Nikon F50 User Manual

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FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon F50/F50D camera. We are sure
that you will enjoy using this camera and that it will make photography
a bigger part of your life. In addition to this comprehensive instruction
manual, the Nikon F50/F50D comes with SHOOTING IN SIMPLE
MODE—SHORTCUT TO GREAT PICTURES, a concise, pock­etable guide that explains the easiest way to use the F50/F50D.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD
GEHING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA

BEFORE SHOOTING

MOUNTING LENS..........................................................7-8

INSTALLING BAHERY........................................................9

LOADING FILM...........................................................10-11

SEHING CAMERA TO AUTOFOCUS MODE

SHOOTING IN ADVANCED MODE

AVAILABLE EXPOSURE MODES..................................14-15

PROGRAM SELECTION GUIDE....................................16-18

OPERATION IN PROGRAMMED AUTO

EXPOSURE MODE

OPERATION IN OTHER EXPOSURE MODES

RESET FUNCTION

.....................................................................

...............................

.....................................

.......................

...................................................

................

...........................................................

........

6-12

13-30

19-25

26-29

4-5

12

30

OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS.............................31-37

MEMORY SEHING FUNCTION....................................32-33

AF MODE SELECTION

ISO CONFIRMATION/SEHING.........................................35

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

OTHER CONTROLS

SELF-TIMER OPERATION

LONG TIME EXPOSURE AT “TIME” SEHING.....................40

TO SHOOT AN OFF-CENTRE SUBJECT

.....................................................

.....................................

.....................................

................................................

.............................

36-37
38-49

34

39

41

2

USING AE-L BUnON...................................................42-43

CASES WHERE AUTOFOCUS IS NOT

ACCEPTABLE...............................................................44

MANUAL FOCUS............................................................45

IMPRINTING DATE/TIME (for F50 d only)

..................

46-49

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY............................50-56

USING BUILT-IN FLASH..............................................51-55

SPEEDLIGHT COMPATIBILITY

MISCELLANEOUS

LENSES......................................................................58-59

CAMERA CARE TIPS
NOTES ON BAHERIES

SPECIFICATIONS........................................................63-66

ABOUT F50/F50D METERING SYSTEM............................67

LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER INDICATIONS.....................68-70

..................................................

.........................................

........................................

.....................................................

57-71

60-61

56

62

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA

Learn the parts of your camera.

LCD panel
Self-timer button

Set/adjust buttons
Shutter release button: Press

lightly to activate exposure

meter and start AF operation;
fully depress to release
shutter and take picture.

Menu button

Minimum aperture lock: Slide lever to lock position

(Optional lens illustrated:
AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-80mm f/4-f/5.6 D)

Eyepiece cover DK-5: Attach to viewfinder eyepiece
to ward off stray light when using the self-timer.

Accessory shoe: For Nikon dedicated Speedlights.

Power switch: Set to OFF when
not using your camera.

SIMPLE/ADVANCED dial

Flash lock release

Self-timer LED

Lens mounting index

Lens release button

Focus switch

Focusing ring: Do not turn when the
focus switch is set at AF. (For
manual focusing, see page 45).

AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button: See pages 42 to
43 for Auto Exposure Lock.

Camera back
Viewfinder eyepiece

Fiim cartridge

confirmation window

Camera strap
eyeiet

Camera back
iock reiease

Rewind button
Tripod socket

Battery chamber cover

Battery chamber cover iock reiease

A

A

Learn how to hold your camera

• Grasp the camera handgrip with your
right hand.

• Use your left hand to cradle the camera
with the elbow propped against your
body for support, as you look through
the viewfinder.

• Use your right hand index finger to
depress the shutter release button.

• To hold the camera steady, lean on or
against something strong and stable.
This will help ensure sharp images.

V

J

BEFORE SHOOTING

This section shows you how to prepare the camera for
shooting, e.g., how to mount a lens, install the battery and load
film.

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

C

)

MOUNTING LENS

Position the lens in the

2

camera’s bayonet mount so
the mounting indices on the lens
and the camera body are aligned.

Remove the camera body cap
and the front and rear lens

Twist the lens counterclockwise
until it locks into place.

caps.

Usable Lenses

Use CPU lenses (AF Nikkor lenses and AF-S/AF-I/
Al-P lenses). Other Nikon and Nikkor lenses (non­CPU lenses) can be mounted, but you have to use
an external exposure meter, and the only usable
exposure mode is Manual. (See page 58).

AF-S/AF-I/AI-P lenses are for manual focus only.

/T“

ILJI-

v'

— Er r—

With a non-CPU lens

\ I I /

-Frr ®

t.rr CPU

When the camera is
powered on with a non­CPU lens, Err and S blink in
the LCD panel and Err
blinks inside viewfinder.
For using a non-CPU lens,
see page 58.

V

When mounting lens—

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Make sure the camera's power is off.

• Do not touch the lens release button.

Turn the lens aperture ring to its minimum aperture (the largest f-

number, marked in orange, on AF Nikkor lenses). Then lock the lens

3

aperture at its minimum setting (see lens instruction manual).

If lens aperture is not set at its minimum setting

When the camera is powered on with a lens not set at its minimum aperture
setting. Err and i blink in the LCD panel and Err blinks inside viewfinder.

With the F50/F50d, all aperture setting operations are performed with the
camera's set/adjust buttons. Do not move the lens aperture ring once it is set to its
smallest aperture (largest f-number).

To remove

While pressing the lens release
button, turn the lens clockwise.

INSTALLING BAHERY

Make sure the camera’s power

is off, then slide the lock

I

release on the battery chamber

cover to open the chamber.

»Use 6V lithium battery pack (2CR5 or DL245 type).

•See page 62 for “NOTES ON BATTERIES”.

Insert a 6V lithium pack with

2

“+” and ends positioned as
shown on the inside of the cover.
Close the cover by pushing until it
clicks.

Switch the power ON. Check

the LCD panel to see if the

3

frame counter shows "E" or the

frame number appears and no
battery mark or '=') appears.
Ifblinks; Battery is nearing
exhaustion. Have a fresh one
ready.
If Err and '=' blink: Battery is almost
exhausted. Switch power OFF and
replace battery with fresh one.
If no indication appears on the
LCD panel: Battery is completely
exhausted or improperly installed.
Change the battery.

LOADING FILM

back.

•To avoid fogging film (especially high-ISO film),

do not load/unload film in direct sunlight.

* Usable film speed range for DX-coded film is ISO

25 to 5000.

10

»Opening/closing the camera back resets the

frame counter to “E”.

Make sure the film is properly positioned with no slack and the film
perforations engage the sprockets. (See illustration.)

Gently close the camera back

until the lock release snaps

5

closed.
Film automatically advances to
frame #1.

• If the frame counter still shows E

(i.e., if the film does not advance
to frame #1), with or without
blinking Err and

0

, the film is

incorrectly positioned. Reload
film.

• You can confirm the film speed of installed DX-

coded film. See page 35.

•With a non-DX-coded film, film speed must be set

manually. See page 35.

11

SEHING CAMERA TO AUTOFOCUS MODE

Autofocus should be used for most picture-taking

situations, including moving subjects. In general, it is

best to leave the focus switch set to AF.

» For situations where autofocus is not possible,

see page 44.

• For manual focusing, see page 45.

Regarding the F50/F50d’s autofocus

feature

Your F50/F50D is factory-set to Single Servo AF
operation. This means that once your subject is
in focus, focus remains locked as long as the
shutter release button is lightly pressed. You can
recompose the picture, and the subject will
remain in focus, provided you maintain the same
subject-to-camera distance. (See page 41 for
details.) If the subject moves, take your finger
off the shutter release button, then lightly press it
again to restart autofocus operation.

