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My wife laughs when you say "shutter". Been buying random kit from Japan, mostly "junk" and almost all of it works. The only issue is going to be lens cleaning. Have you done a video on lens cleaning (taking them apart, cleaning, reassembly)? I didn't see it. And I really appreciate all the time you take on the sharpness tests. That's a lot of time spent at the computer.
@@mockingbirdanalog thanks Phillip, yes 8-10 hrs for most videos I post though the latest one took nearly 2 days. I think I’ve picked up a middle England twang over the years! If you subscribe the the blog I send a RUclips video search tool. It will help for the 195? Ish videos so far but not if I’ve not made it. I’ve not done cleaning as I’m no expert. I’ve had 1 pro cleaned. The rest I just use a cloth to wipe them on front/rear elements
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Understood about non-technical. What you do with the comparisons is very technical and really fills a void. If you have any regular "camera boffins" you associate with, and they don't make videos, maybe you can push them into letting you film a repair. I'll subscribe. I learn more from your careful comparisons than any number of nerds fornicating with their bokeh balls. I really appreciate the honesty when you praise a cheap lens for sharpness, bokeh, or whatever (but especially sharpness). I see a pattern developing where the "slow" lenses, like the Micro-NiKkor that is properly sharp, can give amazing performance within the depth of field, and still be "artsy". And thanks for not sounding like Sir David Attenborough when talking about lenses. They're just lenses, not a replacement for procreation. A good photographer can use an almost infinite combination of lenses, camera bodies, films, filters, and planning to create stunning art. So you might find the cheapest, most undesirable late-model SLR, find a (good) cheap kit lens, and then do a comparison of it (the cheap automatic model, but shot manually) with a classic rangefinder, and a 2nd generation pro SLR. Also, would be interested to know what you think about which filters to use (when/why) for B/W portraits. And, finally, have you used infrared for portraits? I know your subjects might think you are out of your mind, but it's "like using makeup".
@@mockingbirdanalog thanks Phillip, I appreciate your feedback. I normally don’t use filters for portraits as I prefer the ‘standard look’ if pale skin. If darker skin yellow filters can look nice. I’ve shoot Rollei Retro film portraits before so I can visualize the IR look. It wasn’t really my thing as the eyes look too dark (if blue). I may have reviewed that film on MrLeica.com with samples.
This is the camera grandpa used and gave me years ago. That started my film journey. He passed away yesterday and you published this video now just reminds me how amazing this camera is and also grandpa.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh no, your video came out the perfect time. I am so glad someone finally mentioned this great camera and I can’t thank you enough 🙏
My eBay sourced FG-20 arrived today. Absolutely mint! Feels nice in the hand, light and a really bright screen. Obviously mostly plastic but as a backup to my FE2 it's perfect. Will put a film through it tomorrow. Thanks Matt for the tip!
Great and no problem! My second FG-20 arrived too and looks cleaner than my first. Still need to film test it but meter works and shutter sounds good! :)
As a review this video wanders a bit. Simply put, the FG had program exposure for the point-n-shoot user, aperture auto exposure for those wanting more control, and full manual operation if preferred. It also had exposure compensation adjustment and TTL flash control. The FG was something of a test bed for some of the electronic systems planned for use in the later FA. The FG was replace by the FG-20, eliminating the program exposure mode, the exposure compensation adjustment and the TTl flash system. Why? Because Nikon was afraid that the functions of the FG were too similar to those of the FA being introduced, so they replaced the FG with the FG-20 to reduce the marketing competition between the two models. In the used market, the FG and FG-20 are quite inexpensive, with the fg running some $20 more. The FG is well worth the extra cost for its extra features, but it true that the FG-20 does all of the core functions quite well. I spent some time huhnhting out the little power winder for the FG/FG-20. After using it once, I asked myself why I paid money to substantially increase the weight of the camera for one of the slowest winders ever made. Having no sensible answer to my own question, I removed it from the camera and put it away, never to be used again. (Why is he babbling on about the "G" lenses in a review video of incompatible cameras made more than 30 years before their existence?)
Thanks Randall, good info and thanks for your thoughts. Yes I wanted the less feature FG version as I do t use the features dropped from the FG. Why the babbling - remember many of the new film photographers generation grew up with G lenses. If they use a budget DSLR and are looking for a film body I wanted to point out the compatibility issues for them. (Many seem to shoot the F100 or say F80 with G glass but as prices keep rising they might accidentally find the FG series). Thanks for info re. FA too.
Matt I think the smallest Nikon lens is the tiny Nikon 45mm f/2.8 P - which was made for a few years as sort of a 'kit' lens for the FM3a. A very simple Tessar design which won't win any prizes for optical performance - but if you really want the smallest and lightest 🙂 I think this is it.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Did you try the 45 2.8P? My copy is great - and I shoot all sorts of glass (Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander, Nikon etc). It seems to me that people who say it isn't good have not actually used it, but repeat what they heard from someone else who never used it. The 45 P was sold with the FM3A - which was Nikon's manual focus high water mark camera. The best they made. You really think Nikon would sell a crappy lens to go with that? My only issue with it is the focus throw seems a little too short.
this was so useful, thankyou very much. been scouting all week for different cameras at good prices, and everyone's on the canon a series bandwagon, and the Pentax m series etc. etc. so all are really expensive! really good to see recommendations that aren't quite so popular yet so I can get a bargain to start off film photography with :)
Thanks and no problem! Yes look for the less popular / less trending models! :) If you don’t know what film to use check out reviews I’ve done on MrLeica.com for example images 👍🏻😊
Lovely Nikon. As they all are. Very cool. While I agree the FG20 is great, my vote for the best overall budget Nikon manual focus film body is a working FA. Especially if you use modern Nikons - matrix metering (w/AIS lenses), 1/4000, diopter eyepiece availability, P-A-S-M modes, grip, drive options, etc. Small and very light. Use it as a manual focus point & shoot or fully manual, and everything in between. An absolute wolf in sheep’s clothing; it’s a sleeper. And can still be had for absolute peanuts in comparison to bodies of the same generation. Although I see it starting to get attention of late.
