5 Reasons To Buy The Nikon FA

[@mariogarcia7780]

I still have and use my Nikon FA which I purchased second hand way back in 1993, having used hundreds of film rolls through it, considering it’s a 38 year old camera, its electronics and light meter are still working perfectly well to this day.

[@RobertKaydoo]

Back in the day I carried an FA for many years; a fantastic camera. Peace.

[@khanscombe619]

These are both brilliant. I have and used both. I like how advanced FA was for its day and FE2. As a side note, FA can shoot mechanical mode (dead battery) in M1/250 and B bulb. F3 can shoot M1/60. Furthermore, both can meter and shoot off motordrive batteries.

[@andreasschaefer8613]

One of my favorite and most loved cameras those days. Beginning with an Minolta XD-5 (which has the most soft and good sounding shutter I've ever heard), I switch to the Nikon FA, a silver one, in the first year she came out, because I was impressed by the multimetering and the versatily of it. I use this camera for long years. In the moment I think of grab one used in good condition, but it will be more nostalgic mood, I don't really want to go back to the darkroom or to scan negatives.

[@alejandrokatz3543]

Great review! I think this hidden gem suffers the same that the Canon A1 suffers, people don't know much about them and prices are low

[@dangerpowers123]

True,. I've recently picked up the MD-15 motor drive for my FA and it's just so lovely. Worth getting

[@northof-62]

And Canon's EF too. That a hidden gem for sure.

[@warrenf5821]

Just got one of these from my dad. After using an older Nikon model for years, this feels like a huge upgrade. There are so many functions that I need to learn more about now.

[@henryeugenereyes7676]

I totally agree. I've had mine for a while now and mostly with my Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AI-s.

[@elliotttrout1238]

I just picked up one for $40 at an estate sale. Came with a Nikkor 35-105 macro. Stoked!🤘🏻😎

[@gewglesux]

funny this.. i just found one also i'm tying to get the seller to give me a good deal on the glass also.

[@leicestershirejim1558]

I bought My Nikon FA in spring 1984 and still have it and still works well. Had many cameras over the years but can't part with this one.

[@Skux720]

I just got the FA and immediately enjoyed it more than my FE2. Maybe it's the grip that makes a huge difference to how it feels in my hand, or the boxy prism top which is perfect 80s styling. Either way I love it already.

[@randallstewart1224]

If getting into this series of Nikons cold-turkey, the FA is a great choice. I started with the first FM and traded "up" has newer versions came out, ending with an FE2 I still have. In 1983-4, I probably would have moved to an FA, but for the very high price assessed for what you got over and FE2. IMO, its reported issues were always over-blown, but they do exist in come units. If starting out today, looking for a daily use Nikon something like the FA,I'd buy an F100. It has everything an FA offers plus some very useful additional functions. The F100 is probably more reliable, both for its age and its design.

[@artistjoh]

It does have a bigger negative (not mentioned here,) which is the reason they are less expensive - They are the least reliable of any of the Nikon film cameras. People exclusively blame the electronics (and there is plenty to fail there) but there are also some mechanical internal parts that are known to fail, including the physical parts of the shutter mechanism. It was a camera where Nikon pushed the boundaries of what was possible back then (which is why they are such a delight to use,) but that experimentation meant that they didn't have the benefit of experience to know how to improve reliability. Sadly, it is easy to buy a working one, but have it fail soon after, and good luck getting it repaired - Nikon spare parts ran out around the year 2000 - and this unreliability factor keeps the prices lower.

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

Excellent review of the FA I had 3 different FAs until earlier this year the chrome model with drive the Black with Drive fitted and finally I had the Limited edition Gold Plated model kept in its box ! A good friend of mine purchased it from me earlier this year 😊👍keep up the great reviews of these classic cameras 👍

[@dangerpowers123]

Thank you, I'll keep the reviews coming

[@dangerpowers123]

I'd love a chrome one too

[@user-mh4gn5ri6s]

The only possible problem these days is that should the aging complex electronics fail, that’s the end of the camera Also I was never fussed about the top of the camera being made of plastic, having said that it does create great pictures

[@eatmelily]

I still have my FA. I bought it new in 84 or 85. I still have my MD-15, and a SB-15 flash, and all my lenses. Even have the original boxes and manuals, all just like new....Great Equipment...

[@melvinch]

Do the combo work well with daylight flash using TTL ?

[@rockartistet]

The feature that is missing is Exposure lock. As Nikon thought the meter was perfect. In the next matrix metered camera the F4 this flaw was corrected

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Nice video Steve! I would say another reason people prefer the FM2 is that the FA is prone to electrical faults, which because of the lack of parts can't be fixed.

