It offers both aperture priority automatic exposure with available light and full manual override. There is a B setting for long time exposures. The built-in lightmeter is centre weighted. If the camera is set to a shutter speed which is too fast for proper flash synchronisation, the speed will automatically be set to a proper sync speed when the gun is turned on. The ASA scale can be adjusted underwater for bracketing exposures.
Film is wound on and rewound manually.
The viewfinder is large, bright and designed for easy viewing through a mask. The Nikonos V is a system camera. By choosing accessories appropriate to your subjects, it will produce excellent results when used within its limitations. Also, it is the lens for which most macro accessories are designed. Minimum aperture is F22.