nikonos

For nearly 13 years, photographer Jordan Godley captured his surf photography with a DSLR. But in 2020, that changed and he ditched digital in order to go back to film.

Underwater photographer might remember the old 35mm Nikonos waterproof cameras. Originally launched in 1963, the Nikonos underwater system set the standard for underwater imaging for many years until it was ultimately discontinued in 2001.

Nowadays, underwater photography is done digitally using some sort of waterproof housing, but a fresh rumor just cropped up that says Nikon is working on a dedicated 'serious' underwater compact camera. Does that mean a digital Nikonos?

Launched in 1992 and discontinued in 1996, Nikon's Nikonos RS was considered one of the best underwater photography solutions back in the 90s. The cameras and the 50mm f/2.8 macro, 28mm, 13mm fisheye, and 20-35mm lenses still sell for relatively high prices these days. Unfortunately for Nikon enthusiasts, the RS mount lenses were not compatible with F mount cameras... until now.

Underwater photographer Andrej Belic spent over a decade dreaming of using an RS lens on his Nikon DSLR, and over the past year he was able to get the combo working.

In 1998, this US Navy photo was published, showing a Nikonos camera no one recognized from the IPTC caption: …