Uncovering the Nikon FA: Is This 35mm Camera Perfection?

Hey everyone! In this video I talk about a 35mm camera which is near and dear to me, the Nikon FA. This gem of a camera is one of the most underrated workhorses you can find. I hope that I can give you some valid information for you to consider this wonderful camera. It has been my daily driver for the last year and I'm absolutely loving it.
For a really wonderful, in depth review I suggest you go to David Hancock's KZbin channel and watch his really great review. Here is his link:
• Nikon FA Video Manual ...
List of emulsions used in this video in chronological order:
1. Ilford XP2 Super
2. Ilford XP2 Super
3. Ilford FP4 Plus
4. Kodak ProImage 100
5. Fuji NPH 400
6. Fuji Pro 160S
7. Ilford PanF 50
8. Fuji NPH 400
9. Fuji NPH 400
10. Fuji Industrial 100
11. Ilford XP2 Super
12. Fuji Pro 160S
13. Kodak Gold 200
14. Kodak ProImage 100
15. Kodak Ektar 100
16. Kodak Ektar 100
17. Fuji NPH 100
18 - 26 Ilford FP4 Plus
27. Fuji Superia X-Tra 400
28 - 30 Fuji Pro 160S
/ the_film_fellow
/ thefilmfellow
#nikonphotography #nikonfa #35mmphotography #filmphotography

[@TheFilmFellow]

Dearly beloved, due to a copyright claim with the music in my intro I've had to use KZbin's feature to change the intro music but alas, the transition from the intro to me rambling about is a little rough and certainly not how I would have edited it so I do apologize for this. I've definitely learned a whole lot since making this video and I hope that you do have a positive take away from this video.

[@GirdHerd]

You sold me on the FA. I just checked ebay and noticed that most of the cameras are lacking the right grip. To those of you who may want to buy one, make sure it has the grip. Don't know why so many grips are missing.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Glad I’ve been able to help you make a decision. The FA is a wonderful camera and exceedingly underrated. You’ll definitely enjoy shooting it and it’s a wonderful camera to have in your arsenal or even as your only shooter. It truly has all you need and then some plus Nikon’s wonderful TTL flash and put it on the grip and it’s a pro level rig in my humble opinion. Thanks so much for watching and happy shooting!

[@Spekplant]

Just got a grip for $35. I did not notice my FA that I baught did not have one, no wonder it was so cheap😂

[@sollykhan2385]

Thank you for this overview regarding the Nikon Fa, your pictures are an AWESOME testament to the Nikon cameras and their legendary Nikkor lenses. please post more or share a link to where we can see them all, they are very inspirational, much respect and Love from the U.K 🙂😇🥰

[@TheFilmFellow]

What a really wonderful comment. The Nikon FA is indeed a camera which allows you to take just about any photo you want and certainly the Nikkor lenses are as sharp as you need them to be. They’re very underrated. Perhaps they lack some exoticness but they are fit for any job. A lot of my photography you’ll find on my IG @thefilmfellow. These days I do shoot with my FE2 but with essentially the same 50mm 1.8. Thanks so much for watching and for your wonderful comment.

[@sollykhan2385]

@@TheFilmFellow Thank you so much for your kind response and feedback, well appreciated, as it's a sign of authentic talent allied with true humility, in the present times we don't often meet people with good character or the desire to interact with other inspired learners.i have got a Black version in Mint condition Nikon Fa with a Md15 motor-drive ,i have quite a few other Nikkorr lenses, i need to get out there and and start taking pictures and find like minded people to connect with, Much respect and Love from an enthusiastic Nikon owner in the U.K bless 😇

[@TheFilmFellow]

@@sollykhan2385 Hey you’re very welcome and you’re too kind yourself. I do enjoy interacting with folks within our wonderful community and especially nice people like you. The MD15 really brings the Nikon FA alive. I’ve shot with it in that form factor for quite a while. I love it that you then don’t have to pull out the advance lever in order to take a photo with the grip mounted and it really makes that setup feel like a pro tool. I personally actually classify the FA as a pro level camera. It’s awesome for street or just documenting life. If you’re working on a book this is definitely the camera to own. I love it. I hope you get to shoot it as much as possible.