• In the ADVANCED mode, in addition to
Single Servo AF, you can choose Continuous
Servo AF which keeps autofocus operation
going continuously as long as you keep lightly
pressing the shutter release button. (For details,
see page 34.) Use Continuous Servo AF for
sports and other action photography.

12

SHOOTING IN

ADVANCED MODE

This section shows you how to set your desired Program or exposure

mode.

c

This section is for ADVANCED mode only.

)

13

AVAILABLE EXPOSURE MODES

In the Advanced Operation Mode, you can select any of four exposure
modes—Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture­Priority Auto (A)and Manual (M).

Programmed Auto Exposure Mode

In addition to the four Programs in SIMPLE mode—

General-Purpose SS, Landscape ¡k, Portrait S and

Close-Up —four more Programs are available in
ADVANCED mode: Sport Silhouette H, Night
Scene 11 and Motion Effect
The F50/E50D camera’s microcomputer automatically
chooses the combination of shutter speed and aperture
for a correct exposure.
For features and sample pictures of each Program, see
pages 16 to 18.

14

Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode

You manually set the shutter speed and the camera

sets the matching lens aperture. To freeze action, use a
high shutter speed; to create motion effects, choose a
low shutter speed. For more information on Shutter­Priority Auto, see pages 26 to 29.

Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode

You manually set the aperture and the camera sets the
appropriate shutter speed. Smaller apertures make the
background and foreground sharper (recommended for
landscape pictures) while larger apertures tend to blur
the background (recommended for portraits).
For more information on Aperture-Priority Auto, see
pages 26 to 29.

,Metering System n * , i ,

Thé Programmed, Aperture-Priority and Shutter-^

1 Priority Auto Expos,jùre modes;e|nploy eiifjer 3D, '

jMktrix,'i\iletering or Advanced MatHk|Metefirig, i’ ||

.depending on lens type'in use'.'.

■ I'Vt*.

jViii

Manual Exposure Mode

You select both the shutter speed and aperture. This

mode lets you experiment with and produce different
creative effects (e.g., intentional blur, intentional
under- or overexposure). For more information on
Manual Exposure Mode, see pages 26 to 29.

In Manual exposiire mpde, Centre-Weighted i
metering is.dsed. iFor»details about^this meteririg ^ i
system, see page.67. ,

PROGRAM SELECTION GUIDE

'■'yj'“' General-Purpose
ll!i Program

Suitable for most situations. Use
this program if you are not sure
which program is right for your

liliil i

Use this Program whenever you're
making a picture of a distant scene.

Don't use flash—the scene may be
subject, or for shooting a variety of too far.
subjects without switching
programs.

16

Landscape Program

Portrait Program

Use this Program whenever you
are taking pictures of people. It
creates an artistically blurred
background to accentuate your
main subject.

Close-Up Program

#

Sport Program

ii"-r,' Silhouette Program

Use this Program when you are
taking pictures up close—a flower,
an ornamental detail, a butterfly, or
if you are copying a picture.

Use to freeze action. Recommend
ed for use with Continuous Servo
AF (page 34). Do not use flash
because it restricts the available
shutter speed.

Effective only when the back
ground is bright and the subject is
in shadow or comparatively dark.
The result is dramatic with a
wideangle lens-28mm or wider—
although a telephoto can also be
used. Excellent for sunsets or
pictures of people against the sky.
Do not use flash.

17

'' Night Scene Program " ' I. Motion Effect Program

Use this Program in the evening or
at night. To capture the beauty of a
night scene in available light, such
as illuminated monument, traffic
lights or neon signs, shoot without
flash. As the automatically set
shutter speed is rather slow, use a
tripod to avoid camera shake. With
flash, this Program captures all the
lighting in the scene, including the
foreground subject which is
illuminated by the flash, and the
background.

18

Use this Program to express movement. Stationary subjects will come out

in sharp images and moving subjects in blurred images. Also suitable for
when your subject is moving and you are following along with your
camera in a panning motion. The subject will come out relatively sharp,
with the background becoming a blurred streak of colors and shades.

OPERATION IN PROGRAMMED AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

1 Switch power ON and set the camera dial to

-L ADVANCED. The LCD shows the last selected
exposure mode/Program. (The original factory setting
is for General-Purpose Program.)

• Steps 2 and 3 explain how to set a Program. If the

Program shown is what you want, skip steps 2 and 3.

With the Exposure Menu, pressing the menu button activates the
Optionai-Function Menu (see page 31). To return the LCD to the
Exposure Menu, press the menu button again.

Press the menu button 0 to access the exposure

2

mode menu, then press the button above P(|).

19

(Example: Setting Close-Up Program)

tl

The Program menu contains eight Programs in

three screens. Pressing the button above O or O

3

moves the menu to the following or previous screen.

Select and set the desired Program by pressing the

For example, set to Close-Up Program:

a. Press the button above O.

b. Press the button above iB. Close-Up Program is

now set.

button above it.

If indications on the LCD panel disappear, lightly press the shutter release button to reactivate them.

20

yj Look through the viewfinder and position the focus brackets on your

subject.

Lightly press the shutter

release button to activate

5

autofocus operation and the

exposure meter.

V

fp
o

_____

. If blinks in the

1 LCD panel

-à

\ The shutter speed set on

n'

the camera is slow and
may cause picture blur.
See page 23.

1

In Single Servo AF mode, if a stationary subject
moves, remove your finger from the shutter
release button, then lightly press it again to
restart autofocus.

J

21

'xivl

Confirm that • (in-focus indicator), the shutter

6

speed (from 1/2000 to 30 sec.) and an aperture

(number with F) appear below the viewfinder screen.

Shutter speed indication without’ "should be read as a reciprocal
fraction, i.e., "15" stands for 1/15 second, "15’ ’" for 15 seconds.

22

Fully depress the shutter release button to take

7

the picture. The film will automatically advance

by one frame.

Viewfinder Information

0 _ j.; I _ p p ¿1 HI blinks—Overexposure possible

^1 1^

Use a filter such as the Nikon ND filter.

rJ-t.

i. o blinks—Underexposure possible

Use built-in flash or accessory Nikon Speedlight.

V blinks—Flash recommended

Not enough light. Use built-in flash or accessory Nikon Speedlight.

-------

• -FM

-----

v»-jv-----------

-----------

Shutter speed indication blinks inside viewfinder (and blinks in the LCD panel)—Picture blur possible

The automatically selected shutter speed is slow and picture blur may occur due to
camera shake. To reduce the possibility of blur, hold camera very steady, use a tripod
or use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon Speedlight.

-LV-

• blinks—Unacceptable autofocus condition

F'i

Subject characteristics do not allow autofocus operation. Set focus switch to M and
rotate the lens focusing ring until the image in the viewfinder appears clear and
sharp. (See page 45 for manual focusing.)

For Err indication, see pages 68 to 70.

23

Using Built-In Flash

Use the built-in flash not only
when the ready-light blinks, but
also when your subject is in
shadow or backlit.
See pages 51 to 55.

//auIo Rewind

When the film reaches the end of the roll, auto rewind begins.
During rewinding, O and li blink in the LCD panel. After rewind
automatically stops, frame counter shows E and 0 blinks for a
few seconds. You can then remove film cartridge.

• When battery power is very weak, or when the temperature is
very low, film may not rewind at the end of roll and Err appears
in the LCD panel. In this case, replace battery with a fresh one,
or wait for the temperature to rise and then press the rewind
button.

To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the rewind button on the

camera bottom.

