Nikonos RS Lenses

Nikonos RS underwater autofocus SLR mount, 1990s | 35 mm underwater autofocus SLR

Nikonos RS was Nikon's purpose-built underwater autofocus SLR system, introduced after the classic Nikonos amphibious cameras. Its RS bayonet supported dedicated R-UW AF Nikkor lenses and should be treated as a separate mount from both the older Nikonos system and ordinary Nikon F SLR lenses.

The RS system kept the 35 mm frame but changed the mechanical and electronic problem around it. Lens design, focusing, sealing, and handling all had to work in an underwater SLR body rather than a scale-focus amphibious camera or a conventional land camera in a housing.