Nikon FG Camera FG User's Manual
Contents
1. m e E a Pa d p um a a E a a i a ra y pz 2t P P E 22 ps P4 2 2 f A T P p E 7 J T P PE E p E ua a a i z J zd va L a P P 22 P wv a a ee zie c Le js ot he HE db cde d ec X 125 250 500 1000 2T CONTROLS IN DETAIL continued A automatic exposure mode With the FG set on A you select the f stop and the computer matches it with the correct stepless shutter speed The A mode is especially useful for creating special effects in depth of field while still using the camera on automatic mode to assure perfect ex posure aperture priority selection Deeper depth of field or greater focus zone in foreground and back ground around subject is achieved as you stop down the lens to its smaller aperture openings larger finumbers Shallower depth of field softly blurred both in front and behind your main subject results from larger aperture openings smaller f numbers and emphasizes the main subject A mode operation aperture priority selection 1 Depress the A P setting lock button and rotate the dial until the A click stops opposite the index line 3 Turn on the audio warning system 4 While looking through the viewfinder depress the shutter release button halfway to turn on the expo sure meter f the audio warning does not sound the scene brightness is within the FG s metering range focus and shool The shutter speed auto2. INSTRUCTION MANUAL Film advance lever Exposure compensation dial lock 12 2 A P setting lock button Exposure compensation dial 13 3 Shutter speed mode selector b Exposure compensation dial index 14 4 Neckstrap eyelet Exposure compensation button 15 5 Hand grip Meter coupling lever 16 6 Self timer lever Lens mounting index 17 7 Reflex mirror Lens release button 18 8 Lens aperture scale Infrared focusing index 19 3 Distance scale Lens aperture ring 20 10 Depth of field indicators Lens mounting ring 1 I Aperture distance scale index Lens focusing ring 22 23 Hot shoe contact 24 Accessory shoe 25 Film rewind crank 26 Film rewind knob 27 ASA ISO film speed index 28 Film rewind fork 29 ASA ISO film speed dial 30 Film cartridge chamber 31 Shutter curtains 32 Film quide rails 33 Viewfinder eyepiece 34 Film rewind button 3 Motor drive coupling 36 Motor drive positioning hole shutter release button 37 Audio warning lever 38 Frame counter 39 Film plane indicator 40 Film takeup spool 41 Film pressure plate 42 Film sprocket 43 Data back contacts 4 Memo holder 45 Camera back 46 Tripod motor drive coupling socket 47 Motor drive electrical contacts 4g Battery chamber lid battery clip 49 NOMENCLATURE 2 FOREWORD eee 5 BASIC OPERATION 6 NIKON AND NIKKOR LENSES FOR THE NIKON FG 19 CONT
3. auto manual MD auto manual MD manual auto manual auto 49 For nature lovers scientists even general use close up photography provides the means to see the world in all its smallest details The following are available for close up work at a shorter distance than that of the index engraved on the lens 1 Close up lenses No 0 No 1 No 2 No 3T No 4T No 5T and No 6T lenses direct mounting normal exposure method 2 Auto rings PK 11 PK 12 and PK 13 mount be tween lens and camera body usable only in com bination with Al lenses normal exposure method 3 Bellows Focusing Attachment PB 6 Use the aperture control lever of the PB 6 for stop down measurement as follows on A release the shutter button after turning the PB 6 s aperture control lever on manual turn the aperture control of the PB 6 and turn either the f stop or shutter dial until only the steady LED begins to light indicating correct exposure for manual mode Note that P Program mode is unusable Shooting magnifi cation is successively changeable by the expan sion and contraction of the bellows Any combination of Nos 1 2 and 3 is possible 50 4 Micro Nikkor 55mm f 2 8 105mm f 2 8 and 200mm f 4 IF When using Al type Micro Nikkor lenses at a shooting magnification range from 1 2 to 1 1 use the Auto Ring PK 13 or Teleconverter TC 201 in the case of the TC 201 usable from infinit
4. matically set is indicated in the viewfinder by either one LED or two LEDs If the audio warning sounds LEDs in the viewfinder will indicate one of the conditions described on the next page 2g ONTROLS IN DE Overexposure Underexposure Picture blur Ll p Jo 1 30 10 3 15 5 15 B F 4 r4 Fi F Pa e The top warning LED blinks to warn of overexposure The bottom warning LED blinks to warn of under exposure The LED lights up at 1 30 sec picture biur In these cases to adjust exposure rotate the lens aperture ring to a larger or smaller value as indicated below until the blinking LED disappears and an LEDI s lants up steadily opposite 1 60 sec or faster e Overexposure Rotate to a larger f number If after this the LED still blinks use a neutral density filter or change to a slower speed film Underexposure Rotate to a smaller number after this the LED still blinks use an electronic flash or switch from A to B Bulb setting for long expo sures If the LED at 1 30 sec or below lights up 30 or below to warn of alter adjustment picture blur may result use a tripod higher speed film or electronic flash e Picture blur Rotalte to a smaller f number If the shutter speed does not increase above 1 30 sec use a tripod to steady the camera change to a higher speed film or use an electronic flash Note f the audio warning system is not turned on check the LEDs in the viewfinder
5. changing the ASA ISO setting and by changing shutter speed or aperture setting in the manual mode Note At ASA ISO 25 Only 1 step compensation in the direction direction is normal At ASA ISO 1600 Only 1 step compensation in the direction direction is normal Al ASA ISO 12 Cannot compensate in the 4 direction direc tion is normal At ASA ISO 3200 Cannot compensate in the direction 4 direction is normal Conveniently operable on P and A this gives a com pensation of 2EV to quickly and easily adjust expo sure when shooting snow scenes sidelit or backlit subjects or in cases where the main subject and back ground are strongly contrasted Keep the button depressed as you press the shutter release button On P both f stop and shutter speed are shifted toward a slower speed and smaller f number by an equivalent of two EVs according to the programmed graph On A shutter speed is shifted two stops e g from 1 250 sec to 1 60 sec On both P and A the new shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder After compensated This provides an approx 10 sec exposure delay Independent of the shutter mechanism the self timer can be set either before or after the film is advanced It can be operated at all modes except the B setting Slide the lever away from the lens as far as it will go cover the viewfinder eyepiece to prevent stray light from entering through the viewfinder then depress the shutter r
