BASIC OPERATION

INSTALLING BATTERIES
Remove the battery clip. 43 Use a coin to unscrew it in counter clockwise direction
Insert batteries. Wipe the battery terminals clean and insert the batteries, making sure that the + signs are up. Useable batteries for the Nikon FA camera 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 the clip back into the camera body and screw it tightly into place.

CHECKING BATTERY POWER

Pull out the film advance lever 74 to unlock the shutter release button 70. The lever doubles as a shutter release button lock.
Depress the shutter release button halfway to activate the exposure meter.
Check the LCD. Confirm that the 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 75 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

MOUNTING THE LENS

continued
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 FA as they hit the cam era's meter coupling lever 13 However, they can be used after modification. In addition, Al-modification of most non-AI lenses having a meter coupling shoe 49 is available. Do not 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 FA even 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.

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 FAs 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.

Shooting mode

Usable Shooting Modes/Metering Method Combination Chart Lens or accessory
normal Metering method S high-speed
135mm or longer 105mm or shorter

automatic multi-pattern

centerweighted
Al-S Nikkor Al-Nikkor Nikon Series E Al-modified Nikkor PC-Nikkor Reflex-Nikkor Medical-Nikkor

O X X O X X X X X O X X

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O X X X O O O X O

O O O O O X X X X O X X

O O O O O O O O O O O O
135mm or longer 100mm or shorter

X O O X X X O X

Teleconverters TC-201, TC-301, TC-14A and TC-14B Teleconverters TC-200, TC-300 and TC-14 Bellows, K ring

O O O O O O X O 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 A mode.
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.

The following lenses cannot be used in the P or S mode Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/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.
S (SHUTTER-PRIORITY) MODE
Set the mode selector to S.
Set the lens to its minimum aperture.
Set the shutter speed dial to 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 multipattern 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 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
Shutter Speed/Aperture Combinations in S mode
If the LCD shows Hl, this means the scene is too bright, indicating overexposure 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 underexposure may occur. In this case, use an electronic flash or change to faster film

If the LCD shows FEE, this means you failed to set the lens to its minimum aperture and the scene is too bright for the aperture s U (If you failed to set the lens to its minimum aperture and FEE does not appear, you can still get correct exposure ) In this case, reset the lens to its minimum aperture. When using an Al modified Nikkor lens, Nikon Teleconverter TC 200, TC-300 or TC 14, or PK ring, the FEE warning will not appear; however, the correct exposure can be obtained until Hl appears, but the operative metering range will be reduced. So, for best results, be sure to set the aperture to its minimum.
The graph shows the shutter speed/aperture combination in the S mode at ASA/ISO 100. The red line represents an AI-S or Al-Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens at a shutter speed of 1/125 sec, while the black line for the same lens used at 1/30 sec The green line represents the control when the aperture ring is set by mistake to settings other than the minimum aperture (in this case, f/5.6). Solid lines represent the usable metering range for the lens when automatic multi-pattern metering is in use, solid and dotted lines show the usable metering range with centerweighted metering
The following lenses cannot be used in the P and S modes: Zoom Nikkor 50-300mm f/ED (older Al-type without orange minimum aperture on ADR scale) Al modified Micro Nikkor 105mm f/4 In the S mode. if an aperture of f/11 or smaller is selected the following Al-Nikkor (including Al-modified) lenses may cause approx one step slower shutter speeds than those indicated by the shutter speed indication or by the LCD in the viewfinder; however, you will still get the correct exposure In case exact shutter speed information is desired, use the A or M mode the lenses are: Nikkor 24mm f/2 Nikkor 28mm f/2 Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 Nikkor 35mm f/2 Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 Nikkor 50mm f/ 1.2 Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor 50mm f/2 Nikkor 55mrn f/ 1.2 Noct Nikkor 58mm f/12 Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 (The same thing happens with this lens at aperture between Uand f/16) Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor 200mm f/4 When using a Nikon teleconverter TC 200, TC 300, or TC 14, the shutter speed may vary by approx one step from that displayed in the viewfinder. However, you will still obtain the correct exposure.
continued A (APERTURE-PRIORITY) MODE
Set the mode selector to A.
Set the lens to the desired fnumber. Although each number on the lens aperture ring has a click stop, you can also set the ring to intermediate settings. Note that small apertures give greater depth of feild, while large apertures restrict the zone of sharp focus to the main subject. The shutter speed dial can be set at any position except M250 and B