Nice.... 86-2000 my FG went around the world. Almost never shot P. It fell off my motorcycle and was replayed with FE. Gave the FE to my sister on her birthday. Now have a F3/D700. Miss my FE.
I find that even 1/1000th isn't always enough to freeze moving subjects, so that's where I'd miss a faster shutter speed. I just use ND filters to take down ambiance if I need that. Thanks for this video. It helped me as I just saw one of these on an auction site. I think I'll look for an fm2 (like everybody else :D)
I have one of these I picked up for next to nothing at a local pawnshop. havent used it yet but will try and test it out soon. I love the battery grips, I have an F3 with the MD4 motor drive on it, makes a heavy piece of kit, but I love it. and have an FE with the MD 11 motordrive on it too. another brilliant little camera I love. those pancakes lenses you have, the all black one is the 'E' series version, was more of a consumer/ kit lens made with a lot of plastic. still a great lens that works well. the other is the pro version, and all metal. I have 2 of them and think they're wonderful. I have a good collection of the older manual Nikkor lenses and find they produce some great sharp shots of you take you time. plus, they're built like tanks and will last forever with a little care, and I can also use them on my D2x digital camera as well. (except for the non AI ones )
Yes, I love it for the same reason! See the Voigtlander SL lenses for it (Nikon F). 20mm/28mm/40mm - all pancakes.. (See their great performance in my recent 28mm video and 40mm video)(Very good optics - beat some Leica glass!)
You can tell that Nikon stared to head down the budget road a bit with both EM and the 2 FG variants. Not an issue as I'm sure they addressed a particular market segment. Slightly smaller & lighter overall than say a FM or FE as you pointed out and the obvious move to a rectangular view finder. Still very good starter 35mm camera at the price point.
Thanks Anthony, I don't mind a 'budget' body if I can mount nice glass and be able to focus as needed. I might do a fun shootout after covid to see how the images differ.. F5 vs FG-20 :) Same lenses and film stock for both.
The EM Nikon was deliberately designed for the start with women in mind. at the time, the greater majority of their cameras were purchased my men. and so Nikon wanted to entice women into photography as well, and get that share of the market, and so they made the EM as simple as possible to use so that it would appeal to us, which is why it only shoots in Aperture priority. it was a success apparently and helped to increase their sales not only to women, but amateur 'togs as well wanting a reasonably priced SLR.
I like your break down of Nikon's tiers of cameras. Honestly though I don't think F3 belongs in the top tier with the professionals. I believe it's a mid-range Nikon. When I acquired one I was slightly tickled, but not impressed by it. It wasn't a significant upgrade from the FE2. I know the prism is modular on the F3, but it feels like a gimmick and not of actual value whilst shooting. I've already sold it, and I'm sticking with the FE2 & F4.
The things I don't like about the fg-20 are, 1) in manual mode you get the shutter speed with a needle which i like. But the actual shutter speed on which the camera is set like the fg. 2) no exposure compensation, if you don't want the auto exposure shutter speed you have to switch to manual mode from ap priority mode. I believe you say the fg-20 doesn't have ap priority, but actually that's the only mode it has. 3) Like the fg, not really a nikon quality camera. Cheap build compared to a camera that weighs only slightly more like the rugged FE, FM, FA, etc. 4) for me it just is not enough. I rarely shoot exactly at auto exposure. I suppose in controlled light it's fine, but walking down a trail, it takes too long the adjust the exposure for different lighting situations. 5)It's a nice looking camera, but pay an extra $20 and get the FG. Imo. This camera is too much like the lame EM, which is the laughing stock of all Nikon manual focus slr's. There are a couple really bad early auto focus ones too...
Thanks Jeff! I've not used the FG. I totally agree vs FM/FE2 etc, I use those when I need 1/4000 or 1/250 flash sync. For full manual I don't mind the lightweight FG-20 (which is how I shoot). Every gram counts when I travel.
