Nikon F50 User Manual

SHORTCUT

Nikon

TO

GREAT

PICTURES

5
5

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon
that you will enjoy using this camera and that it will make photography
a bigger part
manual, the Nikon

MODE-SHORTCUT

etable guide that explains the easiest way

2

of

your life.

In

addition

F501F50D

TO GREAT PICTURES, a concise, pock-

F501F50D

to

this comprehensive instruction

comes with SHOOTING IN SIMPLE

camera. We are sure

to

use the

F501F50D.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

GETIING

BEFORE SHOOTING

MOUNTING
INSTALLING
LOADING
SETIING

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

TO

KNOW

YOUR

LENS

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

BATIERY .........

FILM

........................................................ 1

CAMERA

TO

AUTOFOCUS

....

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

CAMERA

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

.......

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

.......

.....

........

MODE

........

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

SHOOTING IN ADVANCED MODE

AVAILABLE
PROGRAM
OPERATION

EXPOSURE
OPERATION
RESET

OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS

MEMORY
AF

MODE
ISO
EXPOSURE

OTHER CONTROLS

SELF-TIMER
LONG
TO

SHOOT

EXPOSURE

SELECTION

IN

PROGRAMMED

MODE

IN

OTHER

FUNCTION

SETIING
SELECTION

CONFIRMATION/SETIING

COMPENSATION

MODES

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

GUIDE ....

AUTO

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

EXPOSURE

...

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

FUNCTION

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

............................... 32-

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

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

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

TIME

EXPOSURE

AN

OPERATION

OFF-CENTRE

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

AT

"TIME"

SUBJECT

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

MODES

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

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

..

......

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

SETIING

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

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

.....

....

.........

.

....

..

4-5

6-12

7-8

0-11

12
13-30
14-15
16-18

19-25

26-29

30
31-37

33

.....

34

35
36-37
38-49

39

40

.41

2

USING

AE-L

9

BUTION

CASES

WHERE

ACCEPTABLE
MANUAL
IMPRINTING

FOCUS

......

...

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

AUTO

FOCUS

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

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

DATEITIME

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

(for

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ..................

USING

BUILT-IN

SPEEDLIGHT

MISCELLANEOUS

LENSES
CAMERA
NOTES

ON

SPECiFiCATIONS

ABOUT

F50/F50o

LCD

PANELIVIEWFINDER

FLASH

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

COMPATIBILITY

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

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

CARE

TIPS

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

BATIERIES

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

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

METERING

INDICATIONS

IS

NOT

F50D

only)

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

SYSTEM

42-43

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

...

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

.......

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

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

.....

.....

......

46-49

...

50-56

...

51-55

57-71
58-59
60-61

63-66

68-70

44

.45

56

62

67

3

Learn the parts

LCD

panel

Self-timer

Set/adjust
Shutter

lightly
meter

fully

shutter

Menu

button

buttons

release

to

activate

and

start

depress

and

take

button

button: Press

exposure

AF

to

release

picture

of

your

operation

.

camera.

;

~

-

If

.

