The Nikon FA
camera has pretty much been overlooked. I think because the FE2 came out so soon on its heels. But like Nikon has pretty much always done, the Nikon FA was the sister prosumer release to the Nikon F3 at the time. Like the 8008/F801 to the F4s or the F100 to the F5, etc. It’s just what Nikon does.
Nikon FA Camera – All But Forgotten
The Nikon FA camera is a multi-mode automatic camera that was introduced in 1983. Like I said, the Nikon FE was upgraded to the very well received FE2. The Nikon FA shares the same new titanium honeycombed shutter of the FE2 that had a faster shutter speed and flash sync of 1/250 sec. Besides its very attractive updated appearance, people forget it was a first for Nikon with the new intelligent programmed mode. I don’t know what is “intelligent” other than it’s shutter priority automation, but, OK, I’m impressed. Well, if it was still 1983, I’d be impressed.
But it’s really the metering system that made it really ground breaking. It was the introduction of Matrix Metering. And while it took all AI lenses, Nikon should have been clearer with the fact that it worked best with the then recently introduced AI-s lenses.
Manual Camera with Matrix Metering
A manual camera with automation features! Remember, this is 1983. It wasn’t very well marketed. Nikon’s marketing department dropped the ball,…big time. But to really take advantage of its new automatic features and groundbreaking metering, you NEEDED AI-s lenses. In fact, with the exception of the new space aged plastic viewfinder as opposed to the FE2 metal viewfinder, I truly believe it was a better camera than the FE2. I know I’ll get roasted for that one, but that’s what I believe. And thank goodness it had the flash attachment on top of the viewfinder. And not on top of the rewind, like the F3. (which to this day I think is stupid)
However, this was also the pre-dawn period of auto focus, being pushed heavily by Minolta. I guess Nikon was worried, and the AI-s lenses were preparation for this new direction. So, while innovative in it’s metering and automation scope, it was still a manual focus camera. Nikon didn’t realize at the time that “manual focus” would actually be a positive feature someday.
One advantage that Nikon had over Minolta, Canon and eventually others, was the F mount. Backwards compatibility was a virtue they stood by until recently. And even now, the F mount is still gospel. Although those companies would argue to the contrary.
No “Toy Camera”
I have a weird way of telling the Nikon “toy cameras” from their more serious products. A round optic on the viewfinder. (as opposed to rectangular) Like the Nikon EM, (which was the test bed for the non-rabbit eared AI-s lenses), or the FG, etc. Just my eccentricity. The FA was round, so we got off on the right foot. By the way, the reason you see so many old cameras missing that rubber ring on the viewfinder is because it’s a single thread! Stupid design, but big money maker for Nikon.
The FA is a very good deal in the used market just because of Nikon’s marketing faux pas. Nikon gave up too soon on this groundbreaking camera. But it did stick around for awhile. It wasn’t discontinued until 1989. No confusing LCDs and the ability to mount any AI to AF lenses,…only one of 2 Nikons’, which makes it a much better first/backup camera than many.
It’s not a titanium body. But aluminum chassis or not, this camera has been used professionally as a matter of course. Almost as if it’s a well kept secret. Viewfinder readouts are pretty easy to see in any light, and it is a bright viewfinder in low light.
The Good and Bad
The Good;
- Center weighted TTL capability
- 1/250 second sync
- Leica-like wind lever,…very smooth and precise.
- It takes 3 different motor drives,…MD-11, MD-12, and MD-15
- The MD-15 supplies power to meter if meter batteries go bad. (rare)
- Early Matrix metering
- Same titanium honeycomb pattern shutter as FM2
- Comes in Silver and Black!
The Bad;
- No auto-rewind on motor drives.
- Aluminum chassis, a brass bottom plate and a plastic top plate. All good, and plastic won’t dent,…but hit hard enough, it will crack!
- No adjustable diopter. (most Nikon models don’t have,…that’s just my pet peeve)
Forgotten But Cheap
The Nikon FA camera may be a forgotten Nikon. But it’s probably one of the most advanced manual-focus SLRs ever made by any company. It has both matrix metering and program mode with any AI-s lenses. A first. But works as well as any manual SLR with AI lenses. Unless you’re a well paid professional, this is all the camera you’ll ever need. And it has 100’s of accessories and compatible lenses. All at give away market prices. And still works in a pinch without batteries. What more can you ask for in a little light tight box? Find Nikon FA
Addendum: Since I’ve been asked this question 5 times,…Yes, the FA screens are interchangeable with newer and brighter B3, K3 and E3 screens that came out with the FM3a (the FM, FE, FM2, FE2, FA and FM3a share the same focusing screen). And, of course, the normal B, K and E screens. (no others!) But the normal ones are plenty bright.
Proud owner of one!
And you should be. Why people discount the FA and just want to talk about the F2/F3 is beyond me. The FA always had a lot to offer. 🙂
Yesterday I bought one and have started burning film.
The handling is wonderful and the size is so sweet (if that makes any sense).
I will revert as soon as I have a couple of films developed.
I bought my Nikon FA in 1989 and it still works perfectly. Very solid 35mm film camera.
Bought my silver body new. Used it forever. AI lenses work fine as long as they’re set on the minimum spear aperture. Iff it gets bumped off f22 it shows FEE in the viewfinder. First camera to gage matrix metering with manual lenses. The honeycomb shutter was fragile . T.T.L. flash worked very well .