[@dangerpowers123]

Samsung9alaxy ,my random logic on the electrical faults issue is...those that would have a problem will probably have suffered from it by now after 20+ years.. A bit like the LCD bleed issue on the F4. So provided it's ok in 2018... Hopefully it's one of the good ones that isn't likely to have any issues. Glass if half full logic maybe ha ha

[@eatmelily]

@@dangerpowers123 Yep, never had an issue with my FA...Just got it out, and everything works just as it did brand new......

[@jimitav]

Excellent video and at last I see someone that appreciates the FA. I don't think it's the most advanced SLR though. Maybe it was the most advanced when it came out back in 1983.

[@dangerpowers123]

jimitav ,true I sort of meant that...as really once the F4 and F5 came out they overtook it. But for the classic body shape I guess the FA is the last and most advanced camera Nikon made before SLRs got massive ha ha

[@milesian1]

Perhaps it would be more accurate to describe the Nikon FA as the most advanced manual focus film SLR. I've had two over the last ~15 years and it is my absolute favourite manual focus 35mm film camera.

[@artistjoh]

It was the most advanced of its day, but only for two years. Nikon had two years of high sales, with everyone talking about the revolutionary "techno-camera," then Minolta brought out the first autofocus camera, the Maxxum 7000, in 1985, and Nikon FA sales crashed overnight. Nikon discontinued it in 1987. The problem with marketing based on being the most advanced is that it only lasts until the day your competitor brings out a more advanced feature that everybody wants. Also it didn't take long for all the manufacturers to develop their own matrix metering and PASM dials. Once that happened, Nikon's higher priced FA was doomed.

[@PaweBanczak]

Got mine 2 weeks ago and I'm in love with it

[@dangerpowers123]

Such a great camera. Congratulations

[@MrGibsonguy335]

The FA also works with the MD-11 motor drive.

[@thomask1424]

I like that you have the stubby little 50mm E series pancake on it. I just ordered an one with a 50mm 1.4. - can't wait.

[@gregderozier3846]

I’ve owned and used 15 FA’s in the 1980’s and never had an electronic failure.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Thinking about picking one of these up as a back up for my F3hp. And also as a light weight street shooter.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Looking to purchase one at the moment to add to my other Nikon bodies great review I appreciate it thanks 👍🏻

[@RedHell2884]

I think if we have a nikon FA and nikon F2, it will be enough, We will not think of buying another classic camera, because they combine many features and each one complements the other. Electronic, mechanics, multiple programs, flexibility in accepting lenses.

[@markheywood5626]

Used 2 Nikon FAs from 1986 until around 2003 when I sold both . Wish I kept them now they served me well and had sentimental value oh why did I sell. I had a black and a silver one and took my black one to Egypt in 19997. Went to Luxor temple on my 1st day and pulled the camera out of my bag and the strap snagged on a stone bench and pulled the camera out of my arms and into the air. The FA cane crashing to the ground and when I picked it up the camera didn’t have a mark on it. But when I tried to take a photo it would not work. So flicked it into mechanical mode and it fired but every exposure had to be taken at 1/250 of a second. So had a month backpacking taking everything at 1/250 and working the F stop myself. When I got home I sent it off to Nikon who wanted £600 to replace a cracked circuit board. So didn’t get it fixed and used it in mechanical mode for years until I sold it on.

[@dangerpowers123]

Great story, thanks for sharing. Reckon you should pick an FA up off eBay. Be like meeting and old Freind again .

[@markheywood5626]

I have been looking for a while now and will hopefully pick one up soon.

[@facheap]

thank you - great review - i own and F3 and carried for many yrs, picked up a FA as a back-up -

[@dangerpowers123]

Both the FA and F3 are excellent cameras 👍🏻

[@williampower2333]

Right then! A 'Yuge' data drop!! This is the only camera, that I'm aware of, that uses closed loop metering. I.E.:- it meters twice before the shutter fires. Once, at open aperture, as is normal & shows in the readout; then, when the shutter release is pressed.This 2nd reading then adjusts the aperture to account for any wear or faulty adjustments in the actuation train. The mirror flips up & the shutter fires. However, this precludes AE Lock; no meter, lock & recompose. Only doable in Manual! As for dodgy electronics, this arose due to the fact the 1st production was not shielded from EMR & the charge/discharge of a Speedlite capacitor messed with the metering. The top plate was plastic; ABS for Chrome & Lexan for Black. Previously, it was metal, which was a Faraday Cage. Also, the earliest ones had a less sensitive SPD. After Dec. 1983, all had the last[5th] mod of the honeycomb Ti Shutter assembly. Now for the 'Magnum Mysterium'; the production date! The S/N's start at 5,000,001, but that does tell much. Nikon treats this as a Corporate Secret[typical Nikon]! But the Code has been cracked!! Look inside the film chamber & you see a ciphers embossed where the film canister sits. The 1st is the month; 1-9,O,N,D.The 2nd is the last digit of the year; 3-9. The last 2 letters are speculated to be the production run. A useful accessory is the DB-2 cold weather pack for Winter use, no battery failure! I have 2 of 'em with the MD-15 drive which might hint at something!! My fave walk-about kit!! But, doubtlessly, I have youse rigid, so "Thou shalt hear from Herald no more"!!

