Nikon FA Instruction Manual
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Nikon FA Instruction Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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  • Page 1 Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Nomenclature

    NOMENCLATURE LCD illumination window Aperture-direct-readout (ADR) window Meter coupling lever Shutter speed indication illumination window Sync terminal Neckstrap eyelet Lens mounting index Focusing screen holder release latch Lens type signal pin Depth-of-field preview lever Lens release button Handgrip Lens release pin Handgrip attachment screw Focal length indexing lever Self-timer lever...
  • Page 3 Shutter speed dial locking button Film sprockets Film take-up spool Viewfinder eyepiece Camera back locking catch Eyepiece shutter lever Film pressure plate Film rewind fork Shutter curtains Film cartridge chamber Film guide pin Film guide rails Film roller Data back contacts Camera back Motor drive shutter release coupling (for MD-12) Tripod/motor drive coupling socket...
  • Page 4 Aperture/distance index Depth-of-field indicators Focusing ring Distance scale Mounting ring Infrared focusing index Aperture scale Meter coupling ridge Aperture ring Meter coupling shoe Aperture-direct-readout (ADR) scale Hot-shoe contact Monitor contact Exposure compensation index Shooting mode selector Exposure compensation scale Shutter release fingerguard Exposure compensation dial Shutter release button Film rewind knob...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Al-S Nikkor: An Updated Version of Al-Nikkor Lenses ..11 Nikon FA/Speedlight Combination Chart ....61 LOADING FILM .

  • Page 6: Foreword

    FOREWORD Welcome to Nikon’s exciting world of picture-taking ease. To put you in total control, the Nikon FA offers three automatic exposure modes, in addition to full manual override. For fastbreaking events, the programmed mode automatically sets both shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure in any light.

  • Page 7: Basic Operation

    + body and screw it tightly into place. signs are up. Useable batteries for the Nikon FA camera are: • One 3V lithium battery • Two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (3.1V) • Two 1.5V alkaline-manganese...

  • Page 8: Checking Battery Power

    CHECKING BATTERY POWER Pull out the film advance lever Depress the shutter release Check the LCD. Confirm that the LCD (liquid crystal display) is to unlock the shutter release button halfway to activate the shown at the upper left in the button .

  • Page 9: Meter Coupling Lever

    Nlkon dealer • When changing lenses with him loaded in the camera, be care- • The following lenses cannot be used on the FA even if they ful not to expose the mirror box to direct sunlight.

  • Page 10: Al-S Nikkor: An Updated Version Of Al-Nikkor Lenses

    Lens type signal notch on the instruction manual for each lens. When used with the Nikon FA in the programmed mode, Al-S lenses provide either a normal or high-speed program depending on the focal length in use; in the shutter-priority mode, they give you uniform exposure control in any lighting situation.

  • Page 11: Loading Film

    BASIC OPERATION continued LOADING FILM Open the camera back While Insert film cartridge. Insert the film leader in the pushing the camera back locking Position the cartridge in the film take. Pull the leader across the lever counterclockwise, pull up the cartridge chamber with the leader camera and insert it into any one of...
  • Page 12 Engage the film’s perforations Advance the film by rotating the takeup spool further with your thumb. Make with the sprocket teeth. Turn sure the perforations on both film edges are securely engaged with the the takeup spool slightly with your sprocket teeth.
  • Page 13 BASIC OPERATION continued Take up film slack. Fold out the Make blank exposure. To dispose of the first few frames exposed during film film rewind crank and rotate loading, continue to alternately ad vance the film and depress the shutter release gently in the direction of the arrow on button until the frame counter reaches frame 1.

  • Page 14: Frame Counter

    Frame Counter Film Advance Lever Memo Holder The additive type frame counter is To advance the film, wind the lever to To remind yourself of the type of film graduated from S, two dots, 1, 2, 4— the right completely until it stops The and number of exposures, clip off the up to 36—in even numbers with odd lever returns to the standoff position...

  • Page 15: Setting Film Speed

    BASIC OPERATION continued SETTING FILM SPEED To program the camera to give the correct exposure with a • Make sure that the exposure compensation dial is set particular film, you must set the camera to the correct film speed at 0. If not, turn the dial until the 0 click stops opposite the red index line while depressing the exposure Lift up the ASA/ISO film speed ring and rotate it in either...

