Nikon FA....FA a long, long way to run....
I love the simplicity of a manual camera, the flexibility of choosing the shutter speed and the aperture to get the image you see in your mind's eye. As cameras evolved, technology slowly began taking over until you are left with a point and shoot. While I enjoy point and shoots I quickly become bored and I go back to the all manual camera.
Based on the above, one would think that the Nikon FA is not a camera for me...I thought so too until I got a hold of one. I bought this wonderful camera on Ebay from a reputable dealer after it had been CLA. With all new seals and smooth mechanics it is good for years of enjoyment. I took the leap and picked one up.
Based on the above, one would think that the Nikon FA is not a camera for me...I thought so too until I got a hold of one. I bought this wonderful camera on Ebay from a reputable dealer after it had been CLA. With all new seals and smooth mechanics it is good for years of enjoyment. I took the leap and picked one up.
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Straight off the bat you know you have something special. It is a heavy camera, very well built giving the sense of a quality instrument. As soon as you take your first glance at the top of the camera, you see the startling discovery of PSAM options. Here you can pick "Program Mode" where all you need to do is focus and the camera will select aperture and shutter speed for you, "Shutter Priority" pick the shutter speed and it will choose the aperture for you, "Aperture Priority" choose the aperture and the camera selects shutter speed and finally full "Manual" where you pick everything.
Back when it was released in 1983 it was the most advanced camera that Nikon ever made. If you ignore manual focus this camera is the film version of the modern digital cameras...it even has matrix metering! |
The camera has a 1/4000 shutter, one of the fastest mechanical shutters made. It is only possible thanks to the hexagon shaped shutter curtains giving them the rigidity it needs to move so quickly. Just above the shutter speed wheel there is a switch to select PSAM. After getting the camera I tried all four options and they work like a champ. The matrix metering works very well however not as well as modern day digital cameras. I shoot in B&W so I have the dynamic range flexibility and enjoy using it.
There is a simple button to override the matrix metering and move to spot metering. It works great and you can choose to override the matrix metering function and shoot spot by default. It is an all signing and dancing machine with the option to go fully old school!
There is a simple button to override the matrix metering and move to spot metering. It works great and you can choose to override the matrix metering function and shoot spot by default. It is an all signing and dancing machine with the option to go fully old school!
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The Good:
The viewfinder is nice and large, the display through the viewfinder gives you all the information you need including shutter speed, aperture and a warning if exposure compensation is turned on. If you are on Shutter Priority it will show you the F-stop selected. If it there is insufficient light it will warn you and change the shutter speed as needed. When in Aperture Priority mode it will shot you the aperture your lens is on and the shutter speed needed. This gives you everything you need to know in order to get your shot off. The camera is wonderfully built and if you are used to shooting a Nikon picking up this baby will feel like the most natural thing in the world. The film advance lever must be out to engage the meter and unlock the shutter release. This is similar to the Nikon F2 and much easier than a dedicated On/Off switch. |
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The Bad:
This is an electronic camera and without batteries it is not of much use. Unlike the Nikon F and F2 which continue to operate in spite of battery power, this modern marvel is battery dependent. Is this a big drawback? No. The batteries are LR44, which are very easy to find and cheap. They are small and light, inexpensive and easy to find. You can purchase a couple extra and toss into your bag and you will be fine.
This camera packs a great deal of options on a tiny body. This makes the buttons a bit cluttered. It seems to work fine however I have large hands and occasionally it is a bit of a challenge to get to the button I want.
Overall:
If you want a film camera with full manual settings but an option to go full program mode this is it. It is a great camera that gives you tons of options and is very easy to work with. You will have a greater chance of getting good images as this brilliant little beast will correct itself mid exposure if lighting changes. This allows you to shoot with confidence knowing that the camera has your back.
If you are just getting into film photography this might be a good bridge camera or it might be the worst thing you could get....here is my logic. This camera is not a massive departure from the digital marvels of today. So if you would like something to easily get into the film world this camera would do that. However, if you are looking for a truly unique experience this camera makes it too easy to lean on computer help.
This is an electronic camera and without batteries it is not of much use. Unlike the Nikon F and F2 which continue to operate in spite of battery power, this modern marvel is battery dependent. Is this a big drawback? No. The batteries are LR44, which are very easy to find and cheap. They are small and light, inexpensive and easy to find. You can purchase a couple extra and toss into your bag and you will be fine.
This camera packs a great deal of options on a tiny body. This makes the buttons a bit cluttered. It seems to work fine however I have large hands and occasionally it is a bit of a challenge to get to the button I want.
Overall:
If you want a film camera with full manual settings but an option to go full program mode this is it. It is a great camera that gives you tons of options and is very easy to work with. You will have a greater chance of getting good images as this brilliant little beast will correct itself mid exposure if lighting changes. This allows you to shoot with confidence knowing that the camera has your back.
If you are just getting into film photography this might be a good bridge camera or it might be the worst thing you could get....here is my logic. This camera is not a massive departure from the digital marvels of today. So if you would like something to easily get into the film world this camera would do that. However, if you are looking for a truly unique experience this camera makes it too easy to lean on computer help.
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Price & Value:
I paid around USD 250 for the camera. It was a reputable dealer and had just been services. This was without a lens. If it was up to me I would recommend a Nikon F or an F2 before going for this camera. For the same money you can get a purely mechanical camera, with a in camera meter. I would purchase that and have it serviced. Once you do, you will have a camera that will last you fifty years. The FA probably will go 10 or 15 years. The electronic components are delicate and can corrode over time. This camera is not water sealed. |
