Why do some Nikon displays and dials use a smaller-looking zero?
Asked 5/1/2013
61 views
2 answers
0
On some Nikon cameras, the zero on top LCDs, viewfinder displays, and certain shutter-speed dials appears smaller than a typical full-size 7-segment-style 0. Instead of a full rectangular zero, it can look more like the lower half of an 8. Why did Nikon use this style? Was it meant to improve readability or avoid confusion with other numbers?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
5
The smaller 0 on the dial has in my view a much simpler explanation:
If the 0 were normal size than it would touch the number above and below. The smaller 0s appear only on the longer numbers (not on M90, 30, 60 but on 250, 500, 1000).
Originally by user7718. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7718
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There does not appear to be a confirmed official Nikon explanation in the provided answers, but the most likely reason is readability rather than any LCD reliability issue.
On mechanical shutter-speed dials, a smaller 0 helps spacing: in values like 250, 500, and 1000, a full-size 0 would crowd or visually touch adjacent numbers above or below on the dial. A reduced 0 keeps the markings clearer.
A second likely reason is faster visual recognition. Slightly varying the shapes of numerals makes settings easier to identify at a glance, much like how words are often recognized by overall shape rather than letter-by-letter reading. A smaller zero gives values a more distinctive silhouette, which can help quick scanning of shutter speeds or display readouts.
So the best-supported answer is that Nikon likely used the smaller zero as a typographic/readability choice: improving spacing on dials and making numbers easier to distinguish quickly.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What does the Nikon viewfinder/display value like [r 2] mean?
Why is half the frame exposed and the other half dark on my Canon 7 rangefinder?
Why does a manual 50mm lens show f/0 on a Nikon D7000, and why can’t I change aperture from the camera?
Why do some DSLR cameras disable or limit autofocus at small maximum apertures like f/5.6 or f/8?
Why do photos look sharper in Microsoft Paint than in Lightroom or other viewers?