What i especially don't like about the fg-20 in manual mode is there is no way to know what shutter speed the camera is set thru the viefonder like you can on virtually all other nikon or nikomat camera. The fg is barely heavier and virtually the same size. I only use the fg though when I really want a light package. Coupled with the plasticky 50mm f1.8 it gives you that. With a heavier lens like the 85mm, f1.4, which is awesome imo, I use a Nikomat Ftn or Ft2, which are heavy and even out the weight. Or maybe the fe-2 or the awesome fa. I do this to even out the weight. I rarely use a flash except to lighten shadows in backlit situations. Indoors, in darker situations, i Usually on the f100 with the flash off the camera with a remote. In dark indoor areas i do use a speedlight on camera on the hotshoe. Porta 800 with an sb80dx speedlight & the camera set on iso set as low as possible. 250-400 is good. It's hard to overexposed portra. I may use 400 iso film though. Either way, I often adjust the camera or flash exposure comp or dusk/night street photography. Back in the day, it was way too expensive to have all this fun with all these cameras.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Also, I have the FM (not FM2) and the FE-2 (not FE). I prefer the FM vs the FM2 and I'd trade my FE-2 for an FE in the same nice condition. The FM and FE are compatible with non-ai lenses. The FM-2 and FE-2 are not. Plus, they are much cheaper and I've never had a problem or heard much about a problem with either not working. The only time I need a shutter faster than 1/1000 sec is outdoors on a bright day with a fast lens. I use graduated ND filters. First, they make almost all pics with any sort of water (lake, ocean, pond) look nicer imo and it eliminates any need for those very high shutter speeds. Finally, it makes it much fast to change the exposure with a simple, slight twist of the filter rather than turning the dials on the top of those cameras. O I shoot either full manual or ap priority. controlling the depth of field is a big deal to the way I shoot. Shutter priority is nice for the blur, but all this stuff can be done on a fully manual camera. I like to get the exposure the way I want it and be able to do so very quickly. If I bracket anything, it's the f stop if I'm not quite sure if the shot composed is better at one depth of field or the other. But if I take the same shot at different f-stop, I change (or in ap priority this is done automatically) the shutter speed so as not to change the overall exposure, so I'm not bracketing the exposure, just depth of field.
Just got an FG20, 50mm 1.8 pancake and 28mm 2.8 today solely based on this video! The 100mm 2.8 looks remarkably small. Any ideas on that lens? Keep up the good work. Watch everyone of your videos.
Sorry for the GAS and congrats! I have the same.. 50,28,100 E series.. nice size and weight all of them.. not used 100mm enough to give verdict yet but it's not bad otherwise I would not have bought it. Thanks for your support!
Nice video, and a very good tip, Matt! I've got an FG, but I've never used it, and so has anyone else. I've got an F-801 as well, a lot of features, top speed 1/8000 , and it's cheap! My FE only works at 1/90 and B, a common problem it seems, camera repair men I've spoken to called it a nice paperweight, safer to get a Canon A series then, they seem to always work. My favourite Nikon however, is the FM2N.
Thanks Kalle, I enjoy 2 FG20, you'll see a few samples on Flickr soon as I recently developed some film. I like the FE2 the most but also use the FM2 as a little lighter, no battery. FM is a tank too.
The FG-20 exists because the FG was robbing Nikon's sales of the FM/FE bodies. Nikon dropped several features/functions from the FG to make the FG-20 less functional. Since they commonly sell used for about the same price, I'd shop for an FG instead of an FG-20. The FG was a test-bed for some of the technology which later appeared in the FA and is one of the hidden gems of the Nikon universe.
I took my FG-20 out the other day. Still going strong. But if you like the FG, FM/FM2/FM2N, FE/FE2, and FM3A the real standout that I didn’t hear you mention is the great upgrade to all of them with matrix metering and a host of other cool features - at a lower price point than the FM2/FM2N/FE2/FM3A - the FA. With 1/4000 max shutter, 1/250 sync, P/A/S/M modes so family can use it. Grab one before prices on eBay go ballistic. So far they have stayed below the radar.
I bought this and it's fine but the lack of manual metering is a limitation for me. So, I bought an FM2. I'll still keep the FG-20 though for when I want to go light...
Great vid, I would say the FE and FG are better cameras now than the F3 because the F3 has 34 focal less options countless viewfinder options not including the various backs. With all the field 8nterchanable view finders makes it that much easier to damage un the field and it todays time difficult to repair
I checked the screen on my FG-20 and it looks the same brightness as my FE2/FM2. Those 2 are better than the FM/FE ..though I'd not noticed before. I tend to use the F4/F5 with AF lenses. Maybe a subject for a future video! :)
I'll have to look into the MD-14 grip for my FG. Great review. I have the Nikkor pancake 50mm f/ 1.8 you are getting and I like the black plastic one you showed in this video (cheaper American one). Paired with the FG, - in your case FG-20, I'm not sure you can get a much lighter set up for the SLR's. That N80 (F80) is a favorite too for light weight reasons with the ability to use my D lenses. I'll check out your review of that one too.
Yes i'm in love with this small setup! So good. I just bought another FG-20 body cheap as a backup option :) I see you found the F80 video. I will try to do the F100 video soon too.
Great video as always Matt, nice to see your excitement! For me the position of the shutter-speed dial makes a lot of sense, like the Leica M5, Canon A1 (? not sure, don't really know Canon), better than the usual dial by the prism. Hope you've not pumped the prices too much..
Looks like a good many missed your point entirely with your impromptu review of the cousin to the EM. I totally agree with the complimentary MD-14, motor drive angle to keep camera fully planted in your hands while leaving the fingers to work all the basic controls. I also prefer the focusing screen, despite the fact that it's not removable as other models, but remains plenty bright for the darkest of days. Though the EV stop bumper may annoy just a few, it comes to the he rescue when taking those badly backlit scenes we often find ourselves in. I think it's a brilliant lightweight camera with little to no pretentiousness which is more than I can say of many people who tote the heavier, more costly, feature laden offerings in other models made by Nikon. Great review, of a honest, well attributed consumer-grade SLR, that only is as able as it's shooter.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It sure is. This and a Ai manual focus 50mm 1.8 is killer. Question, is the MD-14 worth getting? I'm so use to using a battery grip.
