THE NIKON EL - BUILT LIKE A TANK
THE NIKON EL INTRODUCED IN 1972
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The EL was Nikon's first model with an optional aperture priority auto-exposure system, and an electronically controlled, step-less shutter, with electronically timed conventionally stepped manual shutter speeds from 4 to 1/1000th seconds.
The battery compartment is found in the mirror box beneath the mirror. The EL is powered by a 6 volt silver oxide or magnesium battery. The EL will still function without batteries, but will be quite limited - the light meter doesn't work, and only one mechanical shutter speed is available at 1/90th of a second. There is a battery check button located on back of the the camera upper right, above film door. Simply press the white button and a yellow light should display if your batteries are good.
Mirror Lock lever.
Depth of field Button.
The EL's viewfinder displays a match-needle system consisting of two needles. In manual mode, a black needle points to the shutter speed recommended by the light meter, while a green needle shows the actual shutter speed set. In automatic mode, the EL's black needle indicates the shutter speed automatically set, and the green needle indicates that the camera is in A mode. The self-timer setting lever also works as an exposure lock, allowing re-framing after an exposure value has been set by the metering system.
The shutter release is locked when the film advance lever is flush to the camera's back. Pulling the lever forward at a 30 degree angle switches the meter on.
Lens mount: Nikon F bayonet with mirror lock-up. Compatible with any lens with metal ears - pre-1977, AI, AI-s, no E or auto focus lens compatibility.
Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical travel, metal focal plane shutter. Step less speeds from 4 sec to 1/1000th.
Meter: CdS, center-weighted TTL full aperture metering.
Exposure: Fully automatic aperture priority with match-needle in manual mode, the shutter speed indicated in viewfinder.
Flash: X-Sync at 1/125. PC socket with bulb/electronic flash selection located on shutter speed dial (pull up and twist).
Viewfinder - Approximately 92% coverage.
Weight: 780 grams / 1.720 pounds
CONCLUSION: The Nikon EL is a rugged camera. Built in 1972 this camera still holds it's own. The lens selection may suffer slightly due the the age of this beast, but that is a small issue being there are many, many lenses that are compatible with this rig. This is one of my go to film camera's, simply because this thing is built like a tank and I rarely worry about damaging it. If I were to mention cons I would have to state that this camera sucks up battery power at a quick rate, so if you have it in the field I highly suggest carrying a couple spare batteries. For those of you who like a camera that can utilize a winder, this camera fails. Other than that, this camera is a great picture taking machine.
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