~

uillJJ

Eyepiece

cover

DK-5: Attach

to

ward

off

stray

light

Ar.r.IP.~Sflrv

~--

~==~

shoe: For

~~~~----~~--

when

to

viewfinder

using

Nikon

dedicated

SIMPLE/ADVANCED

the

self-timer.

r

camera

Flash

Lens

Lens

eyepiece

C:;nppr11i11ht~

lock

Self-timer

release

Focus

.

dial

release

LED

index

button

switch

Minimum

4

aperture

(Optional

AF

lock: Slide

Zoom-Nikkor

lever

lens

illustrated:

to

lock

position

35-80mm

f/4-f/5.6

0)

Focusing
focus

switch

manual

focusing, see

ring:

is

Do

set

not

at

turn

AF.

page

when

(For

45)

the

.

AE

-L (Au

43

for

Auto

Camera

to

Exposure

Exposure

back

Lock) button: See

Lock

.

pages

42

to

Viewfinder

Film
confirmation

Camera
eyelet

Camera
lock

Rewind
Tripod

Battery

Battery

eyepiece

cartridge

strap

back

release

button

socket

chamber cover

chamber

window

cover

lock

release

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,
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.

as

you look through

5

BEFORE SHOOTING

This

section
shooting, e.g., how to mount a lens, install the battery and load
film.

This section is

6

shows

for

you

how

to

prepare

both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

the

camera

for

MOUNTING

Remove the camera body cap
and the front and rear lens

1

caps.

LENS

Position the lens in the

2

camera's bayonet mount so
the mounting indices on the lens
and the camera body are aligned.
Twist the lens counterclockwise
until it locks into place.

, I I /

I .:,,-1

__

-

~

-

Err,~

71-'

With a non-CPU lens

When the camera
powered on with a non­CPU len
the LCD panel and E
blinks inside viewfinder.
For using a non-CPU lens,
see page 58.

s,

Err and

is

m blink

~ ~

in

Usable Lenses

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

• AF-SIAF-IIAI-P lenses are for manual focus only.

58)

to

use

.

When mounting

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Make sure
not

• Do

the

touch the lens release button.

lens-

camera's power is off.

7

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

3

number, marked in orange,

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

on

AF Nikkor lenses). Then lock the lens

f-

To remove

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

If lens aperture

When the camera is powered on with a lens not set at its minimum aperture
setting,
With the
camera's set/adjust buttons. Do not move the lens aperture ring once it
smallest aperture (largest f-number).

8

Err

and ~ blink in the LCD panel and

F501F50D,

is

not set

all aperture setting operations are performed with the

at

its minimum setting

E,.,.

blinks inside viewfinder.

is

set

to

its

INSTALLING

BATTERY

...

Make sure the camera's power

1

is

off, then slide the lock
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
shown on the inside
Close the cover by pushing until it
clicks .

of

the cover.

Switch the power ON. Check

as

the LCD panel

3

frame counter shows "E" or the
frame number appears and
battery mark

If

~

blinks: Battery
exhaustion. Have a fresh one
ready.

If

Err

and = blink: Battery
ex

hausted. Switch power OFF and

replace battery with fresh one.

If

no

indication appears on the
LCD panel: Battery
exhausted or improperly installed.
Change the battery.

to

(~

or = ) appears.

is

is

J

see

if

the

no

nearing

is

almost

completely

9

LOADING

FILM

000000000

Slide the camera back lock

1

release to open the camera

back.

•

To

avoid fogging film (especially high-ISO film),

do

not load/unload film

• Usable film speed range for OX-coded film
25

to 5000.

10

in

direct sunlight.

2 Insert film cartridge.

is

ISO

Pull the film leader out to the
red index mark.

3

• Opening/closing the camera back resets the
frame counter to

"E".

Make sure the film

4

perforations engage the sprocket

is

properly positioned with no slack and the film

s.

(See illustration.)

Gently close the camera back
until the lock release snaps

5

close

d.
Film automatically advances to
frame

#l.

•

If

the frame counter still shows E
(i.e., if the film does not advance
to frame
blinking
incorrectly positioned. Reload
film.

#1

), with or without

Err

and

e, the film is

• You can confinn the film speed
coded film. See page 35.

of

installed OX-

• With a non-OX-coded film, film speed must be set
manually. See page 35.

11

SETTING

CAMERA

TO

AUTO

FOCUS

MODE

Autofocus should be used for most picture-taking

situations, including moving subjects. In general , it is

to

best to leave the focus switch set

• For situations where autofocus is not possible,
see page 44.

• For manual focusing, see page 45.

12

AF.

Regarding

the

FSO/FSOo's autofocus

feature

Your F501F50o
operation. This means that once your subject
in

focus, focus remains locked
shutter release button
recompose the picture, and the subject will
remain

in
subject-to-camera distance. (See page
details.)
off the shutter release button, then lightly press it
again to restart autofocus operation .

• In the ADV ANCED mode,

If

Single Servo AF, you can choose Continuous
Servo AF which keeps autofocus operation

going continuously

pressing the shutter release button. (For detai l
see page 34.) Use Continuous Servo AF for
sports and other action photography.

is

factory-set

is

focus, provided you maintain the same

the subject moves, take your finger

as

to

Single Servo AF

is

as

long

as

the

lightly pressed. You can

41

for

in

long

addition

as

you keep lightly

to

s,

SHOOTING IN

ADVANCED

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

C,

______

T_h_is_s_e_c_t_io_n_i_s_fo_r_A_D_v,_A_N_C

MODE

__

E_D_m

__

o

d_e

__

O_n_IY_.

____

~)

13

AVAILABLE

EXPOSURE

MODES

In the Advanced Operation Mode, you can select any
modes-Programmed
Priority Auto (A)and Manual

Programmed Auto Exposure

In

addition to the four Programs in SIMPLE

General-Purpose 0, Landscape a,

Close-Up

ADV ANCED mode: Sport
Scene
The
chooses the combination

for a correct exposure.
For features and sample pictures

pages

«'-four

m and Motion Effect

FSOJFSOD

16

camera's microcomputer automatically

to

18.

Auto

(P),

Shutter-Priority Auto

(M).

Mode

mode-

Portrait!l

more Programs are available

~, Silhouette~,

~.

of

shutter speed and aperture

of

each Program, see

and

Night

in

of

four exposure

(S)

, Aperture-

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.

14

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

The Programmed, Aperture-Priority and Shutter­Priority Auto Exposure modes employ either 3D
Matrix Metering or Advanced Matrix Metering,
depending

on

lens type

in

use.

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 exposure mode, Centre-Weighted
metering
system, see page 67.

is

used. For details about this metering

15

PROGRAM

SELECTION

GUIDE

/

1

. ...

/

..

. '

,,;;,

!Jr

' . \

',

't-f!

:

'.

~'\

.\

AUto:' General-Purpose

o Program

Suitable for most situations. Use
this program
which program
subject, or for shooting a variety
subjects without switching
program

16

if

you are not sure

s.

is

right for your

""

Landscape Program

Use this Program whenever you're
making a picture
Don't use

of

too far.

of

flash-the

a distant scene.

scene may be

-9'

Portrait Program

..........

Use this Program whenever you
are taking pictures
creates an artistically blurred

background

main subject.

of

people.

to

accentuate your

It

Close-Up Program

Use this Program when you are
taking pictures
an

ornamental detail, a butterfly, or

if you are copying a picture.

up

c1ose-a

flower,

...

!.'7

Sport Program

:iHI!t.

"

Use to freeze action. Recommend­ed for use with Continuous Servo
AF (page 34). Do not use flash
because it
shutter speed.

re

stricts the available

N~

Silhouette Program

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

although a telephoto can also be

used. Excellent for sunsets or
pictures

Do not use flash.

of

people against the sky.

wider-

17

Night Scene Program

Use this Program
at night.

To

night scene in available light, such
as illuminated monument, traffic
lights

or

neon signs, shoot without
flash. As the automatica
shutter speed
tripod to avoid camera shake. With
flash , this Program captures a
li

ghting

in
foreground subject which
illuminated by the flash , and the
