Depth Capability of the Nikonos V

jjoeldm · Jul 18, 2004

I'm wondering what the real depth capability of the Nikonos V is? I have read elsewhere that a well-maintained housing should withstand 1.5 times its rated depth pressure. I would guess that the Nikonos should be in the same boat, so to speak. It's rated to 160', so is it good to 200'? 240'?

I'm not worried about a warranty, just implosions and extruded O-rings and a flooded camera. : )

JoeL

fdog · Jul 18, 2004

Joe, you might give Devon at Subaquatic Camera Repair a call. I recall this came up in conversation while I was in their shop getting a control gland replaced about two months ago.

For the life of me I can't remember the exact number; I want to say 210 fsw, but then 240 seems familiar too. Anyway, they had tested a bunch to failure. I remember the conversation because he said they all failed within a foot or two of each other, indicating great manufacturing tolerances.

Sorry I can't remember! The guys at Subaquatic are very nice, give them a call. They do all our annual maintenence on our Nikonos equipment and our housings. Incredible work.

All the best, James

Curt Bowen · Jul 18, 2004

jjoeldm:
I'm wondering what the real depth capability of the Nikonos V is? I have read elsewhere that a well-maintained housing should withstand 1.5 times its rated depth pressure. I would guess that the Nikonos should be in the same boat, so to speak. It's rated to 160', so is it good to 200'? 240'?

I'm not worried about a warranty, just implosions and extruded O-rings and a flooded camera. : )

JoeL

I have had my Nik V to 300 feet, but the problem is not that the camera will not take the pressure, the film will not advance. So you only get one shot.

It starts jambing up around 220 feet.

jjoeldm · Jul 18, 2004

fdog:
Joe, you might give Devon at Subaquatic Camera Repair a call. I recall this came up in conversation while I was in their shop getting a control gland replaced about two months ago.

For the life of me I can't remember the exact number; I want to say 210 fsw, but then 240 seems familiar too. Anyway, they had tested a bunch to failure. I remember the conversation because he said they all failed within a foot or two of each other, indicating great manufacturing tolerances.

Sorry I can't remember! The guys at Subaquatic are very nice, give them a call. They do all our annual maintenence on our Nikonos equipment and our housings. Incredible work.

All the best, James

Thanks I will call them. I could use a good service center. And thanks for the reply!

JoeL

jjoeldm · Jul 18, 2004

Curt Bowen:
I have had my Nik V to 300 feet, but the problem is not that the camera will not take the pressure, the film will not advance. So you only get one shot.

It starts jambing up around 220 feet.

Curt,

That was my impression. That implosion was less of an issue than being able to work the controls. Thanks for he heads-up.

It shouldn't be an issue. The max depth where I'm headed is around 200'. That's my concern, that it will continue to work at 200' or less. I've had mine to 180', but no deeper.

This is a great forum, BTW, I've asked two questions in the last couple of days and got good answers from knowledgeable people within hours. Outstanding!

JoeL

Depth Capability of the Nikonos V

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