[@dangerpowers123]

Fascinating... I don't suppose from my video you can tell which version I have. Hopefully a later version with all the early problems ironed out.

[@williampower2333]

Your S/N appears to be 5,3xx,xxx,so you should have all the mods. Check the production code in the film chamber to be sure the top plate has not been swapped! Any time after about May 1984 should have all the mods.One thing to check before purchase, is that the DoF [stop-down] lever is not binding. As there's no illumination for night use, I use Velcro One-Wrap to strap on a penlight to the lens barrel with a red filter aimed at the viewfinder window to see the LED readouts! Cheers!

[@MrVaniaFan]

75SA - it's July 1985?

[@williampower2333]

Yes, that's right! A correction; production ended in 1987 but was sold until 89. I'm of the opinion that, given a very small database, the 1st letter is the Production day, 1.e.-A=1,B=2,etc.& the 2nd is the Production line.I have a very early one from Sept. '83 with the last letter D [for 'Development'??]. I assume this was the line for 'Job One' where the process was fine-tuned! Then all subsequent production was on Line A. Large Mfg. companies worked a 6 day week until 1987 when the 40hr week was legislated. So yours was made on Monday July 22 1985! Hopefully the employees weren't hard on the Pongolo on Sunday, sinking Saki & Sapporo; staggering in 'Brahms & Liszt'!! A real concern for German lenses made around 'OktoberFest', especially anywhere near Munchen!!

[@MrVaniaFan]

Thank You)

[@sciroccs]

Excellent video! Could you, or any other viewers comment on the size/weight comparison to the Nikon FG? I love the size of the FG, but would really like to have matrix metering for E6 use in a small/light package. Thanks in advance.

[@GlenJDiamond]

I'm hopfeful that one day minuturisation will give us a digital sensor that sits where the film would have been (with the guts of the digital camera where the film canister was) - and some sort of wireless feed to a touch screen that can be attached to the rear of the film loading door for reviewing saved images. It would record each time the shutter allows light to hit the sensor. The intelligence would be the film camera itself and the digital bit would be dumbed down to just record the image as presented by the film camera.

[@ethanbrossard5700]

I was recently looking to get one of these cameras, and a note to add is that if you do find a good deal on one without the finger grip, KEH is currently selling just the finger grip for 37 usd

[@dangerpowers123]

I just found that too, thanks. Also I see one on eBay too listed as "Nikon FA Grip SN249" for €34.

[@fedvvvv]

I only shoot aperture priority so I got a Nikon FE for half the price. I also prefer the more classic design of the FE compared to the FA.

[@gro_skunk]

I saw these for so little on eBay but was dissuaded by accounts of these being fragile, while otherwise being an amazing camera ive heard they just stop working sometimes

[@1911geek]

Correction FA have M250 which is mechanical 1/250 when battery go dead much faster than F3 1/80th

[@ivaa7777JAWA]

Great video

[@yingyuli8169]

FA is the second if the F3 is the First!😄👍👍👍👍👍

[@anta40]

Add AF, pre-AI lenses compatibility, faster shutter speed to this one, and then you get the F4, right? Hmm why suddenly I want one?

[@dangerpowers123]

Yes kind of...and the FA is a lovely small size when compared to the bulky F4. If you don't mind manual focus it's much nicer size wise than an F4.

[@uncatila]

Great review. It's really a great camera

[@RedHell2884]

Excellent video

[@floatingpoints1507]

So, a while on now, do you still find the FA reliable and all good? Looking at getting one as my F3 of all things packed it in and won't shutter / the meter won't turn on. A shame really.

[@dangerpowers123]

Absolutely, get a good one and it's totally reliable. Sorry to hear about the F3 packing in.... Not often you hear about F3's breaking. Shame

[@flowermaze___]

@@dangerpowers123 Amazing news! I have one In the post, thanks for the review and the sharing of cameras! Im very surprised the F3 gave up the ghost, I guess maybe the circuit board or cables had enough?

