Nikon FA - Archived 151-200 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon FA - Archived 151-200 Message Board/Guestbook

Nikon FA w/50mm f/1.8.jpg

From Lars (Sun Dec 19 00:09:20 1999 ):
Mario - Trash it! - I am happy to help you dispose it...
From Mario (Sat Dec 18 09:37:11 1999 ):
I have a NIKON FA that I bought in 1984. I have has some problems with Exposure. Not sure if I should send it in for repairs or just Trash it. Any suggestions would be welcome.
From Lars (Fri Dec 17 00:11:05 1999 ):
The aperture is suposed to be set at f/11 or a lower f-number using P mode. Other wise an "FEE" will show in the LCD it says in the manual (p.21). My FA however shows "FEE" at f/11 (but quits at lower f-numbers, even between f/11 and f/16). Is it only my sample? Perhaps the METER COUPLING LEVER mechanism need to be calibrated!
From leofoo (Mon Dec 13 11:19:08 1999 ):
#Lars#: I remembered Hiura told me once that when he sent his FE2 for the 'last' service prior to termination of service commitment in Japan. He was shocked to find out for some strange reasons, the honeycombed shutter unit has been replaced with a newer aluminium blades shutter (He has a section to show his FE2 that had that new 'cosmetic' inside and he has never been asked to pay for that 'extra service'). So this is not totally impossible to happen.
From Lars (Mon Dec 13 09:01:14 1999 ):
A guy called Steve implies at http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ZYC that the FA had a new 'smooth' shutter (like the one in the newest FM2). This isd totally new to me. I thought all FA's had the 'bee hive' Ti- shutter and that the smooth shutter was only introduced with F-801 in 1988 (one year after the discontinual of FA, 1987). Can anyone confirm this?
From Olivier (Sun Dec 12 07:39:39 1999 ):
Johan, I bought my FA, used, in 1986. I never never had a problem with it! I love this camera. It sounds as if you are unlucky, or that I'm very lucky. I keep it as clean as possible in any circunstamces. I quickly dust it off with a big makeup brush at the end of the day. Once in a while I dust the chamber with the same kind of brush but smaller. I never use an air spray to do that. One: it just push the dust further in (dust sticks to the brush); second: when the air quickly expand the temperature drops sometimes below the freezing point! I have the MD-15 screwed on and I don't know when changed the batteries; it is so seldom.
From Lars (Fri Jan 14 22:45:41 2000 ):
Sandy Johnson! - When a TTL flash is mounted on the FA (direct or via the SC-17 TTL cord) and turned on the metering of FA is no longer working. The shutter time is automatically diverted to the fastest syncro (1/250 s) with the camera set on A or P mode (and M mode, if the shutter is set at at a faster time than the fastest syncro time). The aperture must manually be set to a sensible number (using table on SB-18 as you say). If this is not done in P mode you are very likely to get underexposure, as the aperture should normally be set to F/11 or higher (using P mode and no flash).
From Sandy Johnson (Fri Jan 14 16:57:36 2000 ):
USING SB-18 FLASH WITH NIKON FA I took some pictures with an SB-18 Flash on my Nikon FA, at P setting with lens set to f22 and the results were very underexposed. Do I have to set the f stop manually as per the printed AUTO RANGE table, even though P normally requires the stop to be at minimum aperture?
From Steve McCormick (Fri Jan 14 11:52:56 2000 ):
Wish you had a grip for your FA? Email me at matcamp@yahoo.com. I can sometimes get a few hard-to-find small parts for FA's like motor drive covers, pc terminal covers, and the plastic Nikon neck strap ring protectors as well.
From John Allen (Tue Jan 11 07:58:56 2000 ):
I feel very fortunate to have just purchased an FA and MD15 new in their boxes. Have spent a couple hours on this site and am most impressed with all the information. Thank You!
From Lou Torres (Tue Jan 11 00:24:52 2000 ):
As a new FA owner I really enjoy this board and the good information I've picked up here. Recently I purchased a used Nikon 50mm f1.8 Series E lens for my FA. The serial number (not sure if it matters) is 2235626. It is an AI lens and I read (in the FA manual) that this lens could be used on the FA. The problem is that I can't seem to mount the lens on the camera. I can insert it and begin to turn, but it turns rather hard and doesn't give that "click" to insure that it is properly mounted. Did I buy a lens that can't be used on the FA, or am I doing something wrong? Also, can anyone tell me the proper body case for the FA? Thanks, Lou
From Yu Jin,lee (Fri Jan 7 22:09:14 2000 ):
