The NIKONOS all-weather camera: capturing the world in any conditions

No.6 | 1963 | Capturing “the unexplored”

In 1963, Nikon presented the NIKONOS all-weather camera to the world. Its durability and usability would inspire progress toward modern wearable cameras and action cameras. In this article, we trace the innovative technology and impact of this product, which was welcomed not only by underwater photographers but also by those in many other fields, such as Antarctic research.

Contents supervisor: WIRED JAPAN, Japanese text: Shuto Mizutani, Photography: Junpei Kato, Editing: Shinya Yashiro

During the 1960s, Japan was riding a wave of high economic growth. Also, people’s perspectives were turning from the land to the sea, and then to the unknown underwater world. With this new passionately inquisitive spirit, people of that era were seeking an innovative tool with which they could photograph this fascinating underwater domain. What responded to this demand was the NIKONOS all-weather camera, released by Nikon.

Revolutionizing underwater photography

The birth of the NIKONOS stemmed from a technical partnership with LA SPIROTECHNIQUE, a French diving equipment manufacturer. Using the Calypso underwater camera developed by LA SPIROTECHNIQUE in combination with Nikon’s optical technology, the NIKONOS I was created.

Its most impressive feature was that the camera body itself was completely waterproof. It was designed as a compact, easy-to-handle, dedicated camera that was a departure from previous mainstream underwater photography, which encased an SLR camera in a waterproof housing. Many innovations were introduced throughout, including an airtight structure with an O-ring to prevent liquid from entering and a unique shape that could withstand water pressure. With these new design elements, the NIKONOS all-weather camera became a pioneer in underwater photography.

A revolutionary design was also adopted for the lens. The 28mm f/3.5 lens designed exclusively for underwater use employs a biconcave lens in the front element. When this is immersed in water, it functions as a single lens, correcting distortion and chromatic aberration underwater. This clever design solves the optical problems unique to underwater photography, making it possible to take clear pictures. On the other hand, the 35mm f/2.5 lens was designed to function as an amphibious lens, allowing the NIKONOS to be used on land as well. This kind of versatility would later greatly expand the scope of activities that the NIKONOS could be utilized for.

Eyes that kept evolving

The NIKONOS continued to be improved over time. With each change of model, such as the NIKONOS II in 1968, and the NIKONOS III in 1975, operability and durability became further advanced. In particular, the optical performance of the viewfinder was improved, allowing it to accurately capture subjects even in harsh environments. Furthermore, by adding new lenses, the system was expanded, which also greatly expanded the possibilities of photography.

The NIKONOS IV-A released in 1980, transcended the previous Calypso-based design and was a completely new model using Nikon’s original design. Its most notable feature was that it incorporated an automatic exposure function, which was becoming mainstream for land-based cameras at that time. By adopting aperture-priority AE, Nikon effectively solved the problem of how to determine the correct exposure underwater, allowing many more people to enjoy underwater photography. Moreover, the NIKONOS V, released in 1984, improved its level of perfection as a full-scale underwater photography system by adding a manual exposure mode and developing a speedlight compatible with TTL flash control.

Looking beyond the water into unknown areas

The appearance of the NIKONOS and its subsequent function enhancement sparked a major revolution in the world of underwater photography. Underwater scenery that had previously been invisible to human eyes was now being presented to the world as clear photographs.

The effects of this change went far beyond just hobby photography, as it made a major impact in the fields of scientific research and environmental protection. Through employing the NIKONOS, marine biologists were able to elucidate the ecology of research subjects. Also, it is no exaggeration to say that the spread of underwater photography vastly increased the general public’s interest in the marine environment.

Activities that can be recorded with the NIKONOS are not limited to those underwater. Taking advantage of its high waterproofness and robustness, it was extremely useful for shooting in harsh environments, such as in bad weather or where exposed to splashing water. An anecdote of a newspaper company using the NIKONOS at a professional baseball championship celebratory beer shower is a good example of its versatility. It truly established itself as an “all-weather camera” that could be used in any situation.

Furthermore, its high level of robustness, durability and functionality widely expanded its field of action from underwater environments to the polar regions. The NIKONOS employed by Japan’s 7th Antarctic Regional Expedition, is said to have fully demonstrated its true value as official observation and research equipment in that extremely frigid region. It succeeded in recording images reliably even in the harsh conditions of the Antarctic climate.

Going beyond what we can see now

The NIKONOS was discontinued in 2001, but the high technology that enables shooting in harsh environments and the pursuit of functionality remain in Nikon’s DNA. The knowledge of waterproofing technology and optical design cultivated for the NIKONOS is utilized in the dustproof and drip-proof functions of modern digital cameras, as well as in the ability to withstand use in polar regions and outer space.

A camera is not just a recording device. It is a vital tool to expand human vision and open up new worlds. Deeper exploration along the path of “photographing unknown environments” bequeathed by the NIKONOS will continue to be made by people who continue to pursue the possibilities of technology.

Beyond the path, an unseen world awaits us.