background.

18

in

the evening or

capture the beauty

is

rather slow, use a

ll

y set

of

ll

the

the scene, including the

is

-,~

Motion Effect Program

.dH!i~

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

a

sharp images and moving subjects
when your subject
camera

in

a panning motion.

is

moving and you are following along with your

The

with the background becoming a blurred streak

in

blurred images. Also suitable for

subject will

come

out relatively sharp,

of

colors and shades.

OPERATION

IN

PROGRAMMED

AUTO

EXPOSURE

CD

Cb

l 1

MODE

®

o u Q

00

Switch power ON and set the camera dial to

ADVANCED. The LCD shows the last se lected

1

exposure modeiProgram. (The ori

is

for General-Purpose Program.)

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

is

what you want , skip steps 2 and 3.

gi

nal factory setting

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

Exposure Menu, press the menu button again.

If

the

Press the menu button
mode menu, then press the button above P@.

2

CD

to access the exposure

19

Cb

~

~

<Q)

QDQ])

@

]

(Example:

3

moves the menu to the following or previous screen.
Select and set the desired Program by pressing the
button above

20

Setting

Clo

se-

Up

Program)

The Program menu contains eight Programs
three screens. Pressing the button above 0 or Q

it.

If

indications

release

button

on

the

to

reactivate

LCD

panel

them.

disappear,

in

lightly

For example, set to Close-Up Program:

a. Press the button above O.
b.

press

Press the button
now set.

the

shutter

above~.

Close-Up Program is

Look through the viewfinder and position the focus brackets on your
subject.

4

Lightly press the shutter

5

release button
autofocus operation and the
exposure meter.

to

activate

p

[

If A blinks

II

LCD panel

The

shu~ter

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

in

the

speed set on

In

Single
moves,
release
restart

Servo

AF
remove
button,

autofocus.

your

then

mode,

finger

lightly

if

a stationary subject

from

the shutter

press

it

again

to

21

Confirm

6

speed (from

(number with F) appear below the viewfinder screen.

that.

(in-focus indicator), the shutter

112000

to 30 sec.) and

an

aperture

Fully depress the shutter release button to take

7

the picture. The film will automatically advance

by one frame.

Shutter speed
fraction,

22

Le.,

indication

"15"

stands

without
for

1/15

,,' , "should
second,

"15""

be

read

as a reciprocal

for

15

seconds.

1·~~:l~

Viewfinder Information

H : blinks-Overexposure possible

F22

Use a filter such as the Nikon ND filter.

I.~

~ ~~

For Err indication, see pages 68

l Q blinks-Underexposure possible

F'-:

Use built-in flash or accessory Nikon Speedlight.

~

blinks-Flash

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

Shutter speed indication blinks inside viewfinder (and
panel)

-Picture

The automatically selected shutter speed
camera shake. To reduce the possibility
or use the built-in flash or

• blinks-Unacceptable autofocus condition

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

recommended

blur possible

to

70.

is

slow and picture blur may occur due to

of

blur, hold camera very steady, use a tripod

an

accessory Nikon Speedlight.

A blinks

in

the LCD

to

M and

23

Using Built-In Flash

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

24

51

to 55.

in

Auto Rewind

When the film reaches the end

ta

During rewinding,
automatically stops, frame counter shows E and

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
in

the LCD panel.
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.

and ~ blink in the LCD panel. After rewind

In

this case, replace battery with a fresh one,

of

the roll, auto rewind begins.

ta

blinks for a

of

roll and

Err

appears

(

......

)

To

change a combination of shutter speed/aperture

In the General-Purpose Program, you can change the combination

shutter speed/aperture

the button above

f-number); press the button above

smaller aperture (larger f-number). Pressing and holding the button
down changes the shutter speed/aperture combination rapidly. p
appears
indicating the change

• The original shutter speed/aperture combination for General-

in

the LCD panel

Purpose Program
automatically switches off, when you turn the camera power off,
when you switch

by

pressing the button above

'"

for faster shutter speed/wider aperture (smaller

'"

for slower shutter speed/

and

··

••

appears inside the viewfinder,

in

shutter speed/aperture.

is

recalled when the LCD indication

to

SIMPLE mode or when you use flash.

'"

or .A. Press

:+:

of

25

OPERATION

IN

OTHER

EXPOSURE

MODES

~

ab

-I.~~I.~ ~

IJPSAt'i

Q1)

.. --, -

Switch camera on and set the dial

1

selected exposure modeiProgram. (The original factory setting is for General-

Purpose Program.)

• Step 2 explains how
want, skip step

.Press the menu button

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

3

(down) indication.
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.

26

2.

to

set an exposure mode.

to

activate the Exposure Mode Menu. To set the exposure

to

ADVANCED. The LCD shows the previously

If

the present exposure mode

'"

is

(up) or

what you

'"

To

change

hold

the

To

change

the

button

To

change

rapidly,

shutter

button

aperture

down

shutter

hold

speed

down

.

rapidly, ho

.

speed/aperture

the

button

rapidly

down

Shutter-Priority Auto

,

Aperture-Priority Auto

ld

.

Your

selected
set
screen

Your
shutter speed
screen

Your
shown, along
the

+.

~.-

~

. ~

.-

+.

~

.;

For

shutter

aperture

are

.

selected

aperture

are shown

.

selected

shutter
with

viewfinder indication

Correct
Overexposure
Underexposure

"T

H1E

"-setting, see

speed

shown

below

and

speed

the

exposure

exposure

and

the

the

automatically

below

the

and

.

page 40.

the

automatically

viewfinder

set

viewfinder

aperture

are

indicator, below

27

Using Built-In Flash

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

51

to 55.

in

Fully depress the shutter release button

5

picture. The film automatically advances by one

frame.

- Shutter speed indication without
read as a reciprocal fraction, i.e.,

1/15 second,

-In

Single Servo
moves, remove your finger from the shutter
release button, then lightly press
restart autofocus.

"15"

AF

H

for

15 seconds.

mode,

if

,,'

, "should be

"15"

a stationary subject

it

again

28

to

take a

stands

to

for

Auto

Rewind

When the film reaches the end
rewind begins. During rewinding,
in

the LCD panel. After rewind automatically

stops, frame counter shows E and e 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
this case, replace battery with a fresh one, or
wait for the temperature to rise and then press
the rewind button.

To
button at the bottom

of

roll;

rewind film

Err

appears in the LCD panel.

at

mid-roll: Press the rewind

of

the camera.

of

the roll, auto

e and

~

blink

In

[ •

~

~!

~

F5

Viewfinder

H :

blinks-Overexposure

faster shutter speed. Or, use a filter such

.0

information

possible*: Select smaller aperture (larger f-number) and/or

as the Nikon ND filte

r.

[. : 2 5

.-

[

.~~ q~

F 5.0

For Err indica

**For Aperture-Priority Au

~~ o

~

lo

blinks-Underexposure

-......_---

*For Shutter-Priority Auto a

=-:=-

'-'- and/or a slower shutter speed. Or, u

F5.0

Speedligh

~

blinks-Flash

accessory Nikon Spee
Shutter

possible**: Automatically selected shutter speed is low a
to camera shake or subject movemen
very stead
Selecting a wider aperture (smaller f-numb er) results

blinks-Unacceptable

•
Your s
focus ma

ti

on, see pages

possible*: Select a wider aperture (smaller f-number)

se the built-

t.

recommendation: Not enough lig

dJight.

speed indication blinks (and A blinks in the

t.

To reduce the possibility

y, use

a tripod or use the built-

autofocus condition

ubj

ect is inappropriate for autofocus operation. Set the focus switch to M and

nuall

y.

(See page 45.)

68

to

70.

nd

Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes.

to

exposure mode.

in flas

h or an accesso

ht.

in

flash or an accesso

in

ry

Nikon

Use the built-in flas

LCD

panel)-Picture

nd

picture blur m

of

blur, ho

ry

Nikon Spee

