Nikon FG - best value film camera | Kosmo foto pushed +2

8 years ago I used the canon ae1, I sold it at the beginning of this year I thought that I would never came back to the analogous until I fell in love with an FG in an antique store and now I'm happy that I can use most of my nikon lenses, something I couldn't use with the Ae1 program, nice video!

[@graham_white]

Thanks Camilo! Appreciate the input and glad you got back into it

[@err7273]

i main digital but i’ve fully fallen in love with film recently, your channel has been so helpful! i really want this FG, i’ve done a lot of research on leica but lenses are so expensive

[@graham_white]

Thanks! I mean leicas are good but I just don't find them worth the price tag right now.

[@hotrodsgarage]

I have one of these and I enjoy it throughly. Ease of use and access to all that great Nikkor glass is a plus.

[@graham_white]

Totally agree

[@brendonwilson1318]

This was my first film camera a friend got me at a yard sale with series E 50mm 1.8 for $5 in 2018. It is my favorite camera so far for its features, but it's durability and reliability leaves a lot to be desired. I just bought a FE for $60 and I'm hoping when that arrives it will inspire more confidence. I will never sell my FG. It will forever hold a special place in my heart because it got me into film photography.

[@graham_white]

Yeah that durability is the big one.

[@armanddimeo6575]

No, the durability of the FG is not on a par with the more expensive Nikon SLRs but you will be fine if you do not use it every day and under harsh conditions. To my mind, all electronically controlled shutter cameras, including the FE, are a little delicate anyway. The all-mechanical FM and FM2 are the most rugged and durable of the smaller Nikon SLRs.

[@ghw7192]

@@graham_white I managed a camera store for 16 years and it was rare for an FG to come in for repair. Canon AE1s were worse. When they did, it was usually for a bad main circuit board. The FG is one of my favorite cameras. I bought mine in 1989 and have never had a problem with it, but if/when I do, I won't bother getting it repaired as it will be cheaper to replace it. Very good review.

[@Kinnup7]

Own it in black and it is a great little camera that punches above its weight.

[@graham_white]

totally agree

[@jakejohnson6187]

I own four FGs, two silver and two black, and they ROCK. Not anywhere near the quality of my FE2, but that's because I like to shoot wide open and need the 1/4000 speed on the FE2. FG is the best sleeper film camera lol.

[@graham_white]

Ha ya if the fg had that high shutter speed. Game over. Course then there is no way it would be the price it is

[@DancesWithCranes]

Got an FG a year ago to compliment my FE. It has served me well for my needs.

[@graham_white]

solid lineup

[@wetzinalvarado6930]

my GF gave me this camera as a gift for christmas... and i love te overall quality, obviusly isn't a camera with a premium construction, but feels really solid and the phot quality with some fujicolor x-tra 400 is pretty good

[@graham_white]

Yeah if you have a good lens the photo quality is going to be great. Agreed, very capable camera but build quality definitely isn't there compared to their higher end models of the time.

[@alexcarrillo5510]

I have a FG with the MD14 drive, as I had my Old Nikkors AI compatible so I could use them, also never use the DL1/3 battery on this model during cold weather, Meter will not operate when the temperature is at lower to 25 degrees, always use the MS76 or EPX76 type batteries, and yea when the mirror drops after the shutter goes off that it does sounds like the Mirror is bouncing.

[@segzeeman7356]

Thank you. I have been looking for this comment, because I wasn’t sure if it was my copy that I bought used for cheap. It doesn’t sound like, it feels like the mirror is bouncing, and it really bothers me. It just doesn’t feel good, if that makes sense. My FM10 has a decisive chop when the shutter is pressed, it feels so much better. I love the FG size, but I can’t get over the bouncy feel.

[@atroche1978]

This camera is overlooked because it's battery dependent and doesn't have the build quality of the FM, etc. I have this camera with the 50mm E Series and have gotten some really nice images with this combo. Despite what the haters say, it's a great little camera. You have M, A, P modes. I really like the size and weight of this thing. As far as build quality, it's mostly plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap. I'm glad I got mine for $20. Your video just made the prices skyrocket. Lol.

[@graham_white]

Agreed.

[@rojer9542]

Have the same setup, very pleased with it.

[@gerardasigurado516]

Notif fam from the Philippines!!!

[@SopkaiZimik]

I don't know if you will get back to me... But can you recommend which one do I get? Canon AE-1 or Nikon FG?

[@graham_white]

I would go Nikon FG personally. AE-1 MIGHT have a slightly better build quality, but thats a big maybe. otherwise I think the FG has a lot more pros, slightly lower price point (haven't checked in quite a bit though) and a bit more compact.

[@tweed0929]

Great review, thanks for sharing. I've got F2AS, F5 and F6 and nothing to complain about, but something unspeakable forces me to search for these small SLRs at our local boards: FG or FG-20.

[@graham_white]

Thanks! The F5/F6 are great. I’ve used them before but personally they are just to big and automatic for me. Prefer smaller more mechanical.

[@housemusic325]

Kosmo foto is a rebranded Foma 100.

[@graham_white]

I remember a while back hearing it was rebranded but couldn’t remember what.

[@aunizaidi1138]

i just want to ask if the nikon fg is suitable for someone who just want to get into film photography?

[@graham_white]

very much so. very capable and easy to use. Doesn't have as many full auto features as say a AE-1 program (if I recall correctly) but plenty to get you going and a very easy to navigate meter for proper exposure.

[@rickodell6095]

Just picked one up, used it for night scenes on the way back. You're review was very encouraging, had not known of the FG before.