6. batteries S 76 or SR 44 type two 1 5V alkaline manganese batteries LR 44 type or one 3V lithium battery CR 1 3N type Meter switched on when shutter release button is pressed halfway stays switched on for approx 16 seconds after finger is lifted off button 136 0 mm W x 87 5mm H x 54mm D Approx 490g body only Semi soft cases CF 17 18 and 19D The camera body yo purchased is packaged separately from the lens Before mounting the lens check if it is capable of Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing Al operation with your camera body by verifying that the lens aperture ring is fitted with a meter cou pling ridge as illustrated at the right If the lens is fitted with the meter coupling ridge it is capable of full aperture exposure measurement to attach it to the camera follow the directions provided in the Basic Operation section of this instruction manual If the lens is non Al it cannot be mounted on the Nikon FG For further details on usable lenses and their recom mended modes please refer to pages 19 and 27 Note Al conversion of most non Al Nikkor lenses having both an automatic diaphragm and meter coupling prong is available at reasonable cost for the convenience of Nikkor lens users Please contact your local authorized Nikon dealer 63
7. for improper exposure conditions before shooting Set the desired speed by turning the lens aperture ring A mode operation shutter speed priority selection For shooting moving subjects the FG also enables vou to select the shutter speed on A mode to either Ireeze the action and produce sharp outlines with a faster shutter speed or to cause an intentional blur by choosing a slower shutter speed To operate the FG as a shutter speed priority automatic camera depress the shutter release button halfway and match the lighted LED with the speed you desire by turning the lens aperture ring 2 Improper exposure is indicated by LEDs and the audio warning system as in aperture priority selection 31 Depth of field Depth of field refers to the clear focus zones in front of and behind the main subject when you focus the lens With the FG s aperture priority automatic expo sure you have full control over depth of field by vary ing the f stop The following are important points to remember 1 By stopping down the aperture to smaller openings larger f numbers depth of field becomes deeper and not only your main subject but foreground and background will also be in clear focus On the contrary by opening up the aperture to larger openings smaller f numbers depth of field be comes shallower and both fore and background will be out of focus thus enabling you to empha size the main subject 32 2 The farther th
8. lesse 55 TIPS ON CAMERA CARE 58 OPTIMUM BATTERY PERFORMANCE 59 SPECIFICATIONS 60 IMPORTANT lesse 63 As Nikon s selective exposure 35mm SLR camera the Nikon FG gives you the choices not only of total exposure programming but also aperture priority automatic exposure as well as full manual control Compact and lightweight the FG additionally offers such advanced photographic features as an expo sure compensation dial an exposure compensation button and an audio warning system plus its own matching electronic flash with TTL measurement automatic motor drive and automatic data back And of course with the FG you ve full admission into the comprehensive Nikon System of over sixty interchangeable lenses and a host of accessories and equipment To get the most out of your FG study the instructions in this manual carefully Every basic operation and all controls and features are explained in detail Practise using your FG without film until you are familiar with the simple operating instructions then keep this manual on hand for ready reference A few minutes now is your as surance of the best future results as you enter the exciting world of selective exposure photography with the Nikon FG BASIC OPERATION Ee S i E x P Ren T Use a coin to twist the lid counter clockwise to unscrew it Ahe f atTa ru 2 install t B as Dati r Wipe battery termi
9. not have the AI feature must not be forcibly mounted on the FG Attempts to mount such lenses will damage the camera s indexing mechanism Note that in addition to non Al lenses the following lenses cannot be used Al converted 55mm f 1 2 No 184711970110 Al converted 28 mm f 3 5 No 625611 999999 Al converted 35 mm f 1 4 No 385001 400000 Fisheye Nikkor 6mm f 5 6 all lenses Fisheye Nikkor 10mm f 5 6 OP all lenses Reflex Nikkor 1000 mm f 11 No 143000 or smaller Reflex Nikkor 2000 mm f 11 No 200310 or smaller PC Nikkor 28mm f 4 No 180900 or smaller PC Nikkor 35 mm f 2 8 No 851001 906200 Zoom Nikkor 1807600 mm f 8 ED No 174180 or smaller Zoom Nikkor 200 600 mm f 9 5 No 301922 or smaller Zoom Nikkor 360 1200 mm f 11 ED No 174127 or smaller Focusing Unit AU 1 When using the Teleconverter TC 200 TC 201 TC 301 or TC 14A Exposure compensation which is required when using Nikon Al type cameras with lenses having a maximum aperture faster than f 2 or faster than f 1 8 when using the TC 14A is not necessary when using the FG in its P or A mode In the A mode however note that the actual shutter speed will be faster than that indicated in the viewfinder by less than one step Therefore before shooting be sure that the shutter speed LED s in the viewfinder indicates a speed slower than 1 250 sec In the manual mode exposure compensation using the ASA ISO film speed dial is necessary See the tele
10. pop open B ATA i rp Doe ja Drop the film cartridge into the film cartridge chamber 3t so the fiim leader points towards the takeup spool 4 and while rotating the rewind knob push it back down to secure the cartridge in place Notes 1 All 35mm film can be used 2 Avoid loading film in direc sunlight if there is no shade available turn your Dack lo Ihe sun ang use your own shadow to shield the camera Pull the leader across the camera and insert it into any one of the slots in the takeup spool Enaace the film s perforations d if the sprocket teeth wi T Advance the takeup spoo slightly with your finger to engage the films perforations with tne teeth of the takeup spool and the sprocket Confirm the film is located properly between DOIN guide rails u and that there is no film slack 10 Advance the film with the film advance lever Alternately wind the film advance lever and depress the shutter release button until the perforations on both film edges are securely engaged with the sprocket teeth and the film is advanced properly BASIC OPERATION 4 Se Tre Came Snap the camera back shut 10 continued S 4r gt ak uo the film siack Fold out the film rewind crank 3 and rotate it gently in the direction of the arrow until you feel a slight resistance Then fold the crank back in 1 Make blank exposures until the frame counter shows 41
11. than by inter mittent use Storage When not in use the batteries should be removed to prevent damage from leakage To minimize drain during the period of disuse store the batteries in a cool dry place Battery brand Do not use mixed brands of batteries nor batteries with different model numbers Also avoid mixing new and old bat teries since proper performance will not be obtained and battery leakage into your FG may occur Polarity When installing batteries observe the voltage polarities carefully Reversal of positive and negative terminals will result in leakage If leakage should occur clean care fully or take your FG to your dealer 59 Type of camera Picture format Lens mount Lenses Shutter Shutter speeds P Program mode exposure control A Auto mode exposure control 60 Electronically controlled 35 mm single lens reflex camera 24mmx 36mm standard 35mm film format Nikon bayonet mount Nikkor 50 1 2 50 1 4 50 1 8 Nikon Series E 50 1 8 as standard more than 60 Nikkor and Nikon Series E lenses available Electronically controlled vertical travel metal focal plane shutter otepless speeds from 1 to 1 1000 sec on P Program and A Auto modes 11 speeds quartz controlled from 1 to 1 1000 sec on manual mechan ically controlled 1 90 sec at M90 setting and long exposure at B setting Light intensity feed back type shutter speed and aperture set automatically and stepl