a faster shutter speed .

h or an

ay
ld

blur

occ

ur due

camera

dJight.

29

RESET

FUNCTION

co

To
Program (when Memory Function
set)*

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

* With the Memory Function set, pressing and holding

the menu button
memorised exposure mode/Program. (See pages 32
to

30

OOCQo

T

~

P

AUTI)

•

:l

~

I

return to the General-Purpose

for

at least two seconds recalls the

33.)

~)

lj

is

not

?

To
original factory setting

Simultaneously press the menu and self-timer buttons
for two seconds. This will activate the General-

Purpose Program and cancel Optional Functions.

cOOcQ~

1:1

,-

AUT':l

•

I

tl

~

reset the camera's mode to the

__

O

T

~

))

~

!J

OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS

The Advanced Operation Mode also offers four Optional Functions:

I18J

Memory Setting (pages 32 to
When Memory is set, you can easily set the desired exposure
Program by pressing the menu button for at least two seconds.

AF

AF

Mode Selection (page

You

can switch the AF mode from Single Servo Autofocus

Autofocus.

ISO

ISO Confirmation/Setting (page
With OX-coded film, you can confirm
can manually set the

~

Exposure Compensation (pages 36 to

You

can compensate exposure from -5EV to +5EV

In

SIMPLE mode, the Optional Functions you have set will

C,

______

ISO

film speed number.

T_h_i_s_s_e_c_tio_n

33)

34)

35)
ISO

film speed. With non-OX-coded film, you

37)

__

is_f_o_r_A_D_V_A_N_C

in

__

E_D_m

to

112

steps.

be

ignored.

__

o_d_e_O_n_IY_"

______

mode

Continuous Servo

)

or

desired

31

MEMORY

SETTING

FUNCTION

With the Exposure Mode
menu, press the menu button

1

to activate the Optional-Function
Menu. Pre ss the button above

Co

®

W

-

f~

The symbol for the selected

3

exposure mode or Program is
displayed. Press the button above
the symbol to have it memorised.

32

Q0

-

~

Blinking

2

setting mode
above the corresponding symbol. (In the example shown above, Shutter­Priority Auto exposure mode

.

ClJ

cD

(

r

Memory is set.

4

mode/Program that was set before you activated the Optional­Function Menu. (Example illustration shows General-Purpose Program
To recall the memorised exposure mode or Program, press the menu
button for at least two seconds.

r1BJ

((ill)

~

ll

'

appears above the frame counter, indicating that Memory

is

activated. To select exposure mode, press the button

is

selected.)

Q0

r1BJ

stops blinking and the LCD shows the exposure

.)

To

clear memory

While memory
Menu. Press the button above

frame counter

•

Pressing
above the
Exposure

is

di

the

frame

Mode

set,

appears.

menu

counter

Menu.

rtEl

appears

button

in

rtEl.

(@

while

returns

~

place

of

is

replaced with

IB

is

blinking

the

LCD

Q]

CO>

QOcaD

F -.- .--.- .-

[-nUtDA

l18J

in

the Optional-Function

to

the

110

and

'F

•

fSb~

18

above the

Releasing
the
exposure

the shutter

frame

counter activates the
mode

or

Program.

while

IB

is

blinking

previously

above

set

33

AF

MODE

Single Servo AF and
Cont

inuous Servo AF

The default AF setting
Servo AF.
mode, once the subject
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
you continuously lightly press the
shutter release button, even
focus distance changes because
either you or your subject moves.

In either AF mode, the shutter

cannot be released when the
subject

is

SELECTION

is

In

the Single Servo AF

is

is

maintained

out

of

focus.

as

Single

in

focus,

long

if

the

as

With the Exposure Mode
Menu, press the menu button

1

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

AF

Mod

e Selection can be performed regardless of the focus switch

on

(A

positi

or M).

AF.

r-

[ o

AF

For Continuous Servo AF ,

2

press the button above

Single Servo AF , press the button

S.

above
The LCD shows the last selected
exposure modelProgram.

C for

34

ISO

CONFIRMATION/SETTING

ItJ

<Q)

cO

OeQ])

~

r-

- A-

i

:J

fSo~

To

confirm ISO film speed for OX-coded

film:

Usable film speed range

to 5000.

With the Exposure Mode Menu, pre ss the menu button

to

activate the Optional-F unction Menu. Press the

IS

button above

of

the loaded DX-coded mm.

To retu

rn

press the button above

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

O. The LCD shows the ISO film speed

to

the last selected exposu

of DX-coded film is ISO 25

re

modelProgram,

IS

O.

is

automatically

400

Pre

ss

to

adjust

Co

® ®

e~

~;:-===::::~~

To

manually set ISO film speed for non-

OX-coded film:

When using non-DX-coded film, manually set the ISO
film speed number. Usable film speed range is ISO
to 6400.
If you have installed non-DX-coded film and closed
the camera back, the ISO setting screen
automatically activated on the LCD panel. Adjust the
film speed by pre

T (down) indication. To change film speed rapidl

hold tbe button down. To complete the setting, press
the button above
exposure mode/Program .

• Until setting is completed, the sbutter remains
locked, a

•

If

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

ss

IS

nd

the menu button is deactivated.

--

Press

to

complete

setting

is

ing the button above the . (u

O.

The LCD shows the last selected

ISO.

p)

6

or

y,

35

EXPOSURE

By compensating the exposure, you can vary the
exposure results to create different versions
same picture or put creative emphasis on a specific
part

of

the picture.

You can compensate exposure from -5

in

1/2

steps.

COMPENSATION

of

the

EV

to

+ 5 EV

Without

compensation

(overexposed)

36

With

compensation

(correctly

exposed)

Press

~

6"Q

~~;;~~

;_~=:

F

II

~

~

CC2D

~:;~

+0.5

~

1]

Press
setting

to

to

adjust

comp

lete

With the Exposure Mode
Menu, press the menu button

1

to

activate the Optional-Function

Menu. Press the button above the

m indication.

Adjust the compensation value by pressing the button above the.A.

T (down) indication. + value

(up) or

2

for underexpo sure. To change the value rapidly, hold the button down.
To complete the setting, press the button above

last selected exposure modelProgram.

Program,

indicating that the exposure has been compensated .

•

If

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

m appears in the LCD panel and

you want to cancel the exposure compensation before completing the

±O.O.

is

for overexposure; - value

m . The LCD shows the

Wh

en you set exposure mode or

in

side the viewfinder,

is

37

OTHER CONTROLS

38

This section shows you various photographic
off-centre subject, what you should do when autofocus is impossible, how
to

operate

exposure.

This section

the

camera's

is

for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

self-timer,

techniques-how

and

how

to

perform a long

to shoot

time

an

SELF-TIMER

OPERATION

Set desired exposure mode or
Program, then press the self-

1

~

timer button.
LCD panel.

• To cancel self-timer and make
di

sappear, 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

appears in the

~

Look through the viewfinder, lightly press the shutter release button,
and confirm focus and exposure.

2

Fully depress the shutter release button
The self-timer LED starts blinking and

3

blink

s.

The shutter wi

seco

nd

s, then stops blinking

After the shot, self-timer operation

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

power off.

to

start self-timer operation.

~

in

the LCD panel also

ll

release after

to

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

10

seconds. The LED

tell you

to

get ready.

is

automatically deactivated.

bUnks

for eight

39

LONG

In
can set shutter speed to
leave the shutter open
desired.
When performing long time

exposure, you must use a tripod to

avoid camera shake which may
cause picture blur.

TIME

the Manual Exposure mode, you

EXPOSURE

"TIME" to

as

long

as

AT

IITIMEII

,...

i I

I-

II

TI

SETTING

"f"

ME

FS.E.

"f

F5.s

(ADVANCED

..

1

M

mode

only)

40

Set exposure mode
"30' ,

")

1

of

the shutter speed indication and the exposure indicator disappears.

Fully depress the shutter release button then remove your finger to
start exposure. The shutter

2

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

3

complete exposure.

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

to

Manual and shutter speed to "TIME" (next