  • Page 16: Selecting The Shooting Mode

    For flash units should also be performed in this mode. short lenses (less than 135mm), the FA uses a normal program to ensure correct exposure. But with telephotos of 135mm or...
  • Page 17 ∆ = Because Reflex-Nikkor have a fixed aperture, the shutter speed is shifted according to the aperture, just as in the A mode. • When using any Nikon teleconverter attached to lenses of f/1.8 or faster, no exposure compensation is required in...

  • Page 18: Viewfinder Information

    2. ADR f-number. Appears in the A or M mode to show you the aperture set on the lens (Al-S Nikkor, Nikon Series E, and Al Nikkor, including Al-modified lenses). 3. Shutter speed indication. Appears only in the S mode to show you the shutter speed set on the shutter speed dial.

  • Page 19: P(Programmed) Mode

    BASIC OPERATION continued P (PROGRAMMED) MODE Set the mode selector to P. Set the lens to it’s minimum Confirm that automatic multi- aperture (the largest f-num- pattern metering is in opera- ber). The shutter speed dial can be tion by making sure that the metering set at any position except M250 and B control button is in the normal “out”...
  • Page 20 Reset the lens to its minimum (techniques for avoiding blurred images are explained on page aperture. When using an Al-modified Nikkor lens, a Nikon 46). Teleconverter TC-200, TC-300, or TC-14, or a PK ring this warning will not appear.
  • Page 21 These combinations were arrived at through intensive research and then fed into the FA's microcomputer to provide a predetermined exposure program. Thus, when actual exposure measurement takes place at the time of shooting, the ideal combination on is selected, resulting in perfect exposures for every shot.
  • Page 22 ADR sea/e) Al modified Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4 • When using a Nikon Teleconverfer TC 200, TC-300 or TC 14, the shutter speed may vary by approx. one step from that displayed in the view finder. However you will still obtain the correct exposure.

  • Page 23: S (Shutter-Priority) Mode

    BASIC OPERATION continued S (SHUTTER-PRIORITY) MODE Set the mode selector to S. Set the lens to it’s minimum Set the shutter speed dial to aperture. the desired shutter speed. The numbers on the dial are reciprocals, e.g., 4000 means 1/4000sec. The 250 engraved in red indicates the fastest sync speed for an electronic flash unit.
  • Page 24 Faster speed. With an Al-modified Nikkor lens, Nikon Teleconverter TC-200, TC-300 or TC-14, PK ring or bellows attachment attached, the LCD shows F - -, instead of the aperture selected by the camera.
  • Page 25 When using an Al modi- the black line for the same lens used at 1/30 sec The green line fied Nikkor lens, Nikon Teleconverter TC 200, TC-300 or TC 14, represents the control when the aperture ring is set by mistake or PK ring, the FEE warning will not appear;...
  • Page 26 Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor 200mm f/4 • When using a Nikon teleconverter TC 200, TC 300, or TC 14, the shutter speed may vary by approx one step from that displayed in the viewfinder. However, you will still obtain the...

  • Page 27: A (Aperture-Priority) Mode

    BASIC OPERATION continued A (APERTURE-PRIORITY) MODE Set the mode selector to A. Set the lens to the desired f- Confirm that automatic multi- number. Although each number pattern metering is in opera- on the lens aperture ring has a click tion by making sure that the metering stop, you can also set the ring to inter- control button is in the normal “out”...
  • Page 28 Warning Indications If the LCD shows Hl, this means the scene is too bright and there s no shutter speed to match the aperture you selected. In this case, overexposure may occur. To prevent this, stop the lens down until Hl disappears, if all else fails, attach a neutral density (ND) filter to the lens or change to a slower speed film.

  • Page 29: M (Manual) Mode

    Each setting has a click stop. Shutter speeds from 1 to 1/4000sec. are electromagnetically controlled while the FA’s shutter is mechanicall controlled at M250 and B. • The shuter speed dial should not be set between click stops. Fine...
  • Page 30 M250 and B Settings At M250 and B, the FA's shutter is mechanically controlled without the exposure meter being activated or Center your main subject in the viewfinder and check exposure information appearing in the viewfinder. the exposure information. Remember that in the...

  • Page 31: Holding The Camera

    BASIC OPERATION continued HOLDING THE CAMERA film advance lever You can look through the viewfinder with Many blurred shots are caused by unsteady holding of the cam- either the right or eft eye, while the other eyes opened or closed. era.