Matt, love your vids, your voice sounds like it's on it's last legs!! Seriously there are slip on dioptre correction lenses for FG/EM, needs some 'hunting'! Yep always look for the unpopular unwanted item, just like going to the frosty drinks cabinet and NOT selecting C/C!! Regards and stay Covid safe.
Thanks Stephen, which lockdown I don't speak much day to day so I think the videos give it a wake up ha. Yes I have a slip on diopter thanks.. it's not perfect optically so will try getting another 'prescription' one, thanks!
Does this camera have a DOF lever? Judging from the video, it seems no. That would be a deal breaker for me, as I use it all the time when I'm shooting with an SLR. I guess it is one the main reason to use an SLR, you know, looking through the lens. Great video. Love the channel.
Thanks! Yes I think no it has not.. good point. I often shoot close to wide open so for me I think it will be OK.. i've never used this button on my other SLRs
@@MichaelScheele thanks Yes I have on the FM/FE as you say but coming more from rangefinder cameras I never think to use it! ..I’m used to not seeing the final image I guess (final DOF*)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I understand where you coming from, but sometimes is useful to check if a big nose is too much out of focus at f2 or 1.8. 😄 The Nikon EL2 has the DOF lever as well.
I have never been able to see the DOF properly when stopping down. Too dark for my poor eyes. I have to rely on judgement and the hyperfocal scale and hope for the best.
Great review as always :) what a magnificent little beast the FG-20 is. I know this is an odd place to ask but do you by any chance plan to do a review on Nikkor L mount lens ? Would greatly appreciate it and love to hear your insights. Thank you so much again ☺️
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you so much for your kind reply! On all my comments as well :) truly appreciate it. It’s been greatly helpful and inspiring. Can’t wait to see any and all upcoming vids and reviews, (it’s always exciting to hear tips and see what is all the more possible with the lenses I have ahaha).
Thanks George! Yes i'm interested myself ..to maybe bust some myths! I hope I just bought the best performer as I had to import it haha.. we shall see! :) (5 versions I believe but I will review the common 3 I have).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom wow excellent! I have a Cameradactyl grip for my FM2. They make them for a lot of other bodies as well. Not the prettiest but certainly a bit nicer to hold and still very light
Wow really love your content this is awesome . What is your preferred editing software you use for filmmaking, I'd love to have a conversation and maybe even collaborate on different methods in telling stories through film!
About 25 years ago I started collecting cameras; about half of them are Nikon’s, all bought cheaply at camera collector’s fairs and on EBay. The Nikon’s I have are: F, FT, FTn, FT2, FT2, FT3, EL, ELW, EL2, FM, FE, FA, FM3a, EM, FG, FG20, FM10, FE10, F301, F501 and F90x, so I have most of the manual focus mid-range and amateur ranges. About ten years ago I gave up photography and put all of my cameras into store, mainly due to failing eyesight, I just couldn’t see through the viewfinder. Recently there has been a small improvement in eyesight and ai have got some of the cameras out again. Some of them are easier to use than others, the LCD display in the viewfinder of the FA for example is almost impossible for me to see. At the moment the FG is one of my favourites. As well as the MD-14 it can also take the MD-E which was made for the EM. It is somewhat slower, but considerably lighter than the MD-14, mainly due to it taking 4 AAA batteries, rather than 8 AA ones. The FG can also take the MF-15 data. Back, but I’m not sure if the FM-20 can, and my one is still in store, so I cannot look at the moment. I think the FG-20 is actually a better made camera than the FE-10 and FM10 which have that rubber covering which goes sticky with time, and wears off.
Thanks Stephen and sorry to hear about your eyes. That’s an impressive collection! Tonight’s video is Nikon lenses so you might have experience with many of them. Will be out in a few hours 👍🏻😊
Just bought one on eBay. £45, looking forward to putting a film through it. I've got a few Nikkors and an FE2 so will be useful backup. .Slap an E-series 50mm and you've got a high quality compact camera. Is it quieter though? That's the only downside to film SLRs
Wow great price, I would have grabbed that as a spare. Really love mine, viewfinder much clearer than FE series with diopter on so now ordered diopter for FE2 to give it a fair chance! :) Soo easy to focus! Yes 501.8 Japan version and you have killer setup
Helpful video. What camera/features would you suggest to a complete camera newbie? Light-meter etc. I've heard of the fm2 and Canon AE1 being good starter cameras but if I can get a cheaper one, I'm very interested! Just want one that is easy to handle and takes good pictures. Thanks!
Hello thanks, yes the cameras you mention are both popular. The FE2 is like this one but more features (see that video). It depends what you want.. if you like AF look at the Nikon F80 video I did, cheap and like using a DSLR with film in. If prefer more manual I like the FG-20, I just bought a second so I rate them highly. Much cheaper than FE2. All these have lightmeters, put good film in and you should get nice photos. (You can get these for under £50 if you are lucky, £100 with lens easily.
