Nikkormat EL
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Nikkormat EL |
The EL celebrates it's 30th anniversary as of this writing (September 2002), having been introduced in 1972 and in production into the summer of 1977.
Nikon's Nikkormat EL was a revolutionary camera. It was Nikon's first electronic reflex camera, providing Aperture Priority AE (automatic exposure) when it was introduced in 1972. This predated better known Nikon cameras with Aperture Priority AE of the 1980's, such as the FG, EM, FE2, etc.
The EL also introduced other features found on later Nikon models, such as an improved film-flattening system and the back opening mechanism being operated by the film rewind knob being lifted. Another new feature was an extra-large mirror, which eliminated image cut-off in the upper corners of the viewfinder that could happen with long telephoto lenses.
The EL has a step-less shutter speed range from 4 seconds to 1/1000th, and an ASA/ISO range of 25 to 1600. It also has mirror-lock-up, exposure memory lock, a self-timer, TTL center-weighted metering, flash synchronization of 1/125th second, and if batteries fail can still be operated manually at a shutter speed of 1/90th second. Camera weight is 26.8 ounces.
The only odd feature of the EL, and its successors, the ELW and EL2, is that the battery compartment is located under the mirror. The mirror must first be locked up to insert a battery. The battery used is a 6-volt Silver Oxide. Duracell PX-28 and Eveready 544 and equivalents can be used.
The EL has a beautiful and well-lasting finish. However, replacement parts are now nearly impossible to find, but if you can find a good copy the EL is a marvelous and historic early-model electronic camera for use or as a collectible.