M250 and B Settings At M250 and B, the FA's shutter is mechanically controlled without the exposure meter being activated or exposure information appearing in the viewfinder. At M250, the shutter operates at a mechanical speed of 1/250sec This setting is used when the batteries are depleted and other shutter speeds are not operable It also can be used for flash photography. At B, the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter release button is depressed. B is especially useful for making long time exposures with a cable release and tripod. A locking mechanism is provided between 1 and M250 on the shutter speed dial. To set either M250 or B, depress the locking button 22 and rotate the dial to either M250 or B. At these mechanical settings, you must depress the shutter release button a little bit more than at other settings to trip the shutter Note that with the Soft Shutter Release AR 9 attached, you cannot release the shutter at these settings. 31

HOLDING THE CAMERA

Many blurred shots are caused by unsteady holding of the camera. The basic shooting posture is: Hold the camera at eye level while looking through the viewfinder. Cradle it in your hands with the fingers of your eft hand wrapped around the lens barrel and your elbow propped against your body for support Grasp the handgrip 6 , with your right hand and use your index finger to depress the shutter release button and your thumb to wind the
film advance lever You can look through the viewfinder with either the right or eft eye, while the other eyes opened or closed. It's easy to adapt this basic posture to both horizontal- and vertical-format shooting To hold the camera steady, stand with your feet flat on the ground and slightly apart: if possible, lean on or against something strong and stable, such as a wall, especially when using slow shutter speeds.
Detachable Handgrip The FA's handgrip not only allows steady shooting but also fits comfortably in your hand. However, when shooting with a motor drive, you should remove the grip first To do this, insert a coin into the slot, turn the screw 7 counterclock wise until it loosens, then slide the grip down until it separates from the body.
To reattach. align the grip attachment screw with the inner hole in the handgrip, slip the grip up until it stops, then screw clockwise until it becomes tight

FOCUSING

1. Split-image rangefinder 2. Microprism collar 3. Matte field
The FA-comes equipped with Type K2 focusing screen suitable for all-purpose photography. While looking through the viewfinder compose your photo and turn the focusing ring 45 of the lens until the subject looks clear. For precise pinpoint focusing on subjects with distant contours, use the central splitimage rangefinder; turn the focusing ring until the split image becomes whole (A). For rapid focusing and for subjects with indistinct outlines, use the microprism collar; turn the focusing ring until the shimmering image becomes sharp (B) In close up

-1 Spotlighted subject, black background occupying halt of viewing area -2 Black background
In Automatic Exposure Modes If you elect to use centerweighted metering in any of the automatic exposure modes, you can use the exposure compensation dial to obtain the correct exposure for the types of picturetaking situations listed above. Also under normal conditions, you can create special "high-key" or "low-key" effects by intentionally over- or underexposing the shot. Note that before using the exposure compensation dial, you must switch to centerweighted metering. In automatic multi-pattern metering, you cannot obtain the necessary amount of compensation.
The exposure compensation dial is graduated in one-third stop increments; -1 and -2 indicate one and two stops less exposure, whereas +1 and +2 indicate one and two stops additional exposure. At ASA/ISO 4000, the compensation extends to only -1; at ASA/ISO 12, up to +1.
To operate, press the locking button 59 and turn the dial until the desired compensation value is opposite the red index 51.As a reminder, a red LED exposure compensation mark (+/-) appears on the right side of the viewfinder as soon as the exposure meter is turned on After use, make sure you reset the dial so that 0 is opposite the index
In the Manual Mode There are two situations where it is difficult to get the correct exposure on automatic with centerweighted metering. They are (1) a front-lit scene with the main subject off-center and (2) an indoor backlit subject with the main subject either in the center or off-center. Therefore, to get the correct exposure, switch to the manual mode and follow this procedure: 1) For front-lit subjects, just center the main subject. For backlit ones. you should move in close until it fills up the frame. (When taking a close-up meter reading, be careful not to cast a shadow with your own body or the camera.) 2) Depress the shutter release button halfway to turn on the meter and adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture for correct exposure 3) Recompose the scene as you like and take the picture. Remember that in the manual mode, the exposure compensation dial does not operate, so the only way to make exposure compensation is by centering the main subject in the viewfinder and, if necessary, taking a close-up meter reading.
Duplication Work and Photomicrography In copy work, s side duplication, and photomicrography, you must make exposure compensation with centerweighted metering, because these types of photography represent unusual contrast situations Some lenses automatically switch the metering method to centerweighted. The table below shows the relationship between specific types of photos and proper exposure. Since this is meant to be only a guide, in practice you should make further compensation by experimentation until you achieve the proper results.
Method of exposure measurement
The exposure compensation values listed below are reference data obtained when genera/ purpose film was used With color reversal film or microfilm for duplication work, it is advisable to take additional shots with + one stop exposure compensation as these films have very small exposure latitude. To avoid vibration, you can make the exposure by turning the illumination on and off It is advisable to use a cable release to eliminate camera vibration.

