FIRST FILM WATER SHOTS — NIKONOS V
- Alaia Mentawai
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Dave has always loved shooting in the water — waves, surfers, and the Mentawai coastline from the ocean’s eye level. But this time was different.
For the first time, he left the digital setup behind and swam out with a Nikonos V.If you know, you know.
A camera built for the sea — electric shutter, zone focus, all sealed metal and glass. Simple, stubborn, beautiful. The 35mm lens is the one most people use — sharp and fast, but wide enough that you need to get close. Really close.
During that first swim, the viewfinder was already a little off — framing felt like a guess more than a guide. Still, Dave shot the whole roll. Later, the shutter button started acting up, and now it’s completely gone. The body probably won’t see the water again.
But before that, it gave him something rare: his first film water shots.
When the roll came back, it was all there — the timing, the feeling, the texture. Nostalgic grain, clean frames, honest light.
Digital cameras let you shoot whole sequences in one wave. With film, it’s one moment, one click. Everything else stays in your head.
It’s slow. It’s uncertain. But it’s real.
Thinking of Getting a Nikonos V?
If you’re planning to get one for yourself, make sure all O-rings are still in good condition. These rubber seals keep the camera watertight, and finding proper replacements today can be difficult. A camera that hasn’t been serviced or properly stored may leak — and one drop of water inside means the end.
Also check that the light meter and electronic circuits are working properly. The Nikonos V relies on electronics to control shutter speeds. If the system fails, the camera will only fire at 1/90 sec (the mechanical backup speed). You can still shoot that way — fully manual — but it limits you to one fixed speed, which isn’t ideal for changing light conditions in the surf.
If you find one in good condition, though, it’s worth it. There’s nothing quite like shooting film in the water — one wave, one frame, one chance.
Film & Exposure Tips from the Water
For this roll, Dave used Ilford HP5 Plus (ISO 400). Even under bright sun, the ocean often reads darker than the sky — especially when shooting from inside the water. The light meter tends to underexpose because it measures the bright sky before the wave appears. By the time you actually click the shutter, the scene is covered by darker blue water, so the image ends up slightly under.
To avoid that:
Try faster shutter speeds and smaller apertures (around f/11 or higher) if you want sharper, less blurry results. Unless you want to try slow shutter images intentionally.
ISO 400 film helps keep your shutter speed fast enough for moving subjects.
You can experiment with ISO 800 too, but ISO 400 film is easier to find and forgiving to work with.
For your first test rolls, ISO 400 on a sunny day is a perfect place to start.
Film in the water is tricky — but when it works, it’s magic.
Other Water Film Cameras to Explore
If you’re curious about trying other water-ready film cameras:
Nikonos IV-A – Offers aperture-priority auto exposure with fully electronic shutter control, making it simpler than the V. Generally more affordable on the used market. Just note: it needs a working battery and electronics; without them, the shutter won’t fire.
Nikonos III – A retro, all-mechanical design, closer to the original Calypso model. No battery needed and no electronic parts to worry about. You’ll have to set everything manually, so it helps to know the Sunny 16 rule or use a handheld meter.
Canon Sure Shot WP-1 – A fun, easy waterproof point-and-shoot with a light-grey body and red rubber accents. Fully automatic — no need for manual settings or experience. It’s not as tough as the Nikonos series, but perfect for relaxed swimming, small waves, or beach sessions.
This was Dave’s first roll of film in the water — and probably the last with that camera. But maybe that’s the point. Some things are meant to happen just once.
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