  • Page 32: Detachable Handgrip

    Detachable Handgrip The FA's handgrip not only allows steady shooting but also To reattach. align the grip attachment screw with the inner fits comfortably in your hand. However, when shooting with a hole in the handgrip, slip the grip up until it stops, then screw...

  • Page 33: Focusing

    •Finder coverage of the FA is approx 93%; therefore the actual becomes whole (A). For rapid focusing and for subjects with image size will be slightly larger than the image seen in the indistinct outlines, use the microprism collar;...

  • Page 34: Focusing

    (A) Split-image focusing Out of focus Out of focus (B) Microprism focusing In focus Out of focus (C) Matte field focusing Out of focus In focus...

  • Page 35: Taking Pictures

    BASIC OPERATION continued TAKING PICTURES • The shutter cannot be tripped unless : a) the film advance lever Trip the shutter by pushing the shutter release button all the way is pulled out to standard position, b) the film advance lever is down;...

  • Page 36: Unloading Film

    UNLOADING FILM When the film reaches the end of the roll, the film advance lever cannot be wound any further. In this case, rewind and unload the film without forcing the lever using the following procedure. Push the film advance lever Depress the rewind button back into place to turn off on the bottom of the camera.
  • Page 37 BASIC OPERATION continued Rewind the film unfolding the Open the camera back and film rewind crank and turning it in take out film cartridge. Avoid the direction of the arrow. When you unloading in direct sunlight. If there is feel the tension lessen, give it a few no shade available, turn your back to more turns until crank turns freely, the sun and use your own shadow to...

  • Page 38: Technical Information / Photographlc Techniques

    This exposure data is then fed into the FA's micro- Automatic multi-pattern metering computer where it is compared with various predetermined metering patterns stored in the memory.

  • Page 39: Metering Control Button

    Metering Control Button To return the button to the normal "out" position, rotate it To change from one metering method to the other, the Nikon FA counterclockwise until the red index disappears. Confirm that features a metering control button. In its normal "out" position, the button is in the "out"...

  • Page 40: Comparison Of Automatic Multi-Pattern And Centerweighted Metering

    Outdoor backlit subject Comparison Automatic Multi-Pattern Centerweighted Metering If you compare the automatic multi-pattern and centerweighted metering systems, meter readings are virtually the same for ordinary front-it subjects or scenes having little difference in contrast between the main subject and the background. However, with scenes containing both very bright and very dark areas, the results are quite different.
  • Page 41 TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued Front-lit subject Front-lit subject against dark background If a brightly lit subject is positioned against a dark background, and is not in the center, centerweighted metering places too much emphasis on the dark center of the picture. The result is a correctly exposed background, but an overexposed main subject However, with automatic multi-pattern metering, the camera automatically integrates both the dark background and...
  • Page 42 Scene containing the sun Scene containing bright reflection Automatic Multi-pattern Automatic Multi-pattern Centerweighted Centerweighted...
  • Page 43 TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued Sunrise On the other hand, certain subjects are difficult for automatic multi-pattern metering to handle. For example: Sunrises and sunsets Here, you should change to centerweighted metering, especially when you want to emphasize the sun and clouds. With automatic multi-pattern metering, the sky comes out too light.
  • Page 44 Indoor backlit subject Indoor backlit subjects If the main subject is indoors in front of a bright window, underexposure may occur even it the subject occupies a large portion of the picture area because the difference in contrast between subject and background is too great for the camera to handle And even with centerweighted metering.

  • Page 45: Relationship Between Shutter Speed And Aperture

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHUTTER SPEED AND APERTURE Shutter Speed (sec.) 1/4000 1/2000 1/1000 1/500 1/250 1/125 1/60 1/30 Aperture (f-number) The amount of light reaching the film plane is determined by a depth of field, while large apertures restrict the zone of sharp comb nation of shutter speed and lens aperture.
  • Page 46 A fast shutter speed of 1/4000sec. At a slow 1/30sec. stops the water in midair. the water comes out a blur.

  • Page 47: Depth Of Field

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued DEPTH OF FIELD When you shoot at a certain aperture and focusing distance, you will find that not only the main subject but also objects within a certain range in front of and behind it will be sharp in the final photograph This in focus zone'' is known as depth of field Objects beyond this range become increasingly out of focus.
  • Page 48 Lens set at f/2 Lens set at f/16...

