Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL
J Film advance lever .~ Al P setting lock button ~•. Shutter speedl mode selector 4 Neckstrap eyelet 5.
n Hot-shoe contact Shutter release button ® 21' Acc essory shoe Audio warning lever @ 2§ Film rewind crank Frame counter @ 2§ Film rewind knob 2't ASAIISO Film plane indicator @ film speed index Film takeup spool @ 28-Film rewind fork )~ASA / ISO Film pressure plate @ film speed dial Film sprocket @ '3d Film cartridge chamber Data back contacts (f4; 3-1 Shutter curtains Memo holder @ JZ Film guide rails Camera back @ ~J' Viewfinder eyepiece 34 Film rewind button Tripod / motor drive c
NOMENCLATURE . .......................... 2 FOREWORD .. .............................. 5 BASIC OPERATION . ........................ 6 NIKON AND NIKKOR LENSES FOR THE NIKON FG ....................... 19 CONTROLS 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 .......
As Nikon's selective-exposure 35mm SLR camera, the Nikon FG gives you the choices not only of totalexposure 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 exposure 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.
Use a cO in to twi st the lid cou nter cloc kwi se to unsc rew it Wipe battery terminals clean an d insert either one 3V lithium battery, two 1.
Looking through the vi ewfinder 33. , depress the shutter release button 37 halfway and confirm that any of the red LED s (l ight emitting diodes) light up steadily or blink continuous ly for 16 seconds after you have taken your finger off the button .
Pull up the film rewind knob 26 as far as It will go and the camera back will pop open . Drop the film cartridge into the film cartridge chamber ,10. so the film leader pOints towards the takeup spool .41, and while rotating the rewind knob push It back down to secure the cartridge in place Notes: 1) AI135mm film can be used 2) Avoid loading film In direct sunlight If there is no shade available.
Advanc e the tak eup spool slightly with your finger to engage th e film' s perfo rati on s with the teeth of th e ta keu p spool and th e sp roc ket 43 Confirm th e film is loca ted properly between both guide rail s nand tha t ther e is no film slack Altern ately wind the film advance leve r and depres s the shutter release button until the perforations on both film edges are sec urely engaged with the sprocket teeth and th e film is adva nced properly 9
Snap the camera back shu1. 10 Fold out the film rewind crank 25 and rotate it gently in the direction of the arrow until you leel a slight resistance .
To dispose of the first few frames exposed during film loading continue to alterna tely advance the tilm and dep ress the shu tter re lease button until the frame count er shows "1 ' Check th at the rewind knob IS rotatin g, indi ca ting the film has been loaded correctly and IS being advanced If the knob does not rotate. re load the fi lm Lif t up the ASAIISO film speed dial and rota te it in either direction until the index dot is opposite the film speed in use .
Wh ile depre ssing the Al P setting loc k button (2 .
, Turn the lever as far as it will go, uncovering the audio warning mark ( "J) ). Fold out the film advance lever to the stand· off position. With your right hand grasping the hand· grip (5) steadily and your right index finger resting comfortably on the shutter release button, position your right thumb between the camera body and the lever.
While looking through the viewfinder, compose your photo with the main subject in the center to assure correct exposure . Then turn the focusing ring @ 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 subjects with distinct contours, use the central splitimage rangefinder and turn the focusing ring until the split image becomes whole.
6 5 1 23 4 1. 3mm dia. split-image spot 2. 1 mm-wide microprism collar 3. 12mm dia. area 4. Fine matte/ Fresnel outer field 5. Shutter speed scale 6. Top warning LED 7. Shutter speed LEDs 8. Bottom warning LED 9. Flash ready-light 10. Thunderbolt mark 7 8 9 10 Notes: 1) The meter reads the light over the en tire focusing screen but is dis · tin ctly biased to ward the central 12mm dia area.
Look through the viewfinder and press the shutter release button halfway to turn on the exposure meter. When the audio warning does not sound. depress the button all the way to take the picture. In this case, the proper shutter speed to match scene brightness It displayed by the LED Inside the viewfinder. If the warning sounds, check the viewfinder Information .
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 .
Open the camera back by pulling up the rewind knoll and take out the film cartridge .
The lenses usable for the Nikon FG are all the AI-type Nikon/Nikkor lenses, including most of the AI converted lenses, certain Reflex Nikkor and PC Nikkor lenses. Non-AI Nikkor lenses and lenses of other manufacturers which do 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-AI lenses the following lenses cannot be used: ' AI-converted 55mm f/1.2 (No.
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.
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 LEOs 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 electronic flash.
Exposure information on P or A on manual Top warning LED ~~~ = Blinking LED • = Steadily lighting LED Shutter speed LEDs Bottom warning LED Flash ready-light Exposure information Red LEDs (light emitting diodes) located opposite the shutter speed scale at the right-hand side of the viewfinder light up when the shutter release button is depressed halfway. These function in three capacities-for exposure information, for improper exposu re warning, and for convenient flash shooting.
