I hate these film cameras...

[@trueblack6760]

I think the focus index of the Nikonos is calibrated under water usage only. Because there is x1.33 difference of the Refractive Index between air and water. Probably thats why the focus of the photo taken above the water is off. But I'd enjoyed this video!

[@uncatila]

You need a 15 mm lense. Set on infinity and shoot away. Getting close to your subject underwater with the ,15mm or the 20mm avoids all the back scatter.

[@OCooper]

I've got a handful of Nikonos', sea and seas' and a Minolta Weathermatic dual 35. The Minolta is a great camera, it floats, dual focal lengths, auto everything, so go try that. Using film cameras isn't like digital where you should expect everything to work, its best to check all the parts before using to avoid your rewind issue. Also the backscatter on the flash is why pro setups have flashes that angle away from your subject, the small direct flashes don't work great is dirty water. Try a Sea and Sea Motormarine 2! Good luck with the search!

[@graham_white]

Ha thanks. No I definitely don’t expect everything to work on any film camera. I checked through everything but the rewind knob since on normal 35mms they are cross threaded with just 2 pieces so not something I ever see or expect to have issues. Ya I should of figured that issue with the flash but assumed it may work normally since they put it there. 🤷‍♂️. I’ll check your recommendations!

[@OCooper]

@@graham_white I get ya, it's usually a simple thing, it might also be worth checking the rewind release and button if it has one, just to be sure the mechanism disengages before loading up film. My Nikonos 3 had a missing strap clip thing so I had to fashion one up as they're a pain to open! Well done for managing without it aha. Could try a diffuser for the flash, frosted plastic stuck over it? It's a nice camera and will be a shame not to use it! Oh and the quality of the video was top notch, keep it up 😁

[@graham_white]

@@OCooper very true. I may just use without flash and push the film 2 stops or something. yeah ive had one of those go missing... very annoying. All good ideas, just getting them to stay in place under water would be the trick I think. maybe a tacky rubber band or something. Much appreciated!

[@TheDecguy]

I still have my Nikonos lll. Working fine for the last 30 years or so. My biggest mistake when I first acquired it was loading a fresh roll of film while flying. What could possibly go wrong. Experience users will know the answer. I should have paid more attention in high school physics class.

[@graham_white]

🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@uncatila]

Also the nikonos ll is great on land because that 35 is modeled after one of nikons most expensive lenses.. get a t artisans cold shoe meter and your set

[@graham_white]

True!

[@flannelcommander]

I wish this video came out earlier this year. I sold my Nikonos V for $200. I have a second one that I use regularly (for diving and rainy days). I’m a freediver and these cameras handle depth super well! Getting things in focus and knowing distance is crucial! Your dive masks makes things appear 2x bigger and closer. I use my speargun as a yard stick before snapping the photo. Maintenance on these cameras are crucial to its longevity. After every dive or when it comes in contact with water, I use warm water and wetsuit cleaner (for the stinky smell of saltwater) and clean the o rings. I’m always on the market for underwater cameras. If I see one, I’ll let you know!

[@graham_white]

Ha much appreciated! Ya the water throws of my whole distance perception which is why I was excited about the action touch autofocus. I know they mounts for composition for the cold show but doesn’t help with focus. I’ve held a few of the Vs and those big viewfinders are very nice but ya everyone I see is listed at $300 and for as often as I would use it that’s a bit much. Thanks for that wetsuit cleaner tip. I know cleaning of salt water specifically is critical.

[@MrSamDrake]

I have a minolta weathermatic 350l that I've used with no issues, just have to get used to the bright yellow plastic

[@graham_white]

I’ve come across one or two of those busted but haven’t shot with them.

[@mxusmc9428]

Bro you deserve over 100k subscribers. Your editing skills are amazing

[@graham_white]

Thanks a lot man, really appreciate the compliment. Feel free to share! lol

[@cf8979]

try a minolta weathermatic!

[@alistairmerrifield5035]

You have backscatter issues (don’t know why it is square, perhaps related to the shape of the flash). You would need an underwater strobe pointed at an angle to your subject (to avoid lighting up particles in the water). I have no idea how they managed macro with these back in the day (I do… they had to use a rail system), I get so much wastage with digital underwater. You also want a diffuser on your flash. I have a nikonos V, I use it with ambient light conditions and higher ISO B&W film. It is awesome.

