Nikon FA User Manual
Nikon
FA
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NOMENCLATURE
1
Aperture-direct-readout (ADR) window
2
Shutter speed indication illumination window
3
Neckstrap eyelet
4
Focusing screen holder release latch
5
Depth-of-field preview lever
6
Handgrip
7
Handgrip attachment screw
8
Self-timer lever
9
Metering control button
10
Aperture coupling lever
11
Lens mounting flange
3
LCD illumination window
Meter coupling lever
Sync terminal
Lens mounting index
Lens type signal pin
Lens release button
Lens release pin
Focal length indexing lever
Maximum aperture indexing lever
Reflex mirror
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Shutter speed dial locking button
23
Viewfinder eyepiece
24
Eyepiece shutter lever
25
Film rewind fork
26
Shutter curtains
27
Film cartridge chamber
28
Film guide pin
29
Film guide rails
30
Data back contacts
Film sprockets
Film take-up spool
Camera back locking catch
Film pressure plate
Film roller
Camera back
35
36
37
38
39
40
31
Motor drive shutter release coupling (for MD-12)
32
Motor drive coupling
33
Film rewind button
34
Memo holder
Tripod/motor drive coupling socket
Motor drive electrical contacts (with cover)
Battery clip
41
42
43
4
44
Aperture/distance index
45
Focusing ring
46
Mounting ring
47
Infrared focusing index
48
Meter coupling ridge
49
Meter coupling shoe
50
Hot-shoe contact
51
Exposure compensation index
52
Exposure compensation scale
53
Exposure compensation dial
54
Film rewind knob
55
ASA/ISO film speed index
56
ASA/ISO film speed scale
57
Film rewind crank
58
Camera back locking lever
59
Exposure compensation dial locking button
60
Ready-light contact
61
TTL flash auto-stop signal contact
Depth-of-field indicators
Distance scale
Aperture scale
Aperture ring
Aperture-direct-readout (ADR) scale
Monitor contact
Shooting mode selector
Shutter release fingerguard
Shutter release button
Frame counter
Multiple exposure lever
Shooting mode index
Film advance lever
Shutter speed dial
Film plane indicator
Shutter speed index
Accessory shoe
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
5
CONTENTS
NOMENCLATURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 38
INSTALLING BATTERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHECKING BATTERY POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
MOUNTING THE LENS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 -11
Usable Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Al-S Nikkor: An Updated Version of Al-Nikkor Lenses. . . . . . . . . 11
LOADING FILM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 15
Frame Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Film Advance Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Memo Holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SETTING FILM SPEED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SELECTING THE SHOOTING MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 - 31
Viewfinder Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
P(Programmed) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 23
S (Shutter-Priority) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 27
A (Aperture-Priority) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29
M (Manual) Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 31
HOLDING THE CAMERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 - 33
Detachable Handgrip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
FOCUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 - 35
TAKING PICTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
UNLOADING FILM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 - 38
TECHNICAL INFORMATION /
PHOTOGRAPHlC TECHNIQUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 - 62
EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 - 45
Metering Control Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Comparison of Automatic Multi-Pattern and
Centerweighted Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 - 45
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHUTTER SPEED
AND APERTURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 - 47
DEPTH OF FIELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 - 49
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 - 53
In Automatic Exposure Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 - 51
In the Manual Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Duplication Work and Photomicrography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
STOP-DOWN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
UNMANNED PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 - 57
Self-Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Eyepiece Shutter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 - 61
Accessory Shoe and Sync Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Ready-Light Indication in the Viewfinder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Nikon FA/Speedlight Combination Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Close-Up Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 - 69
ELECTRONIC FLASH UNITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Speedlight SB-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Speedlight SB-16B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Speedlight SB-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
MOTOR DRIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Motor Drive MD-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Motor Drive MD-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
MISCELLANEOUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 - 69
Data Back MF-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Interchangeable Focusing Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 - 67
Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lens Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Anti-Cold Battery Pack DB-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cable Release AR-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Right-Angle Viewing Attachment DR-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Eyepiece Magnifier DG-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Rubber Eyecup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Eyepiece Correction Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Camera Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Neckstraps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 - 71
What is EV? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
EV Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 - 71
TIPS ON CAMERA CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 - 73
TIPS ON BATTERY USE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY(LCD) . . . . . . . . . . . 74
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 - 77
FOREWORD
Welcome to Nikon’s exciting world of picture-taking ease.
