Nikon Nikkormat EL
The Nikkormat EL is a 35mm SLR introduced by Nikon in the early 1970s as part of the Nikkormat line, which sat below the professional Nikon F-series and offered Nikon F-mount compatibility to amateur and enthusiast buyers. It was notable at launch for being Nikon's first SLR with electronically-timed aperture-priority automatic exposure.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Nikkormat EL have ranged from about £50 to £130, with the small sample pointing to a mid-range value around £88 as of today. Because the EL relies on its electronic shutter, condition and working electronics heavily influence what a body sells for at saleroom level, and tidy, functional examples sit at the top of that range while untested bodies fetch less.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: March 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Mar 2025 | £126 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 276) Title: A Nikkormat EL Outfit.
Description:
A Nikkormat EL Outfit. Comprising body #5311883, shutter firing, meter responsive, with Pre-Ai Nikkor-H.C 50mm f2 lens (signs of normal use). Also a ... read more |
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| Oct 2024 | £50 | Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1479) Title: Nikon Nikkormat EL 35mm SLR camera, serial number 5125228, with Nikkor-H.C auto 1:2 f=50mm lens,
Description:
Nikon Nikkormat EL 35mm SLR camera, serial number 5125228, with Nikkor-H.C auto 1:2 f=50mm lens, |
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| Oct 2024 | £110 | Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1480) Title: Nikon Nikkormat EL 35mm SLR camera, serial number 5407489, with Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 lens, serial
Description:
Nikon Nikkormat EL 35mm SLR camera, serial number 5407489, with Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 lens, serial |
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| Oct 2022 | £69 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 140) Title: A Nikon Nikkormat EL 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial no. 5352778, body F-G, heavy signs of use, shutter working but sometimes sticks on all speeds, together with a Nikon Nikkor-S.C Auto (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2018 | £66 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1131) Title: A Nikon Nikkormat EL SLR Camera
Description:
1972, black, serial no. W7541545, with Nikkor-H.C f/2 50mm lens, black, serial no. 2200967, body, VG-E, shutter working, lens, VG |
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| Nov -0001 | £40 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 421) Title: A Nikon Nikkormat EL SLR Camera
Description:
A Nikon Nikkormat EL SLR Camera, black, serial no W7541690, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in auto, self timer working, battery check |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Nikkormat EL worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Nikkormat EL body is worth roughly £50 to £130, with working, clean examples achieving the higher end of that range.
How much does a Nikkormat EL sell for at auction?
Recent UK hammer prices have been £50 and £126, so most bodies sell for somewhere in that £50–£130 band depending on cosmetic and functional condition.
Why does condition matter so much for the Nikkormat EL's price?
Because the EL is electronically controlled, a non-working meter or shutter sharply reduces value, so tested, functional bodies command a clear premium over untested ones.
Where is the battery located on a Nikkormat EL?
The battery sits in a compartment beneath the mirror, so you lock the mirror up to access it — a detail worth checking for corrosion before buying.