Nikon EM. Cut Away model. For display only.

Nikon launched the EM in 1979 as the first in a series of 3 low budget compact bodies. Compared to contemporary Nikon cameras, the EM contained a high level of plastic, although it’s based on a pretty solid metal internal structure. Something which is no longer the case for a lot of high end gear.

The EM was an automatic camera with aperture control. To allow for a higher degree of control, an exposure compensation button was added (front upper right), whereby a 2 steps slower shutter speed was selected to accommodate for the right exposure of backlit subjects. Two mechanical speeds were available in case the battery failed: 1/90 sec and Bulb (long exposures).

Together with the EM camera, Nikon launched a set of 8 small, light weight and more affordable lenses. To distinguish from the more professional ‘Nikkor’ lenses, they were called ‘Series E’. However, they feature the same F-mount bayonet and can be used on all AI-spec Nikon cameras. The original version lenses looked pretty cheap, lacked a metal lens mounting ring and had a more rudimentary finish of the focusing and aperture ring.

Nikon would not be Nikon if it didn’t foresee system accessories even for their junior camera. Besides lenses (Series E and all other AI Nikkor lenses, except for the most recent G lenses), cases and an eyepiece adapter, a dedicated flashlight and motor drive were offered.