C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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The Nikon FA Black is the black-painted variant of the FA, introduced alongside the chrome version in October 1983. It shares every specification with the chrome FA: AMP (Automatic Multi-Pattern) 5-segment metering, four exposure modes (aperture-priority, shutter-priority, programmed auto, and manual), an electronically controlled titanium vertical-travel shutter running to 1/4000s, and a 1/250s flash sync. The black finish is applied over the same aluminium alloy chassis. The black body became the more frequently encountered variant in the used market, likely because it was preferred by working photographers who favored a lower-profile appearance. For film shooters the two variants are interchangeable in use; choice is cosmetic.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
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Before you buy used
About this camera
The AMP-metering FA in black - mechanically identical to the chrome, more commonly encountered on the used market.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 35mm |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI-S for full modes) |
| Years | 1983-1988 |
| Shutter | 1s - 1/4000s + B, electronic titanium vertical focal-plane |
| Flash sync | X: 1/250s |
| Meter | AMP (5-segment multi-pattern) + center-weighted + spot TTL |
| Modes | Aperture-priority, shutter-priority, program, manual |
| Viewfinder | 93% coverage, 0.86x |
| Battery | 2x AA (1/250s mechanical fallback) |
| Weight | ~560 g |
| Finish | Matte black paint over aluminium alloy |
Nikon launched the FA in October 1983 as the technological flagship of its consumer SLR line, positioned above the FM2 and FE2. Both chrome and black-finish bodies were available from launch. The black variant was popular among press and editorial photographers who preferred a less conspicuous appearance during assignments. The FA line continued through approximately 1988, when the F-501 and later autofocus bodies claimed the consumer market. Limited specialty variants - the FA Titanium and the FA Gold - were also produced, but in far smaller numbers. The black standard body is the workhorse configuration of the FA family.
The black FA carries the same historical weight as the chrome: it introduced AMP metering to production cameras, predating Canon's evaluative metering by several years. The black finish adds nothing technically but matters to collectors and working photographers alike - black-bodied manual-focus Nikons are associated with editorial and photojournalistic use through the 1980s. The FA Black was a practical choice over the chrome for anyone using the camera under available light or in situations where reflective chrome bodies would draw attention. On today's used market the black body is generally found at similar prices to the chrome, making the choice purely aesthetic.
Nikon F mount. AI-S lenses are required for full four-mode functionality and correct AMP metering operation; AI lenses work in aperture-priority and manual. Non-AI lenses require stop-down metering or modification. Recommended pairings: Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4, 35mm f/2 AI-S, 85mm f/1.4 AI-S. The MD-15 motor drive (up to 4.5 fps) and the MD-12 winder are compatible. SB-series Speedlights provide TTL flash via the hot shoe.
BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
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Kodak Ektar 100 is a fine-grain C-41 color negative film with saturated color and high sharpness.
View profile →Nikon FA
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