Nikon FG

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.