To put you in total control, the Nikon FA offers three automatic exposure
modes, in addition to full manual override. For fastbreaking events, the
programmed mode automatically sets both shutter speed and aperture
for correct exposure in any light. Or when action must be stopped or
blurred, such as in sports photography, shutter priority lets you choose
the shutter speed manually, then the FA automatically sets the aperture
to match. If depth of field is important, aperture. priority allows you to
select the precise aperture with the matching shutter speed set
automatically.
But possibly even more important are the FA’s two separate metering
methods. In Nikon’s revolutionary automatic multipattern metering
system, the brightness from 5 areas of the focusing screen is analyzed
by the camera’s microcomputer; this automatically ensures the correct
exposure-even in tricky lighting situations-without any exposure
compensation whatsoever.
Traditional centerweighted metering is reserved for the manual mode, but
is usable in any of the three automatic modes with the metering control
button. Other features of the FA include 1/4000sec. top shutter speed,
1/250sec. flash sync, interchangeable focusing screens, and a
comprehensive line of Nikon accessories.
Before using the camera, please read this instruction manual from cover
to cover. A few minutes invested now will pay off in years of rewarding
picture-taking experiences.
7
BASIC OPERATION
INSTALLING BATTERIES
Remove the battery clip.
1.
Use a coin to unscrew it in
counter clockwise direction
8
43
Insert batteries. Wipe the bat-
2.
tery terminals clean and insert
the batteries, making sure that the +
signs are up. Useable batteries for the
Nikon FAcamera are:
• One 3V lithium battery
• Two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries
(3.1V)
• Two 1.5V alkaline-manganese
batteries (3V)
Reattach the battery clips. Slip
3.
the clip back into the camera
body and screw it tightly into place.
CHECKING BATTERY POWER
Pull out the film advance lever
1.
74
to unlock the shutter release
70
button . The lever doubles as a
shutter release button lock.
Depress the shutter release
2.
button halfway to activate the
exposure meter.
Check the LCD. Confirm that the
3.
LCD (liquid crystal display) is
shown at the upper left in the
viewfinder. This indicates that battery
installation is correct and power is
sufficient. If necessary, replace with a
new set.
With sufficient battery power, the LCD
stays on for 16sec. after you take your
finger off the button. If the batteries
are almost depleted, the LCD will turn
off immediately when you take your
finger off the button. In this case,
replace batteries as soon as possible.
With exhausted batteries, you cannot
trip the shutter unless the shutter
speed dial is set at a mechanical
setting of M250 or B.
• The LCD does not appear when the shutter dial
is set at M250 or B
75
9
BASIC OPERATION continued
MOUNTING THE LENS
Lenses usable with the Nikon FA are Al-S Nikkor, Nikon Series
E, Al-Nikkor , most Al-modified, and certain special lenses shown
at the right. First line up the aperture/distance index on the
lens with the lens mounting index on the camera body. Then
twist the lens mounting ring counterclockwise until the lens
15
46
clicks into place Confirm that the aperture/distance index is
exactly at the top.
To remove: While pushing the lens release button , turn the
lens mounting ring clockwise until the lens comes off
• When changing lenses with him loaded in the camera, be careful not to expose the mirror box to direct sunlight.
10
44
17
Usable Lenses
The following lenses are usable with the Nikon FA:
Al-S Nikkor lenses
Nikon Series E lenses
Al Nikkor (including Al-modified Nikkor) lenses
Reflex Nikkor 500mm f/8
PC Nikkor 28mm f/3.5
Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 IF
Ref ex-Nikkor 1000mm f/11 (No.143001 or higher)
Ret ex-Nikkor 2000mm f/11 (No.200311 or higher)
PC-Nikkor 28mm f/4 (No 180901 or higher)
PC-Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 (No 851000 or lower or No. 906201
or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 180-600mm f/8 ED (No.174167 or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 200-600mm f/9.5 (No.300491 or higher)
Zoom-Nikkor 360-1200mm f/11 ED (No.174088 or higher)
The last seven lenses having serial numbers not listed
•
above cannot be mounted on the FAas they hit the cam
era's meter coupling lever However, they can be used
13
after modification. In addition, Al-modification of most non-AI
lenses having a meter coupling shoe is available. Do not
49
attempt to mount older Nikkor lenses which have not been
Al-modified, as they might damage the camera. For further
information concerning lens modification, please contact
your local authorized Nlkon dealer
• The following lenses cannot be used on the FAeven if they
are modified to have the Al facility:
55mm f/1.2 (No. 184711-970110)
28mm f/3.5 (No. 625611-999999)
35mm U14 (No. 385001-400000)
• If you use lenses other than those manufactured by Nikon,
proper performance may not be obtained and they may
even damage the camera.
