Skip to product overview

Nikon FA 35mm Film Camera

The Nikon FA is a film camera from Nikon — known for its Nikon F Lens Mount and Multi-Pattern Metering (AMP). Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon FA 35mm Film Camera

Nikon FA 35mm Film Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Nikon FA is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Nikon FA sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Nikon FA on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Nikon FA

The Nikon FA is a 35mm film SLR camera that uses the Nikon F lens mount, giving it access to a wide range of compatible lenses. It shoots on standard 35mm film with a frame size of 36mm × 24mm, and supports an ISO range from 12 to 3200, offering flexibility across a broad variety of film stocks — from very slow, fine-grain emulsions all the way up to fast films suited for lower-light shooting. The camera is powered by either 2x LR44 or SR44 batteries, or a single 3V CR 1/3N battery, which keeps the power solution accessible and easy to source.

The hot shoe supports TTL flash metering with a sync speed of 1/250s, making it compatible with a range of dedicated flash units. Focusing is handled manually via a rangefinder-style system. The FA has no in-body image stabilization, no wireless connectivity, and no video capability — consistent with its 35mm film SLR design.

The body weighs 625g and measures 92 × 142.5 × 64.5mm, giving it a solid, substantial feel in hand. With the Nikon F mount at its core, the FA remains a compelling choice for film photographers who already work within the Nikon ecosystem.

Key Features — Nikon FA

Nikon F Lens Mount: Compatible with a vast range of Nikon F-mount lenses spanning decades of production, making it easy to build out a system or use glass you already own.

Multi-Pattern Metering (AMP): The FA was the first camera to feature Nikon's Advanced Matrix (AMP) metering system, which analyzes the scene across multiple zones for more accurate automatic exposure.

ISO 12–3200 Range: Supports a wide variety of 35mm film stocks, from ultra-fine-grain slow emulsions to fast films suited for lower-light conditions.

Standard 35mm Frame: Captures full 36mm × 24mm frames on standard 35mm film, the same format used in professional analog photography for decades.

TTL Flash Metering: Through-the-lens flash metering with a standard hot shoe and 1/250s sync speed ensures accurate flash exposure with compatible Nikon dedicated flash units.

Multiple Exposure Modes: Offers Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes, giving photographers full control over exposure in a variety of shooting situations.

Camera Specifications — Nikon FA

Nikon FA full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly
TypeFilm
ISO Range12 – 3200
AF SystemManual Focus Only
Max Photo Resolution36mm × 24mm (standard 35mm)
Battery2x LR44 or SR44, or 1x 3V CR 1/3N
Weather SealingNone
Dimensions92 × 142.5 × 64.5 mm
Weight625g
Lens MountNikon F
Hot ShoeNikon Standard (iTTL)
Flash SystemTTL Flash Metering

Description — Nikon FA

The Nikon FA is a 35mm film SLR camera built around the Nikon F lens mount, making it a natural fit for photographers already invested in the Nikon ecosystem. It captures images on the standard 36mm × 24mm film frame and accommodates an ISO range of 12 to 3200, covering everything from slow, fine-grained daylight films to faster emulsions for more demanding lighting conditions. The camera's hot shoe delivers TTL flash metering at a sync speed of 1/250s, supporting dedicated flash photography.

Focusing is a manual affair, using a rangefinder-style system that puts full creative control in the photographer's hands. The FA is powered by 2x LR44 or SR44 batteries, or a single 3V CR 1/3N — all widely available options. Weighing in at 625g with dimensions of 92 × 142.5 × 64.5mm, the body is sturdy and well-proportioned.

For film photographers looking for a capable Nikon F-mount body with a broad ISO range and TTL flash support, the FA presents a straightforward and functional option.

Pros — Nikon FA

  • ✓Wide ISO range of 12–3200 accommodates a broad selection of film stocks
  • ✓Nikon F lens mount provides compatibility with a large family of Nikon-mount lenses
  • ✓TTL flash metering with 1/250s hot shoe sync for dedicated flash use

Cons — Nikon FA

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system beyond rangefinder-style manual operation
  • ✗No weather sealing noted in specifications
  • ✗No in-body image stabilization

Resources & Downloads — Nikon FA

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon FA

What lenses are compatible with the Nikon FA?+
The Nikon FA uses the Nikon F lens mount, which is one of the most widely adopted lens mounts in photography history. This gives users access to a large range of Nikon F-compatible lenses.
What batteries does the Nikon FA require?+
The Nikon FA runs on either 2x LR44 or SR44 batteries, or alternatively a single 3V CR 1/3N battery. These are widely available battery types, making the camera practical to maintain.
What ISO range does the Nikon FA support?+
The Nikon FA supports an ISO range from 12 to 3200. This covers a wide spectrum of 35mm film stocks, from very slow and fine-grained emulsions to fast films intended for low-light conditions.
Does the Nikon FA support flash?+
Yes, the Nikon FA features a hot shoe with TTL flash metering and a sync speed of 1/250s. This allows use of dedicated TTL-compatible flash units.
What is the frame size produced by the Nikon FA?+
The Nikon FA produces the standard 35mm film frame size of 36mm × 24mm. This is the classic full 35mm frame format.
How heavy is the Nikon FA and what are its dimensions?+
The Nikon FA weighs 625g and measures 92 × 142.5 × 64.5mm. This gives it a substantial, well-balanced feel typical of SLR-style film cameras.

Similar to Nikon FA

Loading similar products...