I picked up this Nikon EM at a yard sale for $10. Though not a commercial success for the company, the EM is nicely made, light weight and compact. The camera's aperture-priority auto exposure was taken as something of an insult by Nikon purists, but it is not a bad trade-off for always-accurate metering, and one can see the system-selected shutter speed in the view finder.
My yard sale find came mounted with a Tokina 35-70 macro zoom lens. The focal length variability and the close-up capability make for a versatile shooter. Unfortunately, when the zoom is extended, the camera's dim focus screen gets even worse as the center split-image spot blacks out if the user's eye is not centered just right over the finder. In fact, I found it nearly impossible to properly focus the camera even under good conditions, and capturing action was entirely out of the question. I have heard of people installing different screens from other Nikon models. I also wonder if a good E-Series prime lens might improve the view. I probably won't find out, though, unless I happen to find one under a rock. I'm not inclined to go out to buy expensive lenses to satisfy my curiosity about a ten-dollar camera.
$10 for an EM? That's the bargain of the year!
ReplyDeleteI have a Nikkor 35-70 zoom and it suffers from very similar trouble with the focusing split image going black. I persist in using the lens because there are just times when this mild zoom is very useful.
Your Tokina zoom seems not to lack ability to get contrast and detail.
I just got a Series E 50/1.8 by buying it attached to a N2000 body, for $30 shipped. I didn't need the N2000, but I did want the lens. I watch and wait on a couple eBay searches for deals like that.
The EM wasn't a bad camera at retail price. For $10, that's almost free! Great find!
ReplyDeleteThe dim view screen over-rides the positive features of this camera for me. On the other hand, a sample of one is not a good basis for judgment. I may just go down to the local camera store which has a pretty good Nikon collection and peer through a couple of their cameras.
ReplyDeleteFor comparison, my F2 finders are quite brilliant as is the finder on my F4. I have the K screen in my F2 bodies. Not sure what is in the F4. I didn't think you could change screens in the EM, but I have never owned one. I've only had prime Nikkor lenses on my Nikon bodies, so I can't speak to the aftermarket lens either. I've shot with the FE and the FE2, and those finders are bright as well. And my F3, which just went to a friend--that high eyepoint finder was great too. Not much help huh?
ReplyDeleteI just checked my Nikon compendium and the EM does not allow change out of focus screens. The camera is also noted as having a dimmer viewfinder as it was designed as an entry-level body and did not have the same prism as the advanced amateur and pro bodies. This explains your issue.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates. I'm a little interested in seeing what the view would be with a normal prime in place, though not terribly optimistic given your comments. Also, I have several other restoration projects lined up which have priority.
ReplyDelete