I have owned the FA since 1984. Unfortunately the shutter has jammed and have sorted an independent repairman to fix. He hasn't found the needed spares. I am wondering if anyone in Malaysia/Singapore is capable of fixing FA problems. Help appreciated.
From DAVID (Tue Dec 28 04:28:36 1999 ):
A very interesting site. I have enjoyed browsing the technical information. I have owned a second hand FA since 1991 and have been very pleased with it. I have found the multi zone metering an asset. It has proved a very useful back up camera to my F 90.
From Lars (Tue Dec 28 00:19:19 1999 ):
John - With FA there is nothing to light the LCD (as with F3). It should be possible to make a little device yourself. I have been tinkering a little with this and might even finish a model if I ever have to do a lot of night photography. I will have to be careful not to influence the metering though.
From John (Mon Dec 27 23:50:51 1999 ):
I noticed that my nikon FA's LCD screens dont illuminate in the dark. I can see them durring the day but when shooting at nite they are impossible to see. is this suppose to be?
From Lars (Tue Dec 21 09:09:30 1999 ):
I once announced my worries that AMP would not work properly with AI-S type TCs since they do not transfer resulting max apertures (but merely the max of the lens in use). An AI-S type TC will however activate the FOCAL LENGHT INDEXING PIN in a different way than an AI-S type lens >= 135mm so as to compensate for the changed actual max aperture.
From jp (Sat Feb 19 04:02:23 2000 ):
Nikon FA (1983-ish)light meter housing is cracked along the side - (I posted an ad on the other board looking for a used FA body) - but what's the opinion on having this repaired, (is it worth it?) - can it be done? I haven't used the camera since I dropped it, and sure do miss it... thanks for any advice or help.
From Paradigm9 (Wed Feb 9 04:09:38 2000 ):
what would one expect to pay for an FA in US dollars? I found one in my home town that I've fallen in love with...it is in perfect condition and has had less than 30 rolls of film through it. It comes with the original lenses: 2 telephoto and the standard with F1.4 on them. They also told me it was only produced for 18 months, and i've found evidence that this is not true? Any ideas? Regards, Robert C..
From Lars (Mon Feb 7 16:53:42 2000 ):
Terry! You've got it quite right. (1) FA will be damaged by a pre-AI due to its non-retractable MCL. (2) AI-modification allows the lens to be mounting but will only allow CW metering since the lens has no MAXIMUM APERTURE INDEXING POST (needed for AMP). (3) All exp. modes (M, A, S and P) can be used with an AI'd lens.
From Terry (Sun Feb 6 14:36:33 2000 ):
Mid-Term exam and a question on lens compat. Just getting acquainted with my new FA. Am I right about 1 and 2?: 1. If I try to mount my old Nikkor 300mm 4.5 non-AI lens on my FA I'll damage the camera (this is because the FA doesn't have the adjustable meter coupling lever). 2. If I have the lens AI'd I can then mount it safely on the FA (but the camera will always use center weighted metering). 3. Qu: Will my AI'd lens then operate ok in programmed, shutter and aperture priority modes on the FA, or will it be restricted to manual? Thanks! Terry
From Nigel (Mon Jan 31 08:38:11 2000 ):
Dear Lars I sent a request for a solution to a open stuck mirror (43) I tried M250 and B nothin doin. Any other suggestions. I got original manuals for Nikon FA, MD12 and SB16A and B. Does any body need copies?
From Lars (Thu Jan 27 18:26:25 2000 ):
Terry - An FA base plateis different from the one used in FE/FM/FE2/FM2. It has a different shape and an ekxtra hole to allow for a pin on MD-15.
From Paul Darman (Tue Jan 25 23:16:25 2000 ):
Sandy, I have used an FA for years, and with dedicated flash I always set the mode dial to "M" which allows me to have full dedicated TTL flash AND pick whatever shutter speed I want. If I goof up and set it too high( >250th) the camera will default to 250th; on "M" you can set the shutter at 1/30th (or slower) to capture ambient light or you can set it at 250th to use fill flash outside. This ability to set on "M" is lacking in many other dedicated systems which always force you to use one shutter speed for dedicated ttl flash, and why the FA, FE2, FG, and F3 systems are so appealing to people....Downside is that you cannot use film rated higher than ISO 400 with FA flash, because the computer cannot handle it. The red LED will blink to warn of error.
From Terry (Mon Jan 24 15:15:25 2000 ):
Hoping someone can tell me whether a base plate advertised to fit an FM/FE/FE2 will fit my FA. Thanks, Terry