For Fixed-Aperture Lenses, Photomicrography, or Astrophotography In P, S, or A mode: No adjustment of aperture and shutter speed is necessary; just take the picture.In M mode: Adjust the shutter speed dial until the LCD shows -+, indicating correct exposure on manual. If correct exposure is unobtainable, use an ND (neutral density) filter or electronic flash unit As a last resort, change to a faster or slower film.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY
A multiple exposure is created by taking more than one shot on the same frame of film. Follow this procedure: 1) Take the first shot. 2) Push the multiple exposure lever 72 in the direction of the arrow as you wind the film advance lever 74 fully. The film and frame counter 71 will not advance; only the shutter is cocked Although your finger will naturally slip off the lever as the film advance lever is wound, multiple exposure operation will have been performed correctly. 3) Take the second shot after winding the film advance lever fully To make three or more exposures on the same frame, just repeat the same procedure for each additional exposure. In multiple exposure photography, the M is designed to reduce film dislocation to the minimum But it may occur due to film curling, film slack or inappropriate film winding. 55

UNMANNED PHOTOGRAPHY

To include yourself in your pictures, you can mount the FA on a tripod and use the self-timer to trip the shutter. Or by attaching a motor drive, you can control the FA from a distance with optional remote control accessories or an intervalometer.
Self-Timer To set the self-timer, push the self-timer lever 8 down as far as it will go This can be done either before or after the film is advanced. After the self-timer has been set, press the shutter release button 70. Immediately the reflex mirror 21 will rise and the self-timer will start to operate; the shutter is then released approx. 10 sec. Iater If you want to cancel self timer operation after the lever has been set, move it back to its original position. You can then take pictures in the normal way. However, returning the selftimer lever to its original position after self-timer operation has begun will immediately trip the shutter The self-timer can be used at any shutter speed dial setting except B

INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

Eyepiece Shutter When unmanned photography is performed with the FA in one of its automatic exposure modes, stray light entering the eyepiece will affect the meter reading. To prevent this, use the eyepiece shutter Just push the lever up to close the shutter. As a visual reminder that it is in use, the shutter blind is painted red.
To create other-worldly effects, in which vegetation comes out light in tone and blue skies very dark, try shooting with black and-white infrared film In black and white infrared photography, you must use a red filter (R60) and refocus the lens to compensate for the fact that infrared light rays focus at a point slightly in front of visible Light For this purpose. most lenses have an infrared focusing index 47 (a red dot or line) beside the distance index 44 as a rule of thumb Follow this procedure: 1) Without the red filter in place, look into the viewfinder and focus on your subject. 2) Look at the lens and take note of the focused distance. 3) Reset the focusing ring so that the desired distance is aligned with the infrared focusing index. 4) Attach the red filter and take the shot. 57

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

An electronic flash unit is convenient not only for night and dimlight shooting but also as a supplementary light to fill in the shadows in daylight. Daylight fill-in flash is especially effective when shooting outdoor subjects which are backlit or in motion. With a Nikon dedicated flash, such as the SB-15 SB-16B or SB-18, the FA offers fully automatic through-the-lens (TTL) control of the flash exposure. This means that while the shutter is open, a special silicon photodiode (SPD), located at the bottom of the mirror box, reads the light reflected directly off the film and determines the timing to cut off the flash output, ensuring correct exposure.
The FA features an X-sync contact only, allowing electronic flash units to be synchronized at a speed of 1/250sec or slower To prevent mistakes, the camera also offers automatic switchover of the shutter speed for proper synchronization with the SB-15, SB-16B, SB-18, SB-19, etc., as shown in the table on the next page. For creative fill-in flash effects, you can set the speed manually to 1/250sec or below and the shutter fires at the speed set with the speed in use displayed in the viewfinder. Flashhulbs can also be used at the following shutter speed sync ranges. Accessory Shoe 78 and Sync Terminal 14 The accessory shoe of the FA allows direct mounting of the Nikon Speedlight SB-15, SB-16B, SB-18, SB-19 or other electronic flash with an ISO-type mounting foot. Other flash units may be mounted with a flash unit coupler (see table on page 61). Four electrica contacts in the shoe provide the following: proper synchronization of the flash unit, automatic flash output stop, identification of a TTL flash unit, and both ready-light indication in the camera's viewfinder (via and LED) and autoswitching to the proper sync speed of 1/250sec. with Nikon dedicated flash units. To use flashbulbs or an electronic flash unit without a hotshoe contact, use the camera's sync terminal. The FA's sync terminal with a protective screw-in cover, accepts all standard plug-in PC cords It is also threaded for use with a Nikon screw-in PC cord.

