Selecting The Shooting Mode - Nikon FA Instruction Manual

SELECTING THE SHOOTING MODE
The Nikon FA offers four shooting modes: three automatic
exposure modes, including P (programmed), S (shutter-priority),
and A (aperture-priority), in addition to M (manual) mode.
Moreover, the FA utilizes an automatic mUlti-pattern metering
system in all three automatic modes to ensure correct exposure
even in difficult lighting situations. In this system, light is indi-
vidually measured from five separate areas of the focusing
screen and then analyzed by the camera 's microcomputer,
giving you theCautomaticaily corrected exposure without the
need for manual exposure compensation . In the manual mode,
regular centerweighted metering is always in operation . Just
center the main subject in the viewfinder to get correct exposure.
Selection of centerweighted metering is also possible in all auto -
matic modes by depressing the metering control button
®
(refer
to page 40 for more information). The metering system in use
also depends on which lens is mounted on the camera (see
page 18). '
Each shooting mode has its own advantages as explained below.
Choose your desired mode and set the shooting mode selector
@
to the appropriate click-stop. Intermediate settings cannot be
used. According to the shooting mode you select, you must also
set the shutter speed and/or aperture which will then be dis -
played in the viewfinder.
P ( Programmed)
The optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture is auto-
matically set by the FA's microcomputer, depending upon scene
brightness, film speed, and lens focal length in use. For short
lenses (less than 135mm), the FA uses a normal program to
ensure correct exposure. But with telephotos of 135mm or
longer, the camera automatically switches to a special high-
speed program to reduce the possibility of camera shake
caused by slow shutter speeds. The P mode not only greatly
simplifies operation but also lets you concentrate on picture
composition, making it desirable for fast-breaking action when
there isn 't time to think.
S
(Shutter·Prlority)
You set the shutter speed manually and the FA's microcomputer
automatically selects the matching aperture. This mode is good
for stopping fast action and required when motion is an impor-
tant factor in your pictures, such as in spprts photography.
A (Aperture·Priority)
Select the lens aperture first ; then the FA's microcomputer
selects the matching shutter speed for you . This mode is recom-
mended when the rendition of depth must be controlled exactly.
For instance, you may want to blur ou( the background in
portraiture or make everything come out sharp in scenic
photography.
M (Manual)
You set both the shutter speed and aperture manually according
to the desired effect. Necessary exposure information is shown
in the viewfinder. With this mode, it 's possible to create inten-
tional over- or underexposed photos. It's also good under special
shooting situations. Time exposures at the B setting or mechani-
cal release at M250 are performed in the manual mode. Flash
photography with flash units other than Nikon dedicated flash
units should also be performed in this mode .
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