12. ROLS IN DETAIL 20 Shutter Speed Mode Selector Dial 20 Exposure Measuring System 21 LED Viewfinder Indications 22 Exposure information 22 Improper exposure warning information 23 Flash ready light information 23 How To Determine Shooting Modes 24 P programmed exposure mode 24 A automatic exposure mode 28 Manual exposure mode 35 shutter Release Button L 38 Film Advance Lever 00000005 39 Frame Counter 0 0 00 cc cee ee eee ee 39 Audio Warning Lever 2 00000 ae 40 ASA ISO Film Speed Dial 41 Exposure Compensation Dial 42 Exposure Compensation Button 43 Self Timer Lever 0 0 0 0 ccc eee ee eee 44 Film Plane Indicator 2 44 Harndagripius ax dua sca Been ns eR Ed a eee 45 Memo Holder 0 0 0 0 cece eee 46 Infrared Focusing Index 0 46 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY 47 Accessory Shoe 00ce cece eeees 48 Viewfinder Ready Light 48 Nikon FG and Speedlight Combinations 49 CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPHY 50 ACCESSORIES 52 Electronic Flash Units 005 52 Motor Drive MD 14 0000 cee eee 53 Data Back MF 15 era cues 54 Other Accessories 000
13. To dispose of the first few frames exposed during film oading continue to alternately advance the film and depress the shulter reiease button until the frame counter shows 1 Check that the rewind knob ts rotating indicating the film has been loaded correctly and is being advanced the knob does not rotate reload the fiim Note Do not take pictures prior to frame T as the meter does not function until the counter reaches 1 Up to 1 fhe 1 650 and 1 125 sec LEDS in the wewfinder will Blink Sr s NTC ie 5i Nurie IF AS automi 3t ally Ser al iif Uf Se Win 14 set the ASAIISO film speed Lift up the ASAI ISO film speed dial and rotate it in either direction until the index dot is opposite the film speed in use Make sure Ihe exposure compensation dial is set at 0 These actions are essential to acti vate the camera s exposure meter for correct expo sure of the tilm being used Note Film speed is printed on the film package and cartridge BASIC OPERATION continued o 15 Set the shutter speed mode elector to P While depressing the A P setting lock button 2 turn speec mode selector until P is Opposite Ihe index n locking mechanisms at P and A ensure tnat the dial cannot be accidentally shifted from either Ine P or A position during shooting Nota The Nikon has two more shooting modes Program A Auto and manual For details of lA Aal ar ei 14 To A AAL Id rg ind ine shutter The built FG c
14. amera besides P EET Dane s gr 16 Set the lens fistop to its minimum aperture opening 1 6 the largest T number Turn the aperture ring of the lens until the largest f number is opposite the aperture index t the aperture Is not set to f 11 or larger both warning LEDs in the viewtinder will blink alternately warning of improper setting Turn the lever as far as it will go uncovering the audio warning mark V PEI ra steady Fold out the film advance lever to the stand off position With your right hand grasping the hand grip steadily and your right index finger resting comfortably on the shutter release button position your right thumb between the camera body and the lever Then cradle the camera in the left hand with the thumb and fingers holding the lens focusing ring The camera may be switched from horizontal to vertical format shooting in this position While looking through the viewfinder compose your photo with the main subject in the center to assure correct exposure Then turn the focusing ring 2 of the lens until the subject looks clear The FG employs the standard Type K focusing screen for all purpose photography For precise pinpoint focusing for sub jects with distinct contours use the central split image rangefinder and turn the focusing ring until the split image becomes whole For rapid focusing and for subjects with indistinct outlines use the micro 14 prism collar and
15. bright or too dim for the meter s range and correct exposure is not possible without adjustment Use either a neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light reaching the film or artificial light to increase the subject s brightness If the LED at 1 30 sec or below lights up shutter speed is too slow and blur may result In this case use a tripod to prevent blurred images When you correct the exposure the audio warning will stop 16 After the last exposure the film advance lever will not move Depress the film rewind button on the camera base plate to disengage the film sprocket drive so you can rewind the exposed film back into its cartridge Fold out the film rewind crank and turn it gently in the direction of the arrow until you feel an increased tension Give it a few more turns until the tension is gone and the crank turns freely indicating the film leader is rewound completely back into the cartridge BASIC OPERATION continued i I DA Hemowve the Mim cartrid Open the camera back by pulling up the rewind knob and take out the film cartridge Avoid unloading in direct sunlight f there is no shade available turn your back to Ihe sun and use your own shadow to shield the camera The lenses usable for the Nikon FG are all the Al type Nikon Nikkor lenses including most of the Al con verted lenses certain Reflex Nikkor and PC Nikkor lenses Non Al Nikkor lenses and lenses of other manufacturers which do
16. converter s instruction manual for complete details 19 The Nikon FG offers programmed mode operation aperture priority automatic mode operation and manual control of all shutter speeds from 1 to 1 1000 sec including M90 and B Bulb settings To set the desired shooting mode or shutter speed rotate the shutter speed mode selector dial until the desired setting click stops opposite the index line Note that at A and P settings a locking mechanism is provided to prevent accidental shifts of the setting To rotate the dial to or from the A or P setting depress the lock button 2 provided The shutter speed mode selector dial has the following settings B M90 eleven speeds 20 from 1 to 1 1000 sec A and P Intermediate settings cannot be used P Programmed Used for completely automatic programmed mode shooting The optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture value is automatically set by the FG s microcomputer depending upon scene brightness and the film speed in use The electronically controlled shutter speed is stepless between 1 and 1 1000 sec A Auto Used for aperture priority automatic mode shooting The f stop is set manually and the FG s microcom puter selects the matching electronically controlled shutter speeds steplessly between 1 and 1 1000 sec depending on the scene s brightness and the film speed in use Manual Used for full manual control of both f stop and shutter speed All of the eleven sh
