Nikon FG - A Capable Lightweight Backup. Review on Nikon FG

INTRODUCTION

The Nikon FG was introduced to the market back in 1982 and it is the first Nikon body that offers programmed automation. In actual fact, the Nikon FG is essentially an upgrade of the Nikon EM, with programmed auto, aperture priority AE and full manual exposure control.

I own a unit of the Nikon FG, which is part of my Nikon collection. I bought it from USA through Internet, which cost me only USD120.

BUILD

The build of the Nikon FG is poor in my opinion. The whole body is very plastic. It is hard to imagine it will survive any hard knocks or impact on it if you don’t take good care of it.

Different from the Nikon EM, the Nikon FG provides a add-on handgrip on the left hand side of the body. It definitely improved the handling of the camera, and helps in shooting in vertical position.

But the fact that it is also light enough to be carry around, the small size and weight can also be its strong point.

FOCUSING

The only focusing method for the Nikon FG is by manual focusing. Focusing is done easily by turning the focusing ring on the lens.

EXPOSURE

Similar to the Nikon EM, the exposure metering for the Nikon FG is by TTL center-weighted exposure metering at full aperture. Meter incorporates one silicon photodiode.

Three exposure control modes are provided by the Nikon FG, which is

1) Programmed Auto

2) Aperture Priority

3) Manual

LENS

With the common Nikon F mount, the Nikon FG all Nikkor AI or AIS lenses as well as modern AF lenses with the exception of new G lenses. Non-AI lenses cannot be used with the Nikon FG.

The Nikon FG also third party lenses maker like the popular low cost Sigma, Tokina, Tamron... etc. To achieve high picture quality and most important sharpness, none of this cheap lenses maker is comparable to the original Nikkor lenses. I always believe that that extra cost spent on the optics is worthy.

QUALITY TEST

I bought this camera in August 2000, and sad to say, I only got the chance to use it once, that it the weekend after I received it from US, as sort of a test to ensure the camera is working as described by the seller.

The test was conducted as usual at the nearby playground at around 6 to 7 pm where there are many kids around and the beautiful golden sunset lighting, which is perfect for photography, especially for portrait. The test was conducted with a roll of Fuji Superia 200, which is left over from my father.

How easy is it to use the Nikon FG? For just the sake of shooting, it will not need any reference of the manual. But that is based on my own personal experience with Nikon cameras. To fully appreciate and understand every single buttons and signs on the camera, you will definitely need to go through the manual at least once. I don’t think you will need the manual after that for a long time, as it is just a very simple camera to use. The manual only serves as a starter so that you will not miss out any functions that is provided.

The build of the Nikon FG is something that I hate, and it is very much similar in construction compared to the Nikon EM. Although it does provide a lightweight to carry around but it simply does not feel like it will last forever like the other older Nikon. The film advance lever is very weak, and doesn’t feel strong enough. It gives me the impression that it might break somehow if I try to advance it hard unintentionally.

The LCD metering switched on the very moment you press you finger onto the shutter button and It will remain lighted for a few seconds like the Nikon FM2n while you do exposure adjustment. Unlike the newer Nikon FM10, it is so much more convenience for the user.

Focusing is rather easy with the split-image micro prism. I am used to such focusing technique, so I have no trouble with it. For beginner, it might need some guidance, but with practice, it will proved to be no major issue.

Providing 3-exposure control as in Programmed Auto, Aperture Priority and Manual make it a very great improvement over the earlier Nikon EM. I used the Programmed Auto and Aperture Priority AE for nearly all the shots taken during the test, except for 3 shots used to test out the Manual mode. The exposure provided by the 3 metering is well exposed, even for a camera, which is nearly a decade old. Pictures taken with my Nikkor 50mm f1.4 manual lenses remain sharp.

The Nikon FG can be used with a Motor Drive MD-14 or MD-E for film advancing. I used it once with my friends MD-E, and it does not seems to interested me as it add extra weight to the camera.

The Nikon FG provides a mechanical M90 mode, which will allow the user to continue shooting at the shutter speed of 1/90s when battery run flat. I have not tried using the mode, as I have not encountered such problem. I always carry two sets of battery around.

A irritating “Beep Beep” will activate if the resulting shutter speed fall out of the range of 1/30s and 1/1000s. This will serve as a warning.

Other useful function provided with the Nikon FG is

1) Flash Sync 1/90s

2) Exposure Compensation

3) Self Timer

SUMMARY

The Nikon FG has long pass its usefulness with photographers, but I have heard of many photographers still keeps it as a potential backup to their main body. It is one of the lightest Nikon SLR cameras around, and will surely be a great and reliable backup if the main failed.