Gus Lazzari

Rick that's a beautiful sample of a Nikkormat EL ! "Wasn't the last EL version badged as Nikon?" - John Seaman Yes John, the Nikon EL2 was the improved version of the Nikkormat EL units (See picture). In fact, Ken Rockwell has a fantastic article on the EL2 model - Here's a few key quotes from the article : "1977-1978: Nikon EL2 This new Nikon EL2 changed the brand name for this "consumer" camera from Nikkormat to Nikon (just like Nikon's pro cameras). The biggest change is the new lens mount that's compatible with the new automatic-indexing (AI) lenses. Relatively unique in the EL2 that there are two power and lock switches: the usual pull-out the wind lever switch of the Nikkormat EL, but with a unique lever around the shutter button, either of which will turn on the EL2 for you ! EL2 adds a wider ASA range, adds an exposure compensation dial, replaces the EL's CdS cell with a silicon photo-diode (SPD) light meter cell (Very Fast), adds a manual 8 second speed (the EL only went to 4 seconds in manual), and adds a unique shutter ring lock switch for use with the new AW-1 winder. There's also a new battery removal helper. The EL2 stops down the diaphragm all by itself when using mirror-lock-up; the EL required you remember to do this manually with mirror lock-up. The EL2 also takes-away the manual setting for M (flashbulb) synchronization and does it automatically at higher speeds" https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/el2.htm Finally, Rick pictures a Alkaline battery in use. Don't use Alkaline formula batteries in ANY photographic application ! Use instead the recommended Silver Oxide or Lithium formula units (SPX28 silver oxide or 2CR1/3N or 28L Lithium formula). Alkaline voltage declines progressively AND leaks unexpectedly - Devastating to the mirrorbox of these Nikkormat EL & EL2 cameras !

"thinking that there are screws you can get to from the front somehow" The key is to extract the 3 set screws contained in the Name tube (serial number etc.). This tube conceals the service access. The rest of the way in the tear-down will utilize YOUR commonsense...

This is a re-post from back in 2018 in order to correct a LINK. - - - - - My preference is for the much more stable "silver oxide" batteries. That said, one should either acquire a reusable washer to slip over the "silver" battery for a 1.5V output, or the BEST & highly recommended step-down adapter.<<< click Further comments on battery choices are here: Silver, Alkaline & Zinc-Air batteries <<< click & scroll down for my input...