17. e subject from the camera the deeper the depth of field the closer to the camera the shallower the depth of field 3 Usually background clarity is sharper than that of the foreground thus in shallow depth of field situations you can expect your foreground images to be less clear than those behind the subject 4 The shorter the focal length of the lens the deeper the depth of field 5 With Nikkor or Nikon Series E lenses depth of field is indicated by pairs of colored lines on the lens which correspond to the colors of the f number Therefore depth of field range can be obtained by the corresponding distance scale P 3 Lens set at f 1 4 Lens sel al 16 Only main subject is in focus Most objects near to far are in focus 33 EV Range The FG s meter may be used only within the meter s exposure value EV range which determines the possible combinations of aperture and shutter speed depending on the film speed in use The chart shows the relationships between the f stop shutter speed and film speed indicating the functioning shutter aa Kk dE speeds for metering purposes with any film speed aperture combination Careful attention to this chart will assure precise exposure automatically over the complete exposure contro and meter range capa bilities of your Nikon FG j ert T M Ss 1600 a Se SS Manual ex
18. elease button After use return the lever to its original position The self timer is cancellable any time before shooting by returning the lever to its original position 44 lt i en ater The film plane indicator is engraved on the top deck just behind the audio warning lever It indicates the exact position of the film plane inside the camera and is used to measure the exact distance between the subject and film plane such as in macrophotog raphy The distance between the film plane and lens mounting flange is exactly 46 5 mm Dismounting This not only allows steady shooting bul also a secure comlortable fit in your hand When shooting with motor drive the grip should be dismounted To do this u insert a coin into the slot turn the screw counterclockwise until it loosens 2 then slide il down until it separates from the body To reattach l aiign the grip attachment screw with the inner hole nthe hand grip 2 slip the grip up until it stops then screw clockwise until it becornes tight A 45 ON TROLS jM ExPOSURES As a reminder of film type ASA ISO speed and the number of exposures on the roll in use clip off the end of the film carton and insert into the memo holder IN DETAIL continued A te ITI fala p The red dot located just beside the focusing index on most lenses is the infrared focusing index When shooting with black and white infrared f
19. essly Aperture priority type aperture set manually while shutter speed set automatically and steplessly Manual mode exposure control Viewfinder information Exposure meter Metering range Film speed range Audio warning alarm Exposure compensation dial Both aperture and shutter speed set manually Shutter speed timing controlled by quartz Shutter speed scale with LED display exposure warning signal ready light when used with electronic flash TTL center weighted full aperture measurement meter incorpo rates one silicon photodiode SPD EV 1 to EV 18 i e f 1 4 at 1 sec to f 16 at 1 1000 sec at ASA ISO 100 and with 50mm 1 1 4 lens ASAIISO 12 3200 Beep beep warning sound activated when shutter release button is pressed halfway if shutter speed is approx 1 30 sec and below or above approx 1 1000 sec can be turned off via audio warning lever 2EV Y 2EV in 1 2 increments Exposure compensation button Viewfinder Focusing screen Finder magnification Film advance Frame counter Film rewind Approx 2EV when exposure compensation button is kept depressed as shutter release button is depressed Fixed eyelevel pentaprism type with built in TTL exposure meter approx 92 frame coverage Fixed type Nikon standard Type K screen comprised of central Split image rangefinder spot microprism collar and matte Fresnel outer field 12mm dia reference circle denotes a
20. et speed is intermediate between the two On manual a steady LED indicates the shutter speed set manually and the blinking LED s signals the correct speed to match the selected aperture Notes 1 At M90 and B there is no LED display 2 Shutter speed selection is stepless on P and A however on manual intermediate speeds cannot be set Possible Possible Shutter speed is overexposure underexposure too slow H an D 5 5 Improper exposure warning information On P or A a blinking top warning LED indicates possi ble overexposure In this case use a neutral density filter or change to a slower speed film A blinking lower warning LED signals possible underexposure necessitating an electronic flash or a change to the B setting for long exposure On P A and manual an LED lighting at 1 30 sec or below indicates shulter speed is too slow for hand held shooting and a tripod is necessary to steady the camera or a high speed film or electronic flash should be used Note When using a tripod with a large head use Nikon s tripod adapter to mount the FG otherwise contact between lens barrel and head may make it difficult to operate the lens Flash ready light LI L LJ LI LI LI LJ LJ LJ Li Flash ready light information An LED opposite the thunderbolt mark enables you to confirm flash readiness without removing your eye from the viewfinder 33 23 Correct exposure whether your
21. g to a scientifically pre arranged program Perfect exposure is thus assured for every shot P mode operation 1 While depressing the A P setting lock button turn the selector dial to P 2 Set the f stop of the lens to its minimum aperture opening i e the largest f number Turn on the audio warning system While iooking through the viewtinder depress the shutter release button halfway to turn on the expo sure meter If the audio warning does not sound exposure is correct just focus and shoot One lighted LED in the viewfinder signals what shutter speed is set Two lighted LEDs indicate the set shutter speed is intermediate between the two lighted LEDs 4 If the audio warning does sound improper expo sure may result and you must check the LED view finder indications explained on the following page for necessary adjustments 29 iA f I Ww y LA Too much light Too little light Shutter speed is too slow E s Either upper or lower warning LED blinks A blinking upper LED means too much light try either a neutral density filter or change to a slower speed film A blinking lower LED means too little ight use an electronic flash or switch from P toa ong exposure at B setting The LED lights up at 1 30 sec or below Shutter speed is too siow for nand held shooting and picture blur may result Use a tripod to steady the camera change to high speed film or use an electronic flash zn f st