[@graham_white]

glad to hear it! its a great camera

[@JanneRanta]

The biggest issue with FG I have is that it sucks batteries dry real fast. There is no off button so when not in use you're supposed to put it on m90 or bulb mode. Otherwise if you have it in your bag every time you even slightly bumb the shutter it start light metering and drains the battery.

[@graham_white]

I did notice that but was going to give it more time before I determined if that was a fluke on my end with battery or off camera or a overall issue with the series. Guess Im not the only one.

[@thomasmoje5926]

I used to have the same issue with my Nikon FG..several times I reached into my camera bag to use the camera to find the batteries were dead. Big mystery..until I found out that the shutter button was being pushed inadvertently by contact with the inside of the bag, thus draining the batteries. I found out to leave the camera shutter dial on 'M90' when not in use..thereby acting as an 'off switch'.

[@ghw7192]

Pushing the film advance lever in turns off the meter. It's that simple.

[@JanneRanta]

@@ghw7192 Not on FG it doesn't.

[@ghw7192]

@@JanneRanta Maybe because I leave the lens or body cap on, but I have never had a battery drain problem. I wilp check that out.

[@danieldelrosario6836]

Pentax ME Super or Nikon FG which one are you going with?

[@graham_white]

I do like the super, but FG hands down. The super will almost certainly have issues sooner

[@lukaapakidze4250]

can you review FM2, please?!

[@elbistanlii]

Which lens did you use for these photos?

[@graham_white]

I believe I used a 24 2.8.

[@elbistanlii]

@@graham_white so what brand was it?

[@graham_white]

Nikon

[@REFIGUY69]

nikkormat or FG?

[@graham_white]

wow, good question. If you want loads of settings and helpful features, go FG. If you know your stuff and don't need all the fancy settings or a reliable meter and want a camera that will probably last forever, go Nikkormat

[@alexcarrillo5510]

Both... I have the FG, and the Nikkormat Ftn, and ELW

[@jyangphotoatx]

Got the FG (2) from grandpa and it’s a great camera!

[@graham_white]

besides build quality they really are quite exceptional cameras.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Just found your channel. Good stuff!

[@graham_white]

Thanks Mac!

[@NathanButh]

I love kosmo foto mono ❤️

[@graham_white]

I was pleasantly surprised I will say that.

[@jasondewar2188]

Liked the 5 best cameras. What about the 5 best lenses?

[@graham_white]

oh jeeeze. That is much more difficult. very good point though.

[@megansterenchock4971]

can the FG use the waist level viewfinder?

[@graham_white]

unfortunately no

[@MichaelSeneschal]

Great points. Instant sub just based on this video.

[@graham_white]

Thanks a lot Michael! really appreciate it.

[@gkseodnjs07]

Helloooo again! So i'm currently choosing between the Pentax Spotmatic F and the Nikon FG. What do you think I should get? I personally like the Spotmatic because i think i can learn more by setting up everything myself but i also like the FG because it can give me a easier shooting experience. H E L P.

[@graham_white]

Either camera gives you the option to shoot fully manual. However the Spotmatic doesn't give you any automatic settings where as the FG does. The FG gives you a wider lineup of lenses with the Nikon line but the Spotmatic gives you a really great lens system with M42 and the very popular takumar lenses. It really is just personal preference. the Spotmatic has a better build quality but again you can't shoot automatic anything ever.

[@AjaySingh-228]

nice

[@frankhdh]

After 25 years I found my FG at home. Not working. Bought a "new" one 25€! I am the second owner! The first one only collector! Now I am happy as at the first day with my FG!

[@graham_white]

enjoy it!

[@leesukakopi]

Is it worth it to purchase nikon fg body with Nikkor 50mm f2 lens for $132?

[@graham_white]

I mean. personally I wouldn't but its not unheard of. That price is more like ++ condition for both body and lens. I typed in Nikon FG in eBay and there are 2 listings at the top for "buy it now" that have the 50 1.8 for under 100. so at $132 you really are paying for better cosmetic condition etc.

[@leesukakopi]

@@graham_white I wouldn’t say it’s in better cosmetic condition as there’s a sign of used here and there. The camera is fully functional, has been CLA’d. It’s BLACK BODY with grip included. I guess I’ll grab it and not tell my family about it for 6 months 🤐 Also, prices for film cameras are higher in Malaysia which is why it’s quite expensive for a basic entry level camera.

[@graham_white]

@@leesukakopi ah. that makes sense. If has truly been CLA'd then that adds a lot of value cause it should last you much longer with better performance.

[@tomallen6073]

With the cost of film being the primary expense of shooting film cameras why use a cheap body? If cost is a concern the FM can be had easily for $150. The electronics in those are old and most are close to failing.

[@graham_white]

Everyone has a preference and need. Some don’t want to spend 150 when they can get a body for less especially for a hobby or something they aren’t sure they wanna invest more into. Plus better to spend money on good glass instead of a body.

[@michaelvincent121]

I bought my FG new in 1984 and treat it like crap, taken 1000's of images and it still hits the mark every time. This camera is so small and so light it even fits in a small jacket or sweater pocket. I have a FE2 & FM same quality images but too big.

[@gerardasigurado516]

Watching it first sir! 🤍🇵🇭

[@Jing44]

P is program mode. A is apecture priority

[@graham_white]

Someone didn't read the subtext.

[@garnieross9958]

Nikon did not make the F1. That was Canon. Nikon made the F, F2, F3 etc.