Nikonos RS

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images by Kuro Neko (Image rights)

In 1992 Nikon broke with the traditions of its own Nikonos series and introduced the Nikonos RS AF—a true SLR with autofocus, rather than the scale focusing underwater viewfinder cameras which preceded it. A series of three dedicated lenses were offered, including a groundbreaking underwater zoom and a 50mm macro; and TTL flash control was also possible using any of three Nikon flash units.

Apertures are selected using a dial atop the camera and aperture-priority autoexposure (using Nikon's matrix metering scheme) or manual shutter speed settings are possible. DX coding sets the metering system for the speed of the loaded film, another first for the Nikonos line. A 6-volt CR-P2 lithium battery powers the camera, including its motorized film transport.

While state-of-the-art at its introduction, and quite expensive (especially for a multi-lens kit with flash), it proved less reliable than its simpler predecessors and costly to produce. It was discontinued in 1996, with Nikonos V remaining in production through 2001 as the company's underwater-camera offering.

Links

• Evolution of Nikonos from Nikon.com
• Nikonos RS AF manual from Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
• Nikonos RS at Photography in Malaysia