[@scottparis6355]

Yes, but the FA doesn't have the red stripe.

[@yingyuli8169]

F3>FA>FE2>FM2>FE>FM

[@ianhand5006]

Great review!

[@dangerpowers123]

Ian Hand , thank you 😀

[@skilo81]

Would you say this camera is better than the NIkon FM3A?

[@filmismorefun]

Informative video. I've never shot one. I'm curious.. you mentioned the camera will adjust your speeds if it detects incorrect exposure, but what if I purposefully wanted to blow out the highlights in an image?

[@dangerpowers123]

filmismorefun it should be fine and let you in the M "manual mode " it's to my knowledge only going to step in a help if in shutter or aperture priority

[@filmismorefun]

Film Camera Reviews Okay, I misunderstood you! I thought you were referring to the camera doing that while being in manual. I thought, well that's kinda silly to automate M mode.

[@dangerpowers123]

filmismorefun , no worries

[@williampower2333]

You could crank in some exposure comp.! Either way the whole neg is going to be overexposed! Film is a different kritter; the response 'rolls off', unlike Digital, which 'Brickwalls', clipping easily! The only way is manipulation during printing!

[@jsprite123]

If the batteries fail, can you still use the FA? I'm in between the FA and the FM3a.

[@dangerpowers123]

The FA is far more reliant on the batteries, the big selling point of the FM3a is it's both fully mechanical and also fully electrical...so it doesn't have to use batteries. Your shutter speeds will still work. The FA will limit you to only one or two set shutter speeds when the batteries die. Although they last year's, and it's easy to have a spare set of batteries.....and the FA is far more advanced with its matrix meter. So for the money, the FA gives you far more...for less spend. But the FM3A, is mechanical when you need it.

[@huzizach]

Heya! Do you still shoot the FA two years on? just wondering if the lack of aperture priority lock ever bothered your shooting experience? Would you say the matrix meter nails exposure on most occasions or all the time? Thanks in advance! 🙂

[@dangerpowers123]

I'm still using the FA and find the matrix metering is consistently good.

[@abigailsockeye1586]

yeah but it can't sync with your phone

[@dangerpowers123]

Abigail Sockeye , ha ha very true. No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi either

[@39exposures]

To that point why people are hunting the FM's... Isn't it about the durability? With fully mechanical device there's much less things that can fail with age. You just need CLA them once in 40 years and that's it :)

[@dangerpowers123]

True..... But then look at the FA and the F3 ...both heavily electronic and both very reliable even 40 years on. Although I do think....long term ...30 years from now... My all mechanical Leica M2 and Nikon F will be working... As less to go wrong.

[@jameslane3846]

Does this have a mechanical shutter? Can't find any info on that

[@dangerpowers123]

I checked the manual for you. It's essentially an electronic shutter. Like the Nikon FE. If you want a mechanical shutter the FM / FM2 or the F2 are a better choice. The FA it looks like....has one mechanical shutter speed of 1/250th... When set to manual mode. But that's it. You need the little LR44 batteries to make it work on the other modes and speeds.

[@jameslane3846]

@@dangerpowers123 thanks!

[@srfurley]

@@dangerpowers123 if you use the MD-15 motordrive, but not the MD-11 or 12, the aa batteries in the motor drive power the camera, and you don’t need the batteries in the camera itself. They will power the shutter timing and meter even if the motordrive is turned off and the camera is being wound, and the shutter being cocked, manually. I have a FM, but it’s not in very good condition. The depth of field preview lever is actually missing. To be honest, it’s not my favourite camera. The main problem for me is that I have poor eyesight which makes the LCD display very difficult to see. It’s not just a focusing issue, so while a correction lens helps, it doesn’t solve the problem. It seems to be very common for the rubber covered eyepiece ring to be missing on the FM/FE series. They are still available new, but are quite expensive. For some reason the same problem doesn’t seem to apply to the similar but all metal ring on the Nikkormats. It’s interesting that the final cameras in the FM/FE should have resulted in two such different cameras as the FA and the FM3a, one very modern for it’s day, and the other very traditional. The FM3a did adopt a few new features, such as DX coding and the window in the back to show the cassette. If I had been designing the FM3a I would have included a few other new features from the F A. The ability to use the MD-15 a s well as the MD-11 and 12, and the ability for the drive batteries to power the camera, the screw-in cap to cover the electrical contacts on the camera base, the small grip on the body,, and of course the matrix metering. I would however have put the metering mode selection button in a different place; it’s very difficult to operate, especially with a motordrive fitted. I would have mixed feelings about the viewfinder display. LEDs a re the easiest for me to se, but many people prefer a needle. If it had to have the LCD display then it should have had some backlighting, the small translucent window on the prism housing really isn’t enough.

