Still Using Nikonos V?

[Uncle B]

I used a Nikonos V for several years and got some great photos. My favorite combos were the 28mm and close-up lens and the 15mm. I went to digital some years ago but still miss some of the V set-ups and photo quality. Thought about getting another just for fun but wondered if any place still services them and are parts available?

 

[tongl]

If based in UK, Kevin at Aquaphot still services them. Limited parts are available by cannibalisation. He has a stock of user-servisable and internal o rings, definitely not from original service packs, should be measured and ordered from o ring manufacturers.
I have a Nikonos V and 28mm lens serviced by him 2 years ago, still going strong.

 

[rx7diver]

I used a Nikonos V for several years and got some great photos. My favorite combos were the 28mm and close-up lens and the 15mm. I went to digital some years ago but still miss some of the V set-ups and photo quality. Thought about getting another just for fun but wondered if any place still services them and are parts available?

I became too apprehensive about flooding my V, and, so, I decided many years back to no longer dive with it. And then I purchased a III (the last all-mechanical Nikonos) a couple of years ago, which I use now with the 15 and SB105 I used to use with my V.

My only issue now pertains to losing access to the university darkroom I used to use. It was shuttered a few years ago. My house is incredibly dusty, so developing slides and film at home doesn't work so well.

I haven't been able to find a film drying cabinet to purchase, but I read recently about making a 35mm film drying "cabinet" using PVC pipe, a couple of HEPA filters, and a small, low voltage, low power fan. Seems neat. I am hoping to find the time to try to make one of these.

rx7diver

 

[Uncle B]

I became too apprehensive about flooding my V, and, so, I decided many years back to no longer dive with it. And then I purchased a III (the last all-mechanical Nikonos) a couple of years ago, which I use now with the 15 and SB105 I used to use with my V.

My only issue now pertains to losing access to the university darkroom I used to use. It was shuttered a few years ago. My house is incredibly dusty, so developing slides and film at home doesn't work so well.

I haven't been able to find a film drying cabinet to purchase, but I read recently about making a 35mm film drying "cabinet" using PVC pipe, a couple of HEPA filters, and a small, low voltage, low power fan. Seems neat. I am hoping to find the time to try to make one of these.

rx7diver

I hadn't even considered getting the film developed - guess I've been using digital too long. I made a vacuum adaptor for my V that fits int the battery port. I would draw 24" vacuum and, if no loss after several hours, I felt safe. I know that is just under two atmospheres but never had a flood. I would test by putting a human hair across the back o-ring - it would bleed off very slowly. The trouble with the V is, until you get water pressure on it, the 15mm lens can be bumped in a rinse tank and cause a flood. I put a vac port on my Ikelite digital housing and pull about 10" vac and leave it so the ports are pulled tight.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I still have my Nik 5.
I haven’t used it in years, it just sits. But I can’t get rid of it either, too nostalgic and too many fond memories.
My favorite was Kodachrome 25 and 64.
I still miss film greatly, I loved everything about it.
I pretty much gave up photography when digital took over, it’s just not the same.

 

[rx7diver]

... I made a vacuum adaptor for my V that fits int the battery port. I would draw 24" vacuum and, if no loss after several hours, I felt safe. I know that is just under two atmospheres but never had a flood. I would test by putting a human hair across the back o-ring - it would bleed off very slowly. The trouble with the V is, until you get water pressure on it, the 15mm lens can be bumped in a rinse tank and cause a flood. I put a vac port on my Ikelite digital housing and pull about 10" vac and leave it so the ports are pulled tight.

Neat! I'd like to know more about this!! Did you post a write-up somewhere?

The problem remains, though, with servicing those hidden, internal O-rings. Does any shop remain that will service these?

rx7diver