Nikon FA User manual

NOMENCLATURE
CD Aperture-direct-readout (ADR) window
® Shutter speed indication illumination window
® Neckstrap eyelet
@ Focusing screen holder release latch
® Depth-ot-field preview lever
® Handgrip
(j) Handgrip attachment s
crew
® Self-timer lever
® Metering control buttbn
@) Aperture coupling lever
@ Lens mounting flange
3
LCD illumination window @
Meter coupling lever @
Sync terminal ®
Lens mounting index @
Len s type signal pin @
Len s release button @
Lens release pin @
Focal length indexing
le ver ®
Maximum aperture indexing lever @
Reflex mirror @

@ Shutter speed dial locking button Film sprockets @
@ Viewfinder eyepiece Film take-up spool @
Camera back locking catch @
@ Eyepiece shutter lever
® Film rewind fork
@ Shutter curtains
® Film ca i chamber
@ Film guide pin
@ Film guide rails
@ Data back contacts
® Motor drive shutter release coupling
(for MD-12) . Tripod/motor drive coupling socket @
@ Motor drive coupling Motor drive electrical contacts (with cover)
@J
@ Film rewind button Battery clip @
@ Memo holder
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 An''''''r<'-n'rect-readout (ADR) scale @
® Hot-shoe contact Monitor contact ®
® Exposure compensation index Shooting mode selector @
® Exposure compensation scale
@ Exposure compensation dial Shutter release button @
@ Film rewind knob Frame counter ®
@ ASAIISO film speed index lever @
® ASA/ISO film speed scale
® Film rewind crank Film advance lever
@ camera back locking lever Shutter speed dial ®
~ Exposure compensation dial locking button Film plane indicator @
® Ready-light contact Shutter speed index @
® TIL flash auto-stop signal contact Accessory shoe @
5

CONTENTS-------------------------------------- -
NOMENCLATURE . . ... . . . . .. . . . . . ... 3- 5 MULTIPLE EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY. . .............. 55
POREWORD ....................... ........... ... . ...... 7 UNMANNED PHOTOGRAPHY.
.............. ... . .... .. 56-57
BASIC OPERATION ................ ...... .. . .. . .. ... . .... 8-38
Self-Timer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
INSTALLING BATTERIES. . . .. . .. . .. .
........ 8 Eyepiece Shutter . .
............ _ ........ 57
CHECKING BATTERY POWER . . ...... 9 INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY . .
....... 57
MOUNTING THE LENS .
.. 1 0-11
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY . ................. ........ .... 58-6 1
Usable Len ses. . ...... 10
Accessory Shoe and Sync Terminal . . ..... 59
AI·S Nikkor: An Updated Version of AI-Nikkor Len ses. . ...... 11
Ready-Light Indication in th e Viewfinder .......... _. _.. . . 60
LOADING FILM . .
............. 12-15
Nikon FA /Speedlight Combination Chart . . .. 61
Frame Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... _ .. . ........... 15
CLOSE·UP PHOTOGRAPHY. . ..62
Film Advance Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 15 Close-Up Equipment . . ..... 62
Memo Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 15
ACCESSORIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .. ... ... . 63-69
SETTING FILM SPEED. ................... . .... .. ...... .... 16
ELECTRONIC FLASH UNITS. . .. ... . .. .. .. .. . . . ......... 63
SELECTING THE SHOOTING MODE . .
... 17-31
Speedlight SB-15 . .. 63
Viewfinder Information . . 19
P(Programmed) Mode. . 20-23
S(Shutter-Priority) Mode .. . . . .... _ ...... _ .. .... .. . _ .... 24-27
A(Aperture-Priority) Mode. . ........... 28-29
Speedlight SB-16B. . ... 63
Speedlight SB - 18 . . . ... _ ... _ ..... 63
MOTOR DRIVES. . .. . ... . .. . . . ............ 64
Motor Drive MD-15 . . ............. 64
M(Manual) Mode . . ....... _. . . . 30-31
Motor Drive MD-1 2. ........... .... 64
HOLDING THE CAMERA. . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . . . .. . . . . . 32-33 MISCELLANEOUS .. . . .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . ... 65 - 69
Detachable Handgrip . . ....... 33 Data Back MF-
16 .......................... . .............. .. 65
FOCUSiNG
.............. . . . .... 34-35
Interchangeable Focusing Sc reen s. . ... 66-67
TAKING PICTURES . .......... . ..... . ... .. ... .. .... ........ 36
Filters. . . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . ..... ... 68
UNLOADING FILM
'....................... . 37-38 Len s Hood s. . . . ........... 68
TECHNICAL INFORMATION'
Anti-Cold Battery Pack DB-2 ................. . . _. _. . ... 69
PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES . . 39-62
Cable Release AR-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM .. . . .. . .. . .. . . .
39-45
Right-Angle Viewing Attachment DR-3 ........... _. . ........... 69
Metering Control Button ..................... . . . _ .. .......... 40
Eyepiece Magnifier DG -2 .................................... 69
Comparison of Automatic Multi-Pattern and Rubber Eyecup
.................. .... ........•.•.•. _. _ ...... 69
Centerweighted Metering. . ..................... .. 41-45
Eyepiece Correction Len ses. . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 69
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHUTTER SPEED Camera Cases . . . . . . . . . . . .
........ 69
AND APERTURE . . .......................... 46-47
Neckstraps. . ........ _. . ....... 69
DEPTH OF FIELD. . . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .
... 48-49
EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA . . .... ..... ... 70-71
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION . . .... 50-53
What is EV ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70
In Automatic Exposure Modes. . .. .. . _. . . . ..... 50-51
EV Chart. .. ... ... ... . .. .. . . . ... 70-71
In the Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 52 TIPS ON CAMERA CARE .. . ......... 72-7 3
Duplication Work and Photomicrography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 53
TIPS ON BATTERY USE . . 74
STOp·DOWN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT . .... .. . .. . .. .... 54
ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD). . ...... 74
6
SPECiFiCATIONS .................................. . .... 75-77