22. ilm it is necessary to refocus the lens to compensate for the fact that infrared rays focus at a point slightly in front of visible light To use the index focus on your subject through the viewfinder then look at the lens and take note of the focused distance Finally reset the focus ing ring so that the desired distance is aligned with the red dot clectronic flashes are convenient not only for night ow light shooting but also as a supplemental light 3 fill in shadows in the daytime When shooting with electronic flashes such as the Nikon Speedlights 58 18 SB 16B and SB 15 the FG s shutter speed is automatically switched to 1 90sec on P A and on manual modes when the manual shutter speed is 125sec or above If the manual shutter speed iS o0 sec or below the shutter will operate at the speed The Nikon FG Girectly accepts the Nikon 58 18 SB 18B and SB 15 which have an ISO type not shoe mount and the SB 12 S SB 16A and SB 17 via ine Flash Unit Coupler AS 6 Be sure to check the juide number of the flash unit ana set the aperture to match the shooting distance The sync contact of the FG is an X contact only and synchroniz es al ihe speed of 1 905ec or SIOWer Flash bulbs can also be used at the following shutter speed sync ipium y fe ft hes Ebi ttis sa Located at the top of the pentaprism viewfinder the hot shoe allows direct mounting of the Nikon Speed light SB 18 SB 16B SB 15 or any electronic flash w
23. image and facilitates focus ing Attach directly to the viewfinder or eyepiece correction lens frame Eyepiece adapter Used when atlaching the Magnifier DG 2 Be sure to Ift the adapter before opening the camera back Semi soft cases Two types are available the CF 17 tor use with stan ard lenses and the CF 18 for use with the Nikon Series 36 72mm f 3 5or smaller lenses The CF 18A Front Flap tor use with the Zoom Nikkor 35 70mm 3 5 iens and the CF 19D Camera Case Base Portion for use nen the Data Back MF 15 is attached are also avail ja wis adie Custom shoulder bags Three types are available CB blue CB 2 green CB 3 beige Neckstrap Available in several colors AN 1 leather AN 4Y AN 4B AN 6Y and AN 6W webbed nylon Shutter Release Adapter AR 8 For use with tne Cable Release AR 2 or Double Cable Release AR 4 Screw into the center of the shutter eiease button 2 7 nt inrocn TET 7 p Afr r y OL mera Olean i nn d prism surfac l ean all lens and prism surfaces e Avon touching the camera s interior periodically with a blower type brush surfaces especially Ihe shutter pe ie i ue E aos iis js L a t 1 AT FE IM v L 4 or tel issue mosien e o wiih an lains 34 and fiim pressure plate 42 t hal AE T ahah Ah approved pholo lens cleaning liquid e tr n 7 r m 1 rT q ln pe Ow mece de or i a JV xposSegJ 10 fa se Stare vour Camer lances ane ye p Store yo
24. ith an ISO type mounting foot Other flash units may be mounted with an adapter see the table on the next page Four electrical contacts provide synchroniza tion of the flash unit flash output stop signal on TTL mode identification of the TTL flash and both ready light indication in the camera s viewfinder via an LED and auto switching to the proper sync speed of 1 80 sec with some Nikon dedicated flashes Note Use of other manufacturer s same ISO type mounting foot may cause abnormalities in shutter speed precision or even breakage o the IC circuit rash uris even with the 43 When the Nikon FG is used together with Nikon flash units such as the SB 18 SB 16B SB 15 etc a view finder ready light LED opposite the thunderbolt mark lights up when the flash ts fully charged or recycled This way you re easily informed of flash readiness without having to take your eye off 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 FG For more detailed information refer to the lash unit s instruction manua Note When the camera s meter switch is off the ready light wil not light up except at the M90 or B setting Camera s ready light indication Speedlight Shutter speed automatically Usable flash switched to 1 90 sec modes Connection auto TTL manual
25. ll the lever will not wind In this case don t force the lever just release your finger depress the film rewind button 34 and rewind the film 2 Be sure to release your finger from the shutter release button while advancing the film to prevent taking a picture accidentally at the instant the film is advanced To keep track of the number of exposed frames the frame counter is graduated from S Start two frames below 0 to 36 After 1 and starting from 2 every two frames are numbered in white with white indices in between When making blank shots with the shutter speed mode selector set al other than M90 and B the 1 60 and 1 125 sec LEDs wili blink until the frame counter reaches 1 showing that the shutter is firing at 1 90 sec Only after 1 will both the meter and viewfinder information work normally Don t take pictures until the frame counter reaches 1 The frame counter automatically resets to S when the camera back is opened og i Eye y rn To prevent incorrect exposure or blurred photos re sulting from extreme shooting conditions the Nikon FG is equipped with an audio warning device oper able on P or A modes in addition to the visual LED warning indications To switch the device on turn the lever as far as it will go uncovering ihe audio warning mark W and depress the shutter release button halfway While the button is depressed the audio warning will sound indicating that scene bright ne
26. nals clean and insert either one 3V lithium battery two 1 55V silver oxide batteries or two 1 5V alkaline manganese batteries into the battery clip making sure each sign is up Caution Keep batteries away from in fants and small children In case a bat fery is accidentally swallowed call a doctor immediately as the material in side the batteries can cause serious problems I Slip the battery clip back into the camera body and screw it clock wise tightly in place Looking through the viewfinder 33 depress the shutter release button 7 halfway and confirm that any of the red LEDs light emitting diodes light up steadily or blink continuously for 16 seconds alter you have taken your finger off the button This means baltery installation is proper and power is sufficient If no LEDs light up or if they turn off immediately when you lake your finger off the button replace the battery ies Note To check battery power set he shutter speed mode selector dial 3 to any setting except M90 and B Grasp the lens by its mounting ring then line up the aperture distance scale index on the lens and the mounting index 17 on the camera body and twist the lens counterclockwise until it clicks into place Make sure the aperture distance scale index is exactly on top To remove while pushing the lens release button 18 turn the iens clockwise Pull up tne film rewind knob 26 as iar as it will go and tne camera back wil
