Nikon FA frustration

trythis · Jan 26, 2015

I picked up an FA a few months back and after testing a few rolls found it to be a favourite user camera. Now I am frustrated to find it is one of the very early models that does not communicate well with the sb-16/15 flash units. Nikon apparently admitted the issue and replaced them (from MIR site)

It needs an updated FPC and I assume that Nikon is way beyond offering repairs.

I got it off craigslist for $40 swapped in new seals and lubed up a few sticky things so it works very well otherwise.

Any suggestions aside from buying a later model? (Not opposed to an fe2 but either way its a lot more money) I like program with ttl flash mode since mostly its family photos inside with bounce flash

Anybody have the updated fpc's for sale? I can swap it unless it requires calibration.

trythis · Jan 26, 2015

OK, just bought a bargain grade FA from KEH for twice what I paid for mine but at least it has a much higher serial number assuming the top hasn't been replaced. THey take returns so that helps.

benveniste · Jan 26, 2015

Good luck with your purchase. The FPC is the Achilles heel of the FA, and cannibalization is the only source of parts. That's why despite having owned an FA for 25+ years, I recommend an FE2 instead.

Les Sarile · Jan 27, 2015

In the MIR article you are referring to, it states that Nikon notified for this, it affected a very small number of early production models and that the noise from SB-15 or SB-16 can cause an extreme underexposure in TTL mode. You have tested your FA with those flashes and get underexposed results all the time/some of the time?

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 27, 2015

trythis said:
OK, just bought a bargain grade FA from KEH for twice what I paid for mine but at least it has a much higher serial number assuming the top hasn't been replaced. THey take returns so that helps.

So now you're likely about where an FE2 would have cost in the first place eh?

flavio81 · Jan 27, 2015

I like the FE more than the FE2 due to the FE having full compatibility with pre-AI lenses. They're cheaper than the FE2 cameras, so why don't you consider one?

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 27, 2015

flavio81 said:
I like the FE more than the FE2 due to the FE having full compatibility with pre-AI lenses. They're cheaper than the FE2 cameras, so why don't you consider one?

Maybe 1/125 vs 1/250 flash sync?

Les Sarile · Jan 27, 2015

Among other things the FE does not have TTL flash.

John Koehrer · Jan 27, 2015

Why not an FE/FE2?

He already bought another FA.

trythis · Jan 27, 2015

I already have an FE and its fun when I am out shooting in daylight without two kids and a wife.

When shooting with family, I use an N80 and a FG or FA and I mostly use AFD lenses on all three since they are fully functional on all three cameras in P mode. They also have the aperture ring lock preventing mistakes! I find P mode perfect for quick family snapshots and I dont have to instruct anyone else how to use the camera in A or manual.

Yes, I use an SB-16 exclusively for on camera speedlight use and the last three rolls of 400 film came out very underexposed (except the shots taken without flash) while a roll of 400 shot at 800 on my XA that was developed in the same tank (no push) came out great. I had no idea what the heck caused the shots to be so dark until I figured out it was the FA and that they were all inside using flash. A google search brought me to the MIR article and I found that my serial number is very early.

I then tested the flash on camera and using the very scientific method of seeing how fast the flash recycled, I found the FA / sb-16 combo in TTL to be completely off compared to using the flash in auto mode (not TTL) This led me to the conclusion that I have one of the affected FA's.

I like the FE2, but it does not have P mode.
I like the FG very much, but it lacks the depth of field preview and is pretty small when attached to the SB16.

I also have a F3 and can attach the SB-16 to it, but that sucker is heavy and so it mostly stays in the cabinet.

I would like to score an FM2 or Fm2n one day as well, but that is not something I need, just like them cause they are jewels of machines.

trythis · Jan 28, 2015

One last reason I like the FG, FA and N80 so much is the hand grip. I grew up with a canon A1 with its grip.

Xmas · Jan 28, 2015

trythis said:
I would like to score an FM2 or Fm2n one day as well, but that is not something I need, just like them cause they are jewels of machines.

The FM is cheaper and accepts non AI lenses.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 28, 2015

Xmas said:
The FM is cheaper and accepts non AI lenses.

http://webs.lanset.com/rcochran/fmfm2n.html

flavio81 · Jan 28, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Maybe 1/125 vs 1/250 flash sync?

If you really need fast flash sync you should be using a leaf-shutter camera instead...

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 28, 2015

flavio81 said:
If you really need fast flash sync you should be using a leaf-shutter camera instead...

Which Nikon is that one? ;-)

Robert Ley · Jan 28, 2015

Can anyone reference the article about the FA serial numbers as to which FA's are affected. I have an FA and a couple of SB-16's but have never used the flash with the camera body.

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macfred · Jan 28, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Which Nikon is that one? ;-)

Nikkor Q 105mm f/3.5

(for Bronica S2 )

trythis · Jan 28, 2015

Robert Ley said:
Can anyone reference the article about the FA serial numbers as to which FA's are affected. I have an FA and a couple of SB-16's but have never used the flash with the camera body.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

What is your FA's serial number? Mine is 501xxxx. My understanding is that they started at 500xxxx
Its all internet info so its worth what you believe anyway. I just know my sb16 does not fire the same in ttl aperture priority mode as it does in auto flash mode on my FA.

trythis · Jan 28, 2015

Today mine is now firing properly and the flash is nailing exposure using my flash meter. Two days ago it was all over the place. Perhaps I had a dirty contact....

I will be selling one of them I guess.

benveniste · Jan 28, 2015

Mine is 5500xxx, but I've never used it with an SB-16. My "goto" with this camera was a Cullman cx35.

Robert Ley · Jan 28, 2015

My serial number is 5341xxx so I assume that it is not one of the affected cameras.

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trythis · Jan 28, 2015

benveniste said:
Mine is 5500xxx, but I've never used it with an SB-16. My "goto" with this camera was a Cullman cx35.

I am guessing that is not an early production model and would not be affected.

trythis · Feb 2, 2015

Ok, I am such an idiot. I finally read and figured out that the TTL thing is no where near as automated as I thought with the FA. It apparently only works in A mode with TTL. SO just me being stupid, now have bought extra camera. DUH! Can I just say---DUH!

Oh well, I will just sell the extra and move on happily educated.

fstop · Feb 2, 2015

j-dogg · Feb 4, 2015

FG master race reporting

Nikon FA frustration

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