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 fast-
breaking events, the
programmed mode automatically sets
both shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure in any
light. Or when action must be stopped
or blurred, such as in
sports photography, shutter-priority lets you choose the
shutter speed manually, then the
FA automatically sets the
aperture
to match. If depth of field is important, aperture-
priority allows you to select the precise aperture with the
matching shutter speed set automatically.
But possibly even more important are the
FA's two separate
metering methods. In Nikon's revolutionary automatic multi-
pattern metering system, the brightness from 5 areas of the
focusing screen is analyzed by the camera's microcomputer;
this automatically ensures the correct
exposure-even in
tricky lighting
situations-without any exposure compensa-
tion whatsoever.
Traditional centerweighted metering isreserved forthe manual
mode, but is usable in any of the three automatic modes with
the metering control button. Other features
of the FA include
1/4000sec. top shutter speed, 1/250sec. flash sync, inter-
changeable focusing screens, and a comprehensive line of
Nikon accessories.
Before using the camera, please read this instruction manual
from cover
to cover. A few minutes invested now will payoff
in years of rewarding picture-taking experiences.
7

BASIC OPERATION-----------------
INSTALLING BATTERIES
1 Remove the battery clip@. Use
• a coin to unj)crew it
in a counter·
clockwise direction.
8
2 Insert batteries. Wipe the battery
• terminals clean
and insert the bat-
teries, making sure that the + signs
are
up . Usable batteries for the Nikon FA
camera are:
-One 3V lithium battery
-
Two 1. 55 Vsilver-oxide batteries (3.1 V)
-Two 1.5V alkaline-manganese bat-
teries(3V)
3 Reattach the battery clip. Slip the
• clip back into the camera body and
screw it tightly into place.