27. nd no LEDs are displayed 2 The audio warning system does not function on manual Fast shutter speed Slow shutter speed freeze action intentional blur i Depressing the shutter release button halfway switches on the exposure meter for approx 16 Sec even after taking your finger off the button and causes the viewfinder LED s to light up steadily Pushing the button all the way down releases the shutter To check battery power depress the button halfway I the viewfinder LED s lights steadily power is sufficient If the LED s disappears the instant you remove your finger from the button power is weak and you must change batteries If you continue to use the camera in this situation the balteries will be com pletely exhausted when the shutter release button is depressed the shutler curtains will not open and the mirror will be locked in the up position To return the mirror to its place switch to the B setting The shutter release button is threaded at the center to accept a standard cable release The film advance lever is coaxial with Ihe shutter re lease button and is specially contoured to fit the thumb A hinged lever it fits snugly to the camera body It has a throw of 144 and is operated in one complete stroke or a series of shorter ones After compietion of film winding the lever quick returns to the stand off position when your finger is taken off ine lever Notes At the end of the ro
28. op is not set at f 11 During blank exposure both 1 60 or a larger f number and 1 125 sec LEDs light up 5 E Notes 1 If the Fstop is not set at f 11 or a larger l number both warning LEDs blink alternately Reset the f stop to its mini mum aperture setting the largest f number When using a Nikon Teleconverter TC 200 TC 300 or TC 14 PK ring or Al converted lens be sure to set the aperture to its mini mum opening since the warning LEDs will not blink in warning 2 If you do not wish to turn on the audio warning system check the LEDs in the viewfinder before shooting to con firm if any adjustments are necessary in order to assure correct exposure 3 During blank exposures before the frame counter reaches f both the 1 60 and 1 125 sec LEDs will light up as the shutter is automatically set at 1 90 sec Do not take pictures before 1 as the exposure meter does not operate until 1 Programmed exposure measurement graph The graph represents the optimum combinations of f stop and shutter speed for the brightness of any scene which were determined through intensive statistical and empirical studies and fed into the FG s computer brain for its pre arranged exposure pro gram Thus when actua exposure measurement takes place at the time of shooting the ideal combi nation for actual conditions is selected and perfect exposure results for every shot Graph green line represents the curve for the f 1 4 lens For lenses wi
29. or 41 ASA ISO 25 and feet SDMEESnE SB 16B Most versatile direct mounting flash from Nikon Truly creative S toute flash possible with two flash heads main head has zoom settings for 28 35 50 and 85mm enses and tilts back 90 and rotates 270 smaller secondary head faces straight ahead to provide a catchlight in the eyes Special MD motor drive setting allows shooting of 8 consecutive frames at 4 trames per second cal guide number of 32 ASA ISO 100 and meters 2 ASAIISO 25 and feet Po ver a A Pf efa th AT rt 0 m Aade tor the Nikon FG the MD 14 Motor Drive a7 f vif 4 tr te v c 4 1 r I duit j Ho ii X ar It De Ls f seu ro ori ettir J Of if on QW SOf Tir 9 Lf t tte m Iq ine ui 19 ter reir Ase Dutton 1 th rotor i i z f 4 ive trigger and Tor auto winaing One trame at a tume F F r f ire taking is also possible enat G you to follow ne M u writ t ever takini f Trowr i JV Fa t VVI RJU Aw C 4 Y AU yt U ind engage the tripod socket 47 ol the camera with tr f rr t T i A tA or of m e attachment screw The MD 14 is also operable Nikon EM B uNNMINEINENM To keep track of when photos were taken the FG accepts the slim lightweight Data Back MF 15 which ships on in place of the FG s regular camera back 4 with no sync cord needed Three imprinting modes a are possible year month day up to year 2100 day nour minute or picture counting up
30. photo comes out just right and neither too dark underexposed nor too light overexposed depends on two factors in re lation to your film light and time These factors are controlled by f stop aperture opening and shutter speed The FG offers three different ways modes to expose photos P Program A Auto and manual Depending on photographic conditions and your own personal requirements choose any one of these three On P exposure measurements are totally handled by the camera so all you do to take perfect pictures is focus and shoot On A still enabling auto matic exposure f stop selection is under your con trol allowing you to create special depth of field effects and the FG matches with the correct shutter speed For details on depth of field refer to page 32 On manual both f stop and shutter speed selection are controlled by you giving you the chance to achieve special effects and to grow in your photo graphic skills 24 P programmed exposure mode A new feature with the Nikon FG the P mode not only greatly simplifies operation but also lets you con centrate completely on picture composition and further gives you greater opportunities to shoot especially in quickly changing situations or for candid shots because no exposure calculation is necessary On P the optimum combination of stepless shutter speed and stepless f stop is determined by the FG s microcomputer at the instant of exposure accordin
31. posure mode Manual operation allows you to shoot at your choice of any combination of the f stops and eleven shutter speeds on the camera s dials Note that you cannot set shutter speed between numbered settings By varying these combinations you can achieve not only correct exposure but also such special effects as under or overexposure blurred action etc Manual is also valuable to develop your photographic instincts and skills and is additionally recommended when an electronic flash other than the Nikon dedicated flash unit is used How to select f stop and shutter speeds Exposure is determined by the combination of the shutter speed and f stop aperture opening As the numbers on either the f stop or shutter speed dials increase by one value the amount of light entering the film is reduced by approximately one half For example the amount of light at 1 125 sec is aboul one half that at 1 60 sec and the amount of light at 16 is one half that at f 11 Brighter scenes require either faster shutler speeds or smaller aperture openings larger f numbers or a combination of both which will give the same amount of exposure darker scenes require the reverse For example 1 250 sec at f B is the same as either 1 500 sec at f 5 6 or 1 125 sec at 1 11 Shutter speed aperture combination to give the same exposure Shutter speed sec Ape rture 35 DE TALI Manual mode operation 1 Set the stop you desire or tu
32. rea of center weighted metering 0 84X 50mm lens set at infinity Via film winding lever of 144 winding angle hinged type either one continuous stroke or series of shorter strokes possible Additive type automatically resets to S when camera back is opened Manual film rewind crank rotates after rewind button is depressed Hot shoe contacts Flash synchronization Ready light Motor drive coupling Camera back Standard ISO type accepts Nikon Speedlight SB 18 SB 16B SB 15 or other ISO type Nikon flash unit directly Speeds up to 1 90sec with electronic flash with the Nikon dedicated flash unit flash sync is automatically set to 1 90sec when shutter speed mode selector is set at P Aor manually 1 125 1 1000sec while set to 1 1 60sec manually the shutter speed will operate as set the flash ready light lights up when flash is recycled Incorporated in the viewfinder Electrical contacts and mechan ical coupler built in for operation with the Motor Drive MD 14 or MD E Swings open when film rewind knob is pulled up memo holder provided interchangeable with the Data Back MF 15 61 Self timer Reflex mirror Hand grip Power source Power ON OFF switch Dimensions Weight Camera cases 62 Lever provided can be set for up to approx 10 sec exposure delay setting cancellable before actual shutter release Instant return non locakble type Detachable type Two 1 55V silver oxide