Hi Robert,
I think people are getting the message on the FA. Prices are really rising now. I’m not sure I’m happy about that, but at least it’s getting the respect it deserves. 😀
Federico
I’ve bounght mine ab. 2 years ago (along with EL2 and F80). The nostalgy says use EL2, but I just preffer the FA over those 2. Maybe, because F80 reminds me too much of a digital camera and EL2 requiring the light seal kit to be applied (which frustrated me trying to do so…).
Anyway, I’ve burned a number of films on FA (90% of them B&W) and I love this camera.
I see some negative comments about it on some photography forums as being unreliable camera, but so far – haven’ thad any issues with it.
Greetings form The Netherlands
Hi Marek,
Yeah, I don’t know what the deal is there. Never actually seen an FA “go bad”. The FA was actually suppose to be the “prosumer” release at the same time as the pro F3. Nikon always seems to do that. (like F100 to F5) But the FA actually was more advanced than the F3 in many ways.The F3 was the first auto-exposure pro model with aperture-priority, max shutter of 1/2000, with a 1/60 synch speed and a 1/90 dead-battery speed. The FA has Program, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and Manual. Plus a vertically-running honeycombed titanium shutter of 1/4000 sec with a max synch of 1/250. Leaves me scratching my head. 🤔 However, the F3 has the high-eyepoint, 100% coverage finder and is huge by comparison to the one on the FA. (the FA shows about 92%,…but is quite bright)
Cheers,
Federico
I once owned a F4 (now my main Nikon 35mm bodies are F2 and FM2). Remove AF and pre-AI lenses compatibility from F4, and you get pretty much the FA, right?
Okaaayyy…. why suddenly I want one? Hmmm…. 😀
Hi Andre,
The main reason for my F4s love doesn’t apply to most people. Due to my constantly varying eyesight, (changing prescription,…not always for the worse), I NEED a variable diopter. And what I said about the F5 loosening grip skin after extended use. Otherwise, I’d just use an F5. It works well with AI-s lenses. Unfortunately, no Nikon manual focus cameras have adjustable diopter viewfinders.😥
Federico
the FA is a very good quality camera and ahead of its time. todays cameras meters are all based on the FA’s matrix meter system. It is fool proof with Cybernetic exposure control, if you max out the exposure range on either end the camera corrects the exposure so you can’t screw up the exposure. Pros hated this because if you wanted to purposely miss expose you would have to go full manual todo so. The body was light and robust and yeas the top of the camera was composite, light scratch proof and dent proof. I love mine and on occasion still shoot a roll or two with it, mostly slide film as the exposure meter is so damn accurate.
Hi Gregory,
You’ve pretty much nailed it. But photographers, pro or not, are a very reactionary bunch. Hell,…they complained about the F3 when it was first released. (too electronic 🙄)
Oh, well.
Federico
Got mine used with a 55mm f2.8 macro lens and MD 15 winder for sixty bucks!
Think I got. Good deal!
George
Plus, like the FM and FE cameras, the FA also had multiple exposure capability.
As the proud and satisfied owner of an FA (which I was lucky to pick up with no sign of use) I can confirm that darned eyepiece glass is a regular replacement item. Grrrr…
That is literally my only gripe, though. It handles beautifully and I get perfect shots all day… so I should just buy a few and carry on.
Hi Timoteo,
Yes, it did. In fact, there were much more expensive cameras with less capabilities. I’ve never really figured out Nikon’s master plan when it comes to models.
Federico
Hi Douglas,
Yeah, but that’s a pretty minor issue. 🤷♂️
Federico
Still use my F4s ,solid and accurate .I find it superb with 85 mm and 135 mm lenses for portraitures.The colours rich .Me like Nikon robustness for portraitures.The 75 _150 mm is yet another good company.
Hi Ashok,
After years with an F5, I too went back to the F4s. And while I’ve never used the 75-150mm, I can vouch for the 85,…both f/1.8 and f/1.4,…and 135mm DC. 👍
AF
Great piece! Where would you guys/gals go to purchase an FA? I have a body and a few nice lenses (non-Nikon) that I want to go to someone who will appreciate the FA. TIA.
Hi,
Of course, probably Ebay if you can find a good one from a trusted seller. Personally I use KEH Camera in Atlanta. They always under rate their cameras, so if they say “Excellent” it’s probably “Mint”. Plus, they have no hassle returns.
Cheers
Thanks for the quick response. Do you know if KEH purchases from the general public? As I mentioned, I have an FA body and some lenses that I’d like to sell to someone who’d appreciate it.
Hi,
Yes, they do. Just go to KEH Buys, and they have a procedure for selling gear to them.
Regards
Do you know if the brighter focus screens affect exposure? I’ve been messing with some slower zooms on my FA and found the limits of the focus screen, especially in lower light situations.
Hi Adam,
It depends on the Nikon in question. The F3 has its exposure metering inside the body. So, it makes no difference what focusing screen you attach. The FA has it’s metering electronics in the viewfinder, and IS sensitive to the use of bright focusing screens. (like the Beattie, etc.) So, you WOULD have to compensate for a brighter focusing screen. Which is easy enough to do with a little experimentation.
Cheers
AF