[@graham_white]

Thanks!

[@benbowland]

Dude, this production quality is fantastic. I had to double check your subscriber count in case I missed a zero or two! Great stuff!

[@graham_white]

Hahaha. Thanks a lot Ben, appreciate that

[@gregorpichler5899]

Hi Graham, I agree that Nikonos cameras might be difficult to use at the first view, because the handling is very different to the "standard 35mm cameras". However in terms of an underwater camera and water tightness the system totally make sense. The Nikonos I, II and III are gorgeous fully mechanical underwater cameras, no sensible electronics, will work forever if you take care about the rubber seals. There is a scale for zone focussing on the lenses and the lenses are made that if you mount it upside-down you can easily use the camera with a strap by turning around and read the aperture and zone focus scale while for example diving. There are lenses like the 28mm f3.5 you are using, which are only built for underwater photography, indicated by the letters UW on the lens. This explains your vignetting because underwater the 28mm lens has a different angle of vision due to the refraction index of water vs. air. Others, like the 35mm f2.5, are produced for both, under and above water photography and the Nikkor 35mm f2.5 has the same glass like the Nikon S rangefinder version, just much cheaper available. I don't think that your rewind knob is broken, you need to lift it up until it holds alone, then the screws should be connected for rewinding. I also suggest to start with black & white because underwater colors can look different. Maybe worth to give it a second thought :) you probably won't be disappointed, best regards from Europe.

[@graham_white]

Thanks for all the info!

[@as616]

I like the totally abstract photo at 11:05. Those squares (old Microsoft logo?) look like a Kono or Lomochrome pre-exposed film. Good luck with your project.

[@graham_white]

Thanks Andy!

[@thespecialist6831]

I was totally thinking about Windows logo screen saver too haha , I actually love this photo too.

[@graham_white]

Thats what it reminds me of! I couldn’t quite place it but that’s it

[@tomc8273]

I don't know anything about underwater photography, but since they are underwater cameras do the words boat anchor come into play. Good luck!

[@graham_white]

Lol. If my luck keeps up they will most definitely become body anchors

[@mudcud]

Your videos are very informative.

[@graham_white]

Thanks Clint!

[@sixteenbitter]

Nikonos Action Touch with the built-in Minecraft filter

[@graham_white]

lol I suppose so.

[@peteberry3826]

You should try the Canon A1 Sure Shot. The auto focus is tac sharp.

[@graham_white]

A buddy of mine had that. Seems like a nice compact little setup. Haven’t come across one thrifting yet.

[@GavinLyonsCreates]

Cool video! spongebob square flash! that whole underwater thing sounds more trouble than it's worth though. I sure you'll get there

[@farfian0a463]

I really want

[@sentimental7167]

Nice story, nice vid! Actually, kind of like those boxy shots (not that you want to have that all the time tho...) You might know that the Nikonos derived from the French Calypso camera, which was prominently used in a James Bond movie, probably he made the best use of it ;-) - as a Geiger counter.

[@Fmdk99]

You deserve more than 5k subscribers. I love all your contents

[@graham_white]

Haha thanks a lot. Feel free to share the content! Appreciate the support

[@st.armanini9521]

Lomography users envy level: 100

[@graham_white]

bahahahaha. ok that was good.

[@robiulahmed]

I think underwater photography is better with digital cameras.

[@graham_white]

Won’t question that logic

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Hmmm... back in the day I've been playing with disposable underwater cameras. Plastic peace of crap, but it produced decent photos, much better than those in this video. Look ap for those, maybe you still can find them somewhere. Oh and subbed by the way 😊

[@graham_white]

Ya. Between exposing the film to light for the nikonos and the flash issue with the action touch.... the struggle is real. Definitely on the lookout for alternatives

[@radiowardenclyffe]

Nikon l35AW ftw.

[@randomnetizen7980]

peter mcfilm

[@graham_white]

Bahaha

[@FotodioxInc]

Nice video!

[@graham_white]

thanks!

[@BarrettBaker_photos]

I really hope I am one of the winners of this contest! And I really hope you get more people to enter this contest too. You deserve all the love you can get :-)

[@clouds-through-a-window8942]

Awesome video !! ( but you move your hands a bit too much )