[@sollykhan2385]

@@TheFilmFellow Thank you for your lovely kind words, your enthusiasm is palpable and has rekindled my vision for a more focused photographic involvement. Yes you're absolutely spot-on the Fa is a serious professional Camera,and i'm planning on getting out in the great outdoors as much as possible to capture the essence of life and hopefully share some of the great images with family and friends alike, you take care my Kindred Spirit, and please post more wonderful videos, Bless 😇

[@ASMRvelous]

Another great video. I really love the relaxed vibe in this one, you come across very natural and of course knowledgeable. And I had to laugh when you mentioned the shutter sound, because I was JUST thinking *Oooooh that's a good sound* and then you mentioned it :)

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thank you so much dear Danielle for your wonderful compliments and unwavering support! I also really love the sound of the camera. Others might not, to each their own but to me it tingles the ASMR receptors 😀

[@wayofthewheel3543]

One of the reasons I recently purchased an FA is night time photography. I'd love to hear how you approach taking night time photos with the FA. Great video by the way. 👍

[@TheFilmFellow]

Congratulations on your purchase! I really do love the Nikon FA! It’s so underrated. I really love it with the dedicated battery grip. I actually did a video in which I did some nighttime photography with the FA. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5y3aGOqfMSfqKssi=aeuPj7snAWUwNB4n. In essence I really just let the FA do it’s thing. Sometimes I might bracket depending on the night scene but the FA is probably the best 35mm camera body for nighttime photography. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Secondcropcreative]

Great content- can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!

[@JB-ou6fl]

I just bought a Nikon FA. This video is making me more excited to start using it.

[@TheFilmFellow]

The FA is a wonderful camera! Glad this video got you excited about shooting it. It’s one heck of a shooter. Thanks so much for watching!

[@cszmax]

The FA with md15 was my first Nikon camera after having used Pentax. I bought mine second hand in 1997 along with a Metz 45 and boy was I happy. I still have it along with my FM2 Vintage F and F2.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Your wonderful story is testimony to what a great camera the Nikon FA. Yes once you put a battery grip on the FA it really comes alive. The FA never disappoints me. Thanks so much for watching.

[@cszmax]

It really started the Nikon obsession with me. The first roll of film looked absolutely amazing. It’s like using a cheat mode all the time to get perfect shots. The matrix meter is amazing and there was the right amount of heft and grip with the md15 to make it an awesome shooting experience.

[@randallstewart1224]

I advanced to the FM when it first came out, then upgraded through several versions, ending with an FE2, which I still own. When the FA came out, I liked it, but not enough to trade up one more time. Folks loved the FA when first introduced. For some reason(s) I now forget, it suffered some criticism a few years later. It sold well, but not a major model for Nikon. Reason: probably because others were shifting over to auto-focus, where Nikon was dragging its feet. A lot of NIkon users held off waiting for launch its next generation of bodies. Closest I came to owning an FA: I bought a meter off an auction site, and the site accidently switched the package labels. I ended up with some guy's absolutely like-new, black body FA - just stunning. I added my note of congratulations inside the body and returned it, later getting the meter I won. By then, I was enjoying my 8008S, another great and much underappreciated Nikon.

[@TheFilmFellow]

The FA is a phenomenal camera. Unfortunately, at it’s release the first models had issues with their internal electronics. Apparently when you held the camera close to other electronics, presumably a magnetic charge, the internal electronics would fault. This required a recall and Nikon did fix the issue but the “unreliable” name stuck alas. Nikon had of course never build such a camera. Also indeed the FM2 and FE2 were tough competitors for the FA and to this day people prefer a mechanical camera. However, I find the FA incredibly interesting and the copies you find today are just fine. I’m very much intrigued by the FA. Especially with its dedication grip. Another factor of its unpopularity and underrated status is that the housing is made of plastic and not metal. People do not prefer that as well but to me it’s no issue. Thank so much for watching.

[@huzizach]

Great video! very clear and covering all the bases. Thank you (:

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey Zack! Thank you so much for you nice compliment and for watching!

