I purchased this camera because of its incredible versitility and because it was manual focus. This camera has proved invaluable in my books because I have never needed to do something that the camera couldn't do. I added an md-15 motordrive to my camera about 6 months ago and love it. I am very impressed with this camera and don't anticipate getting rid of it anytime soon.
Strengths:
Manual focus, Program, appeture priority, shutter priority, manual modes, matrix and cenerweighted metering, double exposure function, Minimal shutter slap, with an md-15 motordrive is attached it is very ready, viewfinder curtain,1/250 flash sync, 1 sec-1/4000 sec shutter speeds. I'm sure there are more!!!
Weaknesses:
could use shutter speeds down to 8 sec, but i think i am asking too much then!!!!
Rating Reviewed by: Steven Frey(Unregistered User)
(Professional)
Review Date July 25, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Review 2 of 19
Price Paid:
$600.00
from Munich,Germany
Summary:
I purchased my very first Nikon FA back in 1987,and I have used it for a couple of years.The FA's ability to accept MD-12 motordrive really turns me on so far,because I also use it on my FM-2's.After a couple years I sold it for no reason at all,and that was a mistake.A few weeks ago,while walking in the street I bounced at my long lost pal and guess what-a beatifull,black Nikon FA with a 24 mm Nikkor was hanging off his shoulder.So,I've made decision-I'll get one pretty soon...
Strengths:
First of all,I like the FA's smooth and quiet performance.The shutter and mirror are very,very well damped and ballanced;1/30th second with 85 mm lens can deliver a sharp shot ( unless you drink a lot of black coffe ).Second,in spite of five-zone matrix metering,I found FA's very centered centerweighted metering far more usable for my needs.
Weaknesses:
Well,if you are a die-hard war reporter,or you just have to take that close-up of a football player getting a goal,forget this camera. I experienced a problem with the shutter;it got broken once,but I really pushed the camera far over it's limits
When I started looking for a camera of my own (I was borrowing an eighties Minolta for about a year), I wanted to get an older model. Early eighties cameras offered the old manual feeling with the then-new option of automatic (which i never use, but it's still nice to have). All the features I wanted (including a trustable brand) lead me to the Nikon FA, which has plenty of features--my favorite being the option of multiple exposure. This camera has been great and everything a need and want in an SLR.
Strengths:
manual and automatic, brand name, very nice lenses, multiple exposure, durable
I find the FA to be a great little camera. You can use all the great AIS primes and zooms. The Matrix exposure seems like it can't be fooled. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program Mode and Manual settings...what more do you need? Some little known perks that are not in the manual are:
1) Night exposures - just set the aperture (using Aperture Priority), set the self timer (for mirror flip-up) and shoot with a tripod. The FA will automatically determine the correct shutter speed (up to several minutes)! Great exposures every time!
2) Outdoor Flash Fill - Use a TTL flash. Meter the background in Manual Mode with 1/250 sec shutter speed. Set your Aperture for correct background exposure. Now, set your Exposure Compensation Dial to -1 (or whatever you choose). Turn on your TTL flash and shoot. The Exposure Compensation Dial does not affect the ambient exposure in Manual Mode, but, it does affect the TTL Flash Exposure!
The FA is a superb camera.
Strengths:
Small and light. Matrix or Center Weighted metering. High speed program for prime and zooms (AIS type) 135mm or more. Silky smooth shutter and mirror operation. Shoot at 1/30 sec with a 135mm lens! Double exposures. DOF preview. Solid build. Long battery life. 1/250 sec flash sync etc.
Weaknesses:
Manual Mode uses Center Weighted exposure only...no Matrix. No exposure lock.
Best no-flash MF camera I can think of. Matrix metering works wonderful for those tricky snow/backlit/high-contrast shots in full sun. I believe that with this body
and a good AiS lens I focus faster than any AF except maybe for those expensive F5 / D1 machines...
Strengths:
Takes all those fine Ai and Ais lenses from my good old FM.
Takes the MD-12 Motor, too.
Built like a tank.
1/250 max flash sync.
Depth-of-field-lever (I use this more often than I thought I would).
Matrix metering / center-weighted metering switch (I use this less often than I thought I would because I have learned that matrix metering just does the job).
1/250 flash sync!!!
Weaknesses:
Flash. TTL-OTF and the automated modes (P,S,A) only work center-weighted at a fixed 1/250 and there is no indication of the aperture in these modes. That's quiet ok for fill-flash action in daylight, but if you want to mix ambient and flashlight at night, you have to go back to centerweighted manual mode.
Similar Products Used:
Pentx ME super, Nikon FM, Nikon Coolpix 9xxx, Canon Ixus digital (baah! jucky colours!), Minolta SLR digital (ok)...
Customer Service:
Officially, parts are no longer avaulable. However, Nikon service Berlin (Germany) claim that they can exchange everyting but the Copal shutter.
Sample Images
More Products from Nikon
Link to this page
5 of 5
4 of 5