CHECKING BATTERY POWER
1 Pull ou t the film advance lever ®
• to unlock the shutter release button
®l . The lever doubles as a shutter release
button lock.
2 Depress the shutter release but·
• ton halfway to activate the ex
po-
sure meter.
3 Check the LCD_ Confi rm that the
•
LCD (liquid crystal display) is shown
at the upper left in the viewfinde r. This
indicates that battery installation
is cor-
rect
and power is sufficient. If the LCD
does not appear, recheck battery orienta-
tion
or, if necessary, replace with a new
set.
With sufficient battery power, the
LCD
stays on for 16sec. after you take your
finger off the button.
If the batteries are
almost depleted, the
LCD will turn off
immediately when you take your finger
off the button.
In this case, replace bat-
teries
as soon as possible. With exhaust-
ed batteries, you cannot trip the shutter
unless the shutter speed dial @
is set at
amechanical setting of M250 or B.
• The LCD does not appear when the shutter
dial is setat M250 orB. 9

-BASIC OPERATION-continued- --------------
MOUNTING THE LENS
Lenses usable with the Nikon FA are AI-S Nikkor, Nikon Series E,
AI-Nikkor, most AI-modified, and certain special lenses shown
at the right. First line up the aperture/distance index @ on the
l
ens with the lens mounting index @ on the camera body. Then
twist the lens mounting ring @ counterclockwise until the lens
clicks into place. Confirm that the aperture/distance index
is
exactly at the top.
To remove : While pushing the lens release button @, turn the
len s mounting ring clockwise until·the lens comes off.
o When changing lenses with film loaded in the camera, be careful not to
expose the mirrorbox to direct sunlight.
10
Usable Lenses
The lollowing lenses are usable with the Nikon FA :
AI -S Nikkor lenses
Nikon Series E lenses
AI -Nikkor (including AI-modilied Nikkor) lenses
Rellex-Nikkor 500mm 1/8
PC -Nikkor 28mm 1/3.5
Medical-Nikkor 120mm 1/4 IF
Rellex-Nikkor 1000mm fill (No. 143001 or higher)
Rellex-Nikkor 2000mm 1111 (No. 200311 or higher)
PC-Nikkor 28mm fl4 (No. 180901 or higher)
PC-Nikkor
35mm 1/2 .8 (No. 851000 or lower or No. 906201
or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 180-600mm 1/8 ED (No. 174167 or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 200-600mm
1/9 .5 (No. 300491 or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 360-1200mm
1111 ED (No. 174088 or higher)
o The last seven lenses having serial numbers not listed above
cannot be mounted on the
FA as they hit the camera 's meter
coupling lever@. However, they can
be used aftermodification.
In addition, AI-modification of most non-AI lenses having a
meter coupling shoe @ is available. Do not attempt to mount
older Nikkor lenses which have not been AI-modified, as they
might damage the camera. For further information concerning
lens modification, please contact your local authorized Nikon
dealer.
o The following lenses cannot be used on the FA even if they are
modified
to have the AI facility:
55mmf/I . 2(No . 184 7 11 -97 011O)
28mm f/3.5 (No. 625611-999999)
35mm f/ I.4
(No. 385001-400(00)
olf you use len$es other than those manufactured by Nikon, pro-
per performance may not be obtained and they may even
damage the camera.

AI·S Nlkkor: An Updated Version of AI·N l kkor Lenses
In 1977 , Nikon introduced AI-Nikkor lenses which feature full-
aperture metering via Nikon's "Automatic Maximum Aper-
ture Indexing" or
"AI" system. Just by mounting an AI lens
on the camera, the maximum aperture is automatically
indexed into the camera's metering system. All AI-type
lenses feature ameter coupling ridge @and a meter coupling
shoe having two holes
(1IIust. 1).
Then in 1981, Nikon modified their entire line of AI-Nikkor
lenses,
so that they would be fully compatible with the up-
coming Nikon
FA. These new lenses, called AI-S Nikkor, are
easily distinguishable by (a)
an orange minimum aperture on
both regular aperture
~ and aperture-direct-readout (ADR)
scales ®
(1I Iust. 2), and (b) a special notch on the bayonet
mount (Illust.
3). In addition, the AI-S symbol appears on the
front cover
on the instruction manual for each lens.
When used with the Nikon FA in the programmed mode, AI-S
lenses provide either a normal or high-speed program de-
pending
on the focal length in use; in the shutter-priority
mode, they give you uniform exposure control
in any lighting
situation.
Nikon Series E lenses also have the same features
as AI-S
Nikkors, but do not have a meter coupling shoe. Of course,
older AI-Nikkor and AI-modified Nikkor lenses can be used
with
all current and older Nikon cameras, including the FA.
Nikon 's new series of teleconverters-the TC-201, TC-301,
TC-14A and TC-14B-have been specially designed for AI-S
Nikkor lenses, but can
be used with older AI-type lenses, too.
As soon as they are attached, they automatically switch the
FA to the high-speed program in the programmed mode.
"'ust.2
Illust. 1
AI-Type Lens
Lens type signal notch
"'ust. 3
AI-S NikkorLens
11