Matt I've just bought on Ebay a FG for £20 but the shutter is jammed and I'm hopeful it only because the battery's and cover are missing if not I'll keep it as a parts camera.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom sorry but I bought it knowing it was advertised not working and has no batteries and not looking any refund but I knew that everything locks up when the batteries die or removed so I'm talking a chance on it that it will work with a set of fresh batteries especially when the rest of other items the seller has are nothing to do with photography or anything electronic or mechanical I'm hopeful 🙏🤞 they don't know the wee secret about the batteries lol.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I'll let you know the outcome but I it's anything like the few old medium format folders that I've got I'll be a happy chappy.
whats a good long distance zoom lens for this camera ? i just picked up photography and i’ve been wanting to take pictures of birds but can’t because of the small lens i have :(
This was the last iteration of the basic chassis that debuted on the Nikon EM in 1979. Nikon was trying to compete with the cheap, light, compact, auto-exposure centric SLR's that were all the rage at the time like the Pentax ME or the Olympus OM10. Nikon took kind of a unique approach to form factor here. Whereas most of their competitors tried to make their cameras shorter and shallower, Nikon decided to make theirs less broad, almost more squarish. Personally, I don't really care much for it - like the other cameras in that family (the EM, the FG), the FG-20 has an unusually large and bulbous film advance lever. I wear glasses, and it tends to hit my lens when extended. Of course, Nikon's ergonomics could always be hit and miss. See, for example, the location of the shutter button on the F, or the film speed setting on the Nikkormat FTn.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The value of a camera really does show itself in how much you use it. For example, the N70 gets almost zero love from Nikon fans. You can't give them away on auction sites. But I always find myself gravitating towards it. It's light, it's quiet, it's got plenty of useful features, it takes ai and ais lenses, and most importantly it just gets the shot.
Hi Matt. Can i ask you one question. I’m new to photography. the kids want to get me camera for Father’s Day in two weeks time. Ill have about €200 to spend. I want to get one of these cameras after seen your video this morning. When it comes to lens i don’t have a clue. What would you recommend ? 🙈 it will be used around the house and family days out.
Hi Andrew, great to hear you are getting into photography. If you need inspiration or 1-2-1 help you might find my Patreon useful. I would get a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 pancake lens (See my best 50mm video). The camera and this lens are cheap so you may want a second lens. I’d get a zoom so you can do everything with it, 35-70mm perhaps are cheap but many options for that.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, thank you so much for replying to my message. I feel more confident in buying the lens and camera. I’m going look at your video later today about buying off EBay second hand equipment. Hopefully down the line when I’ set up with camera gear ill sign up to your Patreon program.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom kay i Will buddy. I just ordered a lot Of 4 Nikons with no lenses. Maybe if i Can make Them all rund i might be tempted du send you one
@@milladazadi thanks that’s very kind. These types of cameras offer great value and you can take the same photos as a more expensive body as it’s only the lens that matters. My preference is MF Nikon’s now.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom cool. I dont have a Nikon lens. So i really dont know if there is a cheap lens out there ? I lost my job due too corona pandemic. So know Im on my own
Any flash that's hot-shoe capable will work; the X-sync speed is 1/90 or slower (M90 on the shutter speed dial). Nikon offered several dedicated Speedlights; one of those, the SB-19, activated the ready light in the viewfinder.
I began watching your older videos. Great. Practical. Real world.👍 Then I watched a more recent video where you talk of how good the Hasselblad X2D is. Well yeah... duh.... it's £10k+!!! I realise the commercial realities of staying relevant on YT, but you must also recognise the cost-of-living crisis surely? Telling people who are struggling to pay utility/household bills how fantastic a £10k camera is, isn't great business I'd have thought Matt.
Thanks Mark, I think I’ve done around 350 videos so far (2 most weeks). If you watch enough you’ll know I review new and vintage, cheap Chinese and Leica. Something for all budgets.
£2k-££3k Leica classics is a very different thing to a £9k-£10k camera needing a new computer . Ironically your photos are great on budget kit as on pricier stuff. I use Zeiss Otus and I can see people’s eyes glaze over whem I say the price.
It sure would be good to have a little more space between your face and the camera. Do you enjoy watching such close-up talking heads videos yourself? Have a look at Gerald Undone.
Thank you. Yes these were my early videos where I didn’t know any different. See my latest videos, they are completely different (I’ve done around 400 videos now)
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My wife laughs when you say "shutter". Been buying random kit from Japan, mostly "junk" and almost all of it works. The only issue is going to be lens cleaning. Have you done a video on lens cleaning (taking them apart, cleaning, reassembly)? I didn't see it. And I really appreciate all the time you take on the sharpness tests. That's a lot of time spent at the computer.
@@mockingbirdanalog thanks Phillip, yes 8-10 hrs for most videos I post though the latest one took nearly 2 days. I think I’ve picked up a middle England twang over the years! If you subscribe the the blog I send a RUclips video search tool. It will help for the 195? Ish videos so far but not if I’ve not made it. I’ve not done cleaning as I’m no expert. I’ve had 1 pro cleaned. The rest I just use a cloth to wipe them on front/rear elements
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Understood about non-technical. What you do with the comparisons is very technical and really fills a void. If you have any regular "camera boffins" you associate with, and they don't make videos, maybe you can push them into letting you film a repair.
I'll subscribe. I learn more from your careful comparisons than any number of nerds fornicating with their bokeh balls.