is

released about 0.5 sec. after you

to

to

TO

SHOOT

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.

AN

OFF-CENTRE

SUBJECT

Position focus brackets on the

ubj

ect and ljghtly press the

s

1

shutter release button to activate
autofocus operation.

• The above
(original

Continuous

(see

page

procedure

factory

Servo

34),

lightly

setting

AF

pressing

is

for

).

If

mode

Single

you

have

in

Optional

the

Confirm
indicator) appears

2

viewfinder. Focus remains locked
as

long

release button lightly pressed.

Servo

AF

set

Functions

shutter

that. (in-focus

as

you keep the shutter

mode

release

button

•

To
(Automatic
to

in

the

will

maintain

43.)

Willie keeping the shutter

3

release button lightly pressed,

recompose the picture, then fully

depress the

not

lock

subject

Exposure

the

exposure,

focus.

Lock)

sh

utter release button.

use

the

button.

(See

AE-L

pages

42

41

USING

AE-L

BUTTON

When your subject
an extremely bright background, your subject may
come out too dark (underexposed)
with a background that is too dark, the subject may be
washed out (overexposed).
correctly expose your subject
mode, use the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button.

Compose your subject so that the circle

viewfinder

1

is

off-centre or very small against

in

the picture. Or,

In

such situations,

in

the auto exposure

is

fully covered

by

the subject.

in

to

the

Lightly press the shutter release button

2

autofocus operation and the exposure meter.

Confirm . (in-focus indicator) and exposure.

to

activate

42

3 Press the AE-L button and hold

In

Single

Servo

AF

mode,

if
picture could change subject-to-camera distance,
refocus

by

briefly

removing

it.

recomposing

your

finger

from

the

the

While keeping the AE-L button pressed,

4

recompose the picture , then

shutter release button.

shutter
(while

release

holding

button

the

AE-L

and

button).

fully depress the

lightly

pressing

it

again

43

CASES

Autofocus operation depends on general lighting, subject contrast and
detail, and other technical points.
is not possible, • blinks inside the viewfinder.

• Very
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.
You can also use the built-in flash,
or

an

WHERE

dark

subject

accessory Nikon Speed light.

AUTO

FOCUS

IS

NOT

ACCEPTABLE

In

those rare situations where autofocus

• 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.

When the focus brackets are
positioned
subjects/scenes, ignore
focus.
manually:

• Scenes with subjects
located
distances

•

Bright
shiny surface, such as
silver

• Strongly backlit subjects
When

•
polarizing filter,
special filter, e.g., a soft­focus filter. (Circular
polarizing filters can
used for autofocus.)

on

the following

in-

indication and focus

at

different

subjects with a

or

aluminum

·using a

linear

or

a

be

44

MANUAL

FOCUS

Set focus switch to M.

1

If

your AF Nikkor lens has an

A-M switch, set it to M.

For

maximum

zoom

lens.

focal length

length

setting

focusing

it

is

best

setting.

and

to
Focusing

then

accuracy

focus

at

at

zooming

when

the

the

up

Look through the viewfinder and rotate the lens focus ring until the

2

subject appears sharp.

using

lens'

longest

shortest

to

the

a
focal

longest

focal length

imprecision
pictures.

setting

in

focusing

will

magnify

and

could

any

slight

result

in

unsharp

45

SETTING

DATEITIME

(for

F50 0 only)

You can imprint d

Day/HourlMinute, Mo nthlDay/Year, or
DaylMonthlYear-Dn your picture.

Year/Month/Day

Day/Hour/Minute

1

------

No imprint display

Month/DaylYear

Day/MonthlYear

ate

/time-YearlMonthlDay,

1

MODE button : Push
select one

ava

il

able disp lays.

of

the five

.IUI].]=-

to

When

the

camera

back.

rPRINT

SELECT ADJUST

• • •

LCD

becomes

(See

page

faint,

49.)

replace

Month indicator

Year indicator

Data imprint indicator

Time indicator

Date/time

ADJUST button: Push
to adjust date/time .

SELECT button : Push to select
date/

ti

me to be ad·usted.

lithium

battery

installed

in

co

the

lon

46

ED

SELECT

• • •

g

~

ADJUST

g

Set

year

.

-t9

:r-

-:

:1

Set

month

.

Set day

1

'9

.

l

-3-

:

: :}

Setting has
completed.

been

ED

Setting date and time

For example, to set March 15, 1994, choose

YearlMonthlDay display. (To set date, choose display

other than Day/Hour/Minute. With Day/HourlMinute
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

SELECT

o©

To set time to precise second:
Advance the
time (i.e.,
13:00).

if

Then

ADJUST

a

time

actual

push

one

minute

time

is

SELECT

12:59,

button

,

-t9~

and

ahead of

set

the time

so

:1

-

-:

actual

to

time indicator

, ,

[

'9'-:

-3-

::*

rapidly, hold the ADJUST button down. Set the month
and day
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/HourlMinute display and set

the hour and the minute.

colon

with

the

in

the same manner

starts

the

time

second

to

blinking.

you

set,

00.

When

push

as

for year. To complete

actual

time

ADJUST

[

'9Y

coincides

button

-3

~

to

reset

47

"

-II' ~ -,

;,-,

;,

'jj=

,]

r PRINT

Imprinted DatelTime

4M.,.,.

SELECT

ADJUST

• • •

g

gg

Imprinting date/time

Select your desired display
confirm date and time are correctly set. Then fully depress
the shutter release button
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
bright

48

date/time

colours

such

by

pushing MODE button and

to

take picture with imprinted

may

be

as

white

difficult
or

to

reddish col

read

against

ours.

Year/Month

DaylHour/Minute

/Day

Replacing lithium
battery for imprinting

function

3.

Remove used battery.

1.

Make sure that film

loaded, open the camera back.

4. Insert new battery with "+"

terminal facing upward.

is

not

2.

Loosen the silver screw on the
inside

of

the camera back.
Remove the battery chamber
cover.

5. Replace the battery chamber
cover and tighten the screw.

49

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

50

The thunderbolt symbol

flash

to

take

a picture,

activate the F50/F50D'S built-in flash and use it. But remember that
you can also use flash
This feature, which works with the F50/F50D'S built-in flash or any

dedicated Nikon Speed light,

operates
Shutter-Priority

automatically assuring a correct and well-balanced exposure of both
the main subject and the background.
Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash, which uses Centre-Weighted metering to

expose the background, applies.

This section

in

all

the Programmed exposure modes, as well as

is

(~)

inside viewfinder will blink if you need

for

example, in dim light. You can then

in

bright light to fill

is

or

Aperture-Priority

called Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. It

in

shadows with extra light.

Auto

exposure

In

the Manual exposure mode,

modes,

for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

in

the

USING

BUILT-IN

FLASH

Notes on using built-in flash

• Do not touch the flash when it is firing;
normal operation can cause it

• Never fire the flash more than 20
consecutive times at intervals
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.

to

heat up.

of

5 sec.

I- Ie'S

When subject brightness is insufficient, the ready-light

~

1

the shutter release button
Press the flash lock-release to release and activate the built­in flash.
You can use the built-in flash anytime, regard-less
ambient lightin
can use the built-in flash to illuminate your subject and fill in
shadows.

•

When
Speedlight
the built-in

•

For

FS.b

blinks inside the viewfinder when you lightly press

to

activate the exposure meter.

of

g.

the

usable

For example,

built-in

will

not

flash

in

lenses,

flash

fire.
the locked-down

see

if

is

activated,

When

page

55.

your subject

an

using

accessory

a Speedlight,

position

is

backlit, you

keep

.

51

I-

:25

F5.6

Flash shooting distance range

ISO film speed

25 50 100 200 400

2

- - -

2.B

BOO

Flash shooting

distance range

4

2.B

- 9.2m

Make sure the s

2

distance range and confIrm that the ready-light

(~

) is on. Fully depress the shutter release button
take a shot with flash.
After shootin
for a few seconds after shooting, the light might have
been insufficient. ConfIrm shooting distance and,
