Nikkormat EL + 50mm f/2: A Timeless Nikon SLR Film Kit

A Brief History of the Nikkormat EL and Its Legacy

The Nikkormat EL arrived in the mid-1970s as Nikon’s answer for photographers who wanted professional reliability without the price tag of an F-series body. It was one of Nikon’s first 35mm SLRs to offer electronic, aperture-priority auto exposure in a heavy-duty metal shell. For many shooters, it became the quiet workhorse that never left their shoulder.

Paired with the Nikkor 50mm f/2, the EL formed a classic “one-lens kit” that could handle almost anything: street scenes, travel, family life, portraits and low-light interiors. The 50mm focal length mirrors a natural field of view, teaching composition in a way that zooms rarely do. That’s part of why this kit is still beloved among people rediscovering film.

The first time you pick up a metal-bodied camera like the Nikkormat EL, the weight changes everything. You stop spraying frames and start considering each shot, feeling the mechanical shutter, the resistance of the film advance, and the deliberate click of the aperture ring.

Unlike many entry-level bodies of its era, the Nikkormat EL was built to last. Solid brass and steel construction, reliable Nikon mechanics and the standard F-mount meant it could share lenses with higher-end Nikon systems. That ecosystem compatibility is a big reason these cameras are still actively used rather than just collected.

Technical Traits That Still Matter Today

Electronic Aperture-Priority with Manual Backup

The EL’s headline feature is its aperture-priority auto exposure mode. You choose the f-stop on the Nikkor 50mm f/2, and the camera selects a matching shutter speed electronically. For learning photographers, this keeps your focus on depth of field and composition, while still teaching how shutter speed affects motion.

If the battery dies, the camera still offers a mechanical backup speed, so you’re not stranded mid-roll. That simple redundancy is typical of this era’s design philosophy: electronics assist, but mechanics rule.

Nikon F-Mount Flexibility

The Nikkormat EL uses the Nikon F-mount, one of the most long-lived lens mounts in photography. The included Nikkor 50mm f/2 is a compact, sharp standard prime, but the body can mount a wide range of manual-focus Nikon lenses.

Optics and Handling of the 50mm f/2

The Nikkor 50mm f/2 is often underrated. Stopped down, it’s crisp and contrasty; opened up, it gives a gentle, classic rendering with pleasing background blur. The lens balances perfectly on the EL, making the whole kit feel purposeful rather than bulky.

Modern Uses for the Nikkormat EL Kit

Learning Tool for Digital Shooters

For photographers raised on digital, the Nikkormat EL offers a slower, more tactile way to shoot. With no menus or screens, you’re left with shutter speed, aperture, focus and framing. Many people use it as a “discipline camera” to improve timing and exposure judgment, then bring those skills back to their digital work.

Everyday and Travel Film Photography

Loaded with a versatile 35mm film like Kodak Gold or Ilford HP5, the EL and 50mm combo is ready for anything from city walks to weekend trips. The camera is not tiny, but it’s compact enough to carry all day with a good strap.

Hybrid Analog–Digital Workflow

In 2025, most Nikkormat EL users scan their negatives rather than printing in the darkroom. The camera’s dependable exposure and sharp optics make it easy to create high-quality scans for sharing online. Many photographers mix it with a digital Nikon body, using similar focal lengths to keep their visual style consistent.

If you’re starting from scratch with film, you can find compatible bodies in our curated selection of analog cameras and dedicated SLR film cameras.

Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Commit

Because the Nikkormat EL relies on both electronics and mechanics, a careful check is important when buying second-hand. Here’s a concise checklist to guide you:

• ☑ Verify F-mount lens fit.
• ☑ Test battery compartment (use modern PX28 equivalents).
• ☑ Check shutter speeds and light meter function.
• Check light meter function.
• Inspect foam seals and replace if decayed.
• Confirm battery and circuit condition.
• Ensure lens blades are snappy and focus ring smooth.

Battery and Light Meter Notes

The EL was designed for a 6V PX28-style battery, but in practice you’ll use a modern 4LR44 or 4SR44 replacement. These are easy to source and safe for the camera. After inserting a fresh battery, check that the light meter responds as you point the camera from bright to dark areas and change your aperture.

Lens Condition and Feel

With the Nikkor 50mm f/2 mounted, run the focus ring from minimum to infinity. It should feel smooth, with no grinding or tight spots. Stop the lens down and shine a light through it: you’re looking for clean blades that snap quickly, and glass that’s free from heavy haze or fungus.

Why the Nikkormat EL Still Earns Its Place in 2025

In a market flooded with plastic point-and-shoots and fragile electronics, the Nikkormat EL stands out as a serious but approachable tool. It offers enough automation to be beginner-friendly without taking control away from you. The Nikon F-mount ensures room to grow with different lenses, and the 50mm f/2 gives you a strong foundation.

From a sustainability perspective, using a camera like the EL is also a quiet act of resistance to throwaway culture. Instead of buying new, you’re extending the life of a well-engineered tool and keeping it in active use. With careful maintenance, there’s no reason this kit can’t keep shooting well beyond 2025.

FAQs

Is the Nikkormat EL compatible with modern Nikon lenses? Yes, it uses the Nikon F-mount and works best with manual-focus lenses that have an aperture ring. Many older and some newer F-mount lenses fit, but fully electronic lenses without aperture control are not ideal.

What battery does the Nikkormat EL use? The camera is designed for a 6V PX28, but you can safely use modern 4LR44 or 4SR44 replacements. They’re affordable, widely available and provide reliable power for the meter and electronic shutter speeds.

Can I still get film and accessories for the Nikkormat EL? Yes. Standard 35mm films like Kodak Gold, ColorPlus and Ilford HP5 are easy to find. Modern straps, bags, light meters and film scanners from our photography accessories range pair perfectly with this kit.

How much does a good second-hand Nikkormat EL cost? As a guide, you can expect around €70–€120 for a well-maintained body, and roughly €50–€80 for a Nikkor 50mm f/2, with price depending on cosmetic condition, service history and included accessories.