Nikon Nikonos V Film Camera
The Nikon V is a film camera from Nikon — known for its Underwater-Rated Construction and 35mm Film Format. Used copies start from $339.66 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikonos V Film Camera
Used Nikon V Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Nikon V
Key Features — Nikon V
Underwater-Rated Construction: Purpose-built for aquatic photography with full waterproof sealing rated to 50m depth, allowing use underwater and in wet environments.
35mm Film Format: Shoots standard 35mm film, giving access to a wide range of film stocks from ISO 25 to 1600.
Aperture-Priority AE Shutter: Features electronically controlled shutter with aperture-priority auto-exposure and manual mode, not a purely mechanical shutter.
Nikonos TTL Flash System: Proprietary flash port supports dedicated TTL flash metering, designed for accurate exposure when shooting underwater with compatible strobes.
Manual Focus Only: Requires the photographer to set focus manually, a common workflow in underwater photography where pre-setting distances is standard practice.
Rugged Metal and Plastic Body: Combined metal and plastic construction keeps the camera durable and manageable across demanding shooting environments.
Camera Specifications — Nikon V
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Underwater, Adventure, Travel |
| Type | Film |
| ISO Range | 25 – 1600 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | Optical |
| Storage Media | Film |
| Battery | 2x LR44 or SR44 batteries |
| Weather Sealing | Water Resistant |
| Dimensions | 150 x 100 x 90 mm |
| Weight | 920g |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
Description — Nikon V
The Nikon Nikonos V is a 35mm film camera built for underwater and demanding environmental photography, produced during the 1980s. Its metal and plastic body carries full weather sealing, making it one of the few film cameras designed from the ground up for aquatic use. The camera supports an ISO range of 25 to 1600 to handle varying light conditions, and uses a mechanical shutter for dependable operation.
Focusing is manual focus only, placing full control in the hands of the photographer. Flash support comes via the Nikonos TTL system through a proprietary flash port, enabling dedicated metering in underwater shooting scenarios. The body measures 150 x 100 x 90 mm and weighs 920g, with power supplied by two LR44 or SR44 batteries.
An optical viewfinder is provided for composing shots. The lens mount is Nikon F, though lens compatibility is specified as fixed lens only.
Pros — Nikon V
- ✓Full weather sealing makes it suitable for underwater and wet-environment shooting
- ✓Wide ISO range of 25–1600 provides flexibility across varied lighting conditions
- ✓Nikonos TTL flash system enables dedicated through-the-lens flash metering via proprietary flash port
Cons — Nikon V
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system, which can be challenging when tracking subjects underwater
- ✗Lens compatibility is listed as fixed lens only, limiting optical versatility
- ✗Flash requires proprietary flash port, restricting use to compatible Nikonos flash accessories
Reviews — Nikon V
Videos — Nikon V
Nikonos V - Review + photos — Shootswithcoops
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon V
Is the Nikonos V actually waterproof?+
The specifications list the Nikonos V as 'Weather Sealed' and it is classified as an underwater camera. The body is constructed from metal and plastic and is designed for use in wet and underwater environments.
What film does the Nikonos V use?+
The Nikonos V is compatible with standard 35mm film. It supports an ISO range of 25 to 1600, accommodating a wide variety of 35mm film stocks.
Does the Nikonos V have autofocus?+
No. The Nikonos V is manual focus only, with no autofocus system. All focus adjustments must be made manually by the photographer prior to shooting.
What batteries does the Nikonos V require?+
The camera runs on two LR44 or SR44 batteries. Both alkaline (LR44) and silver oxide (SR44) variants are compatible.
Can I use any flash with the Nikonos V?+
The Nikonos V uses a proprietary flash port rather than a standard hotshoe. Flash compatibility is limited to accessories designed for this proprietary connection, and it supports Nikonos TTL flash metering.
What is the lens mount on the Nikonos V?+
The specifications list the lens mount as Nikon F; however, lens compatibility is noted as fixed lens only. Prospective buyers should verify interchange options before purchase.