necessary, move closer
aperture.

52

g,

ubj

ect is within the flash shooting

check the ready-light again.

to

the s

ubj

ect or select a wider

If

it blinks

to

if

- -

2

-

Q)

2 2.B 4 5.6

...

:::J

1:

Q)

a.

2.B

4 5.6

5.6

B

4 5.6 B

B

11

«

2

2.B

B

11

16

2.B

4 5.6

11

16

22

5.6

4

B 1.4 - 4.6m

B

11

11

16 0

22

16

22

32

32

- 0.6 - O.

2 - 6.5m

1.0 - 3.3m

.7

- 2.3m

0.6 - 1.6m

0.6 - 1.

2m

Bm

Guide for flash shooting distance range

in

SIMPLE mode (at ISO 100)

For outdoor subjects

on

sunny day

For outdoor subjects

cloudy day or

in

on

shadows

For indoor subjects

Use the listed range only
having maximum aperture
slower lenses, the maximum shooting distance will
be reduced.

•

The

wider

the

you

select,
distance,
larger

the

shooting

aperture

the

farther

whereas

f-number),

distance.

the

as

a guide for a lens

of

f12. 8 or

(the

smaller

the

maximum

smaller

the

the

shorter

-1.6m

0.6

0.7 - 2.3m

0.7 - 4.6 m

faster. With

the

f-number)

shooting

aperture

the

maximum

(the

Using guide number to estimate the
maximum shooting distance

You can also estimate the maximum shooting distance
by

guide number

Guide number

full

L

ens aperture

Guide

number

25

6.5 9.2

•

With a slower
automatically
shooting

of

for

50

shutter

selected,

distance

built-in flash.

= Maximum shooting distance

each

ISO

setting

ISO

film speed

100 200 400 800

13

18.4 26 36.8

speed, a smaller

resulting

range.

(m)

aperture

in a shorter

is

53

• In Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure
mode,

if

you set the shutter speed at

or faster,

111

ac

• In Aperture-Prio
shutter speed is f
shootin

th

e ca mera automatically shifts to

25 sec. as soon as the built-

ti

vated .

ri

ty Auto exposure mode, the

ix

ed at

g.

111

25 sec. fo r flash

111

in flash is

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

The automatic adjustment functions for film
speed, aperture a
be used with the

nd

zoom-head pos

F50/F50o camera.

iti

on cannot

54

80 ec.

Usable AF Nikkor Lenses with Built-In Flash

• Usable non-zoom lenses

3S

to 300mm AF Nikkor lens (except

200mm f/4D IF-ED, AF 300mm
f12.8D IF-ED

and

AF-S 300mm

AF

Micro

fI2.S,

AF-I 300mm

fI2.8D IF-ED)

• Usable zoom lenses

AF 24-S0mm f/3 .3-4.SD*1

AF

24-120mm f/3.

AF 28-70mm

AF 28-70mm f/3.

AF

28-80mm f/3.S-S.6D* I

AF 28-8Smm f/

S-S.6D

f/3.S-4.S

S-4.SD

3.S-4.S*3

*1

* I

IF

*2

AF 3S-70mrn f/2.8*4

3S-70mm

AF

f12

.8D*4

* 1 Focal leng th 35mm or longer.

*2 Shooting

70mm) or within

*3

Focal length 35mm

*4 Focal leng

*5 Shooting within I. 7m/5.6

(at J05mm or 135mm) causes vignettin

*6

Fo

•

Do
vignetting.

atfocallength

th

cal length

not

use a lens

35mm, within

O.6m!2

.0 ft. (at 120mm) causes vignetting.

or

50mm or longer.

JOOmm

longer.

ft.

at a focal length shorter than 85mm

or longer.

hood;

it

At 35mm

could

1m/

3.3

ft.

(at 50mm), within

, shooting within 2m/6.6

g.

cause

slight

AF

3S-70mm f/3.3-4.S

AF

3S-80mm f/4-S.6D

AF

3S-10Smm f/3.S-4.S

AF 3S-10Smm
AF

3S-13Smm

f/3.
f/3.

S-4.SD
S-4.5

AF Micro 70-1S0mm f/4.
AF 70-210mm f/4
AF 70-21Omm

AF

70-21Omm f/

AF

7S-300rnm f/4.

AF

80-200mm fI2.S ED

AF

80-200mm f/

AF 80-200mm f/4.

O.8mJ2.6

ft.

causes vignetting.

or

within O. 8

With

zoom

•
range

f/

4-S
4-S

S-S.6

2.SD
S-S

ft.

(at

mJ2

. 6

ft.

lenses,

(indicated by

.6
.6D

ED

.6D

do

the

IF

IF

*3

S-S

*6

*6

*6

not

orange

.6D ED*5

shoot

within

line

on

the

the

macro

lens).

55

I

SPEED

LIGHT

COMPATIBILITY

88

-28,
88
88

88-140, 88-14
88-11 (with 8U -

88
88-16A*2

*1

*2

•

56

88-27,88-26,88-25

-24, 88-23, 88-22,

-20,

88-168

-21A

*2,

Although

possible

Weighted

Fill-Flash

the

F50lF50D

The

58-168,

instruction

58-21A

difference

is

the

manual.)

and

58-218

camera, use

between

type

Nikon 8peedlight

88-218

,

2)

with

58-218,

Matrix

are

not

recommended
the

58-218

58-21A

and

of

controller

attached,

are

not

available

,

*1,

8alanced

for

at

manual

58-218,

(For

in

EU

TIL

auto flash

Other flash mode

TIL

auto flash

Other flash mode

TIL

auto flash

Other flash mode

Fill-Flash

and

close-up

photography, With

flash

exposure

or

between 58-16A

details,

see

5peedlight

countries,

Centre-

mode,

and

Camera exposure mode

P S A M

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No No

Yes Yes

No No Yes Yes

No No No No
No

No

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

Connection

Direct
Direct
Via 8C-23

Via 8C­with

ViaA8-6

13

A8-15

c::J : Matrix 8alanced Fill-Flash
c::J : Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash

Controlled aperture
accessory Nikon Speedlight (at ISO 100)

For outdoor subjects

For

outdoor subjects

or

in

shadows

For

indoor subjects

in

SIMPLE mode with an

on sunny
on

cloudy

day f/8

day

or sync cord

f/5,6
f/4

MISCELLANEOUS

This section is

for

both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

57

LENSES

The Nikon F501F50o

is

designed for autofocus photography with AF
Nikkor lenses (except AF-Nikkor lenses made specifica lly for the
Nikon F3AF camera). To take full advantage

of

the F501F50o
camera's features, you should use AF Nikkor lenses.
However, the lenses listed on right can be used under the following
conditions:

When an AF-S, AF-I

• Set the focus switch to M and focus

or

AI-P Nikkor lens

is

used:

by

rotating the lens focusing

ring*.

When mountable non-CPU Nikkor lenses are used:

• Use

an

external exposure meter.

to

• Set exposure mode

Manual. (In other exposure modes, shutter

locked.)

• Shutter speed indication appears on the LCD panel and inside the
viewfinder. Set hutter speed by pre ing the set/adjust button.

The f-numb

er

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

can confirm the in-focus indicator. Centre the focus brackets on the subject,

and rotate the focusing ring while lightly

Wh

en the subject

is

not acceptable

is

infocus, the in-focus

for

autofocus operation (page 44), you

pr

essing the shutter release button.

indicator.

appears.

Mountable

• AF Nikkor lenses

• AF-S Nikkor lenses

• AF

-I

•

AI

-P Nikkor lenses

• AI-type
Nikkor lenses except Fisheye
f

/5.6

180-600mm
smaller),
300490 or sma
f/

is

11

• Nikon Series E lenses

• Reflex Nikkor lenses
500mm

1

OOOmm f/11
smaller/
2000mm f/11
larger)

• Medical-Nikkor
available

• Teleconverters (except non­mountable TC-16/TC-16A)

Use

of

the camera.

Nikkor

lenses

Nikkor lenses

(A

I-S,

AI

and AI-modified)

and Fisheye OP 1

Omm

fl8 (No. 174166 or

200-600mm

(No. 174087 or smaller)

ll

er),

f/9.5 (No.

360-

1200mm

fl8

(No. 142360 or

No

. 143001 or larger)

(No. 200311 or

120mm

in

EU

countries)

other

lenses may damage

f/4 (not

6mm

f/5.6,

58

Nikkor lens compatibility

Lenses

AF Nikkor (exce
AF-Nikkor

AF-S Nikkor/AF-1 Nikkor/AI-P Nikkor

or AI-S

AI-

IReflex NikkorlSeries E ' 1

Nikkor)
Medical-Nikkor 120mm

Teleconverters

(except
Bellows Focusing Attachm ent PB-6

K ring set

Auto Extension Rings

11A

(PK-

pt

AF-S Nikkor/AF-1 Nikkorl

for F3AF)

type

Nikkor (including AI-modified

f/4 (

not available

TC-16/TC-16A)

(K1

, K3, K4 and

, 12, 13 and PN-11)

KS)

o Compatible

X Incompatible

' 1 Some

'2

lenses
Seepage
Manual focus
with

58.

lenses

within

these

types/series cannot be attached.

with

in-focus indicator confirmation is

that

have

a maximum aperture

in

EU

countries)

of

fl5.

6 or

Focusing Exposure mode

Autofocus

0

X

X

X

X

X

available

faste

r.

Manual

0

0

'2
'2

0

0

0

'3

0

'3

'3

Manual

focus

with

lenses

or

faster.

*4

Camera's exposure meter

P S A M

0
0

X X

X X X
X X X

X X X

with

in-focus indicator confirmation is

that

have

a maximum effective aperture

does

0

0 0

0 0

not

work.

X

See

page

0

0

'4

0

'4

0

'4

0

'4

available

of

f/5.

6

58.

59

CAMERA

1.

Do not touch the
camera's reflex mirror
or focusing screen.
Remove dust with a
blower brush.

5.

Clean glass surfaces, such
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

CARE

to

periphery. Do not leave traces.

TIPS

2.

Do not touch the

shutter curtains.

as

the lens or the

3.

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

Cautio

n!

A spray gun-type blower may damage the
optical glass
if

ED glass