24

J

V

J

r

Fv

0

To change a combination of shutter speed/aperture

In the General-Puqtose Program, you can change the combination of
shutter speed/aperture by pressing the button above T or A. Press
the button above ▼ for faster shutter speed/wider aperture (smaller
f-number); press the button above A for slower shutter speed/

smaller aperture (larger f-number). Pressing and holding the button
down changes the shutter speed/aperture combination rapidly. P*
appears in the LCD panel and appears inside the viewfinder,
indicating the change in shutter speed/aperture.

• The original shutter speed/aperture combination for General
Purpose Program is recalled when the LCD indication
automatically switches off, when you turn the camera power off,
when you switch to SIMPLE mode or when you use flash.

J

25

OPERATION IN OTHER EXPOSURE MODES

Switch camera on and set the dial to ADVANCED. The LCD shows the previously

1

selected exposure mode/Program. (The original factory setting is for General

Purpose Program.)

• Step 2 explains how to set an exposure mode. If the present exposure mode is what you
want, skip step 2.

Press the menu button to activate the Exposure Mode Menu. To set the exposure

2

mode, press the button above the desired indication.

• With the Exposure Mode Menu, pressing the menu button activates the Optional

Function Menu (see page 31). To return the LCD to the Exposure Mode Menu, press
the menu button again.

To adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture, press the button above ▲ (up) or T

(down) indication.

3

Look through the viewfinder and position the focus brackets ( [ ] ) on the main

4

subject. Lightly press the shutter release button to activate autofocus operation and

the exposure meter. Confirm that the in-focus indicator • appears in the viewfinder.

i]

26

To change shutter speed rapidly,

hold the button down.

To change aperture rapidly, hold
the button down.

To change shutter speed/aperture
rapidly, hold the button down.

Shutter-Priority Auto

Aperture-Priority Auto

Manual

Your selected shutter speed and the automatically
set aperture are shown below the viewfinder
screen.

Your selected aperture and the automatically set
shutter speed are shown below the viewfinder
screen.

Your selected shutter speed and aperture are
shown, along with the exposure indicator, below
the viewfinder indication.

♦ -S-

Correct exposure
iis- Overexposure
'•sii Underexposure

For "TIME"-setting, see page 40.

27

Fully depress the shutter release button to take a

picture. The film automatically advances by one

5

frame.

• Shutter speed indication without
read as a reciprocal fraction, i.e., "
1/15 second, "

* In Single Servo AF mode, if a stationary subject

moves, remove your finger from the shutter
release button, then lightly press it again to
restart autofocus.

28

15

”" for 15 seconds.

........

15

should be

" stands for

Using Built-In Flash

Use the built-in flash not only when the ready­light blinks, but also when your subject is in
shadow or baeklit.
See pages 51 to 55.

V j

Auto Rewind

When the film reaches the end of the roll, auto
rewind begins. During rewinding, Q and blink
in the LCD panel. After rewind automatically
stops, frame counter shows E and Q blinks for a
few seconds. You can then remove film
cartridge.

• When battery power is very weak, or when the
temperature is very low, film may not rewind at
the end of roll; Err appears in the LCD panel. In
this case, replace battery with a fresh one, or
wait for the temperature to rise and then press
the rewind button.

To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the rewind

i^^utton at the bottom of the camera. ^

-/.Is

---

✓ I I \--^

--------------

>-^Lo^f5.&

Viewfinder information

H i blinks—Overexposure possible* *: Select smaller aperture (larger f-number) and/or
faster shutter speed. Or, use a filter such as the Nikon ND filter.

to blinks—Underexposure possible*: Select a wider aperture (smaller f-number)
and/or a slower shutter speed. Or, use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon
Speedlight.

F 5.6

"52^ ^ blinks—Flash recommendation: Not enough light. Use the built-in flash or an

accessory Nikon Speedlight.

-FW

Shutter speed indication blinks (and iS blinks in the LCD panel)—Picture blur
possible**: Automatically selected shutter speed is low and picture blur may occur due

to camera shake or subject movement. To reduce the possibility of blur, hold camera
very steady, use a tripod or use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon Speedlight.
Selecting a wider aperture (smaller f-number) results in a faster shutter speed.

FH

• blinks—Unacceptable autofocus condition

Your subject is inappropriate for autofocus operation. Set the focus switch to M and
focus manually. (See page 45.)

For Err indication, see pages 68 to 70.

*For Shutter-Priority Auto and Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes.

**For Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode.

29

RESET FUNCTION

To return to the General-Purpose

Program (when Memory Function is not

set)*

Press and hold the menu button for at least two
seconds.

*With the Memory Function set, pressing and holding

the menu button for at least two seconds recalls the
memorised exposure mode/Program. (See pages 32
to 33.)

30

To reset the camera's mode to the original factory setting

Simultaneously press the menu and self-timer buttons
for two seconds. This will activate the General­Purpose Program and cancel Optional Functions.

OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS

The Advanced Operation Mode also offers four Optional Functions:
tel Memory Setting (pages 32 to 33)

When Memory is set, you can easily set the desired exposure mode or desired
Program by pressing the menu button for at least two seconds.

/IF AF Mode Selection (page 34)

You can switch the AF mode from Single Servo Autofocus to Continuous Servo

Autofocus.
ISO ISO Confirmation/Setting (page 35)

With DX-coded film, you can confirm ISO film speed. With non-DX-coded film, you

can manually set the ISO film speed number.
S Exposure Compensation (pages 36 to 37)

You can compensate exposure from -5EV to +5EV in 1/2 steps.

In SIMPLE mode, the Optional Functions you have set will be ignored.

c

This section is for ADVANCED mode only.

31

MEMORY SETTING FUNCTION

With the Exposure Mode

menu, press the menu button

I

to activate the Optional-Function

Menu. Press the button above fel.

The symbol for the selected

exposure mode or Program is

3

displayed. Press the button above

the symbol to have it memorised.

32

Blinking tel appears above the frame counter, indicating that Memory

2

setting mode is activated. To select exposure mode, press the button
above the corresponding symbol. (In the example shown above, Shutter­Priority Auto exposure mode is selected.)

Memory is set. fe stops blinking and the LCD shows the exposure

4

mode/Ptogram that was set before you activated the Optional

Function Menu. (Example illustration shows General-Purpose Program.)
To recall the memorised exposure mode or Program, press the menu
button for at least two seconds.

To clear memory

While memory is set, llH appears in place of fe in the Optional-Function
Menu. Press the button above fe. is replaced with fa and b above the
frame counter disappears.

' Pressing the menu button while b is blinking

above the frame counter returns the LCD to the
Exposure Mode Menu.

• Releasing the shutter while b is blinking above
the frame counter activates the previously set
exposure mode or Program.

33

AF MODE SELECTION

Single Servo AF and

Continuous Servo AF

The default AF setting is Single

Servo AF. In the Single Servo AF
mode, once the subject is in focus,

you can lock focus by keeping the

shutter release button lightly
pressed, but be sure to maintain the
same subject-to-camera distance.
In the Continuous Servo AF mode,
autofocus is maintained as long as
you continuously lightly press the
shutter release button, even if the
focus distance changes because
either you or your subject moves.
In either AF mode, the shutter
cannot be released when the
subject is out of focus.

Hj

With the Exposure Mode

Menu, press the menu button

I

to activate the Optional-Function

Menu. Press the button above 4F.

AF Mode Selection can be performed regardless of the focus switch

position (A or M).

For Continuous Servo AF,

2

press the button above C for
Single Servo AF, press the button
above S.
The LCD shows the last selected
exposure mode/Program.

34

ISO CONFIRMATION/SEniNG

film:

Usable film speed range of DX-coded film is ISO 25
to 5000.
With the Exposure Mode Menu, press the menu button
to activate the Optional-Function Menu. Press the
button above ISO. The LCD shows the ISO film speed
of the loaded DX-coded film.
To return to the last selected exposure mode/Program,

press the button above ISO.