[@Spekplant]

Wonderful honest review, thsnk you

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you’ve enjoyed the review. Thank you for watching.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

I just bought one to add and use with my other Nikon’s nice review your right is underrated one of the first cameras to have Matrix metering looking forward to seeing how it compares to my F3 and FE2 and FM2N and it’s updated brother F100

[@TheFilmFellow]

It’s one of the most underrated yet capable cameras ever. I think you’ll enjoy it. If you get a chance put a grip on it. Really brings that camera alive. Thanks so much for watching.

[@rockartistet]

Fantastic review

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thanks so much and thanks so much for watching.

[@rockartistet]

I was so pleased your review was not a walk around of the dials and buttons. But a reveal of what the camera offers to the shooter.

[@johnfewings6520]

Nice review, now I have one too! Thanks 😊

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey John thanks so much for subscribing! I love and appreciate all my subscribers and congratulations on your purchase! I think you’ll enjoy shooting with your FA. It’s a gem of a camera. Thanks so much for watching 🙏🏽

[@johnfewings6520]

@@TheFilmFellow I really appreciate your work and your knowledgeability 🙂

[@TheFilmFellow]

@@johnfewings6520 Thanks so much for your kind words John!

[@Macjohn1419]

You mentioned in your video that you were going to send the FA to be CLA’d. Who do you use? I have a fungus issue on the inside of the eyepiece lens and I’m looking for a shop that can clean it for me. Thank you. Great video and camera.

[@TheFilmFellow]

I’ve actually never ended up sending it in for a CLA and I’ve long since sold my FA. I really got heavily into my Konica IIIA which is an all-mechanical beauty which I CLA myself. I know there are stil some guys out there. You might have to do some research depending on where you live and ask the tech the right questions. The FA is a wonderful camera. I’m going to buy one again at some point in the future. I do believe that eye piece screws right off for cleaning. Thanks so much for watching.

[@davidpostma9862]

Good review

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thanks so much David and thanks so much for watching.

[@markheywood5626]

I had the silver and black versions I bought in 1988. I still have the black one but sold the silver one about 15 years ago. I wish I still had a silver one I might get one again.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey Mark yes the FA is an absolutely amazing camera a way underrated. It’s one of my all time favorites that’s for sure. Thanks so much for watching.

[@rockartistet]

Fe2 work’s exposure lock 1/250 sync etc

[@MarkBrown-gz5bh]

Is that an MR-3 shutter release on the md-15 drive

[@TheFilmFellow]

That’s correct! I love the dedicated motor drive for the FA. It’s probably one of the best motor drives Nikon made.

[@Michele_Berardi]

Do you think Nikon FA is reliable? I'm a bit scared cause it's electronic... Anybody had any issues? It looks great btw nice video

[@TheFilmFellow]

From the research I did the FA got its undeserved “unreliable” stamp from two factors. The first factor is that unfortunately the early models did suffer from electronic issues, apparently when held close to other electronics, but those models were recalled and repaired by Nikon so I think it’s fairly safe to say that the ones you’ll find today, 37 years later, are very reliable. Secondly, when new tech arrives in any market there is sure to be resistance so similar to mirrorless which is now adopted widely, the AMP meter inside the FA which was probably even more radical, I’m sure was but all too happily called “unreliable” by the old guard. My personal FA is extremely reliable. Dead-on accurate shutter speeds, very reliable meter and although the matrix meter of my F100 is definitely a more honed meter, the FA’s AMP was leaps and bounds ahead of any center-weighted meter of its day. Sure, electronics can always fail. All mechanical cameras fail as well.

[@artistjoh]

@@TheFilmFellow Unfortunately the FA is the most unreliable of the Nikon film cameras, but it is still generally more reliable than cameras of the same era from other manufacturers. The "because of electronics" is only a portion of the reason because there are plenty of other physical parts which are known to fail at a greater rate than other Nikons, especially the shutter. It seems that Nikon was pushing the boundaries of what is possible (which is why it is such a delightful camera to use) but they had no prior experience with manufacturing these advanced features and so did not know how to make them more reliable as they did with later cameras with similar features. Being first does have its limitations.

[@dennisswiatkowski]

Great video! Are you by any chance Dutch?

