written by wedding photographers on 07/12/2009
I used this Camera for my one shot 360 Virtual Tours in small rooms. It works very well, nice and light and easy to use. This camera has it's place on the market.
Great difference from the Nikon D600,
Want to know more? Drop us a line or visit us at
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Happy Shooting
written by on 25/10/2009
I bought this camera new in 1982 and have used it since. It has yet to let me down. It has always perfromed flawlessly. I don't recall the purchase price, but I have received a great return for the money.
written by on 03/09/2009
Excellent camera. The Nikon FG is small and light but very capable.
written by on 20/07/2009
Nikon FG is a great camera, it greatly improved my photography. i couldnt be happier with this camera. over all i would go with the FA it costs a bit more but it has more shutter speed, pc sync and depth of field preview. but for beginners, this is the best camera in the world no joke!
written by H D Shirantha on 06/07/2009
I have been using my Nikon FG along with 50/1.8 lens since 1993. Simply excellent.
Although it lacks some pro specs such as DOF preview,
( I managed to step down by partially removing the lens set to required F stop). & PC socket.
What could expect for this value.
I am really satisfied with this camera
written by kirkbarrow garage on 18/10/2008
Never ever used depth of field preview more than twice. Only used dep mode on my eos Canon once, just to see what it did !
written by onekata on 29/12/2007
Overall this is a great camera to play around with if you can find one cheap on eBay. I got mine for $28 and have no regrets!
written by Lesandgd on 15/09/2005
I own two Nikon FG SLR cameras, and I have been through some very rough terrain with both (one loaded with the standard lens, and the other with a Vivitar 70-210 zoom lens), and have not had any problems with them at all. One was dropped from a considerable height and is still working like new, even though the Data Back has a bad marking on it. My only problem is that my eyesight is starting to fail, making it harder to focus than when I purchased them back in 1989. I like all the features, and suggest that anyone wanting to do serious photography should consider the FG because of the reliability of the camera.
written by fatfreesyrup on 16/09/2004
I just got a Nikon FG, given to me by my uncle, which used to be my grandfather's, along with a Soligor 80-200mm and a Hoya 52mm. I have read great reviews on this camera but one possibly small problem. When the exposure compensation dial is on the green A or red P, the shutter sticks closed when I take a picture, but if I turn the dial to the b, it opens. If the dial is on the b when taking a picture it doesnt stick.
I need someone to tell me if it does this because it is broken or is just something easily fixable.
Thanks, my email is [email protected] and I would greatly appreciate it.
written by Gus Michelson. on 22/06/2003
The FG dates from 1980 and was Nikon's attempt to market an entry-level manual focus electronic camera with more features than the Nikon EM. Like the FA, Nikon did not pursue the development line of this camera after the 1980s, so it is not the basis for the FM3a. The FG was an outgrowth of the bottom-level Nikon EM electronic camera, with an additional program mode for inexperienced camera users that sets aperture/shutter speed. Unfortunately the extra electronics and computer required for this feature have resulted in somewhat lesser longevity than Nikon's other electronic cameras such as the FE2, and as a result nowadays one sees relatively more EM and FG cameras in the 'inop' bin as a result.
Unless you get the FG in perfect working order at a very low price, most experienced photographers who desire an electronic MF camera with both manual and aperture-priority functions would probably be better off with a higher-line FE2 or FM3a. This is because the FG has no DOF preview lever, a very slow sync speed of 1/90 vs. the FE2's 1/250, a relatively low top shutter speed of 1/1000 (vs. 1/4000 in higher-end Nikons), no AE lock, and no interchangeable focus screen.
Written on: 15/03/2004
hi
<br>
<br>i am a propietary of FG but i dont have the manual
<br>any body can tell where can i download or get it ? !!
<br>
<br>i appreciate your responses
Written on: 08/03/2006
"Very slow flash sync speed
<br>Only 1/1000 top shutter speed
<br>No AE lock
<br>Non-interchangeable focus screen
<br>No DOF preview lever"
<br>
<br>This is a classic SLR.
Written on: 02/10/2004
I think your review of the FG is at best, an arms length compilation of the tech specs rather than your personal use of the camera. Yes, the FG was Nikons entry level and to that it performs as marketed.. even better. I have used it since 1982 and that little guy won't die. As for the lack of DOF, one has to take into consideration Nikon's reasoning for the existance of the FG; ease of use, P mode...just focus and shoot!! That was the true selling point of the FG back then (along with its size). So for the person getting into slr photography, not wanting to spend a lot and getting a Nikon, the FG was a great choice.
written by Don. on 14/06/2003
I have owned my FG for over 20 years and it has never given me a problem. I have literally dragged it through the deserts of Israel and Saudi Arabia, on helicopters, in Norway winters, and the jungles of South East Asia, and in rain, sleet, snow, hail, and sandstorms and it has yet to let me down. Rugged, light weight, forgivable, and, most importantly, takes great pictures. I love the 28mm and 50mm Nikon E lenses, and also use a old Tamron 80-200 (could be better), and a great Sigma 28-105. Even with the EM winder,the camera is still light enough to dangle around ones neck without feeling strangled after an hour. If you can find one in good shape, BUY IT!!! They are selling now for about the same price as new 20 some years ago.
