NIKON NIKKORMAT ELW

The Nikon Nikkormat ELW is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1976. It is a minor but useful update to the Nikkormat EL, aimed at advanced amateurs and semi-professionals. The ELW added motor drive compatibility to the existing aperture-priority automatic exposure system, which helped with action and reportage work.

Overview

The ELW came out while Nikon was consolidating its professional F-series branding and still selling consumer SLRs under the Nikkormat name in select regions. It was essentially a refined Nikkormat EL, first introduced in 1972, and it kept the EL's electronic aperture-priority autoexposure system and compact chassis. The "W" stood for winder. That meant compatibility with the Nikon MD-110 motor drive unit, which the original EL did not have. With it, the camera could shoot continuously at approximately 2.5 frames per second, a notable improvement for its class.

The ELW was aimed at photographers who wanted automation without giving up mechanical reliability. It sat in the middle of Nikon's lineup, between fully manual models like the Nikkormat FT3 and more advanced electronic bodies such as the Nikkormat EL2. It kept the all-metal chassis, the horizontal cloth-curtain focal-plane shutter, and the Nikon F-mount, with compatibility for AI (Automatic Indexing) lenses introduced in 1977. Production was short. The ELW was the final evolution of the Nikkormat series before Nikon phased out the brand in favor of unified Nikon-badged models.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1976–1977
Lens Mount	Nikon F-mount with AI coupling (supports pre-AI and AI lenses)
Shutter	Horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds 1–1/1000 sec, B, X-sync at 1/125 sec
Metering	TTL full-aperture center-weighted metering via silicon photodiode
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority autoexposure; stop-down manual mode via AE lock
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with 0.92x magnification, 94% coverage; split-image rangefinder spot with microprism collar
Dimensions	144 mm (W) × 93 mm (H) × 48 mm (D); approx. 610 g (body only, no battery)

Key Features

Motor Drive Compatibility: First Nikkormat model equipped with MD-110 motor drive coupling, enabling 2.5 fps continuous shooting.
Aperture-Priority Automation: Simplified exposure control with automatic shutter speed selection based on user-set aperture.
AI Lens Support: Fully compatible with Nikon’s AI-spec lenses for automatic maximum aperture indexing and stop-down metering.
Electronic Shutter Control: Precision timing via cadmium-sulfide (CdS) meter cell and integrated circuitry, powered by two 1.5V SR44 batteries.
Stop-Down Metering: Manual exposure possible via AE lock button, allowing use with non-AI lenses and precise depth-of-field preview.

Historical Context

The ELW was introduced in 1976, a year before Nikon officially discontinued the Nikkormat brand in most markets. It arrived as the industry moved toward automation and electronics in SLR design. Nikon's professional F2 series stayed fully mechanical, while consumer models increasingly adopted electronic shutters and aperture-priority systems to appeal to advanced amateurs. The motor drive support reflected demand for faster shooting, particularly in photojournalism and sports photography, where rapid frame advancement was becoming essential.

Competitors at the time included the Canon AE-1 (released in 1976), which had shutter-priority automation and a built-in exposure meter but no motor drive option in its base configuration. The Minolta XE and Pentax ESII offered similar aperture-priority functions but did not integrate motor winders as seamlessly. The ELW had limited market impact because of its brief production span and the concurrent rebranding of Nikon's consumer line. By 1978, the Nikkormat name was retired, and models like the Nikon EM and FE took over its market position.

Collectibility & Value

The ELW is relatively rare because of its short two-year production run and limited distribution, particularly outside North America and Europe. As of 2024, working examples in good condition typically sell for $200 - $350 USD. Prices run higher for units with the original MD-110 motor drive or in mint cosmetic condition. Collectors value it as the final evolution of the Nikkormat EL series, and its winder capability sets it apart from earlier EL models.

Before buying an ELW, check the electronic shutter at all speeds. Aging capacitors and corroded battery compartments are common failure points. The CdS meter cell may also degrade over time and give inaccurate exposure readings. A working battery compartment is essential (originally two 1.5V SR44 or equivalent PX625 batteries), and conversion kits to modern battery types are recommended. Also make sure the motor drive coupling engages smoothly and the shutter fires reliably with an MD-110 attached. For the best metering performance, use lenses with AI modifications or native AI compatibility.

Similar Cameras

Canon AE-1 (1976): Shutter-priority SLR with TTL metering, programmable exposure (via optional AE-1 Program), and extensive lens ecosystem.
Minolta XE-7 (1975): Aperture-priority and manual SLR with electronically controlled shutter and high build quality; known as XE in North America.
Pentax ESII (1977): Aperture-priority SLR with silicon blue cell metering and support for K-mount lenses; offered stop-down manual mode.
Olympus OM-2 (1975): Advanced aperture-priority OM-series SLR with off-the-film (OTF) metering and robust compact design.
Nikon Nikkormat EL2 (1977): Immediate successor with improved electronics, LED exposure display, and better battery efficiency.

Repair & Maintenance

The ELW uses two 1.5V SR44 (or equivalent PX625) batteries in the base plate to power the electronic shutter and metering. The original mercury batteries are obsolete, and modern alkaline or silver-oxide substitutes may cause voltage discrepancies. Battery adapters to 1.35V zinc-air or regulated 1.35V modules are recommended for accurate metering. Common issues include capacitor leakage in the circuit board, intermittent shutter firing, and worn shutter contacts. Cleaning the battery compartment and replacing degraded seals around the film door are essential maintenance steps. Inspect the motor drive coupling mechanism for wear if it is used frequently. Repair takes intermediate-to-advanced skill because of the electronic components and precision shutter timing. A technician experienced with vintage Nikon electronics is strongly advised.