Nikon EM

image by Hans Jan Dürr (Image rights)

image by Hans Jan Dürr (Image rights)

Nikon launched the EM in 1979 as the first in a series of 3 low budget compact bodies. Compared to contemporary Nikon cameras, the EM contained a high level of plastic, although it's based on a pretty solid metal internal structure.

The EM was an automatic camera with aperture control. To allow for a higher degree of control, an exposure compensation button was added to the front upper right). This lowered the shutter speed by two steps, to ensure the right exposure of backlit subjects. Two mechanical speeds were available in case the battery failed: 1/90 sec and Bulb (long exposures).

Together with the EM camera, Nikon launched a set of 8 small, light weight and more affordable lenses. To distinguish from the more professional 'Nikkor' lenses, they were called 'Series E'. However, they feature the same F-mount bayonet and can be used on all AI-spec Nikon cameras. The original version lenses looked pretty cheap, lacked a metal lens mounting ring and had a more rudimentary finish of the focusing and aperture ring.

Nikon would not be Nikon if it didn't foresee system accessories even for their junior camera. Besides lenses (Series E and all other AI Nikkor lenses, except for the most recent G lenses), cases and an eyepiece adapter, a dedicated flashlight and motor drive were offered.

Links

• Nikon EM at Nikon's History & Technology site
• Nikon EM on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
• Nikon EM instruction manual - English at at M.Butkus' www.orphancameras.com

With series E 70-210 f/4 image by perminna (Image rights)