With a DX-coded film, film speed is automatically set on the camera body; you cannot adjust.

Press to adjust

Press to complete setting

To manually set ISO film speed for non-

DX-coded film:

When using non-DX-coded film, manually set the ISO

film speed number. Usable film speed range is ISO 6
to 6400.
If you have installed non-DX-coded film and closed
the camera back, the ISO setting screen is
automatically activated on the LCD panel. Adjust the
film speed by pressing the button above the ▲ (up) or
▼ (down) indication. To change film speed rapidly,
hold the button down. To complete the setting, press
the button above ISO. The LCD shows the last selected
exposure mode/Program.

• Until setting is completed, the shutter remains
locked, and the menu button is deactivated.

• If you want to recall the ISO setting screen after
completing the setting, activate the Optional­Function Menu and press the button above ISO.

35

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

By compensating the exposure, you can vary the
exposure results to create different versions of the
same picture or put creative emphasis on a specific
part of the picture.
You can compensate exposure from -5 EV to + 5 EV
in 1/2 steps.

36

Without compensation (overexposed)

With compensation (correctly exposed)

With the Exposure Mode

Menu, press the menu button

I

to activate the Optional-Function
Menu. Press the button above the
S indication.

Adjust the compensation value by pressing the button above the A

2

(up) or ▼ (down) indication, -i- value is for overexposure ; - value is

for underexposure. To change the value rapidly, hold the button down.
To complete the setting, press the button above ^ . The LCD shows the
last selected exposure mode/Program. When you set exposure mode or
Program, 0! appears in the LCD panel and inside the viewfinder,
indicating that the exposure has been compensated.

• If you want to cancel the exposure compensation before completing the

setting, press the menu button. The LCD panel will return to the
Exposure Mode Menu.

After shooting with compensated exposure, make sure to reset the compensation value to ±0.0.

37

OTHER CONTROLS

This section shows you various photographic techniques—how to shoot an

off-centre subject, what you should do when autofocus is impossible, how

to operate the camera's self-timer, and how to perform a long time

exposure.

38

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes

c

D

SELF-TIMER OPERATION

Set desired exposure mode or

Program, then press the self

I

timer button. 0 appears in the

LCD panel.

• To cancel self-timer and make 0
disappear, press the menu button.

In Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto or

Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, attach the

eyepiece cover DK-5 (provided) to the viewfinder

Look through the viewfinder, lightly press the shutter release button,

2

and confirm focus and exposure.

Fully depress the shutter release button to start self-timer operation.

The self-timer LED starts blinking and 0 in the LCD panel also

3

blinks. The shutter will release after 10 seconds. The LED blinks for eight
seconds, then stops blinking to tell you to get ready.
After the shot, self-timer operation is automatically deactivated.

To cancel self-timer operation before shooting: Turn the camera's
power off.

eyepiece before setting self-timer. The DK-5
prevents stray light from entering the viewfinder
and affecting exposure.

39

LONG TIME EXPOSURE AT "TIME" SETTING (advanced mode only)

In the Manual Exposure mode, you
can set shutter speed to “TIME” to
leave the shutter open as long as
desired.
When performing long time
exposure, you must use a tripod to
avoid camera shake which may
cause picture blur.

Set exposure mode to Manual and shutter speed to “TIME” (next to

"30’ ’") for 30 seconds. Inside the viewfinder,appears in place

I

of the shutter speed indication and the exposure indicator disappears.

Fully depress the shutter release button then remove your finger to

2

start exposure. The shutter is released about 0.5 sec. after you
remove your finger from the shutter release button. During exposure, the
self-timer LED blinks.

After the desired duration, lightly press the shutter release button to

complete exposure.

3

40

TO SHOOT AN OFF-CENTRE SUBJECT

In the following procedure, you can take an in-focus picture with an
off-centre, stationary subject. However, when shooting a moving
subject, always position the viewfinder focus brackets on the
subject.

Position focus brackets on the

subject and lightly press the
shutter release button to activate
autofocus operation.

Confirm that • (in-focus

2

indicator) appears in the
viewfinder. Focus remains locked
as long as you keep the shutter
release button lightly pressed.

• The above procedure is for Single Servo AF mode
(original factory setting). If you have set
Continuous Servo AF mode in Optional Functions
(see page 34), lightly pressing the shutter release

While keeping the shutter

release button lightly pressed,

3

recompose the picture, then fully

depress the shutter release button.

button will not lock the focus.

• To maintain subject exposure, use the AE-L
(Automatic Exposure Lock) button. (See pages 42
to 43.)

41

USING AE-L BUnON

When your subject is off-centre or very small against
an extremely bright background, your subject may
come out too dark (underexposed) in the picture. Or,
with a background that is too dark, the subject may be
washed out (overexposed). In such situations, to
correctly expose your subject in the auto exposure
mode, use the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button.

Compose your subject so that the circle in the

1

viewfinder is fully covered by the subject.

42

Lightly press the shutter release button to activate

2

autofocus operation and the exposure meter.

Confirm • (in-focus indicator) and exposure.

In Single Servo AF mode, if recomposing the
picture could change subject-to-camera distance,
refocus by briefly removing your finger from the

While keeping the AE-L button pressed,

4

recompose the picture, then fully depress the

shutter release button.

shutter release button and lightly pressing it again (while holding the AE-L button).

43

CASES WHERE AUTOFOCUS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE

Autofocus operation depends on general lighting, subject contrast and

detail, and other technical points. In those rare situations where autofocus

is not possible, • blinks inside the viewfinder.

• Very dark subject

Focus manually (page 45). Or for

autofocus, focus on another,
brighter subject located at the same
distance, recompose with the

shutter release button lightly
pressed, then shoot.

• Low-contrast subject

Focus manually (page 45). Or for
autofocus, focus on another subject
at the same distance but with more
contrast, recompose with the
shutter release button lightly

pressed, then shoot.
You can also use the built-in flash,
or an accessory Nikon Speedlight.

When the focus brackets are
positioned on the following
subjects/scenes, ignore in
focus • indication and focus
manually:

• Scenes with subjects
located at difFerent
distances

• Bright subjects with a
shiny surface, such as
silver or aluminum

• Strongly backlit subjects

• When using a linear
polarizing niter, or a

special niter, e.g., a soft
focus niter.

(Circular

polarizing filters can be

used for autofocus.)

44

MANUAL FOCUS

Set focus switch to M.

If your AF Nikkor lens has an

I

A-M switch, set it to M.

For maximum focusing accuracy when using a
zoom lens, it is best to focus at the lens’ longest
focal length setting. Focusing at the shortest focal

length setting and then zooming up to the longest

Look through the viewfinder and rotate the lens focus ring until the
subject appears sharp.

focal length setting will magnify any slight
imprecision in focusing and could result in unsharp
pictures.

45

SETTING DATE/TIME (for F50 D only)

You can imprint date/time-Year/Month/Day,
Day/Hour/Minute, Month/Day/Year, or
Day/Month/Year—on your picture.

’OU II IC

.11 J tj

Year/Month/Day

IC icon

IJ lULU

Day/Hour/Minute

No imprint dispiay

] iS’SS'

Month/Day/Year

IC II OU

IJ J J T

Day/Month/Year

MODE button: Push to

select one of the five

available displays.

lilMiH SELECT ADJUST

When the LCD becomes faint, replace lithium battery installed in the
camera back. (See page 49.)

Month indicator

Year indicator

PRINT

D

D r\

SELECT button: Push to select
date/time to be adjusted.

Data imprint indicator

Time indicator colon

Date/time

ADJUST button: Push
to adjust date/time.

