Nikon FA - Archived 201-250 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon FA - Archived 201-250 Message Board/Guestbook

Nikon FA w/50mm f/1.8.jpg

From Lars (Wed Jun 28 18:24:13 2000 ):
Jonathan Lo - I reccomend you get a repair manual for the FA. If you join the NikonRepair mailing list @ http://www.egroups.com/group/NikonRepair you can access a list of manual suppliers as well as perhaps get some advice. Best regards,
From Leonard P S Foo (Tue Jun 27 13:55:44 2000 ):
In replying to a gentleman who claimed to be a webmaster from "NikontechUSA.com" that mailed me the note yesterday, I clarified my stand as follow: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/htmls/issues.htm By the way, his email address didn't work and I have got my mail returned.
From Rick (Tue Jun 27 01:52:25 2000 ):
Hello, FA users! I was lucky to purchase a used FA in immaculate condition with a mint Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens for $300 a couple of weeks ago. It seemed like a pretty good deal! I've only shot a few rolls with it so far, but I already love it. I'm mainly a sports photographer (I was in the newspaper business for almost 20 years) and have primarily used Canon cameras. I've been shooting with my T-90 for 14 years now and it's wonderful for sports photography, but it's like lugging a bag of rocks around your neck! The FA is so light and easy to carry, yet sturdy, so I'll be using it for general photography (portraits, landscapes, etc.). I've found this site very useful in getting to know my FA quickly. I've always wanted to try a Nikon and I'm looking forward to many years of enjoyment from this one. It might even convince me to switch to an F5 for professional use!
From Jonathan Lo (Mon Jun 26 09:50:39 2000 ):
I have got a Nikon FA for 3 years, and recently the autoexposure system starts to fail. Specifically, when used in P,S or A mode, the shutter works at a much slower speed than the metered value. (for example in A mode, the metered value is 1/2000 sec., but from the sound of shutter, it actually only works at 1/8 sec....) The meter is working OK, and the camera works perfectly in M mode. I have tried to repair it, but they seemed not to know what the problem is. Does anyone have similar problem? Are there any fix?
From stuart (Thu Jun 22 04:33:57 2000 ):
I'm happy to see an FA site. I always have three of them with me, one loaded with slow color slide film (either Kodachrome 25 or Fujichrome Velvia, depending of the lighting conditions) and the second loaded with a faster slide film for indoors/low light conditions. The third FA contains black & white film, usually Agfapan 25, so I can use all my lenses without having to go to a different format if I want to shoot B & W. To Suzanne who is a new user, there are some things you should know. The matrix metering system is fairly accurate, but tends to over-expose under some conditions, so watch out! For example, when you turn the camera sideways, so that the sky is along the narrow edge of the frame (rather then along the top edge) the camera is fooled, since it seems that the developers of the camera set the matrix cells to respond to the horizontal format but didn't seem to consider the possibility of a vertical format with the bright light coming into the two left-side cells of the matrix. To overcome this problem, take you reading from a relatively uniformly illuminated area of the subject. Also, you can always go to manual for the reading, which is even more accurate if you push in the little button under the lens which converts the metering system to "center-weighted" instead of matrix. It is not a "spot-meter" however, when the button is in. I think that the center-to-edge ratio is something like 65/35%. There's a picture in the orginal manual that shows exactly how to center-weighted feature is organized. I almost always use my camera on manual since I almost always use an incident light meter anyway, so I often compare the performance of the camera's meter to the actual situation. If you want to get serious about photography, the most important accessory you can get is a sturdy tripod. With any camera and any lens, at any f-stop and at just about any shutter speed, an after market lens, no matter how cheap, if attached to a camera mounted on a sturdy tripod will out-perform any top-of-the-line lens if the latter is hand held. This principle is easy to prove by photographing a technical grid (with closely ruled lines) with and without a tripod with various combinations of lenses and look at the results by getting a big enlargement or looking at the negative with a microscope. The difference with and without a tripod is remarkable. The tripod also improves the quality of colors, since the sharp edges of blocks of color are also improved. I mention this point because you spoke of a "cheap" 35mm camera, which you have replaced with your FA. I occasionally challenge my friends with their fancy cameras by using a point-and-shoot camera and producing superior photos at the same event because I used a tripod (and cable release). If you don't like the idea of setting up a tripod everywhere, get a monopod, which is an ok compromise. Good luck with your new (used)camera; you'll come to love it.