-BASIC OPERATION-continued--------------- ~
LOADING FILM
1 Open the camera back @l . While
• pushing the
r;;amera back locking
lever
@i counterclockwise, pull up the film
rewind knob ® until the
ca mera back
pops open.
12
2 Install the film cartridge. Position
•
the cartridge in the film cartridge
chamber ® with the leader pointing
towards the takeup spool @ ; then push
the rewind
knob back down to secure
the cartridge
in place. You can use any
type of 35mm film
on the market. It is
advisable to handle
fi lm in the shade to
avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
3 Insert the film leader in the take·
•
up spool. Pull the leader across
the camera and insert it into anyone of
the slots in the takeup spool.

4 Engage th e film's perforations
• with the sprocket teeth.
Turn the
ta
ke up spool slightly with your thumb, so
that
the first or second perforation at the
bottom edge
of the film is engaged with
the small tooth at the bottom of the slot
in the takeup spool, and the top
and
bottom perforations mesh securely with
the sprockets @.
5 Advance the film by rotating the takeup spool further with
• your thumb. Make sure the perforations
on both film edges
are securely engaged with the sprocket teeth.
Al so confirm that '
the film
is properly seated between both film guide rails ~ and
there
is no film slack. Then close the camera back until it snaps
shut.
13

-BASIC OPERATION-continued------- - -------
6 Take up film sl ~ ck . Fold out the film
• rewind crank
Jf!J and rotate it gently
in the direction of the arrow on the film
rewind knob until
you feel a slight resis-
tance.
Then fold the crank back in .
14
7, Make blank exposures. To dispose of the first few frames
• exposed during film loading, continue to alternately
ad-
vance the film and depress the shutter release button until the
frame counter ® reaches frame 1. While making blank expo-
sures, check that the rewind knob
is rotating, indicating the
film has been loaded correctly
and is being advanced. If the
knob does not rotate, reload the film.
0 00 not take pictures prior to frame 1, because the meter does not func-
tion properly and the shutter fires
at a fixed speed of 1I250sec. regard-
less of the shutter speed dial setting. To indicate blank exposures, the
LCD displays C250 when the shooting mode selector is set at the P, S, or
Aposition or M C250 at M.

Frame Counter
E!J
~
~
ffi
EEl
The additive type frame counter is
graduated from S, two dots, 1, 2, 4-
up to 36-in even numbers with odd
numbers indicated by white dots in-
between. The frame counter ad-
vances a single frame by one com-
plete stroke of the film advance lever.
After reaching frame
36 of a 36-
exposure roll of film, the counter will
not operate; however, film will be ad-
vanced until the actual end of the film
roll. The frame counter automatically
resets to S
when the camera back is
opened.
Film Advance Lever
To advance the film, wind the lever to
the right completely until it stops.
The
lever returns to the standoff position
as soon as you take your thumb off
the lever. A single complete stroke
advances the film one frame and
simultaneously cocks the shutter.
o lf the lever becomes difficult to operate at
the beginning
of the rolf, this means that
the
fifm is not winding onto the takeup
spool properly.
In this case, rewind the
film immediatelyand load again.
Memo Holder ®
To remind yourself of the type of film
and number of exposures, clip off the
end of the film carton and insert it into
the memo holder.
Of course, you can
use the holder to store something else
like your name card or a handwritten
note.
15