46

Set year.

w-"i I

1 '

T T

Set month.

7Z

---

CMJ. 1

.n- 1 . 1

Set day.

Setting has been
completed.

^

is'i 3-:>

’ou

3 1

-W-“/ t

Setting date and time

For example, to set March 15, 1994, choose
Year/Month/Day display. (To set date, choose display
other than Day/Hour/Minute. With Day/Hour/Minute
display, only time can be set.)
Push SELECT button so year section starts blinking
indicating that it can be adjusted. Push ADJUST
button to set the year. To change numerical indication

To set time to precise second:
Advance the time one minute and ahead of actual
time (i.e., if actual time is 12:59, set the time to
13:00). Then push SELECT button so time indicator

’ouJ'd 1

’ou

-II

rapidly, hold the ADJUST button down. Set the month
and day in the same manner as for year. To complete
setting, push SELECT button while the day display is
blinking. The newly adjusted date and the imprint

indicator — appears without blinking.
To set time, select Day/Hour/Minute display and set
the hour and the minute.

colon starts blinking. When actual time coincides

with the time you set, push ADJUST button to reset

the second to 00.

47

PRINT

OLI D IC

J I _l (Il

Wiia SELECT ADJUST

&90

Imprinting date/time

Select your desired display by pushing MODE button and
confirm date and time are correctly set. Then fully depress
the shutter release button to take picture with imprinted
date/time. To confirm whether date/time is imprinted, check
to make sure the imprint indicator — blinks for approx. 2
sec., immediately after taking the picture.

Imprinting date/time may be difficult to read against bright coiours such as white or reddish colours.

48

Imprinted Date/Time

Year/Month/Day

Day/Hour/Minute

49

50

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The thunderbolt symbol (i) inside viewfinder will blink if you need
flash to take a picture, for example, in dim light. You can then
activate the F50/F50d’s built-in flash and use it. But remember that
you can also use flash in bright light to fill in shadows with extra light.
This feature, which works with the F50/F50d’s built-in flash or any
dedicated Nikon Speedlight, is called Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. It
operates in all the Programmed exposure modes, as well as in the
Shutter-Priority or Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes,
automatically assuring a correct and well-balanced exposure of both
the main subject and the background. In the Manual exposure mode,
Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash, which uses Centre-Weighted metering to
expose the background, applies.

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes,

c

3

USING BUILT-IN FLASH

/n

Notes on using built-in flash

Do not touch the flash when it is firing;

normal operation can cause it to heat up.
Never fire the flash more than 20
consecutive times at intervals of 5 sec.
or shorter. This may impair flash
performance. After each continuous
firing, let the flash rest at least 10
minutes before firing again.
When you continuously fire the flash,
the camera’s handgrip may become hot;
this is normal. Continuous firing will
result in a longer interval before the
ready-light comes on because it takes
longer for the flash to recharge
automatically.

V

Fb.b

_

When subject brightness is insufficient, the ready-light

4 blinks inside the viewfinder when you lightly press

I

the shutter release button to activate the exposure meter.
Press the flash lock-release to release and activate the built­in flash.
You can use the built-in flash anytime, regard-less of
ambient lighting. For example, if your subject is backlit, you
can use the built-in flash to illuminate your subject and fill in
shadows.

• When the built-in flash is activated, an accessory
Speedlight will not fire. When using a Speedlight, keep

the built-in flash in the locked-down position.

• For usable lenses, see page 55.

51

fS.S

Make sure the subject is within the flash shooting

2

distance range and confirm that the ready-light

13

(i) is on. Fully depress the shutter release button to
take a shot with flash.
After shooting, check the ready-light again. If it blinks
for a few seconds after shooting, the light might have
been insufficient. Confirm shooting distance and, if
necessary, move closer to the subject or select a wider
aperture.

52

Flash shooting distance range

ISO film speed

25

50 100 200 400 800

— — —

— —

—

(D

2 2.8 4

D

•c

0)

Q.

2.8 4

<

4

5.6 8 11

8 11 16 22 32

2 2.8 4

2 2.8 4

5.6 8 11

5.6 8 11

Flash shooting
distance range

2

2.8 4 2.8 ~ 9.2m

5.6 2 ~ 6.5m

5.6 8 1.4 ~ 4.6m

5.6 8 11 1.0 ~ 3.3m

16 0.7 ~ 2.3m

16 22 0.6 ~ 1.6m

16 22 32

—

0.6 ~ 1.2m

0.6 ~ 0.8m

Guide for flash shooting distance range in
SIMPLE mode (at ISO 100)

For outdoor subjects

on sunny day

For outdoor subjects on
cloudy day or in shadows

For indoor subjects 0.7 ~ 4.6 m

Use the listed range only as a guide for a lens
having maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster. With
slower lenses, the maximum shooting distance will
be reduced.

• The wider the aperture (the smaller the f-number)

you select, the farther the maximum shooting
distance, whereas the smaller the aperture (the

larger the f-number), the shorter the maximum

shooting distance.

0.6 ~ 1.6m

0.7 ~ 2.3m

Using guide number to estimate the maximum shooting distance

You can also estimate the maximum shooting distance
by guide number of built-in flash.

Guide number

;

--------------------

Lens full aperture

Guide number for each ISO setting (m)

25 50 100 200 400 800

= Maximum shooting distance

ISO film speed

6.5

• With a slower shutter speed, a smaller aperture is
automatically selected, resulting in a shorter
shooting distance range.

9.2 13 18.4

26 36.8

53

;>’r

r. In Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure

mode, if you set the shutter speed at 1^ 80 sec.
or faster, the camera automatically shifts to

1/125 sec. as soon as the built-in flash is
activated.
In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, the
shutter speed is fixed at 1/125 sec. for flash

shooting.

SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25 or SB-24 users

The automatic adjustment functions for film
speed, aperture and zoom-head position cannot
be used with the F50/F50D camera.

V,

54

V

li'lili.

Usable AF Nikkor Lenses with Built-In Flash

• Usable non-zoom lenses

35 to 300mm AF Nikkor lens (except AF Micro
200mm f/4D IF-ED, AF 300mm f/2.8, AF-1 300mm
f/2.8D IF-ED and AF-S 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED)

• Usable zoom lenses

AF 24-50mmf/3.3-4.5D*l
AF 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF*2
AF 28-70mm 173.5-4.5*1

AF 28-70mmf/3.5-4.5D*l
AF 28-80mmf/3.5-5.6D*i
AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5*3
AF 35-70mm f/2.8*4

AF 35-70mm f/2.8D*4

* 1 Focal length 35mm or longer.

*2 Shooting at focal length 35mm, within lm/3.3 ft. (at 50mm), within 0.8m/2.6ft. (at

70mm) or within 0.6m/2.0ft. (at 120mm) cau.ses vignetting.

*3 Focal length 35mm or longer. At 35mm, shooting within 2m/6.6ft. causes vignetting.

*4 Focal length 50mm or longer.
*5 Shooting within 1.7m/5.6ft. at a focal length shorter than 85mm or within 0.8m/2.6ft.

(at 105mm or 135mm) causes vignetting.

*6 Focal length 100mm or longer.