From Lars (Wed Jun 21 19:56:49 2000 ):
Mike! - SB-28 supports the flash modes of FA. FA has a simple one segnment TTL metering. With FA there is no FP high speed sync., red eye reduction, sync with rear curtain or automatic power zooming.
From Svend Jensen (Sun Jul 23 02:40:26 2000 ):
Hi there! Thanks for a fine FA side - I have downloaded your Html pages available, only it was not possible to get the PDF manual, the site were missing - hope to get it another time Best regards from Denmark
From Nenad (Thu Jul 20 16:09:07 2000 ):
Great site. Keep up the good work. One point though - you state that the Canon A1 in 1976 was the first SLR with an integral viewfinder shutter blind - not true, the Pentax ESII had one back in 1973 as did the Pentax K2-DMD in 1976.
From Maintainer (Wed Jul 19 11:27:46 2000 ):
***JackieWong***: Someone has tried to send you their copy a number of times and complaint your email address is NOT a working one, please provide the correct address to avoid wasting sufe time on the Net. You can still mail me to edit your message posted earlier.
From Lars (Tue Jul 18 15:29:12 2000 ):
Tony Roush - even though the FE2 is also a splendid camera I did mention the FM2 its methanical cousin. Its is power independent, rugged as anything and still in production (spares are readilly available). On the down side it does not cater for TTL flash. A good and handy TTL flash is SB-15. Use it at the end of a SC-17 TTL spiral cord. "Split aperture" adjustment with FA!? If you mean whether it will use intermediate apertures - certainly yes. comparing FE2 and FM2, FE2 has the advantage (added to Auto mode and TTL flash) that it will indicate how far off in f stops in M mode the exposure is from "18%" by means of its match needle system. FM2 is coarser with its five level LED indication - but this is easier to see in the dark.
From tony roush (Mon Jul 17 07:08:15 2000 ):
I'm looking at a Nikon FA that was taken out of the box and used lightly for a period of 6 months vs. a FE 2 in about the same condition. Lars you had mentioned the other day that i might be interested in an FE 2 over the FA but you didn't say why. I have researched both and have found no common problems that are happening with the FA's but I see a lot of people posting questions expressing problem after problem with the shutter jamming in the FE2's and there are no parts available. I can understand the benefit of the FE2's exposure control down to the exact shutter speed needed to match the apperature but is there more that makes it more desireable. Does the FA Have the capability of split apperature adjustments? What is the TTL dedicated flash unit of preference out there? Please advise.
From Jacky Wong (Sat Jul 15 18:32:06 2000 ):
Hello everybody, does anyone have the pdf format of the FA owner's manual download from this site before ? I have downloaded it few months ago but my harddisk was crashed and I have lost it. As the file no longer exist here so, if anyone can do me a favour please send it to me through my email : jacky_wong@hotmail.com. Many thanks !!!! :=)
From Nashrid (Fri Jul 14 13:58:27 2000 ):
Anyone have any idea about where I may be able to buy a shutter assembly for my Nikon FA? I unfortunately bent the blades on my FA and the camera will not fire anymore. I live in New York, so if anyone as any advice about parts availability for the FA in the New York area please let me know. Thanks.
From Nashrid (Fri Jul 14 13:58:06 2000 ):
Anyone have any idea about where I may be able to buy a shutter assembly for my Nikon FA. I unfortunately bent the blades on my FA and the camera will not fire anymore. I live in New York, so if anyone as any advice about parts availability for the FA in the New York area please let me know. Thanks.
From Lars (Thu Jul 13 23:46:29 2000 ):
Tony! - I while back (post #158 at the moment) I wrote: "To all of you looking for the hand grip; Put some pressure on your dealer. This is obviously not an item they would usually have in stock, but let them contact the import agent or the repair place. They could have it. As I bought my FA it also didn't have the grip. I only discovered this after some weeks but the dealer was good enough to get me one from the import agent, for no extra charge. I do not believe you will find anyone willing to give away (nor sell) their own hand grip." BTW. What kind of repair does your MD-15 need?
From Tony Polson (Thu Jul 13 00:58:48 2000 ):
I have an old and well used Nikon FA that was, until recently, only used with the MD-15 motor drive. The drive stopped working and needs expensive repair, so I'm using the camera on its own. I have lost the handgrip that has to be unscrewed to mount the motor drive. It was probably stored somewhere "safe" some years ago but we've moved home several times. Can anyone suggest where I could purchase a replacement handgrip? Anywhere in the world will do, and I can pay in any currency including US Dollars.