From John (Thu Jan 20 05:48:02 2000 ):
I just got a MD-15 and the noise the drive makes seems kinda loud, ive never heard one before but the one i got makes a motor sound when the drive is winding but at the end it makes a loud click noise... its pretty loud and i was just making sure that the noise was common...
From Taralynn (Tue Jan 18 07:38:12 2000 ):
I am a big fan of Nikon! I recently purchased my second Nikon which is a FA. My camera did not come with a manual and I was hoping you could help me find one. Thankyou for your help
From Sazali Husin (Fri Apr 14 19:51:17 2000 ):
Hi! Like all of you I love my FA very much.I have it for around 7 yrs now.It give me Great Pleasure in taking picture with it.It is a very soothing to my ears to hear the titanium shutter release every time I take a picture.By the way I have two more bodies its my FM2 and EM Thanks for everythings
From Peter (Sun Apr 9 18:33:22 2000 ):
Is better have FA or FE2 ? , and why ?
From scott (Tue Mar 28 13:09:26 2000 ):
Is my meter working properly? I just picked up a FA, and the LED exposure readout doesn't change with shutter speed or f-stop in manual mode. It just gives me 1/60 as properly exposed, no matter the f-stop or light conditions. Priority modes seem to be accurate, though. Also, does this camera have a light in the viewfinder for shooting in low light and reading the LED? Thanks!
From Peter (Sun Mar 26 18:49:39 2000 ):
Hello.J have FA since 2 years. It,s my best camera. My question is : Is possible a correct flash light in TTL ? How to ballance a daily light with flash light ? I have a lamp: METZ 45 CT-3 with TTL, and SCA 343.
From GenHolst (Tue Mar 14 13:05:10 2000 ):
Great camera. Great website and thanks to all those who have spent time maintaining the message board in scuh a resourceful source for all Nikon users. Cheers ! More Power to Nikon !
From Maintainer (Thu Mar 2 13:17:40 2000 ):
MC Lau, a contributing writer and a good friend of mine has just bought a new "Millennium 2000 - Year of the Dragon" Nikon FM2n, here is a first hand review by him !
From Lars (Thu Feb 24 16:47:19 2000 ):
THe FA shutter has part number 1B001-250-2, you could try getting directly from Nikon parts dept., Nikon USA
From Ivanyo (Wed Feb 23 07:51:41 2000 ):
Could you please advise where I might find "shutters for the Nikon FA. I need the part number and some reference to where I could find these shutters. Thank you very much.
From Franz (Sun Feb 20 18:04:59 2000 ):
Credo che la Nikon FA non sia stata apprezzata come avrebbe dovuto, in Italia molti appassionati Nikon non sanno neppure della sua esistenza. Nessuno sa che è stata la prima Nikon e forse la prima reflex in assoluto ad avere l'esposimetro multizona, predecessore del famoso MATRIX. Mi piacerebbe ricevere documentazione in Italiano sulla sua progettazione e immissione sul mercato. GRAZIE.
From Lars (Sat Feb 19 21:21:51 2000 ):
JP - You might be able to get a replacement top plate from a Nikon parts dept.
From Mike Davis (Tue Jun 20 12:32:31 2000 ):
I was wondering if the SB-28 flash will work with the FA in all modes, Auto, Manual, TTL, without the need for any accessory shoe? Anything else I should know about the SB-28 with regards to using it with the FA?
From Lars (Sun Jun 4 19:10:05 2000 ):
Suzanne! - You can download an Instruction manual from http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/manuals/fmfefa/nikonfa.pdf Best regards,
From Suzanne (Sun Jun 4 10:02:22 2000 ):
6/3/00 Hi, I just purchased my first real camera. It is a Nikon FA. I need an instructional manual for it. Do any of you have one you could part with? It is a very unique camera and I know nothing about it. It does have a zoom lense (35-105mm) and a (md-15)battery holder with an auto film rewinder. These were extra frills that came with the used camera. I want to learn as much about this camera as possible so it gets used correctly and I get lots of enjoyment using it. I have graduated from cheap 35mm's, to this and want to start a hobby with this camera. If anyone has any tips for me on how to use this especially all of the buttons, I would really appreciate it. I do need this instructional manual, so if anyone has one and wants to sell it, please e-mail me @ stepbyestep@yahoo.com. Thank you
From Lars (Sat Jun 3 16:27:12 2000 ):
Jens - teh instant stop down metering (See http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/cousins/cousins12-e.htm) is not at all invovled in evaluative multi segment metering (aka AMP or matrix). Best regards,
From Jack Steinmann (Wed May 31 05:04:46 2000 ):