AF 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5
AF 35-80mm f/4-5.6D
AF35-105mmf/3.5-4.5 IF
AF 35-105mm Í/3.5-4.5D IF
AF 35-135mmf/3.5-4.5*3
AF Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED*5
AF 70-210mm f/4
AF 70-210mmf/4-5.6
AF70-210mmf/4-5.6D
AF 75-300mmf/4.5-5.6
AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED*6
AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED*6
AF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6D*6

fPo not use a lens hood; it could c^use slight,

vignetting. ' ''' ' *

f With zoom lenses, do no,t shoot within the macro

rangé' (indicated by the orange line on the lens). '

55

SPEEDLIGHT COMPATIBILITY

Nikon Speedlight

SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25,

TTL auto flash

SB-24, SB-23, SB-22, SB-21 B*i,
SB-20, SB-16B

Other flash mode No
TTL auto flash

SB-140, SB-14,
SB-11 (with SU-2)

SB-21 A*2,
SB-16A*2

Although possible with SB-21 B, Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash and Centre-

Weighted Fill-Flash are not recommended for close-up photography. With

the F50/F50D camera, use the SB-21 B at manual flash exposure mode.

*2

The difference between SB-21 A and SB-21 B, or between SB-16A and
SB-16B, is the type of controller attached. (For details, see Speedlight
instruction manual.)

• SB-21 A and SB-21 B are not available in EU countries.

Other flash mode

TTL auto flash
Other flash mode

56

Camera exposure mode

P S A M

Yes Yes Yes Yes

No Yes Yes

Connection

Direct
Direct

Yes Yes Yes Yes ■ Via SC-23

No No Yes Yes

Via SC-13 or sync cord
with AS-15

No No No No

Via AS-6

No No Yes Yes

: Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

: Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash

Controlled aperture in SIMPLE mode with an accessory Nikon Speedlight (at ISO 100)

For outdoor subjects on sunny day f/8
For outdoor subjects on cloudy day

or in shadows

For indoor subjects f/4

f/5.6

MISCELLANEOUS

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

c

:)

57

LENSES

The Nikon F50/F50D is designed for autofocus photography with AF
Nikkor lenses (except AF-Nikkor lenses made specifically for the
Nikon F3AF camera). To take full advantage of the F50/F50D

camera’s features, you should use AF Nikkor lenses.

Flowever, the lenses listed on right can be used under the following

conditions:

When an AF-S, AF-I or AI-P Nikkor lens is used:

• Set the focus switch to M and focus by rotating the lens focusing
ring*.

When mountable non-CPU Nikkor lenses are used:

• Use an external exposure meter.

• Set exposure mode to Manual. (In other exposure modes, shutter is
locked.)

• Shutter speed indication appears on the LCD panel and inside the
viewfinder. Set shutter speed by pressing the set/adjust button.
The f-number of the aperture set will not be visible in the LCD panel
and inside the viewfinder. Set the aperture by rotating the lens
aperture ring.

• Adjust focus by rotating the lens focusing ring until the subject
appears sharp inside the viewfinder.*

• Unless your subject is not acceptable for autofocus operation (page 44), you
can confirm the in-focus indicator. Centre the focus brackets on the subject,

and rotate the focusing ring while lightly pressing the shutter release button.

When the subject is in focus, the in-focus indicator • appears.

Mountable Nikkor lenses

• AF Nikkor lenses

•AF-S Nikkor lenses

• AF-I Nikkor lenses

• AI-P Nikkor lenses

•Al-type (Al-S, Al and Al-modified)
Nikkor lenses except Fisheye 6mm
f/5.6 and Fisheye OP 10mm f/5.6,
180-600mm f/8 (No. 174166 or
smaller), 200-600mm f/9.5 (No.
300490 or smaller), 360-1200mm
f/11 (No. 174087 or smaller)

• Nikon Series E lenses

• Reflex Nikkor lenses
500mm f/8
1000mm f/11 (No. 142360 or
smaller/No. 143001 or larger)
2000mm f/11 (No. 200311 or
larger)

• Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 (not

available in EU countries)

•Teleconverters (except non
mountable TC-16/TC-16A)

Use of other lenses may damage
the camera.

58

Nikkor lens compatibility

Lenses

Focusing

Autofocus Manual

AF Nikkor (except AF-S Nikkor/AF-I Nikkor/

AF-NikkorforF3AF)

AF-S Nikkor/AF-I Nikkor/AI-P Nikkor

Al- or Al-S type Nikkor (including Al-modified

Nikkor) /Reflex Nikkor/Series E *1
Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 (not available in ELI countries)
Teleconverters

(except TC-16/TC-16A)
Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6

K ring set (K1, K3, K4 and K5)
Auto Extension Rings
(PK-11A, 12,13 and PN-11)

O

X

X

X

X

X

o

0*2

0*2

o

0*3

0*3

O Compatible

X Incompatible

*1

Some lenses within these types/series cannot be attached.

See page 58.

*2 Manual focus with in-focus indicator confirmation is available

with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.

*3 Manual focus with in-focus indicator confirmation is available

with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5.6
or faster.

*4 Camera's exposure meter does not work. See page 58.

Exposure mode

P s A M

O

O

X X

o

0 o

o o

X

X X X

X X

X

X X X

0

0*4

0*4

0*4

0*4

59

CAMERA CARE TIPS

1. Do not touch the
camera’s reflex mirror

2. Do not touch the
shutter curtains.

or focusing screen.
Remove dust with a
blower brush.

5. Clean glass surfaces, such as the lens or the
eyepiece, with a blower brush; do not use lens tissue,
silicon type eyeglass tissue, etc. To remove dirt and
smudges, use soft cotton moistened with denatured
alcohol and wipe surfaces in a spiral motion from

centre to periphery. Do not leave traces.

60

3. Do not touch the DX
contacts. Keep them
clean with a blower
brush.

Caution!

/S

A spray gun-type blower may damage the
optical glass if used to clean the lens, especially
if ED glass is used for the front lens element. To
avoid damage, hold the blower upright with its
nozzle more than 30cm from the lens surface,
and keep the nozzle moving so the stream of air

is not concentrated in one spot.

4. Clean the viewfinder
eyepiece with a soft,
clean cloth. Do not use
alcohol.

V

J

6. Do not lubricate the
camera.

7. Do not leave the
camera in an
excessively hot place.

8. Keep the camera away
from water or mois
ture. When using the

camera near water,

guard against splashes,

especially salt water

spray.

9. Make sure not to drop
or bump the camera
body/lens against a
hard surface. Strong
shock may cause
malfunction.

10. If the camera mal
functions, take it im
mediately to an
authorised Nikon
dealer or service
centre.

11. Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from
naphthalene or camphor (moth repellent). In a
humid environment, store the camera inside a vinyl

bag with a desiccant to keep out dust, moisture and

salt. Note, however, that storing leather cases in
vinyl bags may cause the leather to deteriorate.

12. To maintain the built-in
flash condenser in peak
condition, thereby
enabling you to use the
flash for many years,
fire the flash a few
times every month.

61

NOTES ON BATTERIES

1. Keep batteries out of
children’s reach. If

someone accidentally
swallows a battery, call
a doctor immediately.

5. When replacing a
battery, be sure to use
a fresh battery.

62

2. Do not disassemble,
short circuit or heat
batteries. Do not

charge batteries.

6. Do not throw used

batteries into fire.

