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. It took a real step toward electronic automation and kept the tough mechanical build Nikon’s professional cameras were known for.

Overview

The Nikkormat EL came along while 35mm makers were moving from fully mechanical cameras to electronically controlled ones. It sat between the entry-level Nikkormat FT series and the professional Nikon F. It was aimed at advanced amateurs and semi-professionals who wanted automatic exposure without paying flagship F-series prices. The big new feature was an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with aperture-priority autoexposure, a first for the Nikkormat line. You set the aperture on the lens, and the camera picked a shutter speed between 1 second and 1/1000 second. The speed showed in the viewfinder through a needle match metering system.

The EL used the same rugged die-cast aluminum chassis and Nikon F-mount as the earlier Nikkormats, so it worked with Nikon’s large range of Nikkor lenses. Unlike the fully mechanical FT series, though, it needed a 6V PX28 (4SR44) battery to power the metering circuit and shutter control. That dependence on electronics was a big technical step, and also a weak spot, since battery availability and circuit longevity became long-term worries. Even so, the EL was well-received for its balance of automation, durability, and optical compatibility. It laid 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, while electronic AE SLRs were arriving fast. Japanese makers such as Canon, Minolta, and Pentax were bringing out their own, which put pressure on traditional mechanical designs. The Canon AE-1 did not appear until 1976, but it showed where the market was going. Nikon had been conservative about electronics. It used the Nikkormat brand to try 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. What set it apart was 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 had 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 move to electronic SLRs.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Nikkormat EL is sought after by vintage camera collectors, particularly those interested in how Nikon’s electronic systems developed. It is 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. Working metering and a reliable shutter drive the price, because the EL’s electronic components are prone to failure after decades of disuse.

Common problems include degraded CdS cells (which give inaccurate metering), capacitor leakage on the circuit board, and shutter timing drift from 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. Buyers should inspect the shutter curtain for pinholes, test all speeds, and check that the meter responds to light and aperture changes. Cameras with original leather and clean viewfinders are more desirable. As Nikon’s first AE SLR, the EL 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 needs a 6V PX28 battery (or modern equivalent) to run both the meter and the electronic shutter. Without power, the shutter will not fire except in Bulb mode. The most common repairs 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, because of timing circuit failure.

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the mirror box, checking for curtain deterioration, and making sure the film advance mechanism is properly synchronized. The CdS meter cell can lose sensitivity over time and may need replacement or recalibration. Professional servicing is recommended because the shutter and circuitry are complex. Replacement parts are limited but available through specialty vintage camera repair shops. Lubrication of the mechanical components should be done carefully so it does not contaminate the shutter curtains or mirror assembly. With proper care, the Nikkormat EL still works over 50 years after its introduction.