INTRODUCTION
The Nikon EM was introduced to the market back in 1979 and Nikon EM is often known as Economical Nikon because of its price.
I own a unit of the Nikon EM which I bought from Australia through internet, which cost me only USD80, and comes with a Nikon Series E 50mm lenses.
I used the camera on only 2 occasion, and I am rather pleased with it, with consideration the price I pay for it.
BUILD
The build of the Nikon EM is terrible in my opinion. The whole body is very plastic. I don't believe it will even last a fall if you failed to hold it properly.
Without a good handgrip provided with the body and also because of its small size, holding and shooting with it proved to be a problem at times.
But the fact that it is also light enough to be carry around, the small size and weight can also be its strong point.
FOCUSING
The only focusing method for the Nikon EM is by manual focusing. Focusing is done easily by turning the focusing ring on the lens.
EXPOSURE
The exposure metering for the Nikon EM is by TTL center-weighted exposure metering at full aperture.
Meter incorporates one silicon photodiode.
Only one exposure control modes are provided by the Nikon EM, which is Aperture Priority
LENS
With the common Nikon F mount, the Nikon EM readily accepts the whole range of Nikon Series E lenses, all Nikkor AI or AIS lenses as well as modern AF lenses with the exception of new G lenses. Non-AI lenses cannot be used with the Nikon EM.
The Nikon EM also third party lenses maker like the popular low cost Sigma, Tokina, Tamron... etc.
To achieve high picture quality and most important sharpness, none of this cheap lenses maker is comparable to the original Nikkor lenses. I always believe that that extra cost spent on the optics is worthy.
QUALITY TEST
This quality test is based purely on my twice usage of the Nikon EM over the years. The most recent occasion where I employed the use of this baby Nikon EM was in June 2001 last year during a family chalet.
I used 2 rolls of Agfa 100 films on that day which was provided by my uncle, as I bought the camera and lenses but left my favourite Kodak film at home.
When I first bought the camera from the Internet, it does not come with a manual. To be honest, it will be a little tough to operate the camera without a clear explanation as some of the buttons is unexplained for, and will be hard to apprehend. I managed to find some operating manual online in the Internet and finally manage to figure out the questions I have with the camera. Upon going through that, it is as easy as any point and shoot camera you can find in the market.
The build of the Nikon EM is something that I hate. Although it does provide a lightweight to carry around but it simply does not feel like it will last forever like the other older Nikon.
The film advance lever is very weak, and doesn't feel strong enough. It gives me the impression that it might break somehow if I try to advance it hard unintentionally.
The LCD metering switched on the very moment you press you finger onto the shutter button and It will remain lighted for a few seconds like the Nikon FM2n while you do exposure adjustment. Unlike the newer Nikon FM10, it is so much more convenience for the user.
Focusing is rather easy with the split-image micro prism. I am used to such focusing technique, so I have no trouble with it. For beginner, it might need some guidance, but with practice, it will proved to be no major issue.
Being just Aperture Priority, there is limitation with this Nikon. But as for myself, I am used to Aperture Priority and I am more concern with the depth of view rather than trying to create motion like pictures or freezing actions. Even with Aperture Priority mode, I can still create a very fast shutter speed by using a wider aperture. It will need some practice to learn it though.
The Nikon EM can be used with a Motor Drive MD-E for film advancing. I used it once with my friends MD-E, and it does not seems to interested me as it add extra weight to the camera.
The Nikon EM provides a mechanical M90 mode, which will allow the user to continue shooting at the shutter speed of 1/90s when battery run flat. I have not tried using the mode, as I have not encounter such problem. I always carry two sets of battery around. A irritating 'Beep Beep' will activate if the resulting shutter speed fall out of the range of 1/30s and 1/1000s. This will serve as a warning.
Pictures taken with the Nikon EM is clear and sharp with the Nikon Series E 50mm lenses. Exposure is accurate for most of the shots, except for a few shots, which is tricky because of side lighting from the sun, which turn out underexposed.
Compared to my other Nikon, like the Nikon FE or F3HP, which also offer the convenience of Aperture Priority, it is very much lighter to carry around, but its lack of other useful controls make it last of my list most of the time, unless I really intend to travel light with just the Nikon EM and the 50mm lens.
SUMMARY
The Nikon EM is not the best of Nikon available in the market, but with its Aperture Priority Mode and its extremely small size and light weight, it is definitely one of the best to carry around, or as a backup unit.
With its price around USD100 or even less sometimes and most come with the Nikon Series E 50mm lens, there is no other Nikon to compete with it.