I have an FA that provided many years of reliable service, until saltwater got into the body and fried the metering. No one locally has been able to repair -- no parts available -- any suggestions? Please e-mail me directly if you do. Thanks!
From Jens Christiansen (Tue May 30 06:05:09 2000 ):
Hi all of you FA-Users, and thanks for this website! Nice to know, others have the FA Spirit as well! I have two FAs myself, a black and a chrome, and the black really is more professional, still don`t know why ;-) Hey! My webpage www.belichtetundentwickelt.de is done with an FA (the chrome one), maybe i can invite you (turn out java and cookies!) Somewhere i read, the FA does Matrixmetering with AI (cause it measures again, when lens aperture is down (sorry, what is the word, stopped down or something), and i read it somewhere, but i don`t know where... i tried it out, it worked. Regards to all of you, Jens. http://www.belichtetundentwickelt.de
From Lars (Tue May 23 20:47:16 2000 ):
Richard! FA does not have an AE lock! I guess Nikon was so happy with their first attempt with evaluative multi segment metering (AMP) they decided an AE lock would be unnecessary. I myself would find it handy in center weighted metering.
From Richard (Thu May 18 11:47:23 2000 ):
Hello, I purchased an FA from the used market and am trying to figure out it's operation. Your site is terrific with tons of information - thank you. One feature I could not figure out is AE-Lock like the FE or the FE-2 where the self timer lever doubles as one. The FA's self timer lever is just that I believe. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Richard in California, USA
From chauzi (Sat May 13 04:56:05 2000 ):
Hi all, I don't know much about camera but would like to purchase one. I just want a simple camera that can take good picture. I saw on Ebay a 'new' Nikon FA body for over $300 US dollars. I have a few questions. First, should I even consider buying this camara. Second, is $300 too much for this camera (probably refurbished). Thanks.
From Lars (Sun Apr 30 17:21:08 2000 ):
A feature on the development of FA and FE2 has been uploaded @ http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/cousins/cousins14-e.htm
From Lars (Wed Jul 12 15:58:23 2000 ):
Tony! - for good and bad on the FA there should be plenty in this board archive. Of course FA is a capable manual camera but it is still very much an electronic camera dependant on battery power (there is the M250 backup though). If you are going to mainly use manual mode and if you have a falsh meter you should consider the FM2. If you want automation in flash (TTL) as well as ambient exposure I can indeed recommend FA (and FE2).
From Tony (Tue Jul 11 05:59:20 2000 ):
I'm in the market for a good used 35mm and have been considering an FA. Any advice??? I want to know the bad as well as the good and also what is the current market value. I'm a Hasselblad 500cm owner and I'm used to all manual. My old Chinon that I bought in High School has given up the ghost and I'm interested in stepping up. Something good on location. Something for artsy type photography, landscapes, and possibly getting back to some weddings and studio things with out the fears associated with dragging the Blad around. Please advise accordingly.
From Lars (Wed Jul 5 18:10:07 2000 ):
Mike - consider the SC-17. It allows for full TTL compatibilty. I have no experience with brackets - as far as I know Nikoin does not make one specifically for the SB-16.
From Mike Davis (Mon Jul 3 11:24:02 2000 ):
Well I settled on the SB-16 for my FA but I really don't like mounting it on the shoe. I especially don't like walking around with it mounted there. I was thinking about getting a flash bracket for the FA and SB-16. So, a couple of questions: 1) Is there an accessory cable/shoe combination that allows me to mount the SB-16 on a flash bracket AND still have TTL flash capability? 2) What is a good flash bracket that would be good for the FA and SB-16 combination. Thanks

Messages : 001-050 | 051-100 | 101-150 | 151-200 | 201-250 | 251-300 | 301-319

| Back | to Index Page of Nikon FA SLR Camera Model(s)
| Back | to Message Board for Nikon FA Bodies

| Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikkormat(s) |
| Nikon FM Series | Nikon FE Series | EMFGFG20 |
| Nikkor Resources | Series-E optics |

| Back | Index Page of Michael Liu's Nikon SLR Models
| Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

* The Eyes of Nikon ...

Home - Photography in Malaysia

Copyright © 1999. leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team. Credit: MCLau, EEWyn, CyLeow, Chuck Hester, Ted Wengelaar etc. Made with a PowerMac, broadcast with a Redhat Linux powered server.