From Lars (Mon Aug 21 18:15:45 2000 ):
Warren! - I am afraid you are quite wrong. The LENS TYPE SIGNAL PIN has nothing to do with the metering type (either AMP or Centre Weighted=CW). The LENS TYPE SIGNAL PIN has to do with the timing of the aperture stop down however. Necessary for AMP metering however is a MAXIMUM APERTURE INDEXING POST. All true AI lenses and newer has this. It engages with the MAXIMUM APERTURE INDEXING LEVER in the bottom of the mirror house. One can shift between AMP and CW by means of the "METERING CHANGEOVER SWITCH" in all modes but M (where only CW is available with any lens).
From Warren H. Hodson (Sun Aug 20 16:56:07 2000 ):
The description of Nikon FA camera signal pin does not mention this pin is connected to a two position switch. This switch controls which meter is in operation, AMP or centerweighted. With the pin in the out position, the meter is in AMP mode. With the pin depressed the meter is switched to centerweighed mode. The signal notch on AI-S lenses does not depress this pin enabling AMP metering. AI lenses do not have this notch. When installed they depress the signal pin, shifting the camera to center-weighted metering. If owners of FA cameras prefer using AI lenses, then they limit their cameras to centerweihgted metering only. I hope these coments will contribute to all ready wonderfull website. - Warren H. Hodson -
From Toby Gibson (Sat Aug 19 00:30:39 2000 ):
I presently use two Nikon FGs that I love dearly. I have recently come into a Nikon FA and have no manual for it. Could someone tell me briefly what are the added benefits of the FA respective to the FG? I have been using in the same manner as my FG but know that I'm not using it to it's full potential. Aloha from Hawaii. Toby Gibson.
From Lou Torres (Sat Aug 12 00:45:36 2000 ):
I have a question regarding fill-flash. I'm using my FA with an old Vivitar 3500 flash. The flash module has a setting for TTL. I wanted to take some outdoor pictures using fill flash and couldn't get the flash to fire. I then went to the "manual, A and P" setting and tried again, all to no avail. Unfortunately I can no longer find the manual for this flash. Can anyone tell me how to get this unit to provide fill for outdoor shots. Thanks, Lou
From Mike shen (Mon Aug 7 14:41:29 2000 ):
Hi I am a Nikon Collector and was told to look into a Nikon FA Gold (new in the box.or turly mint condition),If anyone has advice or one to sell ,please let me know ,Thanks Mike
From Jessica (Wed Aug 2 04:04:02 2000 ):
I am new at photography and was told to look into a Nikon FA. If anyone has advice or one to sell, let me know. Thanks!
From sanghoon byun (Tue Aug 1 08:10:48 2000 ):
I am looking for nikon FA camera, but someone told me that early FA has a metering problem. Anybody know about that, give me an idea like a serial number etc. Thanks
From Hown Cheng (Wed Jul 26 08:02:44 2000 ):
I am in the market for a FA. Anybody has one please let me know. Also I need the manual (pdf) file for FA and FE2. Thanks
From Gary (Wed Jul 26 03:11:06 2000 ):
Hi everyone, I am considering a FA and wanted some opinions on the realiability. Thank you for any input. gary
From Tony Polson (Tue Jul 25 05:14:28 2000 ):
Lars, thank you for your reply re. FA hand grip. My MD-15 suffered from leaking Alkaline batteries and is now 100% dead. My local repairer says it will not be worth opening up to look at the damage. I would welcome any comments or advice ... Thanks.
From A,W. Tompkins [tomss482] (Mon Oct 9 00:05:26 2000 ):
Any Info On FA Gold. Date Mfg.? How Many Mfg.? Original Price In U.S. Dollars. Estimated value In Todays Market, Possible Source Of Purchase. Any And All Info Will Be Greatly Apperciated. Thank You, tomss482
From Lars (Tue Sep 12 23:20:11 2000 ):
For advice on camera repairers try http://www.photo.net/neighbor/one-subcategory?id=1 for a listing see http://www.nikonlinks.com/unklbil/repair.htm
From Mike Radke (Tue Sep 12 10:52:30 2000 ):
I have owned a Nikon FA since 1985. I did the worst possible bunder to the camera. While changing film and not paying attention I poked my finger through the shutter screen. I could have died! I asked around this area about fixing it and the answer I get is no luck. Does anyone know of a good, reputable repair shop in the US, on the west coast or NW. Any trustible shop would work. Please advise!!!
