Nikon FG Film Camera

The Nikon FG is one of those cameras that isn't the "best" at anything - yet it may represent one of the most well-balanced SLR's ever made.

Look quickly at the specs: a highly accurate electronic shutter with full manual control, aperture-priority mode, and full program. A Nikon Ai capable lens mount that can use virtually any lens ever made by Nikon. A decent range of accessories including a dedicated motor drive, a dedicated TTL flash, and a date back. In short - the FG does what 99% of what most photographers need a camera to do - and it does it in a lightweight, elegant body.

The shortcomings are few, and I scored this camera a five out of five despite them. There's no mirror lock, no power-rewind on the dedicated motor drive, and the dedicated flash isn't exactly big. But for the amateur and part-time professional market that this camera was aimed at, the accessories are very appropriate, and extremely reasonably priced.

Film camera prices are in freefall right now, and the FG could represent an excellent investment for any photographer looking to keep a basic 35mm SLR in their bag. Armed with the excellent Nikkor-E 50mm lens, it just might be th perfect little rig for experimenting with black and white, or chrome film.