Written on: 23/12/2004
I agree. I've had mine for 20 years and abused it badly. Takes great pictures that I can easily control or let the camera help control the results. I'm not selling!
Written on: 24/12/2008
I found this review helpful because...I got into Digital some time ago and used it instead of SLR cameras. My Lumix DMC-FZ20 is the Digital camera I was looking for. I have always had an interest is SLR cameras and I purchased a Nikon F70 recently. I was surprised how good the picture colors and sharpness are and I purchased a Nikon FG-20 to continue my SLR interest. I have not put a film in the FG-20 yet and curious how good my photographs will be. This is the first review I have read about the FG-20 that does not mention any faults with the camera. I cannot find any faults with this camera either. The FG-20 is not Digital and was made long before Digital. As I remember the first Digital cameras were no where near as good as they are now. It would not surprise me if the FG-20 pictures are as good the review says they are.
written by Lynn_uk. on 18/04/2003
This camera did everything I asked of it, whether daylight, indoor or night, long exposures, action capture or just fun pics. I used to take this camera everywhere with me and had many years of plearsue from it, I am hoping now to purchase one second hand. Like a puppy the nikon FG is for life. I have now learned my lesson.
Lynn_uk
written by Candace Carman. on 12/04/2003
Pictures are sharp whether distance or macro. Easy to use. Controls easy to handle even with arthritis (unlike some of the digital) Is not delicate. See my photos at www.candcecarman.com and http://rosenotecards.bizhosting.com for pictures all taken with Nikon FG.
written by Jaye. on 19/11/2002
This little marvel, is a true Nikon manual camera. Don't let the size fool you, the FG stands on its own against the top of the line manual cameras, made by Nikon. This is the foundation for the new Nikon FM3A, manual camera. TTL, and OTL metering, the first, for Nikon. Hey, when the batteries are dying on ya, you can just switch over to the M90, setting, and the camera will work. M90, and the B settings are mechanically operating, so you bypass the dead batteries, and continue shooting. Hey with those top of the line manual Nkon SLRs, when u dead, u dead. But, not with this baby. It is a "little dynamo". The synch speed is 1/90. Match it up with a Nikon speedlite, or my choice, a Vivitar 550FD, some nice lenses, whether Nikon,or not. Hey inside note.....these other lense makers are catching up. Tokina, Tamron, Sigma, etc. Try one out. Quality glass. Many can be found on the used market in excellent condition. But this is a quality Nikon manual SLR. It eats its little bro, the FG-20 for lunch. Give this little dynamo a look. They are easy to find on ebay.com, Quality stuff.
Written on: 24/02/2003
I used to have a Nikon FG. Using a Sigma 24mm f2.8 I took a picture which still sells today of a B17 Bomber in the setting sun. That picture, and the money I made(and still continue to make) from it paid for an F3P, F4S and 11 different lenses from 17 to 600mm. I miss my FG. I might try and find another one some day...
Written on: 16/09/2004
I just got a Nikon FG given to me from my uncle, which used to be my grandfathers, along with a soligor 80-200mm and a hoya 52mm. I have read great reviews on this camrea but one possibly small problem.
When the exposure compensation dial is on the green A or red P the shutter sticks closed when I take a pic but if I turn the dial to the b it opens. If the dial is on the b when taking a pic it doesn't stick.
<br>
<br> I need someone to tell me if it does this because it is broke or just something easily fixable.
<br>thanks my I would greatly appreciate it.
Written on: 16/07/2004
Just purchased the FG on e-bay at a remarkable (for me) price w/a cosina lens; need some help w/it as there is not an instruction book available and a few of the settings I am not familiar with. Otherwise seem to be quite happy w/it; have also a FG-20 w/a telephoto; am pretty much of a beginner have only been playing for about 4 yrs but am very excited w/both Nikons! So if anyone around has a copy of the instruction book that is not being used or could copy it and send on, please help. Name: Sue Flanagan
<br>e-mail: [email protected]
<br>
<br>Thanks
Written on: 14/05/2003
The FG was my first camera, bought back in '93. I took it to Nepal in '94 with a Tamron SP 28-135 (from memory) and shot 30 rolls of Velvia with it. Every shot turned out as desired and some even made it to press. I recall the FG shooting when all other cameras had stopped due to the -60deg C conditions! A great little camera that has been sitting in the cupboard since the F90X arrived and more recently, the D100. Time to dust it off and get out there again! I did love the FG very much.
Written on: 04/03/2003
Unfortunately my FG sits in the closet and collects dust since the purchase of a megapix digital camera. This camera has been used for everything form fireworks photography at the 89 World's Fair to being slung in the car to go on vacation. It has been reliable and taken massive abuse coming back like a champ every time. It was dropped down the concrete battre' (side of the levee)on the MIssissippi River and never missed a shot. I highly recommend it to the amature or the professional.
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Masters1's Response to fatfreesyrup's Review
Written on: 02/10/2004
Looks like you need to change the battery!