3. If you do not intend to
use the camera for a
long time, remove the
battery.

7. If the battery chamber is contaminated by battery
leakage, take the camera to an authorised Nikon
dealer.

4. Battery power
diminishes at
extremely low
temperatures—make
sure the battery you
buy is fresh, and wrap
the camera body in
something warm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type of camera

Picture format
Lens mount

Lens

Operation mode
Focus modes
Autofocus mode

Autofocus

detection system

Autofocus

detection range

Autofocus lock

Focus tracking

Integral-motor autofocus 35mm
single-lens reflex

24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm
film format)
Nikon F mount
AF Nikkor lenses (except AF­Nikkor 80mm f/2.8, ED 200mm
f/3.5 IF, and autofocus converter
TC-16/TC-16A), and non-AF

Nikkor lenses (with limitation)
available
SIMPLE and ADVANCED
Autofocus and manual
Single Servo AF and Continuous
Servo AF*

* Continuous Servo is possible in

ADVANCED mode only

TTL phase detection system using

Nikon advanced AM200 autofocus

module
Approx. EV -1 to EV 19 (at ISO

100)

Possible, in Single Servo AF mode,
once a stationary subject is in
focus as long as the shutter

release button is lightly pressed
Automatically activated with a

moving subject

Exposure modes

Programmed

Auto exposure
control

Flexible Program

Shutter-Priority

Auto exposure
control

Aperture-Priority

Auto exposure
control

Manual exposure

control

Programmed Auto in SIMPLE
mode; Programmed Auto, Shutter­Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto
and Manual in ADVANCED mode
Both shutter speed and aperture
are set; in SIMPLE mode, General­Purpose Program, Landscape
Program, Portrait Program and
Close-Up Program are available; in
ADVANCED mode, General­Purpose Program, Landscape
Program, Portrait Program, Close­Up Program, Sport Program,
Silhouette Program, Night-Scene
Program, and Motion Effect
Program are available
Possible with General-Purpose
Program in ADVANCED mode
when flash is off
Aperture automatically selected to

match manually set shutter speed

Shutter speed automatically
selected to match manually set
aperture
Both aperture and shutter speed
are set manually

63

Shutter speed/

aperture
adjustment

Auto exposure

lock

Exposure

compensation

Exposure metering

Exposure metering

range

Exposure meter

switch

Pressing the adjust button
changes shutter speed or
aperture in 1/2 step; holding down
the adjust button rapidly changes
shutter speed or aperture in one
step
Available by pressing the AE-L
button while the exposure meter Is
on
Possible In ADVANCED mode
within ±5 EV range in 1/2 steps
Matrix Metering (for Programmed
Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, and
Aperture-Priority Auto exposure
modes); Centre-Weighted
Metering for Manual exposure
mode
EV 1 to EV20at ISO 100 with
f/1.4 lens
Activated by lightly pressing shut
ter release button; when the LCD
panel shows the Exposure Mode
menu. Program menu, Optional­Function menu, or Optional
Function settings, stays on for
approx. 60 sec.; when the LCD
panel shows the Program/
exposure mode, stays on for

64

Shutter
Shutter release

Shutter speeds

Viewfinder

Eyepoint
Focusing screen

Viewfinder

information

Viewfinder

illuminator

approx. 8 sec. with the built-in
flash off or 15 sec. with the built-in
flash on

Electronically controlled vertical-

travel focal-plane shutter

Electromagnetic

1/2000 sec. to 30 sec.; electro­magnetically controlled Time
setting is provided (for ADVANCED
mode)

Fixed eye-level pentaprism type;

0.78x magnification with 50mm
lens set at infinity; approx. 90%
frame coverage
Approx. 18mm

Fixed Nikon advanced B-type

BriteView screen with central focus
brackets for autofocus operation

In-focus/AF-impossible indication,
correct exposure indicator, shutter
speed, aperture, exposure
information and exposure
compensation indicatior are shown
in LCD readout; also shows flash
recommended-/ready-light
Automatically activates when
exposure meter is on

Film speed range

Film speed setting

Film loading

Frame counter

Film advance

Film rewind

Self-timer

Reflex mirror

Camera back
Accessory shoe

ISO 25 to 5000 for DX-coded
films; ISO 6 to 6400 for non-DX­coded films (for ADVANCED mode)
Auto for DX-coded films; manual
setting for non-DX-coded films (for
ADVANCED mode)

Film automatically advances to
frame one when camera back is
closed
Accumulative type (counts down
during film rewind); displayed on
the LCD panel

Film automatically advances one
frame at approx. 1 sec. when
shutter is released; film advance
stops automatically at end of film
roll
Automatic by built-in motor at end
of film roll; manual mid-roll rewind
possible by pressing rewind button
Electronically controlled; 10­sec.timer duration
Automatic, Instant-return type
Flinged back; unchangeable
Standard ISO-type with hot-shoe
contact, ready-light contact,
monitor contact, TTL flash contact

Built-in TTL flash

Flash synchro

nisation speed

Automatic

Balanced
Fill-Flash

Flash ready-light

Power source

Guide number: 13 meters (at ISO
100, 20°C); angle of coverage:
35mm or longer lens
1/125 sec. or slower

Possible with built-in TTL flash or
Nikon dedicated Speedlights such
as SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25,
SB-24, SB-23, SB-22, SB-20, and
SB-16B; Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash
in Auto exposure modes; Centre-

Weighted Fill-Flash in Manual

exposure mode
Without flash: Blinks when using
flash is recommended
With flash: Lights up when built-in
flash or Nikon dedicated

Speedlight is ready to fire; blinks
after flash shooting to warn of

insufficient light for correct
exposure
6V lithium battery pack (2CR5 or

DL245 type)

65

Number of 24-exposure (36-exposure) film rolls per fresh battery*

at 20°C at-10°C

Without flash 100 (80) 40 (30)

With flash for half
of all exposures

* For autofocus operation with AF Zoom Nikkor 35-80mm f/4-

20 (15) 13(10)

f/5.6 D tens covering the fuli range from infinity to the closest
distance and back to infinity before each shot, at 1/125 sec.,
or faster shutter speed

Dimensions

(WxHxD)

Weight (without

battery inside
camera body)

Optional viewing

accessory

66

F50; Approx. 149 x 96 x 70mm
F50d: Approx. 149 x 96 x 71 mm
F50: Approx. 580g
F50d: Approx. 590g (including
battery for date/time imprint

function)

Rubber Eyecup DK-9

For Date/Time imprinting function (F50D oniy)

Imprint functions

Power source
Battery life

Year/Month/Day, Day/Hour/

Minute, No imprint, Month/Day/

Year and Day/MonthA'ear are

selectable; 24-hour built-in clock

with timing accuracy within ±90

seconds a month at normal

temperature

One 3V lithium (CR2025) battery

Approx, three years*

* May vary depending on extent of data

imprint use and film speed in use.

With fresh battery at normal temperature (20°CJ.
Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

ABOUT THE F50/F50D METERING SYSTEM

The Nikon F50/F50D has two types of exposure

metering systems—Matrix Metering and Centre-

Weighted Metering.

Matrix Metering

With D-type AF Nikkor lenses including AF-S/AF-I Nikkor: When you

set a Program, or Shutter-Priority Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto
exposure mode, 3D Matrix Metering automatically activates. Even in
extremely complex lighting situations, the six-segment Matrix Meter
analyzes scene brightness and contrast, automatically adjusting
everything to ensure correct exposure. In addition, the microcomputer
built in the D-type AF Nikkor lens sends the information about camera­to-subject distance, enabling the camera's microcomputer to perform more
precise exposure analysis.
If non-D-type AF Nikkor lens or AI-P Nikkor lens is used, Advanced
Matrix Metering is activated; although there is no information about
camera-to-subject distance, correct exposure is assured.

Centre-Weighted Metering

When you set Manual exposure
mode, the camera automatically
switches to Centre-Weighted

Metering. Centre-Weighted
Metering places special emphasis
on brightness within the 12mm­diameter central area of the

viewfinder, and useful to base
exposure on a specific area of the
scene.

67

LCD PANEL/VIEWFINDER INDICATIONS

LCD panel

Blinking Symbol

iZSi

IIIIR

trr iil

||nn F«»5Ffp

Err M

m

CPU

(in M).

tair riiTn

trr

i?il

tiJ

llim II 1 tmtil»iliin

(in P /S /A)

68

Viewfinder

Blinking Symbol

C - -

L 1

C . ­L 1

C - -

L 1 f

C - «

L t 1

Shutter

Can be released

Locked

Locked

Locked

Locked

Can be released

Locked

Locked

Cause and Remedy

Battery is nearing exhaustion. Have a fresh one
ready.