I really appreciate the honesty when you praise a cheap lens for sharpness, bokeh, or whatever (but especially sharpness). I see a pattern developing where the "slow" lenses, like the Micro-NiKkor that is properly sharp, can give amazing performance within the depth of field, and still be "artsy".
And thanks for not sounding like Sir David Attenborough when talking about lenses. They're just lenses, not a replacement for procreation. A good photographer can use an almost infinite combination of lenses, camera bodies, films, filters, and planning to create stunning art. So you might find the cheapest, most undesirable late-model SLR, find a (good) cheap kit lens, and then do a comparison of it (the cheap automatic model, but shot manually) with a classic rangefinder, and a 2nd generation pro SLR.
Also, would be interested to know what you think about which filters to use (when/why) for B/W portraits.
And, finally, have you used infrared for portraits? I know your subjects might think you are out of your mind, but it's "like using makeup".
@@mockingbirdanalog thanks Phillip, I appreciate your feedback. I normally don’t use filters for portraits as I prefer the ‘standard look’ if pale skin. If darker skin yellow filters can look nice. I’ve shoot Rollei Retro film portraits before so I can visualize the IR look. It wasn’t really my thing as the eyes look too dark (if blue). I may have reviewed that film on MrLeica.com with samples.
This is the camera grandpa used and gave me years ago. That started my film journey. He passed away yesterday and you published this video now just reminds me how amazing this camera is and also grandpa.
Sorry for your news and apologies if my video was badly timed
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh no, your video came out the perfect time. I am so glad someone finally mentioned this great camera and I can’t thank you enough 🙏
@@jyangphotoatx ok thank you! 🙏🏻
My grandfather died a couple days ago got the same camera from him
@@C4_Corvette_man please keep on using this camera and grandpa will be very happy and with us forever
My eBay sourced FG-20 arrived today. Absolutely mint! Feels nice in the hand, light and a really bright screen. Obviously mostly plastic but as a backup to my FE2 it's perfect. Will put a film through it tomorrow. Thanks Matt for the tip!
Great and no problem! My second FG-20 arrived too and looks cleaner than my first. Still need to film test it but meter works and shutter sounds good! :)
Great channel, I've had a F50 and F90x for over 20 yrs and I can't fault the 90x...its never missed a beat.
Thanks Derek! :)
As a review this video wanders a bit. Simply put, the FG had program exposure for the point-n-shoot user, aperture auto exposure for those wanting more control, and full manual operation if preferred. It also had exposure compensation adjustment and TTL flash control. The FG was something of a test bed for some of the electronic systems planned for use in the later FA. The FG was replace by the FG-20, eliminating the program exposure mode, the exposure compensation adjustment and the TTl flash system. Why? Because Nikon was afraid that the functions of the FG were too similar to those of the FA being introduced, so they replaced the FG with the FG-20 to reduce the marketing competition between the two models. In the used market, the FG and FG-20 are quite inexpensive, with the fg running some $20 more. The FG is well worth the extra cost for its extra features, but it true that the FG-20 does all of the core functions quite well. I spent some time huhnhting out the little power winder for the FG/FG-20. After using it once, I asked myself why I paid money to substantially increase the weight of the camera for one of the slowest winders ever made. Having no sensible answer to my own question, I removed it from the camera and put it away, never to be used again. (Why is he babbling on about the "G" lenses in a review video of incompatible cameras made more than 30 years before their existence?)
Thanks Randall, good info and thanks for your thoughts. Yes I wanted the less feature FG version as I do t use the features dropped from the FG. Why the babbling - remember many of the new film photographers generation grew up with G lenses. If they use a budget DSLR and are looking for a film body I wanted to point out the compatibility issues for them. (Many seem to shoot the F100 or say F80 with G glass but as prices keep rising they might accidentally find the FG series). Thanks for info re. FA too.
You don’t know how much I love this camera! Thank you for the recommendation. The viewfinder is amazing, isn’t it? Like watching a cinema screen.
Great little camera, love the size and weight. I still use it next to more premium cameras!
Yep, got one and I use it.
Light, small, and easy on my tennis elbow.
Great! Sometimes I feel i'm the last to know on these great 'forgotten gems' haha :) Happy to discover it now.
Matt I think the smallest Nikon lens is the tiny Nikon 45mm f/2.8 P - which was made for a few years as sort of a 'kit' lens for the FM3a. A very simple Tessar design which won't win any prizes for optical performance - but if you really want the smallest and lightest 🙂 I think this is it.
Thanks Christopher! Yes I know of it. Yes it is small but as the optical performance is not the best I skipped it.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Did you try the 45 2.8P? My copy is great - and I shoot all sorts of glass (Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander, Nikon etc). It seems to me that people who say it isn't good have not actually used it, but repeat what they heard from someone else who never used it. The 45 P was sold with the FM3A - which was Nikon's manual focus high water mark camera. The best they made. You really think Nikon would sell a crappy lens to go with that?
My only issue with it is the focus throw seems a little too short.
this was so useful, thankyou very much. been scouting all week for different cameras at good prices, and everyone's on the canon a series bandwagon, and the Pentax m series etc. etc. so all are really expensive! really good to see recommendations that aren't quite so popular yet so I can get a bargain to start off film photography with :)
Thanks and no problem! Yes look for the less popular / less trending models! :) If you don’t know what film to use check out reviews I’ve done on MrLeica.com for example images 👍🏻😊
Lovely Nikon. As they all are.
