Nikon FEA (underwater)

The Nikon FEA (underwater) is a specialized 35mm camera introduced by Nikon in 1977 as part of their dedicated underwater photography line. Essentially a modified version of the Nikon FE released the same year, it was encased in a robust, purpose-built underwater housing designed to withstand significant pressure down to specified depths. The core camera body retained the FE's fundamental features, including its electromechanical shutter offering speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second, center-weighted metering, and automatic exposure capabilities. Its primary distinction was this integrated housing, making it a practical tool for divers seeking reliable underwater imaging without needing cumbersome external cases.

This underwater variant represented Nikon's commitment to supporting specialized photographic applications beyond the terrestrial market. It provided a more streamlined and potentially more affordable option for underwater enthusiasts compared to using a standard body in a separate, often third-party, housing. While sharing the FE's core technology and usability on land when dry, the FEA's significance lies in its ruggedized construction and purpose-built design specifically for the demanding underwater environment, offering users a compact and functional solution for sub-aqueous imaging during the late 1970s.