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hi Dennis thanks so much for watching. Glad you’ve enjoyed it. I was born I was born in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium but indeed at a very young age moved to the Netherlands.

[@flat6s]

LOL. I recognize the shot of the truck that's located in Mansfield.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey Frank, haha..yes..it’s indeed in the picturesque, historic downtown of Mansfield. Thanks so much for watching.

[@khanscombe619]

I got it just for it's Matrix & TTL flash on standard ISO shoe. It is amazingly light coming from F2AS or F3HP & F4E. I like that it can Matrix meter many NF old and new lenses but I can't get used to lack of display or control. No light in finder for night time. No display of what working aperture is being used in S or P. You lose Matrix in M. Somethin in MD-15 overrides body so if motor drive batteries die you have to remove to use w/ camera meter battery. Although, if those die as well, you can use M250 manual aperture but no TTL flash of course, A auto works ok. I lost my body mini grip. That MR-3 remote button is extra or any electric 2/3 pin used for F3 on. But remember to store motor port cover in battery bottom so you not lose it. On it's own, it is amazingly lite. Weighs as much as the actual SB-16A/B flash I had w/ it. And at these prices of film, I'm sure not shooting at even 3 fps lol.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey thanks so much for your wonderful input! I do really love the Nikon FA. I have since sold my silver copy but I miss it so much I’m going to purchase a black copy. The FA has to be one of the most underrated cameras. Indeed the AMP meter is what sets it apart and not very many cameras can matrix meter with manual focus lenses like it does. Although mechanical cameras seem to be most popular I must admit that I’m a sucker for technological cameras like the awesome FA so I will definitely repurchase one. It’ll probably become my main setup once I do. It’s that awesome. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Caballeroshot]

I have gone through every variation of Nikon film bodies and nothing compares to the value and features found in a Nikon F5 or the F100 if you don't need weather sealing.

[@TheFilmFellow]

I really do love my F100. It’s my go-to camera when I want to test a film as it is so accurate. I’ve always been interested in the F5 and I’m sure I’ll purchase one someday time in the future. The F5/F6/F100 represents the absolute pinnacle in 35m autofocus film photography. Having said that my FE2/FA certainly have their charm and their simplicity unquestionably speak to me and I love shooting them.

[@haneyfrancis2780]

I just bought a Fa today and saw your video. Can you please tell me where to get that AMP Process flowchart you have at 2min 50 sec into the video it would really help me out.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hi Haney I found this on Ken Rockwell’s website. He has some good information on the Nikon FA. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/matrix01.htm Congratulations on your purchase. I love the Nikon FA. Happy shooting and thanks so much for watching.

[@haneyfrancis2780]

Thank you for replying and God bless

[@TheFilmFellow]

@@haneyfrancis2780 You’re very welcome.

[@JimIBobIJones]

One big flaw is that the shutter is fragile. Not as fragile as the horizontal curtain shutter in the f-f3 cameras but still an issue in the 2020s.

[@TheFilmFellow]

I personally haven’t had an issue with the shutter and it does have the same shutter as the FE2. I haven’t heard this issue a lot as a matter of fact this is the first time. It’s mostly the electronics which tend to break down with the FA but the ones that have made it here are certainly rock solid. Thanks so much for watching.

[@JimIBobIJones]

@TheFilmFellow the ealier FE2s have the titanium honeycomb, the later ones have the alumnium alloy shutter (which is sturdier). The honeycomb shutter is a known failure point.

[@davidmascorro5636]

Nice !!

[@TheFilmFellow]

Thanks so much and thank you for watching!

[@Andy-rk9mu]

nice shoots : what film?

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hey thanks so much! I’ll make a little list of what films where used in this video soon.

[@NCSTalkid]

At the time. FA worth more than fm. Right now. If i had chance. I choose fm2 all the time. I got fm2n and fg

[@TheFilmFellow]

The FM2(n) has certainly proven its value and longer over the years not in the least due to its mechanical nature. I do think that the FA has a charm all of its own and personally I do think that it’s a great shooting experience with the FA. Of course the FA is an electronically natured camera which is what makes it less appealing. Thanks so much for watching.