NIKON FA

Name: Nikon FA
Brand: Nikon

The Nikon FA is a 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1983 as a technological flagship in Nikon’s manual focus lineup. It was the first Nikon camera with Matrix Metering, a multi-pattern exposure system that read scene luminance across several zones to get accurate exposures in tricky lighting.

Overview

The FA came out at the height of the analog SLR era. It sat between the professional Nikon F3 and the enthusiast-oriented Nikon FE2, and it was aimed at advanced amateurs and professionals who wanted automation without losing manual control. Manufacturers were racing to put microprocessors into SLRs at the time, and the FA landed in the middle of that race.

The FA was the most technically advanced Nikon SLR of its time. It offered Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual (PASM) exposure modes - rare in Nikon’s lineup until the later F-501. It had a copper-aluminum alloy chassis, a vertically traveling metal focal-plane shutter, and a pentaprism viewfinder with full exposure information. If the battery dies, the shutter still works mechanically at 1/250 sec.

The FA marked a transition for Nikon, between purely mechanical cameras and the coming autofocus era. The Nikon F4 and later autofocus models overshadowed it, but it introduced Matrix Metering, which became standard in Nikon’s later SLRs and DSLRs. It was discontinued in 1988 after a five-year production run. More automated models followed, though the manual focus line never got a direct successor.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Film SLR
Film Format	35mm (135)
Years Produced	1983–1988
Lens Mount	Nikon F-mount (with AI and AI-S compatibility)
Shutter	Vertically traveling focal-plane shutter; 8–1/2000 sec, plus B, X-sync at 1/125 sec
Metering	TTL full-aperture metering with 60-segment Matrix Metering (center-weighted and center-spot selectable)
Exposure Modes	Program (P), Shutter Priority (S), Aperture Priority (A), Manual (M)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with 0.85x magnification, 100% coverage; displays shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, and metering indicators
Dimensions	148 × 91 × 50 mm (5.8 × 3.6 × 2.0 in); ~690 g (24.3 oz) body only (without battery)

Key Features

World’s First Matrix Metering System: The FA introduced Nikon’s 60-segment Matrix Metering, using a microprocessor to analyze scene brightness distribution and compare it to a database of exposure scenarios, significantly improving exposure accuracy in backlit or high-contrast situations.
PASM Exposure Modes: One of the first Nikons to offer full Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual modes, giving photographers unprecedented flexibility in exposure control.
TTL Auto Flash Compatibility: Supports Nikon’s TTL (Through-The-Lens) flash metering with compatible Speedlights like the SB-15, SB-16B, and SB-18, enabling accurate automatic flash exposure.
Durable Mechanical-Electronic Hybrid Design: Features a metal shutter and mechanical backup at 1/250 sec, ensuring functionality even without batteries.
Advanced Viewfinder Display: Includes illuminated LED indicators for shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, and over/underexposure warnings, enhancing usability in manual and semi-automatic modes.

Historical Context

Nikon launched the FA in 1983. Japanese manufacturers like Canon, Minolta, and Pentax were pushing electronic automation hard, including aperture-priority and program modes, and Canon was preparing to launch its EOS system with full autofocus. Nikon, committed to its F-mount legacy, answered with the FA as a high-tech manual focus camera. It was built to show off Nikon’s electronics without giving up the mechanical integrity professionals wanted.

The FA drew criticism for reliability problems tied to its complex circuitry, particularly in humid or extreme environments. Its high price, significantly above the FE2 and FM2, also limited its appeal. Competitors such as the Canon A-1 (1978) and Minolta X-700 (1981) offered similar automation for less, which made the FA a niche product. It still earned respect for its ambition and laid groundwork for later Nikon work, including the F4’s advanced metering and the eventual move to digital.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Nikon FA is sought after by film photographers and Nikon collectors, mainly as the first Matrix Metering camera. Units in excellent working condition typically sell for $250 - $400, and mint examples reach $500 or more. Rarity is moderate. It is not as common as the FE2 or FM2, but enough FAs were made that they remain easy to find.

When buying an FA, check every exposure mode, especially Program and Shutter Priority, which rely on the internal microprocessor. Common problems are degraded capacitors, sticky shutter curtains, and inaccurate metering from aging silicon photodiodes. The original battery compartment takes two 1.55V SR44/LR44 batteries (or one 3V DL/CR1/3N battery with a step-up adapter), and corrosion in the compartment is a frequent problem. A working FA with a clean viewfinder, smooth shutter, and accurate metering is considered a solid investment.

Similar Cameras

Canon A-1 (1978) – Offered PASM modes and advanced TTL metering, predating the FA but lacking Matrix Metering.
Pentax LX (1980) – A modular professional SLR with interchangeable viewfinders and high build quality, though more expensive and less automated.
Minolta X-700 (1981) – Popular beginner/enthusiast SLR with Program mode and TTL flash, simpler but more reliable than the FA.
Olympus OM-4 (1983) – High-end manual focus SLR with advanced metering (including spot metering) and titanium shutter.
Yashica FX-3 Super 200 (1982) – Budget-friendly PASM SLR with aperture-priority and manual modes, less sophisticated but reliable.

Repair & Maintenance

The Nikon FA uses two 1.55V silver-oxide SR44 (or equivalent alkaline LR44) batteries in series, giving 3V total, or a single 3V lithium CR1/3N battery with a voltage-reducing adapter. Battery life is approximately 50 rolls of film under normal use. The most common repairs involve the metering system, where aging selenium or silicon cells may need recalibration or replacement. The multi-layer printed circuit board is prone to cold solder joints and capacitor leakage, particularly in units stored in humid environments.

Shutter maintenance is critical. The 1/2000 sec speed is electronically controlled and may drift over time. A technician experienced with Nikon’s mechanical-electronic hybrids should clean and lubricate the shutter curtains. The mirror mechanism and film advance are generally sturdy, but the film sprockets or advance lever can wear after heavy use. A CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) every 5-7 years is recommended. Because it is a hybrid, the FA is more complex to repair than fully mechanical Nikons like the FM2, but it remains serviceable with proper expertise.