Rare- Though Not Desireable- Nikon EM Cased Kit

<p>After selling and shooting Nikon gear for more than 30 years, there isn't much in the way of Nikon I haven't seen before. Though I sold Nikon EM cameras new way back when, I've never laid eyes on a kit like this that came into the store I work at over the weekend: Nikon EM with a 50mm f/1.8 E lens, 35mm f/2.5 E lens, 100mm f/2.8 E lens, SB-E flash and fitted case. The yellow-gold color of the plastic case brings back memories of the late 1970s.</p><div></div>

<p>the extra lenses ...</p><div></div>

<p>and the case ...</p><div></div>

<p>Three good lenses with an oddly shaped rear lens cap that also stores film and holds your nifty retro-chic neckstrap.</p>

<p>I thought that was a horrible idea for a camera. I knew some folks with them. I got way better results with my all-manual all-mechanical Pentax MX (which is long gone...)</p>

If only it were an FG....

<p>In the mid-1980s, after the EM was discontinued, I bought some mint-in-box EM pieces dirt cheap through the store and gave my dad an EM with the 50mm, the 35mm and the SB-E flash. The auto-shutter EM was perfect for him, as he took much better photos than he had with his Kodak 126 Instamatic.</p>

<p>I liked the idea of the EM, but couldn't find a functional used body when I began looking during the late 1990s. Finally gave up after a dozen or so tries. It was comparable to the Canon T50, although it was fairly easy to find a reliable used T50.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the T50 was never available in a beer cooler with room for the camera, flash and a couple of cold ones. It's that sort of classy presentation that lured me away from the Canonite camp and into the Nikonista tribe.</p>

<p>Wasn't this marketed as a safari kit?</p>

<p>Eric, you and I did the same thing. Back in 1979, I suggested to my dad to buy a new EM with a 50mm/f1.8 Series E lens. I was in college back then. My parents still own that camera today.</p>

<p>I've never seen that kit, although I did pick up one of those 35mm 2.5 plastic lenses boxed very cheap years ago, and it was quite good. I actually used it about 1992 to make a shot of a new design tilting tank truck for a national trucking industry ad campaign, they didn't know the lens was $15.</p>

I never realised that Nikon made lunchboxes. Impressive that they even included insulated drinks holders.

The EM is so undesirable that a while back when I wanted to buy a 100/2.8 E, it was cheaper to buy an EM with that

lens on it than the lens by itself. The EM I received was fully working and seemed like it would have been a nice

camera if I wanted very small and very simple. But I took the lens mount ring off it to repair an FE2 and still have the

lens, which is quite good.

<p>Neat! I'm very surprised that the expanded polystyrene hasn't reacted with the other plastics though. Wish Nikon did something like that for the D700 - with space for a flask and sandwiches.</p>

<p>In case you weren't aware, "EM" stands for "Every Mother's." As in "Every Mother's Nikon." Sort of a running gag at work.<br /><br />The cameras weren't bad though, nor was the T50. And for the price, the lenses were/are excellent. My first camera was an FG ("Freaking Garbage"), which came with the same lenses. I managed to smash the 100mm to bits before too long, but 22 years later I still have, and occassionally use, the FG. Never even been serviced.</p>

<p>Great! This is why I like Nikon. Collectors items in presentation box made of molded plastic, not rare wood with endangered species leather.</p>

<p>My first 'real' SLR camera back in 1982 was an EM with the standard 50mm lens. I cut my teeth on that outfit and captured some of my favorite images using it. When I upgraded in 1992, I kept the EM loaded with Kodachrome 200 and didn't 'retire' it fully until 2008. If KL was still around, I'd probably load a roll in the EM every now and then just for old time's sake. Good times.</p>

<p>Well, a little walk down memory lane, to the time the Nikon rep would visit our studio to show off the latest must-haves. My studio partner ignored the Nikon stuff,shooting an Exakta at that time,but did a double-take when he glommed the flesh colored plastic case with the goodies.<br>

Down in New Zealand,I recall that no flash was included,but,in its place,was the MD-E motor drive.<br>

The S.P. used that outfit for thousands of product shots,until he retired.<br>

I bought the FE2 instead,which I still have,and use. In those days,you could request three copies of a lens you wanted,test them,and send back the two you didn't want -but,I have to add,the differences were marginal.<br>

You can experience the EM sensation for pin money,but,like the Yashica GSN, two outta three won't work properly.</p>