avoid damage, hold the blower upright with its
nozzle more than 30cm from the lens surface,
and keep the nozzle moving so the stream
is not concentrated in one spot.

if

used

is

used for the front lens element. To

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

to

clean the lens, especially

of

air

60

6.Do

not lubricate the

camera.

10.

If

the camera mal­functions, take it im­mediately

to
authorised Nikon
dealer or service
centre.

an

7.Do not leave the
camera

in

an

excessively hot place.

8. Keep the camera away
from water or mois­ture . When using the
camera near water,
guard against splashes,
especially salt water
spray.

11

. Store the camera

naphthalene or camphor (moth repellent).

in

a cool, dry place away from

In
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
vinyl bags may cause the leather

to

deteriorate.

9. Make sure not

to

drop

or bump the camera

body/lens against a
hard surface. Strong

shock may cause

malfunction.

12.

To maintain the built-in

a

flash condens

er

in

peak

condition, thereby

in

enabling you
flash for many years,

to

use the

fire the flash a few
times every month.

61

NOTES

1. Keep batteries out
children's reach.
someone accidentally
swallows a battery, call
a doctor immediately.

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

ON

BATTERIES

If

to

of

use

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
use the camera for a
long time, remove the

battery.

7.

If

the battery chamber is contaminated
leakage, take the camera to

dealer.

to

4. Battery power

an

diminishes at
extremely low
temperatures-make

sure the battery you

buy is fresh, and wrap
the camera body
something warm.

authorised Nikon

by

in

battery

62

SPECIFICATIONS

Type of camera

Picture format

Lens mount
Lens

Operation mode

Focus modes

Autofocus mode

Autofocus

Integral-motor autofocus 35mm
single-lens reflex

ED

only

35mm

200mm

in

24mm x 36mm (standard

film format)

Nikon F mount
AF Nikkor lenses (except AF­Nikkor

SOmm

IF

f/3.5

16!fC-16A)

TC-

Nikkor lenses (with limitation)

available

SIMPLE and ADVANCED
Autofocus and manual
Single Servo
Servo AF*

* Continuous Servo is possible

ADVANCED

TIL

phase detection system using

fl2.S,

, and autofocus converter

, and non-AF

AF

and Continuous

mode

detection system Nikon advanced AM200 autofocus

Autofocus

detection range

Autofocus lock

Focus tracking

module
Approx .

100)

Possible,
once a stationary subject
focus as long as the shutter
release button is
Automatically activated with a
moving subject

EV

-1

to

EV

19 (at ISO

in

Single Servo AF mode,

is

li

ghtly pressed

in

Exposure modes

Programmed

Auto exposure
control

Flexible Program

Shutter-Priority

Auto exposure
control

Aperture-Priority

Auto exposure
control

Manual exposure

control

Programmed Auto
mode; Programmed Auto, Shutter­Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto
and Manual
Both shutter speed and aperture
are set;
Purpose Program, Landscape
Program, Portrait Program and
Close-Up Program are ava
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
when flash is off
Aperture automatically selected to

Shutter speed automatically
selected to match manually set
aperture

Both aperture and shutter speed
are set manua

in

SIMPLE mode, General-

in

match manually set shutter speed

in

SIMPLE

in

ADVANCED mode

il

able;

ADVANCED mode

ll

y

in

63

Shutter speedl

aperture
adjustment

Auto exposure

lock

Exposure Possible

compensation within

Pressing the adjust button
changes shutter speed or
aperture
the adjust button rapidly changes
shutter speed or aperture
step
Available by pressing the AE-L

button while the exposure meter

on

in

1/2 step; holding down

in

ADVANCED mode

±5

EV

range

in

1/2 steps

in

one

Exposure metering Matrix Metering (for Programmed

Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, and
Aperture-Priority Auto exposure
modes) ; Centre-Weighted
Metering for Manual exposure
mode

Exposure metering

EV

1 to

EV

20 at ISO 100 with

range f/1 .4 lens

Exposure meter Activated by lightly pressing shut-

switch 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

Shutter
Shutter release

Shutter

is

Viewfinder

Eyepoint
Focusing screen

Viewfinder

information

Viewfinder

illuminator

speeds

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

Electronically contro
travel focal

Electromagnetic

1/2000 sec. to 30 sec
magnetica

setting
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

-p

ll

y controlled Time

is

provided (for ADVANCED

ll

is

on

ed vertical-

.;

lane shutter

electro-

64

Film speed range

Film speed setting Auto for DX-coded f

Film loading

Frame counter

ISO

25 to 5000 for DX-coded

films; ISO 6

coded
setting for non-OX-coded f

ADVANCED mode)

Film
frame one when camera back
closed
Accumulati

during film rewind); displayed on
the LCD panel

to

6400 for non-DX-

fi

lms (for ADVANCED mode)

automatically advances to

ve

il

ms; manual

il

ms (for

type (counts down

Film advance Film automat ically advances one

frame at approx. 1 sec. when

shutter

is released; film advance

Film rewind

Self-timer

Reflex mirror
Camera back

Accessory shoe

stops automatically at end
roll
Automatic by built-in
of film roll; manual mid-ro
possible by pressing rewind button
Electronically controlled; 10­sec.timer duration
Automatic, instant-return type
Hi

nged back; unchangeable
Standard ISO-type with hot-shoe
contact, ready- light contact,
monitor contact,

TI

of fil

motor

at end

ll

rewind

L flash contact

is

m

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
35mm or longer lens

);

angle

of

coverage:

1/1 25 sec. or slower

TIL

in

Manual

flash or

Fill

re;

blinks

-Flash

Possible with built-in

Nikon dedicated Speed lights such
as SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25,
SB-24, SB-23, SB-22, SB-20, and
SB-16B; Matrix Balanced

in

Auto exposure modes; Centre­Weighted Fi
exposure mode
Without flash: Blinks when using
flash is recommended
With flash:
flash or Nikon dedicated
Speed light
after flash shooting to warn of
insufficient light for correct
exposure
6V

li

0L245

ll

-Flash

Li

ghts up when built-in

is

ready to fi

thium battery pack (2CR5 or

type)

65

Number

of

24-exposure

(36-exposure)

film

rolls

per

fresh

battery>

at 20'C

Without flash
With flash for half

of all

exposures

• For autofocus operation with
f/5.6

0 lens covering the full range from infinity to the closest

and

distance
or

faster shutter speed

back

100

(80)

20

(15)

AF

Zoom Nikkor

to Infinity before each shot,

at

-1

O'C

40

(30)

13

(10)

35-80mm

at

1/125

f/4-

sec.,

Dimensions F50: Approx. 149 x 96 x 70mm

(WxHxD) F50o: Approx. 149 x

96 x 71

mm

Weight (without F50: Approx. 580g

battery inside F50o: Approx. 590g (

in

cluding

camera body) battery for date/time imprint

function)

Optional viewing Rubber Eyecup DK-9

accessory

For Date/Time imprinting function (F50D only)

Imprint functions

Year/Month/D

ay,

Day/Hour/
Minute, No imprint, Month/Day/
Year and Day/MonthlYear are

e;

selectabl

24-hour built-in clock
with timing acc uracy within
seconds a month at normal
temperature

Power source

Battery life

With fresh battery
SpeCifications

and

One 3V lithium
Approx. three years'

• May vary depending on extent
imprint use

at

normal temperature (20"

design are subject to change without notice.

(C

R2025) battery

and

film speed

C).

in

±90

of

use .

data

66

ABOUT

THE

F50/F50D

METERING

SYSTEM

The Nikon F501F50D has two types

metering

Weighted Metering.

Matrix Metering

With D-type

set a Program, or Shutter-Priority Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto
exposure mode , 3D Matrix Metering automatically activates. Even
extremely comp lex lighting situations, the six-segment Matrix Meter
analyzes sce ne brightness and contrast, automatically adjusting
everything to ensure correct exposure.
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

Matrix Metering
camera-to-subject distance, correct exposure is assured.

systems-Matrix

AF

Nikkor lenses including AF-S/AF-J Nikkor: When you

non-D-type AF Nikkor lens or Al-P Nikkor lens

is

activated; although there

Metering and Centre-

of

exposure

In

addition, the microcomputer

is

used, Advanced

is

no information about

in

o