Very cool. While I agree the FG20 is great, my vote for the best overall budget Nikon manual focus film body is a working FA. Especially if you use modern Nikons - matrix metering (w/AIS lenses), 1/4000, diopter eyepiece availability, P-A-S-M modes, grip, drive options, etc. Small and very light. Use it as a manual focus point & shoot or fully manual, and everything in between.
An absolute wolf in sheep’s clothing; it’s a sleeper. And can still be had for absolute peanuts in comparison to bodies of the same generation. Although I see it starting to get attention of late.
Thanks yes I’ve seen the FA mentioned by others too. Thanks for highlighting!
I have an all black FG 20 and love it. I have a 24mm f2.8 afd lens
I love my Pentax Super A with the amazing 50mm f1.7 lens too.
Nice Neil, both mine are silver copies.
I just gave my girlfriend one for her birthday two days ago! Great lil' camera!
Thanks! Great minds think alike then! :) I hope she enjoys it!
Cool.. My first SLR. Mine needs new light seals but otherwise still in great condition. Used it quite a lot in the late 80s.
Great, hopefully it will be easy enough to get it back in action!
I just bought one - and a 135mm f2 Nikon from the US. Even I add 30% for import fee and VAT they are still cheaper than on European ebay.
Smart Kim, congrats!
Nice.... 86-2000 my FG went around the world. Almost never shot P. It fell off my motorcycle and was replayed with FE. Gave the FE to my sister on her birthday. Now have a F3/D700. Miss my FE.
Thanks and sorry you lost your FG. Perfect small light camera for bike trips!
Great review. I got the FG as I like to use aperture priority. The weight difference is negligible for me. Going to shoot my Nikkor P 105/2.5. Thanks.
Nice! Happy you like these too 👍🏻 ..and thanks!
I find that even 1/1000th isn't always enough to freeze moving subjects, so that's where I'd miss a faster shutter speed. I just use ND filters to take down ambiance if I need that.
Thanks for this video. It helped me as I just saw one of these on an auction site. I think I'll look for an fm2 (like everybody else :D)
Thanks David, no problem! Yes the FM2 gives you a lot more (see my FM-FEs video)
I have one of these I picked up for next to nothing at a local pawnshop. havent used it yet but will try and test it out soon. I love the battery grips, I have an F3 with the MD4 motor drive on it, makes a heavy piece of kit, but I love it. and have an FE with the MD 11 motordrive on it too. another brilliant little camera I love. those pancakes lenses you have, the all black one is the 'E' series version, was more of a consumer/ kit lens made with a lot of plastic. still a great lens that works well. the other is the pro version, and all metal. I have 2 of them and think they're wonderful. I have a good collection of the older manual Nikkor lenses and find they produce some great sharp shots of you take you time. plus, they're built like tanks and will last forever with a little care, and I can also use them on my D2x digital camera as well. (except for the non AI ones )
Thanks! Yes great lenses too. See my shoot out video comparing some of them.
Got a FG with the pancake 50 silver ring lens.
I like the camera and lens for the size. It’s just a bit smaller than my FE but it makes a difference.
Yes, I love it for the same reason! See the Voigtlander SL lenses for it (Nikon F). 20mm/28mm/40mm - all pancakes.. (See their great performance in my recent 28mm video and 40mm video)(Very good optics - beat some Leica glass!)
You can tell that Nikon stared to head down the budget road a bit with both EM and the 2 FG variants. Not an issue as I'm sure they addressed a particular market segment. Slightly smaller & lighter overall than say a FM or FE as you pointed out and the obvious move to a rectangular view finder. Still very good starter 35mm camera at the price point.
Thanks Anthony, I don't mind a 'budget' body if I can mount nice glass and be able to focus as needed. I might do a fun shootout after covid to see how the images differ.. F5 vs FG-20 :) Same lenses and film stock for both.
The EM Nikon was deliberately designed for the start with women in mind. at the time, the greater majority of their cameras were purchased my men. and so Nikon wanted to entice women into photography as well, and get that share of the market, and so they made the EM as simple as possible to use so that it would appeal to us, which is why it only shoots in Aperture priority. it was a success apparently and helped to increase their sales not only to women, but amateur 'togs as well wanting a reasonably priced SLR.
I like your break down of Nikon's tiers of cameras. Honestly though I don't think F3 belongs in the top tier with the professionals. I believe it's a mid-range Nikon. When I acquired one I was slightly tickled, but not impressed by it. It wasn't a significant upgrade from the FE2. I know the prism is modular on the F3, but it feels like a gimmick and not of actual value whilst shooting. I've already sold it, and I'm sticking with the FE2 & F4.
Thanks for the insight, I have the f4 and still need to review it. Love the FE2 range also (see that video). The camera tiers came from Nikon :)
The things I don't like about the fg-20 are, 1) in manual mode you get the shutter speed with a needle which i like. But the actual shutter speed on which the camera is set like the fg. 2) no exposure compensation, if you don't want the auto exposure shutter speed you have to switch to manual mode from ap priority mode. I believe you say the fg-20 doesn't have ap priority, but actually that's the only mode it has. 3) Like the fg, not really a nikon quality camera. Cheap build compared to a camera that weighs only slightly more like the rugged FE, FM, FA, etc. 4) for me it just is not enough. I rarely shoot exactly at auto exposure. I suppose in controlled light it's fine, but walking down a trail, it takes too long the adjust the exposure for different lighting situations. 5)It's a nice looking camera, but pay an extra $20 and get the FG. Imo. This camera is too much like the lame EM, which is the laughing stock of all Nikon manual focus slr's. There are a couple really bad early auto focus ones too...