Possible overexposure Possible underexposure Shutter speed is too slow Improper exposure warning information On P or A, a blinking top warning LED indicates possible 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.
P-programmed exposure mode Correct exposure-whether your photo comes out just right and neither too dark (underexposed) nor too light (overexposed)-depends on two factors in relation 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 anyone of these three.
P mode operation (1) While depressing the AlP settin g lock button, turn the selector dial to P (2) Set the f1stop of the lens to its minimum ape rtu re opening (ie, the largest f1number) (3) Turn on the audio warning system (4) While looking through th e viewfinder, depress the shutter release button halfway to turn on the expo sure meter If the audio warning does not sound, exposure is correct -ju st focus and shoot One lighted LED In the viewfinder signals what shutter speed is set Two lighted LEDs Indic
Too much light Too little light Shutter speed is too slow f/stop is not set at fl11 or a larger flnumber. i,'loo '000 :Joo ,00 125 bO 30 IS During blank exposure both 1/60 and 1/125 sec. LEOs light up. 1 150 11\ 00 30 15 8 • Either upper or lower warning LED blinks .
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 program. Thus, when actual exposure measurement takes place at the time of shooting, the ideal combination for actual conditions is selected and perfect exposure results for every shot.
A-automatic exposure mode With the FG set on A, you sel ect the flstop 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 exposure (aperture-priority selection ) Deeper depth of field (or greater focus zone in foreground and background around subject) is achi eved as you stop down the lens to its sma ller ape rture openings (larger f/numbers) .
... (2) Set the desired f/stop on the lens. (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. If the audio warning does not sound , the scene brightness is within the FG 's metering range-focus and shoot. The shutter speed auto· matically set is indicated in the viewfinder by either one LED or two LEOs .
Overexposure Underexposure Picture blur ODD 500 [ 250 :j 125 60 • The lop warn ing LED blinks to wa rn of ove rexposure • The bottom warn ing LE D blink s to wa rn of unde rexposure • The LEO lighls up al 1/30 sec . or below 10 warn of picture blur In these cases.
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 you to select the shutter speed on A mode to either freeze the action and produce sharp outlines with a fa ster shutter speed, or to cause an intentional blur by choosing a slower shutter speed.
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 exposure, you have full control over depth of field by varying the flstop. 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.
Lens set at f/1.
EV Range The FG' s meter may be used only within the meter 's exposure value (EV) range which determines the poss ible 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 - - - - -ASr",I-O speeds (for metering purposes) with any film speed/ aperture combination.
How to select f/stop and shutter speeds Manual exposure mode Manual operation allows you to shoot at your choice of any combination of the flstops 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 mode operation (1) Set the f/stop you desire or turn the shu tter speed/ mode se lector dia l to any of eleven numbered setti ngs you desire , (Note that you cannot set the dial between indicated settings.
I I . ,f ~\ .
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 cau ses the viewfinder LED(s) to light up steadily Pu shing the button all the way down releases the shutter To check battery power, depress the button halfway.
The film advance lever is coaxia l with the shutter reo 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 completion of film winding , the lever quick· returns to the stand·off position when your finger is taken off the lever.
To prevent incorrect exposure or blurred photos re sulting from extreme sh oo ting conditions , the Nikon FG is equipped w ith an audio wa rn ing device, operable on P or A modes, in additi on to the vi sual LED warning indications . To switch the device on, turn th e lever as far as it wi ll go, uncovering the audio warn ing mark ( "l) ).
The scale on the ASA / ISO dial has numbered settings for speeds from ASA/ISO 12 to 3200 . Two dots between each number stand for intermediate settings , such as 64 , 80 , 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 (or dot representing the film speed) click-stops opposite the inde x dot 5.
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 For unusual lighting situations, such as shown in the diagram, the exposure compensation dial allows adjustments to prevent over- or underexposure. Also, the dial can be used to intentionally obtain special effects like over- or underexposure, even under normal lighting conditions.
{on ''!, Conveniently operable on P and A, this gives a compensation of + 2EV to quickly and easily adjust exposure when shooting snow scenes, sidelit or backlit subjects, or in cases where the main subject and background 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 .
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 release button After use, return the lever to its original position .
.~ (2) Dismountin~ Reattaching This not only allows steady shooting but also a secure comfortable fit in your hand . When shooting with ~otor drive, the grip should be dismounted. To do this, (1) inse rt a COin into the slot , turn the screw counterclockwise until it loosens, (2) then slide it down until it separates from the body. To reattach, 11) align the grip attachment screw with the inner hole in the hand grip , (2) slip the grip up until it stops, then screw clockwise until it becomes tight.
As a rem inder of film type. ASA/ ISO speed , and the number 01 exposures on the roll in use, clip off the end of the film carton and insert into the memo holder 46 The red dot located just beside the focusing index on most lenses is the infrared focu sing index . When shooting with black-and-white infrared film, it is necessary to refocus the len s to compensate for the fact that infrared rays focu s at a point slightly in front of vi sible light.