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

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

of

the

of

the

67

LCD

PANEUVIEWFINDER

INDICATIONS

I LCD panel

Blinking Symbol

c::ril!III

Err

CJ

Err

Err

11]]

(PU

Err

(in

P

IS IA

0]]

(F'U

(in

M).

G)

f(,;r,

Err

Err

68

Viewfinder

Blinking Symbol

)

Shutter

Can be released

Locked

.-

.:

,- ,-

.-

.:

,-

,- Locked code

.-

,-

.:

,-

,-

.:

,- ,-

Locked

Locked

Can be released

Locked

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

Cause and Remedy

is

Battery
ready.

Battery

and replace battery with new one.
a) Film

b)

Non-OX-coded film or film with unacceptable
set film speed manually.

Lens
attached.

Lens attached has no CPU
lens

Lens
number) setting. Set lens to the smallest aperture.

Camera detects a malfunction during film advance
again.

nearing exhaustion. Have a fresh one

is

just about exhausted. Turn the power off

is

not correctly positioned. Reload film.
Battery
power off and replace battery with new one.

is

exhausted during film rewind. Turn the

is

loaded. Switch

attached

Atta

is

attached.

is

not set to the smallest aperture (largest f-

has

ch

to

ADVANCED mode and

no

CPU;

(see

or

or

page

AF

Nikkor

no

AI-P

lens is

lens.

58);

or no

OX

I

I LCD panel

Blinking Symbol Blinking Symbol

Viewfinder

•

Shutter Cause and Remedy

Locked

Autofocus
mode switch
the lens focusing ring.

is

impossible with the subject. Set focus

to

M to focus manually by rotating

I

(in

(in

(in

TI

HI

P IS I

A)

Lo

P IS I

A)

U

I.!:::::!.I

(in

SIMPL mode)

U

I.!:::::!.I

P IA

in

ME

Err

H:

Lo

-,

.-

,-

-'

Shutter

speed

indicator

ADVANCED mode)

,-

,-

C ,-

~

(without flash).

Can be released

Can be released

Can be released

Locked

Can be released

Overexposure may occur.

Underexposure may occur.

Automatically selected shutter speed

and picture blur may occur. Use a tripod to avoid
camera shake, or use built-in TTL flash
Speed light.

"T

IME"

is

set

in

Shutter-Priority Auto exposure

mode. Set another shutter speed,

to

mode

Your subject
or

Manual.

is

too dark. Use the built-in TTL flash

Nikon Speedlight.

is

too slow

or

Nikon

or

set exposure

69

I

LCD

Blinking Symbol Blinking

panel

Viewfinder

(after flash

Symbol

~

shooting)

Locked

Shutter

Cause

and

Remedy

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

I

Err

TTL

•

(

in P IS)

About LCD

• The camera
the

highest
normal
reliable operation. After
deteriorate
fade.
charge
or

service

use,

You

by

can

uses a Liquid

quality

should

and

display

have

contacting

facility.

70

,-

C ,-

which,

provide

this

information

the

LCD

an

,-

Crystal

under

conditions of

several

period,

replaced at a

authorised

Locked

Display

years

contrast

may

Nikon

(LCD)

of

may

start

nominal

dealer

to

of

Speed light attached
Speedlight's flash mode to
Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode.

•

At

temperatures between

response

normal

•

As

as
These

time

when

the temperature

the temperature drops, the

the temperature

changes

slows

do

not

is

not set at

down;

rises,

affect

TIL

freezing,

it

goes

rises.

the

LCD

LCD

normal

TIL.

Set the

. Or, use Aperture-

the

LCD's

back

to

turns

reddish;

turns

bluish.

use.

In certain cases, due

to

static electricity

or

poorly

loaded batteries, the camera's microcomputer

tum

may

the camera off, even with fresh properly
installed battery. For the same reason, film may
not advanced properly. In each
resume operation, simply
then

tum

ON

again,

or

remove battery and install

tum

of

these cases,

the power

OFF,

it again.

to

"This digital apparatus does not exceed the
(Class

B)

limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations

the Canadian Department

of

of

Communications. "

Nikon cannot be held responsible
malfunction resulting from the use

for

of

other than as specified in this manual.

any

the camera

71

..

No reproduction
in

whole or
quotation
be made without written authorisation from
NIKON CORPORATION.

in

any form

in

part (except for brief

in

critical articl

es

of

this manual,

or reviews), may

NIKON CORPORATION

FUJI BLDG., 2-

PHONE: [phone]

3,

MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-833

11

TELEX: NIKON J22601

,

Nikon

f

FAX:

81-3-3201-5856

1,

JAPAN

Printed in Japan K8A2001101 (839

•

•••

•

::11

•••

•••

••• •

••• •

••••••

••••••

•••••

••••••

2)

•

SHORTCUT

TO

GREAT PICTURES

Nikon

Read this Instruction Sheet to learn

how to use your F50/F50o camera
the SIMPLE mode.
For additional information about how to

Set/adjust buttons:

SIMP

LE

to

set

Shutter release
button

Menu button

F50/F50o

In

mode, press

~r("\r''''rn

SHOOTING

in

IN

SIMPLE

operate your F50/F50o, please also
read the F50/F50o Instruction Manual
booklet, after you have become familiar
with the SIMPLE mode.

MODE

Power switch

SIMPLE!

ADVANCED dial

I

PREPARING

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

1

Turn on the power switch and load film.

Pull the film leader out to the red index

3

THE

CAMERA

is

turned

Insert 6-volt lithium battery pack (2CR5
or Duracell DL245 type).

2

mark and close the camera back.

#1

matically advances to frame

.

Film

auto-

I

CAMERA

SETTINGS

Set lens aperture to minimum

(f

setting
the lens ap erture.

I

TAKING A PICTURE-FOR A GENERAL

Confirm the LCD panel shows
viewfinder at the subject you wish to photograph, and lightly press the shutter
th

is
indicator) and 0 (correct exposure indicat
take a picture.

I

TAKING

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

activat

es

the autofocus operation and the light meter operation. Confirm the . (in-focus

LANDSCAPE,

ri,

••

••

•

•••

••••

••

• • ••• • ••

••

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••••••••••••••

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••••

•••• • •••

•••• • •••

•••• • •••

••••• •

••••••••••••••

Set focus switch to AF position.

SUBJECT

indicating the General Purpose Program. L

or)

appear; full

••• ••

••

•

••

•

• •••

••••

PORTRAIT

y depress the shutter release button to

AND

CLOSE-UP

Set selector dial

PICTURES

ook

through the

re

lease button;

to

SIMP

LE.

To vi

ew

the Program Menu , press the menu

button, then press the button above the

to

select

the

icon
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

Co

®

1

:I

~n

PORTRAIT PROGRAM

desired Program . Take a

CQO

,

• • •••

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••

(b

cQDCQD

[:IIS

]

To select the General
Purpose Program quickly

Just press the menu button
at least

two

seconds.

for

CLOSE-UP PROGRAM

••• ••• • ••

•••••••••••

•••••••••••

•••••••••••

...........

. ......

•• • ••

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~

~~~~~

I

WHILE

YOUIRE

TAKING

PICTURES

Using the Built-In Flash

The flash can
when the

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

AF

Zoom-Nikkor

mm

(/4-(/5.60

~

blinks inside the viewfinder, use the built-

If

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

~

to

come on

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

-If ~ 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.

in

the viewfinder. Confirm

in

flash. Press the flash

the.

(in-focus indicator)

be

subject

lens.

used

is within

and

the

35-80

Viewfinder information

[

~:~: i

c........,

.......-; ....

o

---

~

: -"<-

---

H : blinks-Overexposure [

--

possible ;. i i ;

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

lo

blinks-Underexposure

possible

Use the built-in flash.

~H"

~

blinks (without

<..pI

Flash recommendation

This happens when it's dark.

Use the built-in flash.

flash)-

~:~ ::

S"' ......

! ;

.... -___

~

[ ] blinks inside viewfinder and A
blinks
is possible

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

• 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.

r If a stationary

subject starts

move

Remove your finger from
the shutter release
button and lightly press
again to restart
autofocus.

in

the

LCD

panel-Picture blur

is

probably dim and the

in

"""

to

is

flash.

I

WHEN

YOUIVE

TAKEN A COMPLETE

ROLL

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

on

the camera bottom .