33. rn the shutter speed mode selector dial to any of eleven numbered settings you desire Note that you cannot set the dial between indicated settings 2 While looking through the viewfinder depress the 4 36 shutter release button halfway and check the lighted LEDs The blinking LED s indicates the shutter speed selected by the FG s microcomputer to match the f stop you have set e The lighted LED indicates the shutter speed you have set If one LED is blinking to get the correct exposure rotate the aperture ring and or the shutter speed dial so that both the blinking LED and the steadily lighted LED are aligned and only one LED lights up steadily If two LEDs are blinking rotate the aperture ring and or shutter speed dial until one LED lights up steadily or the blinking LEDs come as close as possible to it then make further line adjustments by rotating the aperture ring so that only one LED lights up steadily If you wish to create intentional under or over exposure set either the aperture ring or shutter speed d al so that your selected shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder either above or below that selected by the FG Shutter speed selected by FG s micro computer Shutter speed you have set t soo 250 175 h Both speeds aligned and only one LED lights steadily correct exposure assured 1 At the mechanical settings of M90 and B the meter does not function a
34. ss is out of the metering range of 1 1 1000 sec which results in over or underexposure or thal shutter speed is loo slow for hand held shooting Check the viewfinder for LED indications and adjust exposure as on pages 26 2 or 30 31 If you don t want to hear the warning sound simply turn the lever to the OFF position to cover the J mark but be sure to check the viewfinder LED before shooting to confirm if scene brightness is within metering range Note The audio warning device does not function even with the lever set at ON when both tap and bottom warning LEDs are alternately blinking to warn of improper aperture setting on P The scale on the ASA ISO dial has numbered settings lor speeds from ASA ISO 12 to 3200 Two dots be tween each number stand for intermediate settings such as 64 BO etc The 64 100 and 400 settings are indicated in red The table gives the speeds for all intermediate settings To set the film speed in use lift up the dial and rotate it until the desired number ar dot representing the film speed click stops opposite the index dol 27 ASA SO is a numerical rating of the film s sensitivity to a given amount of light The higher the number the greater the sensitivity and vice versa The film s ASA ISO is indicated on the cartridge itself on the film carton and on the data sheet packed inside This dial can also be used to compensate exposure as in the following example with ASA ISO 100 film set
35. th other apertures the graph is read from that particular aperture opening until inter section with the diagonal line and then in the same downward line e g the black line for the f A lens Notes 1 On P the following lenses will cause slower shutter speeds than those indicated in the viewfinder while correct expo sure is assured Therefore in cases where more exact shutter speed information is desired A or manual mode is recommended 50mm f 1 2 Nikkor No 250525 or smaller 58mm f 1 2 Noct Nikkor No 175000 or smaller ED 50 300mm f 4 5 Zoom Nikkor No 179500 or smaller Every Al converted 85 mm f 1 8 Nikkor Every Al converted 105mm f 4 Micro Nikkor Every Al converted 85 250mm f 4 Zoom Nikkor 2 On P the following lenses and accessories cannot be used as they do not have an aperture coupling device Use these lenses on A or manual modes All Reflex Nikkors All PC Nikkors when perspective is shifted use manual mode Bellows attachment Extension Ring Set K 3 On P when using teleconverters or Al converted lenses of maximum apertures of f 4 5 or smaller shutter speeds available are limited to very slow ones Therefore A or manual mode is recommended 4 On P when using Al converted lenses of maximum aper ture larger than f 2 8 the metering range for the higher EV values will be reduced down to a maximum of two EVs de pending on the aperture
36. the dial to 50 to overexpose 1 step to 25 for 2 steps to 200 for 1 step to 400 for 2 steps After compensated shootings be sure to return the dial to the film s original speed 4 For unusual lighting situations such as shown in the diagram the exposure compensation dial allows adjustments to prevent over or underexposure Also Ihe dial can be used to intentionally obtain special effects like over or underexposure even under normal lighting conditions Conveniently operable on P and A the dial ranges from 2bEV to 2EV in oneg half increments To operate press the lock button 1 and turn the dial until it Click stops opposite the desired compensation value On P each increment causes a corresponding shift in both shutter speed and f stop lexcept for when the graph line becomes horizontal and then only shutter speed is shifted on A shutter speed 42 LL Suggested Applications for Exposure Compensation 2 white background snow scene 1 white background occupying half of viewing area 1 spotlighted subject black background occupying half of viewing area 2 black background only is shifted corresponding to the compensated amount New shutter speed setting is visible in the viewfinder After taking the picture return the dial to 0 or incorrect exposures will result in ordinary shoot ing In addition to the dial exposures can be compen sated with the exposure compensation button d by
37. to 2000 dis played on the data back in clear LCDs and printed you choose on the photo in unobtrusive red LED numerals For double duty as a handy clock a quartz ner with alarm function is incorporated Filters Nikon offers a wide selection of fi md Sint to meet the needs of i photography These filters den kor lenses ney a ron of the lens Lens hoods These are recommended to E Nant trom entering the lens and causing gn ost images and tlare Four types ar Nikon Nikkor einer aire addwvy incorpDc Dr ed Nikon Filters Was iuris Burg emp pe mm doe SE peg Pang aes js af as TF me UT mes E 9 5 fers Of various SIZES wie aa haat ead ia s color and Dlack and Work best with Nikon eee eee also useful for protecting the eee eee eee 5 5 a a se s s e on os prevent side or slanted e e available to match various al l EE snap on screw in telescopic Med js nd m nto the iens and slip on ale e iux om vin WC onerant Liu np J Eyepiece correction lenses To correct both near and far sightedness nine lenses are available from 5 to 3 diopter values These values are derived from the dioptry of both the finder and the correction lens Rubber eyecup By helping to block stray light from entering the eye piece this improves the apparent brightness and contrast of the viewfinder
