Want to Buy WTB: Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo For Students

PGraham3 · Dec 14, 2017

Howdy, APUG!
I'm a teacher at a international/korean high school South Korea, and I also run a film photography club at the school. A few more students have wished to join, thus, I'm in the process of looking for a good camera for them. I've gotten a variety of film cameras for the club over the last few years, and the favorite seems to be the NIKON FG because of its versatility, lightweight strength, aperture priority, quality, look, etc. It's a great student camera and I've have had no problems with the 5 or 6 I've acquired for them.

As I've searched ebay, and other japan auction sites, I just haven't really seen a good Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo in good shape, or for a decent price. Also, I learned years ago that film camera shops in Seoul charge way too much, and I've heard horror stories from other expats.

Do any of y'all have a Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo that you'd be willing to sell?
Thanks!

-Paul

darkosaric · Dec 14, 2017

Hi Paul,

I agree with you over the FG (and FG20) cameras, I had one myself.
If you will not find one - consider to take one of the newer auto focus cameras (like F70, F801...), with manual 50mm lens. That combo is even cheaper, and has (almost) all features that FG has.

PGraham3 · Dec 14, 2017

Yeah, Nikon FG is a pretty good camera. Heh heh, no auto-focus cameras for me. Never have really liked them. I really love the cameras made before 1984-85, when the majority of cameras were more analog, solid-build, and less plasticy.

nsurit · Dec 14, 2017

Paul, I know this is not what you are looking for, however IMHO the Olympus OM 1 or 1n is the near perfect camera for learning the basics. All manual. You have to set both aperture, shutter speeds and the ISO/ASA. Well built, smaller and lighter than most and will still operate when the batteries are dead (obviously the meter won't work, but the camera will.) It is important for students to learn on a camera that does not have a Mr.Automatic setting, as Mr. Automatic is not the friend of a student.

PGraham3 · Dec 14, 2017

Hello, nsurit. Yeah, I have a senior student using one of those, and this particular student first started out with an aperture-priority camera to get the hang out of shooting film. I find this is a good step-by-step technique so that students can be encouraged at first when their film is developed. Plus, some students just don’t want photography to get too complicated, thus, a little aperture-priority amid manual focusing and setting the correct aperture seems to work well for them. Before commencing this club a few years ago, all students had never held or used a film camera. Just a whole different generation.

nanthor · Dec 14, 2017

Hi Paul, I have an FG-20 in near mint condition, everything works perfectly too, but it has no lens on it. The only Nikkor lens I have is the 50mm 1.4 non-AI and it is staying on my F body. If someone else has a lens for this camera maybe we can put together something for you. Bob in Michigan

PGraham3 · Dec 14, 2017

Hello, Bob. Thanks for the offer on the FG-20. It's a good camera, but has some deficiencies that I've noticed. The winder-lever is kinda weak and I had a girl student bust one off once. Also, that button to push to change shutter speeds had the tendency to get stuck in cold weather. It appears that just a little moisture gets in between there and freezes.
Thanks for the offer, but I'm still pretty set on a fully-working Nikon FG combo, or perhaps a Nikon FE combo.
-Paul

PGraham3 · Dec 14, 2017

...However, the Nikon FG may have the same winder as the FG-20. Nevertheless, that button had been a nuisance before.

Down Under · Dec 15, 2017

Where on Ebay have you been searching, and how often?

You will need to hunt regularly to find them, but they are definitely there.

Ebay Australia has three FGs on offer today. Prices on one is wildly off the board, one is priced at medium level, and one is reasonable. But then well, this is capitalism. Bookmark them (as I do with items I want to buy) and you will often find prices drop when they don't sell for the gold bars some buyers seem to want for their precious playthings.

So Ebay (especially the Aussie site) will be your best friend for this quest. Many good FGs are often listed.

Go for it, mate, and all the best.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 16, 2017

PGraham3 said:
Howdy, APUG!
I'm a teacher at a international/korean high school South Korea, and I also run a film photography club at the school. A few more students have wished to join, thus, I'm in the process of looking for a good camera for them. I've gotten a variety of film cameras for the club over the last few years, and the favorite seems to be the NIKON FG because of its versatility, lightweight strength, aperture priority, quality, look, etc. It's a great student camera and I've have had no problems with the 5 or 6 I've acquired for them.

As I've searched ebay, and other japan auction sites, I just haven't really seen a good Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo in good shape, or for a decent price. Also, I learned years ago that film camera shops in Seoul charge way too much, and I've heard horror stories from other expats.

Do any of y'all have a Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo that you'd be willing to sell?
Thanks!

-Paul

I have two Nikon FM/ 50mmlens combos to sell for $200 each.

Want to Buy WTB: Nikon FG + 50mm lens combo For Students

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