From Lars (Mon Sep 11 20:35:59 2000 ):
Ray - all AF Nikkors fully supports the metering of FE, FE2 and FA. All you loose is the solid feel of an MF Nikkor.
From Ray Michaels (Sat Sep 9 13:58:02 2000 ):
I am considering acquiring an FA or FE/FE2 body, but I was wondering if any of the current Nikkor AF lenses, switched to manual focuse, would be usable with the FE/FA bodies. Are the mounts the same? Would the metering system work with them, even if the mounts were common. Thanks.
From Andrzej Poniatowski (Fri Sep 8 21:14:58 2000 ):
I have two Nikon bodies: FM2N and FA and a Nikon MD-12 motor/winder. The motor works perfectly well with FM2N but WON´T work with FA - very strange! Can somebody help me? What can be wrong? Thanks!
From Jasper (Wed Aug 30 11:19:28 2000 ):
**John Migliore***: John, information on Nikon Speedlight SB-18 is here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/flash/sb1tosb21/index8.htm I don't know why the Nikon FLASH section was not highlighted, it is always being useful to all of us, instead, it is nested inside the Nikon F3 site, for those who never realized that, check here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/flash/sb1tosb21/index2.htm
From John Migliore (Wed Aug 30 07:44:53 2000 ):
I recently purchased a truly mint FA and I am loving it! I would appreciate input on what current production Nikon Speed Light is best suited for this camera. I have found an older out of production SB-18 that supposedly was matched to this camera but don't know anything about it.Thanks for your help.
From Mike Wilde (Thu Aug 24 06:02:00 2000 ):
Hi, I'm the proud owner and user of two Nikon FA's, both with MD12 drives, I aquired them about 5 years ago and have enjoyed useing them ever since!. If you would like to see the results, log on to www.uklandscape.net and then click the Gallery button.
From Francois Meyer (Mon Aug 21 18:34:58 2000 ):
As it has been mentioned already, the link to the pdf version of the FA manual seems to be broken. Could somebody send me the file or a link to a copy of it at fmeyer@obs-besancon.fr ? Thank you in advance -- F. Meyer
From Jim McCarthy (Mon Nov 6 06:20:36 2000 ):
Another question: while perusing this site, I saw mention that early Nikon FA's had firmware "bugs" (e.g., related to TTL flash, ?also? related to AMP ?) which Nikon soon corrected. Is there a way to tell from the serial number what year a Nikon FA was made, and at which serial number in the sequence were the "fixes" put in ?? Apologies if this information is present on the site but I overlooked it, but thanks for any web pointers/links.
From Jim McCarthy (Mon Nov 6 06:13:55 2000 ):
Recently purchased a used Nikon FA (seller rated 9.9, I'd rate 9.5 :-) to have fun with on top of my Nikon FM. This means I must at least have an "AI conversion" done to my 85mm f/1.8 non-AI lens, where the lens aperture ring is cut into a sector facing the camera body, for auto indexing of f/stop. But does anyone know if it's possible to take this a step further, and add a rear-facing "lens speed indexing post" (or lug) onto the back of a non-AI lens, so that AMP metering becomes possible ? Where to find information on the required size and position of the "lens speed indexing post" of actual AI lenses ? Please e-mail me with any comments or suggestions. Great web site, by the way !
From Jeff (Thu Nov 2 00:06:43 2000 ):
Anyone have a copy of the PDF file manual for the Nikon FA. The URL to the site which had always offered it in the past, has been removed.
From Andrew Clemens (Wed Oct 25 23:15:15 2000 ):
I recently acquired a Nikon FA, without instructions and the TTL Flash metering appears to not work 90+% of the time. If anyone has any documentation, repair, or orig. instructions they could sent me it would be appreciated. Andrew Clemens andrew@clemens.net
From MC (Mon Oct 23 00:18:31 2000 ):
To Sig Cohn: In case you still have difficulties in opening the camera back to access the film chamber, check out this page .
From A,W. Tompkins (Sat Oct 14 19:56:42 2000 ):
lars, Thanks For Info On Nikon Gold FA. Great Site. Tomss482
From Sig Cohn (Sat Oct 14 06:02:36 2000 ):
I just bought a FA and can't figure how to open it to the film chamber. Thanks for help.
