Nikon's titanium pocket compact — the 28Ti, 28mm f/2.8 Nikkor, analogue dials, program AE, 1994.
The Nikon 28Ti is a premium fixed-lens 35mm compact introduced in 1994 as the wide-angle sibling to the 35Ti, both built around a titanium body shell. It belonged to Nikon's short run of high-end pocket cameras aimed at photographers who wanted a small camera without giving up a fast prime lens and manual control. The 28Ti and 35Ti are sought-after by collectors today, largely because of their titanium construction and the distinctive analogue instrument dials on the top plate.
This is a 35mm fixed-lens autofocus compact with a Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 lens. Its most recognisable feature is a cluster of analogue needle dials on the top plate that report focus distance, aperture, exposure compensation and frame count, driven by tiny meter movements rather than an LCD. The camera uses active autofocus, programmed automatic exposure with the option of aperture-priority and exposure compensation, and has a built-in flash. It is battery-dependent, running on a 3V lithium cell (CR123A), and does not operate without power.
With its wide 28mm view the 28Ti suits street and travel work where a broader field is useful and where the analogue dials give a clear at-a-glance read of settings. It is a pocketable everyday camera that trades a zoom for a single sharp prime and a more considered shooting style. Handling is quiet and quick, though the wide lens and compact form mean it rewards a photographer comfortable with fixed focal lengths.
On the used market check the analogue meter dials move freely and settle correctly, since a stuck or dead needle assembly is hard to repair. Inspect the LCD data panel for bleed or missing segments, test autofocus and the lens for haze or fungus, confirm the flash fires and recycles, and work the film door and battery compartment for corrosion. Confirm the camera powers up on a fresh CR123A, as these are fully electronic and will not fire with a flat battery.