Nikon FA buying tips

[PDX700]

I'm searching for a mint condition Nikon FA, a camera which I couldn't afford as a teenager. Of course, appearance isn't the only consideration, so what are some desirable and non-desirable, good and bad, things to look for that are specific to this model and/or this era of Nikon cameras?

Thank you in advance.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I'm searching for a mint condition Nikon FA, a camera which I couldn't afford as a teenager. Of course, appearance isn't the only consideration, so what are some desirable and non-desirable, good and bad, things to look for that are specific to this model and/or this era of Nikon cameras?

Thank you in advance.

if you are interested in a first-class, trouble-free source for classic Nikons, I can highly recommend Nikon Classics in Berlin, Germany. I have made multiple purchases there, and I was pleased with the items I received each time.

Onlineshop für klassische Nikon-Artikel

Manuelle und AF-Objektive, klassische analoge Kameras. Nikon-Zubehör, das Sie sonst nicht mehr im Handel finden gibt es hier.

nikonclassics-michalke.de

 

[PDX700]

if you are interested in a first-class, trouble-free source for classic Nikons, I can highly recommend Nikon Classics in Berlin, Germany. I have made multiple purchases there, and I was pleased with the items I received each time.

Onlineshop für klassische Nikon-Artikel

Manuelle und AF-Objektive, klassische analoge Kameras. Nikon-Zubehör, das Sie sonst nicht mehr im Handel finden gibt es hier.

nikonclassics-michalke.de

I appreciate the suggestion!

 

[KinoGrafx]

Hi- I don’t want to sound too harsh but I had a couple FAs when I was a newspaper shooter - I liked the style and features, but immediately found them to be maybe the most unreliable Nikon I’d ever used. They would just stop dead at the worst times. And this was what, 30+ years ago when they were new? By contrast I still have my first beater F3, a couple Nikkormats, N90s etc that are all still chugging along! Just one user’s experience…

 

[PDX700]

Hi- I don’t want to sound too harsh but I had a couple FAs when I was a newspaper shooter - I liked the style and features, but immediately found them to be maybe the most unreliable Nikon I’d ever used. They would just stop dead at the worst times. And this was what, 30+ years ago when they were new? By contrast I still have my first beater F3, a couple Nikkormats, N90s etc that are all still chugging along! Just one user’s experience…

It's helpful information. Thank you.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Since you are in the US I recommend using KEH.com in Atlanta because of the conservative equipment rating and return policy. They refund, replace or repair any camera or lens and they have provide a lens CLA for a used telephoto lens for me.

 

[Chuck1]

Hi- I don’t want to sound too harsh but I had a couple FAs when I was a newspaper shooter - I liked the style and features, but immediately found them to be maybe the most unreliable Nikon I’d ever used. They would just stop dead at the worst times. And this was what, 30+ years ago when they were new? By contrast I still have my first beater F3, a couple Nikkormats, N90s etc that are all still chugging along! Just one user’s experience…

Fa's are not the most reliable, I have an fe2 to supplement fm2's and f2's

 

[Bob Tomaine]

I bought an FA somewhere around the time Nikon introduced it. I used it as one of my primary bodies when I was shooting for newspapers and continued to use it when I moved from part-time to full-time magazine freelancing more than 25 years ago. Adding the MD15 drive was one of my smarter moves, as it adds some size to what's otherwise kind of a small camera. Neither the FA nor the drive has ever given me a problem and I still use the camera (along with F2s, F3s and F4s) for some editorial work because I like the way film looks. Admittedly, I do shoot more digital today, but my FA and the rest of my film Nikons are far from retired.

 

[PDX700]

In browsing online listings for an FA, I stumbled onto an FG which appears to have been quite well cared for. The price was right, so I couldn't pass on it. It's not to say that I'm not still interested in an FA - or multiple other cameras - which is the issue.

 

[RAY WILSON]

I had to buy two FA to get a runner. FG is a much more modest beast. But the lens is the important bit. You’re more likely to find a FG with a Series E lens. I keep taking pictures with my Series E lenses looking for fault….but find none.

 

[PDX700]

I had to buy two FA to get a runner. FG is a much more modest beast. But the lens is the important bit. You’re more likely to find a FG with a Series E lens. I keep taking pictures with my Series E lenses looking for fault….but find none.

When I noticed that it has the Series E 50mm 1.8 pancake with the silver ring, it sealed my decision.

 

[blee1996]

When I noticed that it has the Series E 50mm 1.8 pancake with the silver ring, it sealed the my decision.

That's a superb combination, lightweight and very capable. You will enjoy it.

On the other hand, FA handles more steady and precise. I bought a demo one from KEH a few years ago, and it worked great so far. I guess the ones survived till today are probably the better ones. Natural selection...

 

[PDX700]

That's a superb combination, lightweight and very capable. You will enjoy it.

On the other hand, FA handles more steady and precise. I bought a demo one from KEH a few years ago, and it worked great so far. I guess the ones survived till today are probably the better ones. Natural selection...

I've heard the term "demo" several times in reference to these cameras. What does it mean?

 

[MFstooges]

I've heard the term "demo" several times in reference to these cameras. What does it mean?

In the era of brick and mortar store the store has demo unit where prospective buyer can hold and try the camera. This camera usually sold later in good cosmetic condition.
Today you can still see them being attached with wires at Best Buy.

 

[Chuck1]

A red d before the serial number, is a factory demo.

 

[blee1996]

A red d before the serial number, is a factory demo.

Mine is just like what Chuck said.

 

[PDX700]

Thank you for the clarification.

 

[abruzzi]

I didn't realize the FA had a reputation for unreliability. I haven't had a lick of trouble with mine. I have very few AI or AIS lenses. Its mostly used with a few series E lenses (35, 50, 100, 75-150) I pretty much only load E6 film in it and the metering works pretty well for slide film which can be touchy.

 

[AnselMortensen]

Back in '83-84 I went to a camera store specifically to buy a black FA.
I handled one, and also handled an FE2.
I bought a black FE2 that day.

 

[dokko]

I‘ve read about potential reliability issues with the FA, but bought one anyway, because the are great cameras and very affordable (probably because of it‘s reputation).

I bought it second hand over 10 years ago, never had any trouble, but if I had an important shoot or were to travel to a remote location, I‘d probably take an FM2 with me instead (or rather, I‘d never do an important shoot with only one body anyway).

 

[Robert Ley]

I picked up an FA quite a few years ago but have used it very little as I was mostly shooting 120 and 4x5. I mostly use digital now so I haven't used the camera in a few years. When I did shot the camera it was a great and easy shooter and the FA was the first Nikon to have matrix metering. You should read Ken Rockwell's review, he is very high on this camera.

 

[destroya]

I have 3 FA's and only one works. but back in the day when they were cheap I bought one whenever i found a good one. I use them only with slide film and have an FE-2 or FM3a for B&W. they are great cameras. I should get my one with the winder issues fixed. looks like another stop to precision camera repair.

john

 

[Autonerd]

You should read Ken Rockwell's review, he is very high on this camera.

Ken Rockwell's "review" of the FG was what led me to stop reading Ken Rockwell. Far be it from me to say anything too nice about Nikons, but the FG is a gem. Seems the people who dislike it are the people who haven't actually used it.

 

[ic-racer]

Don't forget about the N2000 (F-301). It is a little newer design than the FA, FE2 and FM2, though it has less features. It is one of the last manual focus cameras Nikon designed.

 

[KinoGrafx]

Don’t forget the (released after the n2000) n6000 (1991) and fm3a!