Al-S Nikkor: An Updated Version of Al-Nikkor Lenses
In 1977, Nikon introduced Al-Nikkor lenses which feature full
aperture metering via Nikon's "Automatic Maximum Aperture
Indexing" or "Al" system. Just by mounting an Al lens on the
camera, the maximum aperture is automatically indexed into the
camera's metering system. All Al-type lenses feature a meter
coupling ridge and a meter coupling shoe having two holes
(Illust. 1).
Then in 1981, Nikon modified their entire line of Al-Nikkor lenses,
so that they would be fully compatible with the upcoming
Nikon FA. These new lenses, called Al-S Nikkor, are easily
distinguishable by (a) an orange minimum aperture on both
regular aperture and aperture-direct-readout (ADR) scales
66
(Illust. 2), and (b) a special notch on the bayonet mount
(Illust. 3). In addition, the Al-S symbol appears on the front cover
on the instruction manual for each lens.
When used with the Nikon FA in the programmed mode, Al-S
lenses provide either a normal or high-speed program depending
on the focal length in use; in the shutter-priority mode, they give
you uniform exposure control in any lighting situation.
Nikon Series E lenses also have the same features as Al-S
Nikkors, but do not have a meter coupling shoe. Of course, older
Al-Nikkor and Al modified Nikkor lenses can be used with all
current and older Nikon cameras, including the FA Nikon's new
series of teleconverters–the TC-201, TC-301, TC-14A and
TC-14B–have been specially designed for Al-S Nikkor lenses, but
can be used with older Al-type lenses, too As soon as they are
attached, they automatically switch the FA to the high-speed
program in the programmed mode.
48
64
Illust.2
Illust.1
Al-Type Lens
Lens type signal notch
Illust.3
Al-S Nikkor Lens
11
BASIC OPERATION continued
LOADING FILM
Open the camera back While
1.
pushing the camera back locking
58
lever counterclockwise, pull up the
film rewind knob until the camera
back pops open.
54
40
Insert the film cartridge.
2.
Position the cartridge in the film
cartridge chamber with the leader
pointing towards the takeup spool ;
then push the rewind knob back down
to secure the cartridge in place. You
can use any type of 35mm film on the
market. It is advisable to handle film in
the shade to avoid direct exposure to
sunlight.
27
36
Insert the film leader in the
3.
take. Pull the leader across the
camera and insert it into any one of
the slots in the takeup spool.
Engage the film’s perforations
4.
with the sprocket teeth. Turn
the takeup spool slightly with your
thumb, so that the first or second
perforation at the bottom edge of the
film s engaged with the small tooth at
the bottom of the slot in the takeout
spool, and the top and bottom
perforations mesh securely with the
sprockets
35
Advance the film by rotating the takeup spool further with your thumb. Make
2.
sure the perforations on both film edges are securely engaged with the
sprocket teeth. Also confirm that the film is properly seated between both film guide
29
rails and there is no film slack Then close the camera back until it snaps shut.
13
BASIC OPERATION continued
Take up film slack. Fold out the
6.
film rewind crank and rotate
gently in the direction of the arrow on
the film rewind knob untill you feel a
slight resistance. Then fold the crank
back in.
14
57
Make blank exposure. To dispose of the first few frames exposed during film
7.
loading, continue to alternately ad vance the film and depress the shutter release
button until the frame counter reaches frame 1. While making blank exposures,
check that the rewind knob is rotating, indicating the film has been loaded correctly
and is being advanced. If the knob does not rotate, reload the film.
