The Nikon EM is a beginner's level, interchangeable lens, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nippon Kogaku K. K. (today Nikon Corporation) in Japan from 1979 to 1982
The EM offers a shutter speed range of 1 to 1/1000 second plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/90 second but has no full manual exposure mode capability.
It accepts nearly all lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount and supports the automatic indexing (AI) feature introduced in 1977.
The contemporary Nikon-made AI lenses were the Nikkor AI-S, Nikkor AI and Nikon Series E types. The AF-S Nikkor, AF-I Nikkor, AF Nikkor D and AF Nikkor autofocus lenses are also AI types.
This camera comes with a Nikkor 50mm ?/1.8 lens that is manual-focus.
Button batteries power the camera for the integrated light meter.
A left side viewfinder needle pointer indicates the exposure on a shutter speed scale. The viewfinder has Nikon's standard split image rangefinder and microprism collar focusing aids. The camera is also fitted with a low-light exposure warning in the form of an audible 'beep'.
The EM has proved to be as reliable over the years as more expensive Nikons of the era.
Type of camera: | 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR), aperture-priority automatic | |
Picture format: | 35mm (24mm x 36mm frame size) | |
Lens mount: | Nikon bayonet type | |
Lenses usable: | Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8 as standard; other Series E lenses; most Nikkor lenses including AI-types. Warning: Non-AI lenses cannot be used. | |
Film advance: | Electronically controlled, vertical-travel, metal focal-plane shutter; stepless speeds from 1 sec. to 1/1000 sec. when shutter operation mode selector is set to AUTO; 1/90 sec. mechanical shutter speed when set to M90; B setting also provided for long exposures. Film winding lever provided; completed stroke of 144°; choice of one continuous stroke or series of shorter strokes |
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Viewfinder: | Fixed eye-level pentaprism full-aperture viewing type with built-in TTL exposure meter; shutter speed scale and exposure needle visible inside; ready-light lights up when Speedlight SB-E, SB-15, or SB-16B is in use; center of scales's bracket indicates 1/90 sec.; finder coverage approx. 92 % of picture field; 0.86X magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity. | |
Focusing screen: | Fixed-type Nikon "K" screen; comprises matte fresnel field with central split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by microprism ring and 12mm-dia. reference circle which denotes area of center-weighted metering | |
Reflex mirror: | Instant-return, non-lockable type | |
Self-timer: | Lever provided can be set for approx. 10-sec. exposure delay; setting cancelable before shutter release button is pressed. | |
Exposure measurement: | TTL center-weighted exposure metering at full aperture; meter incorporates one silicon photodiode (SPD). | |
Metering range: | EV 2 to EV 18 (i.e., f/2 at 1 sec. to f/16 at 1/1000 sec. at ASA/ISO 100 and with 50mm f/1.8 lens) | |
Exposure signal: | "Beep-beep" warning sound activated when shutter release button is pressed to finger guard position if matching shutter speed for lens aperture set is below approx. 1/30 sec. or above 1/1000 sec. | |
Exposure compensation: | + 2 EV when exposure compensation button is kept depressed as shutter release button is pressed | |
Meter power source: | One 3V lithium battery or two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries * | |
Meter ON/OFF switch: | Meter switched on when shutter release button is pressed; stays switched on for several seconds after finger is lifted off button. | |
Battery power checker: | LED lamp lights up to indicate sufficient power availability when power check button is pressed | |
Film speed range: | ASA/ISO 25-1600 | |
Frame counter: | Shows number of frames exposed, automatically resets to "S" when camera back is opened; automatic operation starts from frame 1 | |
Film rewind: | Manual; film rewind crank rotated after film rewind button is depressed | |
Flash synchronization: | Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe, automatic flash sync at 1/90 sec. with SB-E, SB-15, or SB-16B or any dedicated Nikon flash units; activates camera's ready-light when flash is ready; with SB-E, ready-light "blinks" to signal incorrect ASA/ISO aperture combination; M90 shutter mode-selector setting used with other electronic flash units, providing flash sync at 1/90 sec | |
Motor drive coupling: | Electrical contact and coupler built-in for operation with Motor Drive MD-E | |
Camera back: | Swings open when film rewind knob is pulled up; memo holder provided | |
Body finish: | Black | |
Dimensions: | 135mm(W) x 86mm(H) x 54mm(D) | |
Weight: |