  • Page 49: Exposure Compensation

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued EXPOSURE COMPENSATION Suggested Applications for Exposure Compensation +2 White background, snow scene +1 White background occupying half of viewing area -1 Spotlighted subject, black background occupying halt of viewing area -2 Black background In Automatic Exposure Modes If you elect to use centerweighted metering in any of the The exposure compensation dial is graduated in one-third stop automatic exposure modes, you can use the exposure...
  • Page 50 To operate, press the locking button and turn the dial until the desired compensation value is opposite the red index .As a reminder, a red LED exposure compensation mark (+/-) appears on the right side of the viewfinder as soon as the exposure meter is turned on After use, make sure you reset the dial so that 0 is opposite the index...

  • Page 51: In The Manual Mode

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued In the Manual Mode There are two situations where it is difficult to get the correct exposure on automatic with centerweighted metering. They are (1) a front-lit scene with the main subject off-center and (2) an indoor backlit subject with the main subject either in the center or off-center.

  • Page 52: Duplication Work And Photomicrography

    Approx + 1 to +2 stops ous gradation f/2.8; Approx + t-1/2 to +2-1/2 stops Nikon Slide Copying When using Nikon Sl de Copying Slide Stop-down Adapter PS-6: Adapler PS-6, set the flood lamp for black letters on white back-...

  • Page 53: Stop-Down Exposure Measurement

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES continued STOP-DOWN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT Stop-down exposure measurement must be made whenever For Fixed-Aperture Lenses, Photomicrography, or the aperture ring of the lens doesn't couple with the meter Astrophotography coupling lever ,~ of the camera. After focusing and switching on In P, S, or A mode: No adjustment of aperture and shutter the meter, follow these procedures: speed is necessary;...

  • Page 54: Multiple Exposure Photography

    MULTIPLE EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY A multiple exposure is created by taking more than one shot on the same frame of film. Follow this procedure: 1) Take the first shot. 2) Push the multiple exposure lever in the direction of the arrow as you wind the film advance lever fully.

  • Page 55: Unmanned Photography

    UNMANNED PHOTOGRAPHY To include yourself in your pictures, you can mount the FA on a tripod and use the self-timer to trip the shutter. Or by attaching a motor drive, you can control the FA from a distance with optional remote control accessories or an intervalometer.

  • Page 56: Eyepiece Shutter

    Eyepiece Shutter To create other-worldly effects, in which vegetation comes out When unmanned photography is performed with the FA in one light in tone and blue skies very dark, try shooting with black of its automatic exposure modes, stray light entering the and-white infrared film In black and white infrared photography, eyepiece will affect the meter reading.

  • Page 57: Flash Photography

    Daylight fill-in flash is especially effective when shooting outdoor subjects which are backlit or in motion. With a Nikon dedicated flash, such as the SB-15 SB-16B or SB-18, the FA offers fully automatic through-the-lens (TTL) control of the flash exposure. This means that while the shutter...

  • Page 58: Accessory Shoe And Sync Terminal

    1/4000 1/2000 1/1000 1/500 1/250 1/125 1/60 1/30-1 M250 (sec.) The accessory shoe of the FA allows direct mounting of the Nikon Speedlight SB-15, SB-16B, SB-18, SB-19 or other Speedlight electronic flash with an ISO-type mounting foot. Other flash M, FP and MF...

  • Page 59: Ready-Light Indication In The Viewfinder

    When the Nikon FA is used with Nikon Speedlights SB-15, SB- 16B, SB 18, SB 19, etc, the FA's ready-light LED in the viewfind- Because automatic exposure modes are cancelled as er lights up when the flash is recycled. This way, you're easily...

  • Page 60: Nikon Fa/Speedlight Combination Chart

    Nikon FA/Speedlight Combination Chart Camera’s Shutter speed Usable flash modes Speedlight Connection ready light automatically indication switched to 1/250sec. SB-19 direct provided auto SB-18 direct provided TTL, manual SB-17 via AS-6 coupler provided auto, manual, MD SB-16A via AS-6 coupler...

  • Page 61: Close Up Photography

    For shooting subjects which are located closer than the closest 1/2X lifesize. possible focusing distance of the lens, Nikon offers a wide variety of close up equipment as shown below. In close up photography, depth of field is usually quite shallow.