[@hkon912003bon]

can it work without a battery as a just mechanical camera?

[@stattmorgen]

At 1/250 you can use it as a mechanical camera.

[@pervertt]

I'd take the FA over the FE or FM on just looks alone. Most older Nikons look fugly. Tip 1: Check whether the film advance lever works before buying. Tip 2: Replace the Series E lens with a proper Nikkor AI-S lens. The Series E belongs to a cheapie like the EM or FG-20.

[@dangerpowers123]

pervertt ,agreed completely, although I like the small size and image quality from the pancake e series 50mm... My fave lens is an AI converted 50mm f1.4 Nikkor S lens

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

"It is the most advanced SLR Nikon ever made." In light of the fact that Nikon cameras exist with names like, F4, FM3a, and F6. You can't even say that the FA is the most advanced manual focus camera Nikon ever made. Don't get me wrong, if I were to come across a gently used FA for less than a $100, I would jump on it, however the FA is known for electrical problems, it's about 30 years old now, and it was not built to the same standards of ruggedness as the F3, F4, FM3a, or the F6. I have two F3's and two F4's and EVERTHING on them works, like the day they rolled off the assembly line.

[@dangerpowers123]

Doesn't the F4 have very common LCD bleed issues? Im finding it hard to buy one with zero LCD problems. The FA with its matrix metering and exposure correcrion ability to ensure correct exposure was pretty advanced for its time... in this body shape only really the FM3a is comparible. Granted the F4,F5 and F6 are very advanced but much bigger cameras. Still what does it all matter, I like the nikon F the most and that got only the basic mechanical features. But then that's all you need really.

[@dangerpowers123]

Ken agrees abouts it being very advanced.... kenrockwell.com/nikon/fa.htm

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

I agree. The simplicity of those old mechanical, manual focus cameras is great (as long as we're fortunate enough to have good eyesight). I am not aware of the LCD bleed issue with the Nikon F4. I bought both of mine used and they're fine. However, all of these great, classic cameras are 30+ years old now so I could see where it's possible. Shame that nothing we buy today will be operable or useful 30 years from now.

[@dangerpowers123]

@@AldermanFredCDavis , very true.

[@melvinch]

Does the AMP metering works well in portrait mode ?

[@dangerpowers123]

Melvin Chong , camera meters really well in all situations. Very advanced for its day

[@laleydemoraga]

this camera does doble exposure?

[@srfurley]

Yes.

[@Frisenette]

The metal prism housing is always dented to hell so plastic is far better there. Best SLR is a far stretch. It is my favourite though. It’s the pinnacle of that style of camera. The F100 for example is a more advanced camera for sure. So you’re the one who fucks up all the bottom plates of all cameras! Stop sliding it around on the table! Pick it up and put it down. Even a smooth surface like the table will have a slight abrasive effect that will only accumulate over the years and on worse surfaces. The camera business is all about aesthetics and of course that includes the equipment.

[@dangerpowers123]

Helge Frisenette agree for that style of camera is one of the best. Hmm...the FM3a is also great.

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

This sounds like a A1 but better

[@dangerpowers123]

It's far better ...I think

[@612morrison]

Now 3 years later the price is almost double.

[@dangerpowers123]

Blimey is it... Glad I've kept my one. Still love shooting with it

[@TXLorenzo]

I would argue that the F100 and F5 were the most advanced film cameras

[@dangerpowers123]

Have a read of this please...makes some good points. kenrockwell.com/nikon/fa.htm

[@TXLorenzo]

@@dangerpowers123 I just ordered an FA for my growing Nikon collection, but my F100 will use G lenses and will support autofocus.

[@randallstewart175]

Among the manual focus Nikons, I agree. My F100 does everything the FA does, and much more, but it is based on 10+ years of tech advaces. In its day, the FA acquired a reputation of being less reliable than the FE/FM series on which it was based, questioning the massive technological advances it incorporated. I've no idea whether those concerns were true, but thee seem to be a lot fewer FAa in the used market than other Nikons of its generation.

[@JTroker]

It is a copy Cannon A-1. Canon made first shutter priority camera and programmed in Canon A-1. And Nikon copy cat that camera.

[@gregderozier3846]

1. Made from plastic. 2. Difficult to get repaired. 3. Battery Dependent. 4. 1980’s technology 5. Hard to find one in good condition.