From Jeffrey L. Shelton (Sat Oct 14 00:38:57 2000 ):
I have an FA and I love it but have yet not used it that much and am considering selling it. Does anyone know what is a fair price for one in mint condition? Thanks, Jeff
From Lars (Fri Oct 13 18:03:38 2000 ):
For info on Gold FA try: http://www.cameraquest.com/nffagold.htm
From Eric (Thu Oct 12 07:32:10 2000 ):
Just wondering if anyone knows why black FE2's and FA's are more expensive than silver ones?
From Manuel (Wed Nov 22 12:49:38 2000 ):
Canon EOS 5 versus Nikon FA is not good enough. Now, in the message board for the Nikkormat, there is another decider between a Nikkormat ELW and Nikon FA. The non-AI Nikkormat of 1976 and AI-only Nikon FA of 1983 is also two generation apart. Now let us listed what the EL-W cannot perform: Slow 2 fps AW-1 winder versus a sub 3fps MD-12/MD-11 or 3.2 fps MD-15 which will auto switch power supply just like Nikon F3/MD-4 combination; Aperture Priority AE and Manual control versus the FA's similar configuration with MORE - shutter priority AE and Programmed AE control; 60/40 center-weighted metering versus similar system for Nikon FA with the bonus offer of Matrix metering; fixed screen for EL-W while the FA has three choices; match needle display versus energy efficient LCD inside the finder; normal Auto or manual flash which is far inferior to FA's TTL flash (with manual and auto as option); normal maximum sync speed of 1/125 sec. versus FA far superior 1/250 sec.; the Nikon FA also has a built-in flash readylight, the EL-W may use the SF-1 but it uses mercury cell; the film speed setting is a poor 25 to 1600 for EL-W and 12 to 4000 for FA; metering range is a commendable EV1 - EV18 with ASA 100 and F1.4 lens while the FA 's metering range: EV1 - EV20 with ASA 100 and F1.4 lens for center-weighted metering but a far from impressive EV1 to EV16-1/3 in Matrix metering mode. Fastest shutter speed is 1/1000sec for EL-W and an ultra-fast 1/4000sec for Nikon FA; EL-W has a fixed type camera back while you can use interchangeable camera back such as Data Back MF-16 or MF-12 for Nikon FA; lastly, IF I am not wrong - EL-W does not provide a exposure lock. WHAT the the strength of the aged-old EL-W over 10 years "younger" Nikon FA ? It will take AI and non AI-lenses (EXCEPT Series E and AF Nikkor) while the Nikon FA CANNOT provide proper metering when using non-AI lenses; it has a rock steady pentaprism (FA's a "polycarbonated" housing - which means it is made of plastic (But other key body parts are metal other than the pentaprism); it has marked 4 seconds (4 sec - 1/1000sec) shutter speed scale in shutter speed ring while FA has only 1 sec marked at the shutter speed ring; lastly - ELW is so much cheaper in comparison. - At times, I may get too confused with all these comparisons after all those stupid balloting results coming from the Sunshine State of Conspiracy, I will quit photography and takes up Law instead, that is - if ALGore wins -
From Manuel K.S. (Wed Nov 22 12:13:17 2000 ):
Canon EOS 5 versus Nikon FA ? That comparison indeed sounds real funny because two bodies are also at least two generations apart. Canon EOS 5 is an AF camera with possibly everything the Nikon FA can do but not the other way round. Perhaps two things set them apart - in particularly all those manual focus prime Nikkor optic presents a very strong reason to choose the FA - in most cases, Nikkor lenses in used condition has superior value for money over entry Canon AF lenses (Prices of top rated Canon AF lenses are bloody and ridiculously high and scarce in the used market !); the next reason is - manual focus FA may sound like a stone-age camera by modern standard - but didn't you have notice autofocus sensors inside the finder often makes one to be less creative ? But overall, it is still a decision between the heart and the mind, if I were to worry about joining a users group soon without being an owner of a current autofocus SLR or experiencing deteriorating eyesight OR have never has the chance of owning a first SLR - just buy the EOS 5. IF you are already a owner of the Nikon FA with some lenses and accessories, why should you do such a "funny" decision ?
From anil erol (Mon Nov 20 06:29:34 2000 ):
i want to buy a nikon fa or canon eos5 whic one must i prefer.i coudnt find any information in turkey about nikon fa.please help me
From Lars (Thu Nov 16 15:51:32 2000 ):
Len Paris - FA will do TTL flash to its capabilities with any "ISO-footed" Nikon compatible TTL flash including the SB-28.

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