-BASIC OPERATION-contlnued-------------- ---::
SETTING FILM SPEED
To program the camera to give the correct exposure with a
particular film,
yo~ must set the camera to the correct film
speed.
Lift up the ASA/ISO film speed ring and rotate it in either direc-
tion until the red index dot
~ is opposite the film speed in use.
The scale ® on the ASAIISO dial has settings from ASAIISO
12
to 4000. Two lines between each number stand for intermediate
settings, such as 64, 80, etc.
The film speed, indicated by
an ASAIISO number printed on both
the film carton and cartridge,
is a numerical rating of the film's
sensitivity to a given amount of light; the higher the number, the
greater the sensitivity, and vice versa.
16
- Make sure that the exposure compensation dial @ issetatO . Ifnot, turn
the dial until the 0 click-stops opposite the red index line ® while
de-
pressing the exposure compensation dial locking button 191.

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 ad dition 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 the Ca utomaticaily 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 togetcorrect 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.
17

-BASIC OPERATION-contlnuecl---------------
Usable Shooting Modes/Metering Method Combination Chart
Teleconverters TC -20t, TC -301, TC-14A
and
TC -14 B
Teleconverters
TC -200, TC-300
and
TC - 14
o = In operation or possible
x =Not possible
~ =Because Reflex-Nikkors 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 fl1.8 or fa ster, no exposure
compensation
is required in the P, S, or A mode, but is necessary in the M mode as explainedin
the teleconverter
's in st ruction manual.
18
o

4 - --
Viewfinder Information
1. LCD exposure display. Appears when the exposure meter
is turned on to show you the shutter speed or aperture se ·
lected
by the camera in an automatic exposure mode or the
shutter speed you set
in the manual mode. Although the
shutter speed and/or aperture
is controlled sleplessly in the
automatic exposure modes, intermediate shutter speeds or
f-
nu mbers appear in the display as discrete numbers which
are closest to actual shutter speeds or f-numbers.
2. ADR '·number. Appears in the A or M mode to show you the
aperture set
on the lens (AI-S Nikkor, KJikon Series E, and AI-
Nikkor, including AI -modified lenses).
3. Shutter speed indication. Appears only in the S mode to
• show you the shutter speed set
on the shutter speed dial.
4. LED exposure compensation mark. ApFears when the e x-
posure compensation dial is not s et to 0 fo indicate ex posure
compensation.
5. Flash ready·light. Lights up to indicate flash readiness of
Nikon dedicated electronic flash units.
19

-BASIC OPERATION-contlnued-------------- -----
P (Programmed) Mode
1. Set the mode $elector to P.
20
2 Set the lens to its minimum aper·
• ture (the largest f·number). The
shutter speed dial can be set at any posi-
tion except M250 and
B.
3 Confirm that automatic mult i·
• pattern metering is in operati on
by making sure that the metering control
button
is in the normal "out" position and
the red index
is not on top (refer to page
40 for more information).

4 Look through the viewfinder and check the exposure
• information. Depress the shutter release button halfway
and you will see the
LCD showing the shutter speed (as a recip-
rocal) selected by the camera to provide correct exposure.
Note that a slow shutter speed results
in blurred images (tech-
niques for avoiding blurred images are explained on page 46).
Warning Indications
If the LCD shows HI, this means the scene is too bright, indicat-
ing overexposure may occur. In this case, use a neutral density
(ND)filter .
If the LCD displays Lo, this means the scene is too dark, indicat-
ing underexposure may occur. Use an electronic flash .
If the
LCD shows FEE, this means the apertOre ring @ is not set
at
f/11 or a larger f-number. Reset the lens' to its minimum aper-
ture. When using an AI-modified Nikkor lens, a Nikon Telecon-
verter TC-200, TC-300, or
TC-14 , or a PK ring, this warning will
not appear.
So ,be sure to set the aperture to its minimum. How-
ever, even if the aperture
is set incorrectly, you can still get the
correct exposure (in most cases), but the programmed aperture
will be restricted to the range between the lens maximum aper-
ture and the actual aperture you set
on the len s.
21