Shutter speed 1/4000 1/2000 1/1000 1/500 1/250 1/125 1/60 (sec.) Speedlight

M, FP and MF Flashbulbs

1/30-1 M250
Synchronized Cannot be use
The use of other manufacturers' flash units, even with the same ISO-type mounting foot, may cause abnormalities to the IC circuitry. Units having a high voltage synchro circuit may also affect shutter speed precision. When using a special electronic flash unit that has provision for time lag, adjust the shutter speed down to 1/125 sec. or slower according to the time lag.
Relationship Between Cameras Meter, Ready-Light Indication and Shutter Speed

Cameras exposure meter

Shooting Shutter Mode speed Selector dial setting
On Ready-light LCD indication Actual shutter speed (sec.)
Off Readylight Actual shutter speed

P,S,A*

All except M250 and B 1/40001/500sec

light up

Does not light up Does not light up Does not light up light up

light up light up -

M250** as set -

1/250 as set -

as set
Ready-Light Indication in the Viewfinder When the Nikon FA is used with Nikon Speedlights SB-15, SB16B, SB 18, SB 19, etc, the FA's ready-light LED in the viewfinder lights up when the flash is recycled. This way, you're easily informed of flash reediness without having to take your eye away from the viewfinder. Depending on which Nikon flash unit is attached, the same LED blinks to warn of insufficient flash output. incorrect setting of the flash unit or incorrect setting of the FA. The more detailed information, refer to the flash units instruction manual.

1/2501sec M250, B

P,S,A,M
Because automatic exposure modes are cancelled as soon as the flash unit is turned on, you should determine the proper aperture beforehand.
** + and/or - indication on M disappears as soon as the flash unit is turned on.
Nikon FA/Speedlight Combination Chart
Speedlight Connection Cameras ready light indication provided provided provided provided provided provided not provided provided provided provided not provided not provided not provided provided Shutter speed automatically switched to 1/250sec. yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes no no no yes Usable flash modes
SB-19 SB-18 SB-17 SB-16A SB-16B SB-15 SB-11/14 SB-12 SB-10 SB-7E
direct direct via AS-6 coupler via AS-6 coupler direct direct
via SC-11 sync cord via SC-13 sensor cord
auto TTL, manual auto, manual, MD auto, manual, MD TTL, manual, auto, MD TTL, manual, auto, MD auto, manual auto, manual manual auto, manual auto, manual manual auto, manual auto
via AS-6 coupler direct via AS-2 coupler via SC-6 sync cord
via AS-2 with SC-9 extention cord (w/SU-1) direct

Amber For Color Film

( ) indicates increase in f/stop
Anti-Cold Battery Pack DB-2 In cold weather, use the Anti-Cold Battery Pack DB-2, which accepts two AA-type batteries, as an alternative power supply to the batteries inside the camera body Simply connect the DB-2 to the camera body, then slip the assembly inside your pocket or coat to keep it warm. This assures that the camera's metering system will function even in very cold temperatures. Cable Release AR-3 The screw-type AR-3 makes for vibration-free shutter release. Right-Angle Viewing Attachment DR-3 Screws onto the viewfinder eyepiece to provide a viewfinder image at a 90 angle to the camera's optical axis. Very helpful for close-up photography, duplication work, and photomicrography. Eyepiece Magnifier DG-2 Attached to the viewfinder eyepiece, this accessory enlarges the image at the center of the viewfinder to assure ever precise focusing in close-up photography, duplication work, and telephotography.
Rubber Eyecup Attached to the finder eyepiece, this eyecup excludes stray light and helps prevent eye fatigue. Eyepiece Correction Lenses Accessory lenses that screw onto the viewfinder eyepiece ''s: to enable near- and farsighted photographers to take pictures without having to wear eyeglasses. Nine models are available, offering a choice of the following diopters: -5, 4, -3, -2, 0, +0.5, +1, +2 and +3. Camera Case The CF-30, a semi-soft case, accommodates the FA mounted with a 50mm f/1.4 lens or smaller. The CF-28A, a front flap, is also available for use with all lenses up to the Nikkor 35 70mm f/or 35-105mm f/3.5 4.5. Neckstraps Available are the leather neckstrap AN-1 (black), webbed nylon neckstraps AN-4Y (yellow) and AN-4B (black), and wider webbed nylon neckstraps AN-6Y (yellow) and AN-6W (winered).

EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA

What is EV? Exposure value (EV) is a number representing the available combinations of shutter speed and aperture that give the same exposure effect when the scene brightness and ASA/ISO remain the same. At ASA/ISO 100, the combination of a one-second shutter speed and an aperture of f/is defined as EV 1. If the aperture is stopped down by one full f/stop or the shutter' speed is one step faster. the EV increases by one; if the aperture is opened up by one full f/stop or the shutter speed is one step slower, EV decreases by one Using ASA/ISO 100 as an example, 1 sec. at f/2 represents EV 2,1 sec. at f/5.6 represents EV 5, while 1/125sec. at f/5.6 represents EV 12. As the exposure is the same.1/30sec. at f/11 and 1/1000sec. at f/2 are also EV 12. EV Chart The Nikon FA's meter can only be used within the meter's EV range. The chart shows the relationship between the shutter speed, f/stop, and film speed Careful attention to this chart will assure precise exposure, automatically, over the entire usable range of the FA Depending on film speed, EV range determines the following: in the P mode, the usable combinations of aperture and shutter speed, in the S mode, the usable apertures to match the shutter speed set on the dial: and in the A mode, the possible shutter speeds to match the aperture set on the lens. With ASA/ISO 100 film and a 50mm f/lens, the usable EV range is 1 to 20 As you can see from the chart, any shutter speed from 1 to 1/4000sec. can be used within this range However, when using ASA/ISO 200 film, the EV range is reduced to 2 to 20, whereas with ASA/ISO 400 film, it becomes 3 to 20. Therefore, with ASA/ISO 200 film, the slowest usable shutter speed is 1/2sec., whereas 1/4sec. is the slowest speed usable with ASA/ISO 400 film. This information is reflected in the LCD inside the camera's viewfinder. For example, with ASA/ISO 200, if you set the mode selector to P or A,1 will never appear, but as the light gets dim, Lo appears immediately after 2 Likewise, with ASA/ISO 200 in the S mode, if you set 1 sec. on the shutter speed dial, 1 will not appear, but in its place either a faster shutter speed is displayed (if the shutter speed is shifted to a higher one when the scene is bright) or Lo appears (when the scene is too dark). With ASA/ISO 400 film, 1 and 2 never appear, indicating that 1 and 112sec. are unusable shutter speeds.

EV chart with 50mm f/1.4 lens
ASA/ISO 12 ASA/ISO 25 ASA/ISO 50 ASA/ISO 100 ASA/ISO 200 ASA/ISO 400 ASA/ISO 800 ASA/ISO 1600 ASA/ISO 3200, 4000

EV f/ 1.2.5.11 16

1/4 1/2 1

1/8 1/4 1/2 1

1/15 1/8 1/4 1/2 1

1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/2 1

1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/15 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000

(shutter speed)