•Do not take pictures prior to frame 1, because the meter does not function properly
and the shutter fires at a fixed speed of 1/250sec. regardless of the shutter speed dial
setting T o indicate blank exposures. the LCD displays C250 when the shooting mode
selector is set at the P, S, or A position or M C250 at M.
71
Frame Counter
The additive type frame counter is
graduated from S, two dots, 1, 2, 4—
up to 36—in even numbers with odd
numbers indicated by white dots in
between The frame counter ad"
advances a single frame by one
complete stroke of the film advance
lever. After reaching frame 36 of a
36exposure roll of film m, the counter
will not operate. however, film will be
advanced until the actual end of
the film roll. The frame counter
automatically resets to S when the
camera back is opened.
Film Advance Lever
To advance the film, wind the lever to
the right completely until it stops The
lever returns to the standoff position
as soon as you take your thumb off
the lever. A single complete stroke
advances the film one frame and
simultaneously cocks the shutter.
•If the lever becomes difficult to operate at the beginning of the roll, this
means that' the film is not winding
onto the takeup spool properly. In this
case, rewind the film immediately and
load again
Memo Holder
34
To remind yourself of the type of film
and number of exposures, clip off the
end of the film carton and insert it into
the memo holder. Of course. you car
use the holder to store something else
like your name card or a handwritten
note
15
BASIC OPERATION continued
SETTING FILM SPEED
To program the camera to give the correct exposure with a
particular film, you must set the camera to the correct film speed
Lift up the ASA/ISO film speed ring and rotate it in either
direction until the red index dot is opposite the film speed in
use. The scale on the ASA/ISO dial has settings from
56
55
ASA/ISO 12 to 4000 Two lines between each number stand for
intermediate settings, such as 64, 80, etc.
The film speed, indicated by an ASA/ISO number printed on
both the film carton and cartridge, is a numerical rating of the
film's sensitivity to a given amount of light: the higher the
number, the greater the sensitivity, and vice versa.
16
• Make sure that the exposure compensation dial is set
53
at 0. If not, turn the dial until the 0 click stops opposite the
red index line while depressing the exposure
compensation dial locking button .
51
59
SELECTING THE SHOOTING MODE
The Nikon FA offers four shooting modes: three automatic
exposure modes, including P (programmed), S (shutter-priority),
and A(aperture-priority), in addition to M (manual) mode.
Moreover, the FA utilizes an automatic multi-pattern metering
system in all three automatic modes to ensure correct exposure
even in difficult lighting situations In this system, light is
individually measured from five separate areas of the focusing
screen and then analyzed by the camera's microcomputer,
giving you the automatically corrected exposure without the
need for manual exposure compensation In the manua mode,
regular centerweighted metering is always n operation Just
center the main subject in the viewfinder to get correct
exposure. Selection of centerweighted metering is also possible
in all automatic modes by depressing the metering control
9
button (refer to page 40 for more information). The metering
system in use also depends on which lens is mounted on the
camera (see page 18).
Each shooting mode has its own advantages as explained
below. Choose your desired mode and set the shooting mode
selector to the appropriate click-stop. Intermediate settings
cannot be used According to the shooting mode you select, you
must also set the shutter speed and/or aperture which will then
be displayed in the viewfinder.
P (Programmed)
The optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture is
automatically set by the FA's microcomputer, depending upon
scene brightness, film speed, and lens focal length in use For
short lenses (less than 135mm), the FAuses a normal program
to ensure correct exposure. But with telephotos of 135mm or
longer, the camera automatically switches to a special
68
highspeed program to reduce the possibility of camera shake
caused by slow shutter speeds The P mode not only greatly
simplifies operation but also lets you concentrate on picture
composition, making it desirable for fast-breaking action when
there isn't time to think.
S (Shutter Priority)
You set the shutter speed manually and the FA's
microcomputer automatically selects the matching aperture.
This mode is good for stopping fast action and required when
motion is an important factor in your pictures, such as in sports
photography
A (Aperture-Priority)
Select the lens aperture first; then the FA’s microcomputer
selects the matching shutter speed for you. This mode is
recommended when the rendition of depth must be controlled
exactly. For instance, you may want to blur out the background
in portraiture or make everything come out sharp in scenic
photography.
