Nikkormat ELW

A brief outline of the Nikkormat ELW manual focus SLR film camera

This page is dedicated to the Nikkormat ELW camera produced by Nikon from 1976 to 1977. The ELW is based on the earlier Nikkormat EL camera which had already been in production for four years, it is virtually identical apart from the cameras ability to accept Nikon's AW-1 auto-winder.

The Nikon AW-1 is a simple auto-winder which winds the camera has taken a picture, it has no release button relying on the normal shutter release to operate the shutter. Wind-on time is about half a second resulting in about 2 fps, it uses six 1.5 volt AA batteries which will last for approximately 125-160 film cassettes. The AW-1 winder will make the Nikkormat ELW weigh about 50% more than normal.

The successor to the Nikkormat ELW, the Nikon EL2 was released a year later, it also utilised the AW-1 winder, the main improvements being the new AI aperture coupling system combined with a silicon Diode light sensor making it a more practical camera to use although perhaps less appealing to camera collectors.

The Nikon ELW like all the EL series cameras, has one rather annoying design feature, this is the location of it's six volt battery, as the battery is quite large the only available space was in the mirror box. To change batteries it is necessary to first remove the lens and then slide the battery cover/door (located midway between the shutter and lens mount) sideways. When the door hinges up the battery can be seen but is almost imposable to remove, however opening the door further, past the slight resistance, will eject the battery automatically.

Nikkromat ELW selection dial

Basic specifications of the Nikkormat ELW MF SLR Camera
Production period (later availability via stock)	1976 to 1977
Lens meter coupling type	Nikon prong ("bunny ears")
Maximum aperture coupling range	f/1.2 to f/5.6
ASA film speed range	ISO 25 to 1600
EV range at ASA 100	EV 1 to 18
Meter sensor type if applicable	TTL centre weighed CdS photo sensor
Shutter type and curtain material	Vertical metal foil focal-plane electronic
Shutter speed range	4 to 1/1000 second + Bulb
Exposure modes available	Aperture priority + manual
Flash exposure type and maximum sync speed	Electronic flash hot-shoe 1/125 sec
Interchangeable focusing screens	Fixed K2 type split-image microprism
Interchangeable viewfinder heads	No
Interchangeable backs	No
Film advance method	Single stroke lever
Motor drive or Auto winder availability	AW-1 auto-winder (approximately 1.7 fps)
Film rewind method	Manual folding crank
Self Timer	Yes - 10 seconds
Battery type and number required	One PX-28 or 4SR44 6v silver oxide battery
Body weight without lens attached	790g

Nikkormat
ELW

Reviews on Nikkor Lenses for digtlal and 35mm film professional cameras - Nikkormat ELW camera - Nikon Photography - Nikon Camera - Nikon Cameras - Nikkormat ELW Camera Reviews - Review - Nikon Rumors - Photography Tutorials - SLR Camera - brands - 35mm - Digital - Nikkor Lenses - Nikkormat ELW Camera - Portrait Photography - Nikon Photography Tips - Nikon Cameras Reviews - Nikon Lens Reviews - Nikon D5100 Reviews - Nikon D90 Reviews - Nikon D300 Reviews - nikon 1 Reviews - Nikkormat ELW Camera Reviews - Nikon D700 Reviews

Photographic Hardware
Cookie Policy

Photographic Hardware
Privacy Statement