38. turn the focusing ring until the shim mering image becomes sharp When doing close ups or macrophotography or shooting with telephoto lenses of maximum apertures of approx f 4 5 or smaller the split image spol and microprism collar are likely to darken Therefore use the matte outer field and turn the focusing ring until the image be comes sharp 7 8 9 10 1 3mm dia split image spot Notes 2 1mm wide microprism collar The meter reads the light over the 3 12 mm dia area entire focusing screen but is dis 4 Fine matte Fresnel outer field tinctly biased toward the central 5 Shutter speed scale l2 mm dia area 2 Frame coverage is approx 92 which means actual photographs will be slightly larger than the tinder image 6 Top warning LED 7 Shutter speed LEDs 8 Bottom warning LED 9 Flash ready light 10 Thunderbolt mark BASIC OPERATION continued 20 Take the photegragh 04 Advance the fiin a 3 E Look through the viewfinder and press the shutter release Stroke the film advance button halfway to turn on the exposure meter When the audio warning lever to transport the film to the does not sound depress the button all the way to take the picture In this next frame case the proper shutter speed to match scene brightness i displayed by the LED inside the viewfinder If the warning sounds check the view finder information If either the top or bottom warning LED blinks the available light is too
39. unt of light passing through the lens with the aperture fully open thus always assur ing a bright finder image during shooting Exposure measurement emphasis is placed especially on the brightness in the 12mm dia central area refer to page 15 although the meter reads the light over the entire focusing screen Thus correct exposure is assured when shooting with the main subject situated in this central area On both P and A modes the FG employs instan taneous stopped down exposure measurement This measurement system sets the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture at the actual split second moment of picture taking assuring accurate exposures even if the light changes at the very last instant A sensitive SPD silicon photodiode is used to measure light intensity 2 Top warning LED Shutter speed LEDs Bottom warning LED j Flash ready light Red LEDs light emitting diodes located opposite the shutter speed scale at the right hand side of the view finder light up when the shutter release button is depressed halfway These function in three capa cities ior exposure information for improper expo sure warning and for convenient flash shooting n3 n3 Exposure information on P or A on manual z oP iI Blinking LED in en Steadily lighting LED 4 5 Exposure information On P or A a steady LED indicates the shutter speed automatically set Two adjacent LEDs indicate s
40. ur camera lenses and ai a Lispose of used batteries properly meh LIH SRL Erim JI ae y ry 7 b ri Airt Ras p mg essories in a cool dry place Remove never throw them into fire For batter rs n h ga ilu ire j chy req F dd matt J FE oa atlara aF pol mpm P sn i m reg Gal IES WIEN Ie Calera OT perrormance Dy brand eier T mani 5 Jor 4 negi IT Avy Tt Cee Ie IeEpCDPr Iu r 4 i is pr i i T e j j j um j cnr ra mmt tm mp iic e pel pling see T aL eme a FL I DE ised ior an lacturer s literature FL ni I it F I i t YOu wit wilh a extended period m r Ten i It K Caution Keep batteries away from infants and small children In case a battery is acci dentally swallowed call a doctor immediately as the material inside the batteries can cause serious problems New batteries Between manufacturing and first use all batteries exhibit some drain There fore care should be taken to purchase the newest and freshest ones possible To help you do this some manufacturers stamp the date of manufacture on the bottom of each battery Ask your camera dealer for assistance in interpreting the codes Temperature Battery life ratings are based on operation at around 25 C 77 F At other tem peratures battery life is shortened Spare bat teries should therefore be kept available if oper ation in low temperatures is anticipated Continuous use Batteries are drained much more quickly by continuous use
41. utter speeds indicated on the dial are electronically set with accuracy assured Dy a quartz oscillator controlling shutter timing Each number shown on the scale is reciprocal ie 2 means 1 2 second and 125 means 1 125 second A one step change will either halve or double the expo sure e g a shutter speed of 1 125 sec lets in twice as much light as a setting of 1 250 sec and half as much light as 1 60 sec Note When you set the shutter speed mode selector dial to either M90 or B the exposure meter does not work and the viewfinder LEDs don t light M90 1 90 sec At this setting the shutter operates mechanically at 1 90 sec and is used mainly when the battery is drained and other shutter speed modes are not operable and for flash photography with an elec tronic flash B Bulb At this mechanical setting the shutter curtains 3 remain open as long as you press the shutter release button B is used for long time exposures Note When the shutter speed mode selector dial is set somewhere between 1 sec and M90 and the shutter release button 32 is accidentally depressed the shutter curtains re main open If the film is rewound in this situation every frame will be re exposed damaging the pictures taken Therefore before rewinding make sure that the selector dial is not in this intermediate position The Nikon FG employs TTL through the lens center weighted full aperture exposure measurement which measures the amo
42. y to 1 1 magnification with the 55mm f 2 8 use the PN 11 with the 105mm f 2 8 In the case of the 200mm f 4 IF the Teleconverter TC 301 is recommended for photos with a wide magnification range from infinity to 1 1 Because both the auto rings and teleconverters have automatic aperture coupling devices they enable automatic exposure control when combined with Micro Nikkor lenses For close up photography with these accessories it is recommended to shoot at A or manual modes since depth of field is generally shallow and you must stop your aperture down as much as possible to get the greatest area of clear focus In focusing it is essen tial to focus on the matte field To measure the exact distance between the subject and the film plane use the film plane indicator Speedlight SB 18 Lightweight and easy to operate Choice of TTL or on Tai ped fee electronic flash unis whieh moun manual control Guide number of 20 ASA ISO 100 T jn a and meters or 33 ASA ISO 25 and feet dire a A to the camera s accessory shoe and feature automatic TTL thro ugh the Jens control of the flash KDOSUE LA 30 with the camera on P A Or a manual setting of 1 125sec or faster the FG is automatically switched to 1 90sec the correct synchronization speed for flash photography Nothing could be easier Speedlight SB 15 Features special tilting flasntube module vn bounce flash or shooting close ups Guide number of 25 ASA ISO 100 and meters
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