M (Manual)
You set both the shutter speed and aperture manually
according to the desired effect. Necessary exposure information
is shown in the viewfinder With this mode, it's possible to create
intentional over- or underexposed photos It's also good under
specie shooting situations. Time exposures at the B setting or
mechanical release at M250 are performed n the manual mode.
Flash photography with flash units other than Nikon dedicated
flash units should also be performed in this mode.
17
BASIC OPERATION continued
Usable Shooting Modes/Metering Method Combination Chart
Shooting mode
Lens or accessory
Al-S Nikkor
Al-Nikkor
Nikon Series E
Al-modified Nikkor
135mm or longer
105mm or shorter
135mm or longer
100mm or shorter
P
normal high-speed automatic multi-pattern centerweighted
X
O
O
X
O
O
Metering method
SAM
OOOO O O
XOOO O O
XOOO O O
OOOO O O
XOOO O O
XOOO X O
PC-Nikkor
Reflex-Nikkor
Medical-Nikkor
Teleconverters TC-201, TC-301, TC-14A
and TC-14B
Teleconverters TC-200, TC-300 and TC-14
Bellows, K ring
X
∆
X
X
O
X
XXXO X O
X∆OO X O
XXXO X O
OOOO O O
XOOO X O
XXOO X O
O = In operation or possible
X = Not possible
∆ = Because Reflex-Nikkor have a fixed aperture, the shutter speed is shifted according to the aperture, just as in the Amode.
• When using any Nikon teleconverter attached to lenses of f/1.8 or faster, no exposure compensation is required in
the P, S, or A mode, but is necessary in the M mode as explained in the teleconverter's instruction manual.
18
51 2 3
4
Viewfinder Information
1. LCD exposure display. Appears when the exposure meter is
turned on to show you the shutter speed or aperture selected by
the camera in an automatic exposure mode or the shutter speed
you set in the manual mode. Although the shutter speed and/or
aperture is controlled steplessly in the automatic exposure
modes, intermediate shutter speeds or f-numbers appear in the
display as discrete numbers which are closest to actual shutter
speeds or f numbers.
2. ADR f-number. Appears in the Aor M mode to show you the
aperture set on the lens (Al-S Nikkor, Nikon Series E, and Al
Nikkor, including Al-modified lenses).
3. Shutter speed indication. Appears only in the S mode to
show you the shutter speed set on the shutter speed dial.
4. LED exposure compensation mark. Appears when the
exposure compensation dial is not set to O to indicate exposure
compensation.
5. Flash ready-light. Lights up to indicate flash readiness of N
nikon dedicated electronic flash units
19
BASIC OPERATION continued
P (PROGRAMMED) MODE
Set the mode selector to P.
1.
20
Set the lens to it’s minimum
2.
aperture (the largest f-number). The shutter speed dial can be
set at any position except M250 and B
Confirm that automatic multi-
3.
pattern metering is in opera-
tion by making sure that the metering
control button is in the normal “out”
position and the red index is not on
top (refer to page 40 for more
information).
Look through the viewfinder and check the exposure
4.
information. Depress the shutter release button halfway
and you will see the LCD showing the shutter speed (as a
reciprocal) selected by the camera to provide correct exposure.
Note that a slow shutter speed results in blurred images
(techniques for avoiding blurred images are explained on page
46).
Warning Indications
If the LCD shows Hl, this means the scene is too-bright,
indicating over exposure may occur. In this case, use a neutral
density (ND) filter or change to a slower speed film
If the LCD displays Lo, this means the scene is too dark,
indicating under exposure may occur. Use an electronic flash or
change to faster film.
If the LCD shows FEE, this means the aperture ring is not
set at f/11 or a larger f-number. Reset the lens to its minimum
aperture. When using an Al-modified Nikkor lens, a Nikon
Teleconverter TC-200, TC-300, or TC-14, or a PK ring this
warning will not appear. So, be sure to set the aperture to its
minimum. However, even if the aperture is set incorrectly, you
can stil get the correct exposure (in most cases), but the
programmed aperture will be restricted to the range between the
lens maximum aperture and the actual aperture you set on the
lens.
65
21
BASIC OPERATION continued
Programmed Exposure Measurement Graph
In the programmed automatic exposure mode, the FA provides
the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed to
match the film speed in use and the brightness of the scene.
