Nikon FA - Basic Operation Part III

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon FA - Basic Operation Part III

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The Frame/Exposure Counter

The additive type frame counter is graduated from S, two dots, 1, 2, 4 - up to 36 in even numbers with odd numbers indicated by white dots in between. The frame counter advances a single frame by one complete stroke of the film advance lever. After reaching frame 36 of a 36 exposure roll of film, the counter will not operate. however, film will be advanced until the actual end of the film roll. The frame counter automatically resets to S when the camera back is opened. In multiple exposure mode, the frame counter does not advance when the multiple exposure lever has been activated.

With the exception of frame number one, every even number is represented by a numeral. Even the frame counter counts up to 36 exposures in numbers, the film can still be advanced. At the end of each roll, resistance will be felt when you attempt to advance further, and you should rewind the film then.

Wondering how the counter reset when the camera back is opened ? May be I could explain to you what is the mysterious pin (2) hiding at the film back rail are made for. Open your camera back and you will notice at the top of the film back are not straight (Newer designs are not obvious, only a slight contoured outline was moulded closer to the film back release latch (3)).

When the film back is closed, the edge will trigger the pin on the camera body and activate the mechanism of the frame counter. When the film back is opened and cause the connection broke off, it will activate and reset another mechansim to reset the counter to be pre-frame position.This mechanism is full mechanical. Almost all cameras use this theory.. errr. I have the check the lastest F5 first, ha!

Film Advance Lever

To advance the film, wind the lever to the right completely until it stops The lever returns to the standoff position as soon as you take your thumb off the lever. A single complete stroke advances the film one frame and simultaneously cocks the shutter.
Note: If the lever becomes difficult to operate at the beginning of the roll, this means thal thc film is not winding onto the takeup spool properly. In Ihis case, rewind the film immediately and load again

The film advance lever in the FA wasn't designed as with the F series camera models, where it cannot use multiple of short strokes to complete a full stroke. When it is flush with the camera body, it acts as a safety lock (You cannot trip the shutter release then). When the film advance lever is at the 30° "stand-off" angle, the camera's electronics will activate. Just depress half way on the shutter release button will also turns the metering on.

Unloading the Film

When the film reaches the end of the roll, the film advance lever cannot be wound any further. Don't apply any force then. Check the counter and see if it has reaches 'around' theoretical limit of the film in use. Or sometimes, you need to rewind the film in mid-roll in situations like changing a another film with different film speed etc., for whatever the reasons, you need to rewind and unload the film, just follow the procedures here:

1. Push the film advance lever back into place to turn off the camera and lock the shutter release button. This action prevents inadvertent shutter release and save some battery power...

2. Depress the rewind button that locates on the bottom of the camera. You don't have to apply continuous pressure to the button: just press it once that will do.

3. Rewind the film by unfolding the film rewind crank (1) and turning it in the direction of the arrow. When you feel the tension lessen and hear sound of film release from the take up spool, give it a few more turns until the crank turns freely, this indicating the film leader is rewound completely back into the cartridge.

4. Open the camera back and take out film cartridge by pushing the safety lock and pull up the rewind knob (Refer back to loading sequence). Avoid unloading in direct sunlight. If there is no shade available, turn your back to the sun and use your own shadow to shield the camera. It is not advisable to keep the film leader out - unless with a purpose. This is especially true when you are working with high volume assignments. It could be easily mix up with the unexposed rolls. In some situations where you need to reload a partially exposed roll for shooting like possible situation we explained earlier (Set the correct film speed again), set the shutter speed dial to 1/4000 sec, turn the aperture value to the minimum (f16, f22 or f32), put the lens cap back on with your hand to shield it, turn on the eyepiece shutter blind, if possible do it in a dark environment and then reload the film. You need to go back to the original frame number and buy some insurance by add or wasting few blank shots extra to avoid overlapping of expsoures. Warning: NEVER attempt this method if you are new to this, it needs some good experience to handle this task.

Memo Holder Unless you have bought a used FA with a databack attached, the normal film back has a memo holder behind the film back. The Nikon FA has no automatic DX coding to do auto film speed recognition (If I can still recall, the F301 is, huh ?). You can tear out the side of the film box, and insert a film box end in the memo holder to remind you of the type of film in use. Or you take take down the photodata and store it here manually. Newer AF camera models has removed this feature from the spec sheet, but it comes in very handy for seasoners.

The first three parts complete the setup for the FA. We will start off with the preparation of the camera for exposures.

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Other Technical Issues Relating to Nikon FA

Camera Instruction Manual - HTML | PDF (1.4 MB)
Main Reference Map for Body - HTML | PDF (731k)
Specifications - HTML | PDF (245k)

The AI-S Nikkors (related info | TTL OTF Flash Metering | Interchangeable Focusing Screens. The MD-15/MD12/MD11 Motor Drives | 3rd party Power Winder (new) | Flash Units - | SB-15 | SB-10 | SB-16B & Other Options | Databacks | Titanium Shutter | Variation : Mr Y K Wong from Singapore contributing 11 images of his Nikon FA GOLD

| Nikon FM series | Nikon FE series | Nikon FA |

W A R N I N G: The New G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring on the lens, they CANNOT ADJUST APERTURES with any of these manual focus Nikon FE series SLR camera models; please ignore some portion of the content contained herein this site where it relates.

| Message Board | for your favourite Nikon FA camera
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Shared Resources: MD-11 | MD-12 | 3rd Party Power Winder Only for FM2(n)/FE2/FA | Focusing Screens | Titanium Shutter | Flash Units - | SB-15 | SB-10 | SB-16B & Other Options | Databack | Nikkor lens mount (related info)

Others:- Nikon AF-TTL Speedlights | SB-20 (1986) | SB-22 (1987) | SB-23 | SB-24 (1988) | SB-25 (1991/2) | SB-26 (1994) | SB-27(1997) | SB-28 (1997) | Nikon SB-29(s) (2000) | Nikon SB-30 (2003) | Nikon SB-600 (2004) | Nikon SB-800 (2003) Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight DX-Series: Nikon SB-28DX (1999) | SB-50DX (2001) | SB-80DX (2002)

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Index Page Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
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Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
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Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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