Battery failure
The batteries in a Nikonos may fail gradually or all at once. When current
is insufficient to power the shutter, it defaults to 1/1000th second
and yields photos that are nearly black. Hints that batteries are failing
include shortened duration or absence of the red shutter speed indicator
light in the viewfinder. Changing the batteries at regular shooting intervals
is the best prescription for avoiding battery failure but, should you
suspect it is happening, M will allow you to finish the dive capturing
photos at 1/90th second.
It is also wise to store your Nikonos V or IVa with the shutter setting
at M. Some tight-fitting storage systems can actually apply half pressure
to the shutter release button when not in use. In any other setting but
M, this will quickly run down your batteries. |
Floods
Involuntary firing of strobes and difficult film advance are two hints
that your camera may be flooding. Immediately switching the shutter setting
to M stops the flow of current to the electronic components of your camera.
Safely ascend and treat as you would any flood.
Provided the flood is minor and you act soon enough, turning the power
off with M may save you added repair expense. |