These combinations were arrived at through intensive
research and then fed into the FA's microcomputer to provide a
predetermined exposure program. Thus, when actual exposure
measurement takes place at the time of shooting, the ideal
combination on is selected, resulting in perfect exposures for
every shot.
Moreover, the FA features two different exposure programs to
match the lens focal length (applies only to Al-S Nikkor and
Nikon Series E lenses) The normal program is for lenses less
than 135mm; the high-speed program is for 135mm and longer
(including zoom lenses whose longest focal length exceeds
135mm). To minimize camera shake with telephoto lenses, the
high speed program does not go below 1/125 sec until the lens
maximum aperture is reached: then slower speeds are
progressively chosen. With all other lenses, the normal program
is in operation The h gin-speed program is also automatically
chosen by the FAwhen a Nikon Teleconverter TC-201, TC-301,
TC-14A, or TC-14B is attached to Al S, Nikon Series E, and
Al-Nikkor (including AI-modified) lenses; with Nikon
Teleconverters TC-200, TC-300, or TC 14, the normal program
is in operation.
22
The black line represents the norma program for an Al-S or
Al-Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens with ASA/ISO 100 film,whereas the
green line represents the high-speed program for an Al-S Nikkor
135mm l/2 lens. For lenses with different maximum apertures
(e.g. an Al-S or Al-Nikkor 24mm f/2 8 which is indicated by a red
line or an Al-S Nikkor 200mm f/4 by a pink line), the graph is
read from that particular aperture until intersection with the
diagonal line and then downward along the same line. Solid
program lines represent automatic multi-pattern metering,
whereas solid and dotted lines centerweighted metering. In
extremely bright lighting situations such as snow scenes,
scenes at the beach etc exposure compensation of approx +2
EV is required with conventions centerweighted metering.
Taking this into consideration, automatic multi pattern
metering s pre programmed to automatically make exposure
compensation by reducing extreme brightness to EV 16-1/3.
• The following lenses cannot be used in the P or S mode
Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/4 5 ED (older Al type without
orange minimum aperture on ADR sea/e)
Al modified Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4
• When using a Nikon Teleconverfer TC 200, TC-300 or TC 14,
the shutter speed may vary by approx. one step from that
displayed in the view finder. However you will still obtain the
correct exposure.
• With a teleconverter attached, shutter speeds become slower.
Than those indicated by the normal or high-speed program line,
respectively. Similarly, with an Al modified Nikkor or PK ring
attached, shutter speeds become slower. While the actual
shutter speed will be the one indicated by the LCD and correct
exposure is assured even in these cases, be sure to check the
LCD to avoid blurred images at slower shutter speeds.
23
BASIC OPERATION continued
S (SHUTTER-PRIORITY) MODE
Set the mode selector to S.
1.
24
Set the lens to it’s minimum
2.
aperture.
Set the shutter speed dial to
3.
the desired shutter speed. The
numbers on the dial are reciprocals,
e.g., 4000 means 1/4000sec. The 250
engraved in red indicates the fastest
sync speed for an electronic flash
unit. Each setting has a click stop;
intermediate settings cannot be used.
Use fast shutter speed to freeze
motion or use slow speeds to produce
a deliberate blur. Note that in the S
mode, M250 and B settings cannot
be used. (to prevent accidental
missetting of the dial, a locking
mechanism is provided.)
Confirm that automatic multi-
4.
pattern metering is in
operation by making sure that the
metering control button is in the
normal “out” position and the red
index is not on top (refer to page 40
for more information)
Look through the viewfinder and check the exposure information. The
5.
shutter speed you set is shown at The upper right-hand corner. When the
shutter release button is depressed halfway, the LCD at the upper left-hand corner
shows the aperture (a number preceded by F) selected by the camera to match the
shutter speed you selected
If the LCD shows the shutter speed (a number without F), this means you cannot
obtain the correct exposure at the shutter speed you selected and the camera is
overriding your choice by automatically selecting a slower or Faster speed.
With an Al-modified Nikkor lens, Nikon Teleconverter TC-200, TC-300 or TC-14, PK
ring or bellows attachment attached, the LCD shows F - -, instead of the aperture
selected by the camera. In the same way, a shutter speed will appear instead of the
F - -, if the camera automatically modifies the shutter speed you selected to obtain
correct exposure
25
Loading...