  • Page 62: Accessories

    ACCESSORIES ELECTRONIC FLASH UNITS Designed to complement the versatility of the FA, Nikon has three electronic flash units which mount directly to the camera's accessory shoe and feature automatic TTL (through-the-lens) control of the flash exposure Also, with the camera in one of the automatic exposure modes (P, S and A).

  • Page 63: Motor Drives

    MOTOR DRIVES Motor Drive MD-15 The use of the Motor Drive MD-15 with the FA enables auto- matic film advance when the unit's trigger button is pressed. In addition to single frame shooting, continuous firing at the maximum rate of 3.2 frames per second is possible (at 1/125 sec or faster).

  • Page 64: Miscellaneous

    Serving as a handy clock, a quartz timer with alarm is incorporated • The Nikon FA a/so accepts Data Back MF 12. In this case, use the cord provided with the data back to connect the socket contact of the MF-12 to the sync terminal of the camera.

  • Page 65: Interchangeable Focusing Screens

    Three different types of focusing screens are usable with lhe 1. Remove the lens from the camera body. Nikon FA. The Type K2 screen comes with the camera as a 2. Slip the small tip of the special tweezers (that come with the standard accessory.
  • Page 66 Focusing Screen Selection Guide Type Name/style Features Suitable for general photography Has microprism collar around the central split-image rangefinder spot. Split-image rangefinder/ With PC-Nikkor or lensed haveing a microprism system maximum aperature slower than f/4.5, the split-image rangefinder or microprism collar is dim. In this case, focus on the surroundirg matte area.

  • Page 67: Filters

    Daylight Tungsten tion (Series IX) type light Nikon filters allow you to balance the light to match your film or For Both Color and Skylight L1BC • • • • • to create interesting artistic effects. Nikon filters are divided into Black &...

  • Page 68: Anti-Cold Battery Pack Db-2

    Camera Case Screws onto the viewfinder eyepiece to provide a viewfinder The CF-30, a semi-soft case, accommodates the FA mounted image at a 90° angle to the camera's optical axis. Very helpful with a 50mm f/1.4 lens or smaller. The CF-28A, a front flap, is...

  • Page 69: Ev Range Of The Camera

    EV Chart Exposure value (EV) is a number representing the available The Nikon FA's meter can only be used within the meter's EV combinations of shutter speed and aperture that give the same range. The chart shows the relationship between the shutter...
  • Page 70 EV chart with 50mm f/1.4 lens ASA/ISO 12 ASA/ISO 25 ASA/ISO 50 ASA/ISO 100 ASA/ISO 200 ASA/ISO 400 ASA/ISO 800 ASA/ISO 1600 ASA/ISO 3200, 4000 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 (shutter speed) 1/15 1/30...

  • Page 71: Reflex Mirror

    Observe the following tips and the FA will • Before using the camera, it • Never touch the reflex mirror • Do not touch the shutter...
  • Page 72 Caution Please note that the use of a spray gun type blower to clean the lens may cause possible damage to the glass (especially when ED glass is used for the front lens element) by suddenly lowering the temperature on the lens surface.

  • Page 73: Tips On Battery Use

    TIPS ON BATTERY USE ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) • To keep the LCD in top working order, note the following: Keep batteries away from infants and small children, In case a battery is accidentally swallowed, call a doctor immediately •...

  • Page 74: Specifications

    16 sec. after Lens mount Nikon bayonet mount finger is lifted off button Lenses More than 60 Nikkor and Nikon Series Metering range EV1 to EV20 at ASA/ISO 100 with f/1.4 E lenses available lens Viewfiner Fixed eyelevel pentaprism type;...

  • Page 75: Shutter Release Button

    SPECIFICATIONS continued M mode: Both aperture and Exposure ±2 EV compensation (in one- shutter speed set manually. compensation third increments) possible via dial; red Exposure P mode: Viewfinder LCD shows LED exposure compensation mark information discrete shutter speed closest to visible in viewfinder when meter is on.

  • Page 76: Accessory Shoe

    Depth-of-field Provides visual verification of depth of Flash ready-light Viewfinder LED lights up when Nikon preview lever field; with lever depressed, center dedicated flash unit is completely weighted metering only available recycled; blinks to warn of insufficient Reflex mirror Automatic instant-return type...
  • Page 77 Nikon NIPPON KOGAKU K.K.

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