NIKON NIKKORMAT EL

Name: Nikon Nikkormat EL
Brand: Nikon

The Nikon Nikkormat EL is a 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1972 as part of Nikon’s mid-tier Nikkormat line. It was Nikon’s first aperture-priority automatic exposure (AE) SLR, marking a pivotal step toward electronic automation while retaining the robust mechanical build quality associated with Nikon’s professional offerings.

Overview

The Nikkormat EL was developed during a transformative period in 35mm photography, as manufacturers transitioned from fully mechanical cameras to electronically controlled systems. Positioned between the entry-level Nikkormat FT series and the professional Nikon F, the EL targeted advanced amateurs and semi-professional photographers seeking automated exposure without the premium price of the flagship F-series. Its most significant innovation was the integration of an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with aperture-priority autoexposure, a first for the Nikkormat line. This system allowed photographers to set the desired aperture on the lens, and the camera would automatically select the appropriate shutter speed between 1 second and 1/1000 second, displayed in the viewfinder via a needle match metering system.

The EL shared the same rugged die-cast aluminum chassis and Nikon F-mount as its predecessors, ensuring compatibility with Nikon’s extensive lineup of Nikkor lenses. However, unlike the fully mechanical FT series, the EL required a 6V PX28 (4SR44) battery to power its metering circuit and shutter control. This reliance on electronics was both a technological leap and a vulnerability, as battery availability and circuit longevity became long-term concerns. Despite this, the EL was well-received for its balance of automation, durability, and optical compatibility, laying the groundwork for later electronic Nikons such as the Nikon EM and FE series.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film)
Years Produced	1972–1976
Lens Mount	Nikon F-mount (with AI compatibility pending lens type)
Shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B (Bulb)
Metering	Center-weighted TTL (through-the-lens) metering using a Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) cell
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority autoexposure and manual exposure (via stop-down metering)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with 0.9x magnification, 97% coverage; split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by microprism collar
Dimensions	148 × 91 × 50 mm (5.8 × 3.6 × 2.0 in); ~690 g (24.3 oz) body only

Key Features

Aperture-Priority AE: First Nikkormat with automatic exposure, allowing users to set aperture while the camera selects shutter speed.
Electronically Controlled Shutter: Precise shutter timing via integrated circuitry, a departure from mechanical timers.
TTL Center-Weighted Metering: Accurate exposure readings through the lens using a CdS cell, with needle match display in the viewfinder.
Nikon F-Mount Compatibility: Full compatibility with Nikon’s extensive range of manual focus Nikkor lenses, including pre-AI and AI types (meter coupling requires proper lens configuration).
Stop-Down Metering in Manual Mode: Enabled manual exposure control by stopping down the lens and using the meter needle as a guide.

Historical Context

The Nikkormat EL was introduced in October 1972, during a period of rapid technological advancement in the SLR market. Japanese manufacturers such as Canon, Minolta, and Pentax were introducing electronic AE SLRs, challenging traditional mechanical designs. The Canon AE-1, though not released until 1976, exemplified the direction the market was heading. Nikon, traditionally conservative in adopting electronics, used the Nikkormat brand to test the waters of automation without risking the reputation of its professional Nikon F line.

The EL competed directly with models like the Minolta SRT-101 (with aperture-priority variants) and the Topcon RE Super, though it distinguished itself with its integration of electronic shutter control and TTL metering in a rugged, repairable body. It was succeeded in 1976 by the Nikkormat ELW (with a motorized film advance option) and later by the Nikon FE, which refined the EL’s design with improved electronics and a more compact chassis. The EL’s production run of four years was relatively short, but it played a crucial role in Nikon’s transition to electronic SLRs.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Nikkormat EL is a sought-after model among vintage camera collectors, particularly those interested in the evolution of Nikon’s electronic systems. While not as rare as some limited-production models, working examples in good condition typically command $150–$300 USD, depending on cosmetic state, shutter functionality, and meter accuracy. Fully functional metering and reliable shutter operation are key factors in valuation, as the EL’s electronic components are prone to failure after decades of disuse.

Common issues include degraded CdS cells (resulting in inaccurate metering), capacitor leakage on the circuit board, and shutter timing drift due to aging resistors or dirty contacts. The 6V PX28 battery is now obsolete, though modern equivalents like the Wein SRB44 or battery adapters with 4×1.5V SR44s can be used. Collectors should inspect the shutter curtain for pinholes, test all speeds, and verify the meter’s responsiveness to light and aperture changes. Cameras with original leather and clean viewfinders are more desirable. Due to its historical significance as Nikon’s first AE SLR, the EL holds a respected place in Nikon’s lineage and is often collected alongside the FT series and early Nikon F models.

Similar Cameras

Canon FX (1964) – Early electronic shutter SLR with manual exposure, though less automated than the EL.
Minolta SRT-102 – Mechanically controlled but featured advanced TTL metering and robust build.
Pentax ES (1971) – One of the first aperture-priority SLRs, direct competitor to the EL.
Yashica TL Electro-X (1973) – Electronic aperture-priority SLR with similar exposure logic.
Konica Autoreflex T (1973) – Aperture-priority AE with TTL metering and robust mechanical design.

Repair & Maintenance

The Nikkormat EL requires a 6V PX28 battery (or modern equivalent) to operate both the meter and the electronic shutter. Without power, the shutter will not fire except in Bulb mode. The most common repair issues involve the electronic control circuit, which can suffer from capacitor degradation, cold solder joints, or corrosion on the board. Shutter speeds may become inaccurate or erratic, particularly at slower speeds, due to timing circuit failure.

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the mirror box, checking for curtain deterioration, and ensuring the film advance mechanism is properly synchronized. The CdS meter cell can lose sensitivity over time and may require replacement or recalibration. Professional servicing is recommended due to the complexity of the shutter and circuitry. Replacement parts are limited but available through specialty vintage camera repair shops. Lubrication of the mechanical components should be performed carefully to avoid contamination of the shutter curtains or mirror assembly. With proper care, the Nikkormat EL remains a functional and historically significant camera over 50 years after its introduction.