The Nikon FG is a single lens reflex camera. It was produced by Nikon from 1982 to 1984. It is the successor of the Nikon EM and the predecessor of the Nikon FG20. It was sold in a black or silver version.
The lenses of the Nikon FG can be changed. This is possible trough the Nikon F lens mount. In 1959, the Nikon F bayonet was introduced by the Japanese manufacturer. Since that time it has been developed further and further.
In addition to Nikon, lenses are also made by Sigma, Tokina, Tamron and others. Although the bayonet has not changed much, not all current lenses can be used with the old cameras. The Nikon FG has no autofocus. It is manually focused.
The Nikon FG has a light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The exposure is measured through the lens. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically. It was the first camera from Nikon with a program automatic. However, the exposure time can also be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable.
The Bulb mode can be used for long exposures. An external flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port. The Nikon FG has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a thread for a cable release and tripod.
The camera weighs 490 grams and the dimensions are 13,6 x 8,7 x 5,4 cm. The power supply comes from two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikon FG
The Nikon FG needs photo film, more precisely 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced by different manufacturers. For black-and-white shots, you can go to with the Ilford FP4 Plus*. For color images, the Kodak Portra 400* is a possibility.
The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most development laboratories.
The negatives of Nikon FG have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. For example, a normal 35mm film can hold at this size a least 36 pictures. For the next frame, the photographer has manually wind the camera.
The Nikon FG is no longer in production. The price for a used copy of the camera vary depending on the condition. So between 50 and 70 euros must be invested for one copy.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/90 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,6 x 8,7 x 5,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.35 x 3.43 x 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 490 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1984 |
| Production duration | 2 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 158,67 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 80 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 129,03 Euro (139.63 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 123,00 Euro (133.14 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 152,67 Euro (164.52 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon FG
Is the Nikon FG a film or digital camera?
The Nikon FG is a film camera, specifically a 35mm SLR. It uses interchangeable lenses and requires film to take photos. It does not have any digital capabilities.
How do you focus the lens on this camera?
The Nikon FG has manual focus. You need to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder. There's no autofocus feature.
What kind of batteries does the Nikon FG use?
The Nikon FG runs on two LR44 batteries. These are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They power the light meter and other functions.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Nikon FG has both a PC flash sync socket and a hot shoe to connect external flash units. This allows for flash photography in low-light conditions.
What's the size of the pictures taken with the Nikon FG?
The Nikon FG is a 35mm camera, so it takes photos in the standard 24mm x 36mm negative size. Each roll of 36-exposure film allows you to take 36 pictures.