C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile →slr-35mm
The Nikkormat EL Black is the matte-black body variant of the Nikkormat EL (1972), Nikon's first Nikkormat to offer aperture-priority automatic exposure. Where the earlier FTn and FT2 were fully manual, the EL introduced an electronically-controlled shutter capable of stepless speeds from 4 seconds to 1/1000s, with the camera setting shutter speed automatically in aperture-priority mode. The black-finish variant is mechanically identical to the chrome EL, sharing the same silicon TTL center-weighted meter, the same Nikon F-mount with pre-AI rabbit-ear coupling, and the same battery dependence - unlike the purely mechanical FT-series, the EL's shutter requires battery power and has no mechanical fallback. Black-body EL cameras are less common than the chrome versions and carry a modest collector premium.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile →BW
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
View profile →C41
Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
Develop 35mm film
Labs in our directory that process 35mm film.
Before you buy used
About this camera
Nikon's first Nikkormat with aperture-priority auto-exposure, offered in a less common all-black dress.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 35mm |
| Mount | Nikon F (pre-AI rabbit-ear coupling) |
| Years | 1972 - ~ |
| Shutter | 4s - 1/1000s + B, horizontal metal, electronically controlled |
| Flash sync | X: 1/125s |
| Meter | TTL center-weighted silicon, EV 1-17 |
| Modes | Aperture-priority auto, Manual |
| Viewfinder | ~92% coverage |
| Battery | 4x SR44 or 1x 6V 4SR44 (required for all shutter speeds) |
| Finish | Matte black body |
The Nikkormat EL was introduced in 1972 as Nikon's response to cameras like the Konica Autoreflex T and Minolta SR-T 101 that were popularizing automatic exposure in SLRs. Nikon had been cautious about introducing auto-exposure to the professional Nikon F/F2 line and instead debuted the technology in the more consumer-oriented Nikkormat range. The EL used a silicon photocell (an upgrade from the CdS cells in the FTn and FT2) and an electronically-timed shutter - a significant departure from the purely mechanical FT-series. The EL was succeeded by the EL2 (which added AI coupling) and the ELW (which added winder coupling). Black variants of the EL were offered alongside chrome but in smaller numbers.
The Nikkormat EL represents a meaningful pivot in Nikon's consumer SLR philosophy: the introduction of automation to a lineup that had previously been defined by mechanical simplicity. For photographers who wanted aperture-priority convenience with access to the full Nikon F-mount lens system - but could not justify the cost of a Nikon F2 - the EL offered a compelling middle ground. The silicon meter gave improved low-light performance over the CdS cells in the FT-series. The black variant appeals to collectors drawn to the aesthetic of the black professional Nikon bodies of the same era, particularly the iconic black Nikon F2 Photomic. A working black EL in good cosmetic condition is a capable shooter as well as a display piece.
Nikon F mount with pre-AI rabbit-ear coupling. Best matched to pre-AI Nikkor glass for full metering: Nikkor-H 50mm f/2, Nikkor-S 50mm f/1.4, Nikkor-P 105mm f/2.5, Nikkor-Q 135mm f/2.8. AI and AIS lenses mount but require stop-down metering. No motor drive or winder coupling on the EL (the ELW variant added winder capability). Standard ISO hot shoe for flash.
BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
View profile →C41
Kodak Ektar 100 is a fine-grain C-41 color negative film with saturated color and high sharpness.
View profile →Nikon Nikkormat EL Black
Image coming soon