Nikon EM resources

Budget SLR introduced in 1979 as a late successor to the Nikkormat range, catering for photographers who wanted access to the vast Nikon F-mount system but at a price lower than the FM or FE. At the same time Nikon introduced a range of low-cost Series E lenses which were less fastidious in construction than the contemporary Nikkors, but (mostly) were excellent optically.

Early EM models had blue plastic buttons and a low-rent leatherette finish but later models were upgraded with a grained finish and chrome hardware. Aperture-priority auto is the main exposure mode, though there is also a mechanical 1/90th shutter speed and a B mode for long exposures.

Less versatile than Nikon's mainstream SLRs and not nearly as tough, but the EM rightly remains a popular entry point to Nikon 35mm photography thanks to its compact size, ease of use and low cost.

Common faults Metering failure

Used values £30-50 (read more about the used values we quote)

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Data

Type F-mount 35mm film camera
In production 1979-82
Predecessor Nikkormat EL
Successor FG, FG-20
Assembly location Japan
Serial number location Back of camera