Battery is just about exhausted. Turn the power off

and replace battery with new one.

a) Film is not correctly positioned. Reload film.
b) Battery is exhausted during film rewind. Turn the

power off and replace battery with new one.

Non-DX-coded film or film with unacceptable DX
code is loaded. Switch to ADVANCED mode and

set film speed manually.

Lens attached has no CPU; or no lens is

attached. Attach AF Nikkor or Al-P lens.

Lens attached has no CPU (see page 58); or no

lens is attached.
Lens is not set to the smallest aperture (largest f-

number) setting. Set lens to the smallest aperture.
Camera detects a malfunction during film advance

or film rewind. Turn the camera's power off, and on
again.

LCD panel

Blinking Symbol

Viewfinder

Blinking Symbol

Shutter

Cause and Remedy

HI

(in P /S /А)

Lo

(in P /S /А)

Lt ::Ll

(in SIMPL

Lîr

(in P /А in ADV/

"У” *1' ij~**“* в"”

I rti” ГГГ

8 & i ввяш Ввян 8

•

H 1

i o

r Tl
L J

z mode)

Shutter speed

indicator

!\NCED mode)

C . -

L f f

V

(without flash).

Locked

Can be released

Can be released

Can be released

Locked

Can be released

Autofocus is impossible with the subject. Set focus
mode switch to M to focus manually by rotating

the lens focusing ring.

Overexposure may occur.

Underexposure may occur.

Automatically selected shutter speed is too slow
and picture blur may occur. Use a tripod to avoid
camera shake, or use built-in TTL flash or Nikon
Speedlight.

"TIME" is set in Shutter-Priority Auto exposure
mode. Set another shutter speed, or set exposure
mode to Manual.

Your subject is too dark. Use the built-in TTL flash
or Nikon Speedlight.

69

LCD panel

Blinking Symbol

Viewfinder

Blinking Symbol

Shutter

Cause and Remedy

Locked

Locked

Frr

Li^

TTL

(in P /S )

(after flash

shooting)

C - _

L 1 1

About LCD

• The camera uses a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) of
the highest quality which, under conditions of

normal use, should provide several years of
reliable operation. After this period, contrast may

deteriorate and display information may start to
fade. You can have the LCD replaced at a nominal
charge by contacting an authorised Nikon dealer
or service facility.

70

Light might be insufficient. Confirm shooting
distance and, if necessary, move closer to the
subject or select a wider aperture.

Speedlight attached is not set at TTL. Set the
Speedlight's flash mode to TTL. Or, use Aperture­Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode.

»At temperatures between freezing, the LCD's

response time slows down; it goes back to
normal when the temperature rises.

• As the temperature rises, the LCD turns reddish;
as the temperature drops, the LCD turns bluish.

These changes do not affect normal use.

In certain cases, due to static electricity or poorly
loaded batteries, the camera's microcomputer
may turn the camera off, even with fresh properly
installed battery. For the same reason, film may
not advanced properly. In each of these cases, to
resume operation, simply turn the power OFF,

then turn ON again, or remove battery and install

it again.

Nikon cannot be held responsible for any
malfunction resulting from the use of the camera
other than as specified in this manual.

"This digital apparatus does not exceed the
(Class B) limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of

Communications."

71

No reproduction in any form of this manual,
in whole or in part (except for brief
quotation in critical articles or reviews), may
be made without written authorisation from
NIKON CORPORATION,

Nikon

r-

NIKON CORPORATION

FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN

PHONE: [phone] TELEX: NIKON J22601 FAX: [phone]

Printed in Japan K8A2001101 (S392)

■■■

■■■

Shortcut to Great Pictures

Nikon F50/F50D SHOOTING IN SIMPLE MODE

Read this Instruction Sheet to learn
how to use your F50/F50d camera in

the SIMPLE mode.

For additional information about how to

Set/adjust buttons: In
SIMPLE mode, press
to set Program.

Shutter release
button

Menu button

PREPARING THE CAMERA

operate your F50/F50d, please also
read the F50/F50d Instruction Manual
booklet, after you have become familiar
with the SIMPLE mode.

Power switch

SIMPLE/

ADVANCED dial

Make sure the power switch is turned
off. Attach the AF Nikkor lens.

1

Turn on the power switch and load film. mark and close the camera back. Film auto
Pull the film leader out to the red index matically advances to frame #1.

2 Insert 6-volt lithium battery pack (2CR5

or Duraceli DL245 type).

CAMERA SEHINGS

Set lens aperture to minimum

Set focus switch to AF position.

setting (f/22, f/32, etc.) and lock

the lens aperture.

TAKING A PICTURE—FOR A general subject

Confirm the LCD panel shows ¡SÎ, indicating the General Purpose Program. Look through the
viewfinder at the subject you wish to photograph, and lightly press the shutter release button;
this activates the autofocus operation and the light meter operation. Confirm the • (in-focus

indicator) and O (correct exposure indicator) appear; fully depress the shutter release button to

take a picture.

TAKING LANDSCAPE, PORTRAIT AND CLOSE-UP PICTURES

To view the Program Menu, press the menu

button, then press the button above the
icon to select the desired Program. Take a
picture in the same manner as taking a
picture with General Purpose Program.

Once selected, each Program remains in
effect until you select another Program.

LANDSCAPE PROGRAM

To select the General
Purpose Program quickly

Just press the menu button for
at least two seconds.

’ . i ■ < i '

:• I 1

\

V

WHILE YOU'RE TAKING PICTURES

Using the Built-In Flash

The flash can be used
when the subject is within

0.6m to 3m when using a
film with ISO 100 and the

AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-80

mm f 14-f 15.6 D lens.

If i blinks inside the viewfinder, use the built-in flash. Press the flash

lock release button. Lightly press the shutter release button, wait for the

4 to come on in the viewfinder. Confirm the • (in-focus indicator)

appears in the viewfinder, then fully depress the shutter release button.

• If 4 blinks after shooting for a few seconds, this means that the light
might be insufficient. Check shooting distance, and if necessary,
move closer to subject and take a picture with flash again.

r

Viewfinder information

y'l iV

M I blinks—Overexposure

possible

Use a film with lower ISO, or
use a Nikon Neutral Density
Filter.

i.0 blinks—Underexposure

possible

Use the built-in flash.

4 blinks (without flash)—

Flash recommendation

This happens when it's dark.

Use the built-in flash.

^ L J "

✓ I I \

^If a stationary ^

subject starts to
move

Remove your finger from

the shutter release

button and lightly press
again to restart
autofocus.

J

A

[ ] blinks inside viewfinder and B

blinks in the LCD panel—Picture blur
is possible

The light is probably dim and the
automatically selected shutter speed is
slow. This can cause picture blur due to
camera shake. Hold the camera steady,
or use a tripod. Or, use a built-in flash.

• blinks—Unacceptable condition

for autofocus

Autofocus requires that the subject
have some contrast or details to focus
upon. Make sure the subject conforms.
You can't focus on the sky, a blank
wall, a very shiny surface, a subject
which has no details or contrast.

WHEN YOU'VE TAKEN A COMPLETE ROLL

Auto Rewind

When the film reaches the end of roll, it rewinds auto

matically. After rewinding is completed, remove the film.

•When battery power is very weak, or when temperature is
very low, film may not rewind at the end of roll; Err will appear
in the LCD panel. In this case, replace battery with a fresh
one, or wait for the temperature to rise and then press the
rewind button.

To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the
rewind button on the camera bottom.