TIPS ON CAMERA CARE
Although the PA is a tough and durable camera bear in mind that it is a precision optical instrument and that careless or rough handling may damage it. Observe the following tips and the FA will always work as perfectly as the day you bought it.
Before using the camera, it is a good practice to check it thoroughly first.
Never touch the reflex mirror or the focusing screen, to prevent them from becoming scratched. Remove dust with a blower brush.
Do not touch the shutter curtains 26
Generally the camera does not need lubrication.
If the camera body is exposed to rain or mist, wipe moisture gently with a soft cloth and dry the camera. After using the camera near salt water wipe it with a cloth moistened with pure water to remove possible traces of salt.
If the inside of the camera body accidentally gets wet, its internal precision parts may get rusty. Take the camera right away to thc nearest authorized Nikon dealer for a checkup, which may require repair payment.
Caution Please note that the use of a spray gun type blower to clean the lens may cause possible damage to the glass (especially when ED glass is used for the front lens element) by suddenly lowering the temperature on the lens surface. To avoid damage hold the blower upright, keep its nozzle more than 50cm away from the lens surface and move the nozzle around so that the stream of air its not concentrated in one spot.
Clean metalic parts with a blower brush or with a soft dry cloth. Clean glass surfaces such as the lens or the finder eyepiece with a blower brush; avoid using lens tissue as mucn as possible. Gently wipe dirt, smudges, or fingerprints with soft cotton moistened with a small amount of absolute alcohol, using a spiral motion from center to periphery. Make sure you leave no wiping traces.
When not using the camera for a long time, take out the batteries and store the camera away from high temperature hih humidity, naphthalene, or camphor.
In a humid environment, it is best to store the camera in a vinyi bag with a desiccant to keep away dust, moisture and salt.

Focusing screen

Exposure metering
Exposure compensation 2 EV compensation (in onethird increments) possible via dial; red LED exposure compensation mark visible in viewfinder when meter is on. ASA/ISO 12 to 4000 Electromagnetically controlled vertical travel, metal focal plane shutter with titanium curtains. Stepless speed f rom 1 to 1/4000 sec. in automatic exposure modes (except S mode); ceramic-oscillator-controlled discrete speeds from 1 to 1/4000 sec. in S and M modes; mechanically controlled, 1/250 sec. at M250 setting and long exposure at B setting available. Wound in single stroke with 30 stand-off angle and 135 winding angle; doubles as shutter release button lock Possible with optional Motor Drive MD-15 or MD-12 Additive type, self-resetting: for blank exposures before frame 1, shutter fires at 1/250 sec at any shutter speed dial setting except B Via folding crank and rewind button in baseplate 10 sec. delayed exposure Prevents stray light from entering viewfinder during unmanned operation

Exposure information

M mode: Both aperture and shutter speed set manually. P mode: Viewfinder LCD shows discrete shutter speed closest to automatically selected speed; LCD also shows HI or Lo indication to warn of over- or underexposure or FEE to warn of aperture missetting. S mode: LCD shows discrete f-number closest to automatically selected aperture or discrete shutter speed closest to automatically selected speed when manually set shutter speed is improper; LCD also shows HI or Lo to warn of over or under exposure or FEE to warn of aperture missetting; manually set shutter speed always shown via shutter speed indication. A mode: LCD shows discrete shutter speed closest to automatically selected speed; LCD also shows HI or Lo to warn of over- or underexposure; manually set aperture always shown via ADR window. M mode: LCD shows manually set shutter speed preceded by M; -+ indicates correct exposure with + or indicating over or underexposure; manually set aperture always shown via ADR window.

Film speed range Shutter

Shutter speeds

Film advance lever

Automatic film advance Frame counter
Film rewind Self timer Eyepiece shutter
Depth-of-field preview lever Reflex mirror Multiple exposures Camera back
Data back contacts Handgrip

Accessory shoe

Sync terminal Flash synchronization
Provides visual verification of depth of field; with lever depressed, center weighted metering only available Automatic instant-return type Possible via lever Hinged interchangeable type with memo holder; interchangeable with Data Back MF-16 or MF-12 Two contacts are provided for the Data Back MF-16 Detachable type provides comfortable shooting; must be detached when attaching motor drive Standard ISO-type contains hot-shoe contact, ready-light contact. TTL flash auto-stop signal contact and monitor contact; accepts Nikon SB-15, SB-16B or SB-18 for TTL direct flash output control using camera's SPD metering cell. Threaded type provided for off-camera or multiple flash photography Speeds of 1/250 sec or slower with electronic f ash: with Nikon dedicated flash unit, flash sync automatically set to 1/250 sec when camera is set at any automatic exposure mode or when shutter speed die s set at 1/500 or higher in manual mode; at slower speed on manual, shutter fires at speed set

Flash ready-light

Batteries
Dimensions Weight (body only)
Viewfinder LED lights up when Nikon dedicated flash unit is completely recycled; blinks to warn of insufficient light output or improper shutter speed dial or film speed setting One 3V lithium battery, two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries or two 1.5V alkaline-manganese batteries Approx, 142.5mm (W) x 92mm (H) x 64.5rnm (D) Approx 625 g

NIPPON KOGAKU K.K.