Electronic flashes are convenient not only for night or low-light shooting but also as a supplemental light ;0 fill in shadows in the daytime. When shooting with electronic flashes such as the Nikon Speedlights S8-18, SB-16B and SB-15, the FG's shutter speed is automatically switched to 1/90sec. on P, A and on l1anual modes when the manual shutter speed is 1/125sec. or above . If the manual shutter speed is 1/60sec . or below, the shutter will operate at the set speed .
t 11)00 ,00 ~~o " Located at the top of the pentaprism viewfinder, the hot shoe allows direct mounting of the Nlkon Speed light SB-18, SB-16B, SB-15 or any electronic flash with 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· tlon of th e flasn unit, flash ou tput stop Sig nal on TTL mode, identification of the TTL flash, and both readylight indication in the camera's viewfinder (via an LED) and auto S
Speedlight I Connection I Camera's ready· light indication I Shutter speed automatically switched to 1/90 sec.
For nature lovers, scientists, even general use, closeup 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 Hie index engraved on the lens: (1) Close-up lenses- No. 0, No.1, No.2, No. 3T, No.4T, No. 5Tand No. 6T lenses; direct mounting; normal exposure method. (2) Auto rings-PK-11, PK-12 and PK-13; mount between lens and camera body; usable only in combination with AI lenses; normal exposure method.
......
5peedlight 58·18 Designed 10 complement the versatility of the FG. Nlkon has three electronic flash units wh ich mount directly to the camera's accessory shoe and feature automat ic TTL (through,the,lens) control of the flash exposure Also, With the camera on P, A or a manual sett in g of 1/125sec or faster. the FG IS automatically switched to 1/90sec - th e correct synchronization soeed for flash photography. Nothing could be easier.
fvlade for the Nlkon FG, the MD-14 Motor Drive enables shooting up to 32fps (frames per second) on hig h speed sett in g, or 2 fps on low speed setting, uSing the FG S shutter release button as the motor drive trigger and for auto Winding One-frame-at-a-tlme ;:Jlcture taking IS also possib le, enabling you to follOW a moving subject Without ever taking your eye from :he subject To attach, remove the FGs hand grip C~ and engage the tripod socket V of the camera With the attachment screw.
To keep track of when photos were taken. the FG accepts the slim. lightweight Data Back MF-15 which slips on In place of the FG 's regular camera back 46 With no sync cord needed Three Imprinting modes are possible year/month /day (up to year 2100), day/ hour/minute, or picture counting (up to 2000); displayed on the data back in clear LCDs and printed, If you choose. on the photo in unobtrusive red LED nume ra ls For double-duty as a handy clock , a quartz timer with alarm function IS Incorporated .
Nikon Filters Nlkon offers a wide selection of Iliters of various sizes arid types to meet the needs of color and black and white photography These filters work best With Nlkon l Nlkkor lenses They are also usef ul for protecting the "ront of Hie lens Lens hoods These are recommended to preven t Side or slanted light from entering the lens and causing ghost Images and flare Four types are available to match various Nlkon / Nlkkor lenses snap-on screw-In telescopIc ralready Incorporated Into the lens), and
Eyepiece correction lenses To co rre ct 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 .
Semi-soft cases Two types are available the CF-17 for use with standa rd lenses and the CF-18 for use with the Nikon Series E 36'" 72 mm f 13 _5 or smaller lenses The CF-18A FrontFlap for use with the Zoom-Nlkkor 35"'70mm f/3 .5 lens and the CF-19D Camera Case Base Portion for use when the Data Back MF-15 IS attached are atso availab le Custom shoulder bags Three types are available. CB-1 CB3 , oelge blue. CB-2 , green .
• Don I force you r camera s contro lstrey are des lgrled to work wi th a min i· r"Y'jlJrn Of oressure • Clean all lens and prism surfaces pe ri od ic al ly w ith a blower·type brush or lens ti ssue mOistened with an approved pho to lens clea ning li Qui d • Avoid touch ing the came rd's Interior su rfaces.
Caution: Keep batteries away from infants Storage: When not in use, the batteries should and small children. In case a battery is accidentally 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. Therefore, care should be taken to purchase the newest (and freshest) ones possible.
Type of camera Electronically controlled 35mm single-lens reflex camera Picture format 24mmx 36mm (standard 35mm film format) Nikon bayonet mount Lens mount Lenses Nikkor 50/1.2. 50/14, 50/1.8. Nikon Series E 50/1.8 as standard: more than 60 Nikkor and Nikon Series E lenses available Shutter Electronically controlled verticaltravel metal focal-plane shutter Shutter speeds Stepless speeds from 1 to 1/1000 sec. on P (Program) and A (Auto) modes: 11 speeds quartz-controlled from 1 to 1/1000 sec.
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 eye level 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; 12 mm-dia.
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-Iocakble type Detachable type Two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (S-76 or SR-44 type), two 1.
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 (AI) operation with your camera body by verifying that the lens' aperture ring is fitted with a meter coupling ridge as illustrated at the right.
