we're trying to figure out what to do with it. It was used by a scuba diver that recently passed away and were told it was maintained well, but we don't know how much we can trust the knowledge of the friend who sold it to us.
It's planned to be used as a "barely under the surface" kind of camera, but we would still like to get it serviced. The two US businesses listed above don't seem to be a possibility now as the Southern site is down, and Narcosis comes up as not a secure site. The only other place I found is Viejita Vintage. Anyone have experience with them or know of another alternative?
If not, I appreciate the advice above, as we may have to do some DIY testing.
I checked with B&H Photo but they have no O-rings or service for Nikonos. They did mention Phototech as a potential repair service.
Just change the O rings each season, with correct Nikonos grease or have a reputable dive shop show you how and then do a pressure test.
There's no good ground to stand on if you're testing and soaking the camera before taking care of basic,NEEDED, maintenance before hand, as you'll chance a leak, and need to retest once new service with new parts is done, anyway.
IMO.
With a watch it is left pressurized in air above water for several minutes, it is then lowered into the water and the pressure removed. If there is a leak air bubbles OUT no chance of water ingress and damage to anything.
I believe the Nikonos V o-rings each had to be ordered individually from Nikon. There are about 25 total. Of course none are available from Nikon any more. Best I could do was match them up based on size and internet searching. I wound up only replacing a couple and left all the others as they seemed fine.
View attachment 328665
I didn;t know that watches are pressurized. But this explanation doesn't apply for underwater cameras. The Nikonos is not pressurized.
When you close/ seal it for use, it takes the same pressure you're at, let;s say sea level which is 1 atmosphere of pressure (14.7 psi-pounds per square inch). When you dive, the water pressure outside the camera (or watch) increases one atmosphere for every 33 feet of sea water (34 feet in fresh water) you dive down. So at a depth of 33 feet, you have two atmospheres, three at 66 feet, and 4 atmospheres at 99 feet. If the o rings aren't holding, water will push into the camera where there is the original one atmosphere. (outside press is 14.7 x 4 = 58.8psi vs inside pressure of 14.7psi)
With a watch this is only for the test, if it's sealed it will not become pressurized inside only if there is a fault with the seals. The air will then come out and be visible when it is submerged indicating the area where the air got in. Because the watch is never actually under pressure in water there is no chance of damage to the watch.
Thanks for clearing that up for me. You just reminded me that when I got batteries changed in my watch that was good to 300 feet, I didn't pay for the sealing tests. They just replaced the battery. Something to think about.
I got some from Germany that are special for the Nikonos IVa model.
Would you be willing to share where you ordered the special O-rings for the Nikonos IV-A?
Would you be willing to share where you ordered the special O-rings for the Nikonos IV-A?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?