Thanks Jeff! I've not used the FG. I totally agree vs FM/FE2 etc, I use those when I need 1/4000 or 1/250 flash sync. For full manual I don't mind the lightweight FG-20 (which is how I shoot). Every gram counts when I travel.
What i especially don't like about the fg-20 in manual mode is there is no way to know what shutter speed the camera is set thru the viefonder like you can on virtually all other nikon or nikomat camera. The fg is barely heavier and virtually the same size. I only use the fg though when I really want a light package. Coupled with the plasticky 50mm f1.8 it gives you that. With a heavier lens like the 85mm, f1.4, which is awesome imo, I use a Nikomat Ftn or Ft2, which are heavy and even out the weight. Or maybe the fe-2 or the awesome fa. I do this to even out the weight. I rarely use a flash except to lighten shadows in backlit situations. Indoors, in darker situations, i Usually on the f100 with the flash off the camera with a remote. In dark indoor areas i do use a speedlight on camera on the hotshoe. Porta 800 with an sb80dx speedlight & the camera set on iso set as low as possible. 250-400 is good. It's hard to overexposed portra. I may use 400 iso film though. Either way, I often adjust the camera or flash exposure comp or dusk/night street photography. Back in the day, it was way too expensive to have all this fun with all these cameras.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Also, I have the FM (not FM2) and the FE-2 (not FE). I prefer the FM vs the FM2 and I'd trade my FE-2 for an FE in the same nice condition. The FM and FE are compatible with non-ai lenses. The FM-2 and FE-2 are not. Plus, they are much cheaper and I've never had a problem or heard much about a problem with either not working. The only time I need a shutter faster than 1/1000 sec is outdoors on a bright day with a fast lens. I use graduated ND filters. First, they make almost all pics with any sort of water (lake, ocean, pond) look nicer imo and it eliminates any need for those very high shutter speeds. Finally, it makes it much fast to change the exposure with a simple, slight twist of the filter rather than turning the dials on the top of those cameras. O I shoot either full manual or ap priority. controlling the depth of field is a big deal to the way I shoot. Shutter priority is nice for the blur, but all this stuff can be done on a fully manual camera. I like to get the exposure the way I want it and be able to do so very quickly. If I bracket anything, it's the f stop if I'm not quite sure if the shot composed is better at one depth of field or the other. But if I take the same shot at different f-stop, I change (or in ap priority this is done automatically) the shutter speed so as not to change the overall exposure, so I'm not bracketing the exposure, just depth of field.
Was my first ever camera. Loved it at the time
Great! I still appreciate the size and weight next to my Leicas. Such great value.
Just got an FG20, 50mm 1.8 pancake and 28mm 2.8 today solely based on this video! The 100mm 2.8 looks remarkably small. Any ideas on that lens? Keep up the good work. Watch everyone of your videos.
Sorry for the GAS and congrats! I have the same.. 50,28,100 E series.. nice size and weight all of them.. not used 100mm enough to give verdict yet but it's not bad otherwise I would not have bought it. Thanks for your support!
Nice video, and a very good tip, Matt! I've got an FG, but I've never used it, and so has anyone else. I've got an F-801 as well, a lot of features, top speed 1/8000 , and it's cheap! My FE only works at 1/90 and B, a common problem it seems, camera repair men I've spoken to called it a nice paperweight, safer to get a Canon A series then, they seem to always work. My favourite Nikon however, is the FM2N.
Thanks Kalle, I enjoy 2 FG20, you'll see a few samples on Flickr soon as I recently developed some film. I like the FE2 the most but also use the FM2 as a little lighter, no battery. FM is a tank too.
The FG-20 exists because the FG was robbing Nikon's sales of the FM/FE bodies. Nikon dropped several features/functions from the FG to make the FG-20 less functional. Since they commonly sell used for about the same price, I'd shop for an FG instead of an FG-20. The FG was a test-bed for some of the technology which later appeared in the FA and is one of the hidden gems of the Nikon universe.
I took my FG-20 out the other day. Still going strong. But if you like the FG, FM/FM2/FM2N, FE/FE2, and FM3A the real standout that I didn’t hear you mention is the great upgrade to all of them with matrix metering and a host of other cool features - at a lower price point than the FM2/FM2N/FE2/FM3A - the FA. With 1/4000 max shutter, 1/250 sync, P/A/S/M modes so family can use it. Grab one before prices on eBay go ballistic. So far they have stayed below the radar.
Thanks Brad! Yes I still haven't got the FA. I'm not shooting as much Nikon currently but when I do I'll try to find the FA at a good price.
The FG and FG-20 uses a conventional center-weighted meter system, not a matrix meter array like the FA.
@@randallstewart1224 That's what I said.
I bought this and it's fine but the lack of manual metering is a limitation for me. So, I bought an FM2. I'll still keep the FG-20 though for when I want to go light...
Yes the FM2 is a great camera (reliable workhorse with more features) but yes the FG can be great if meter handheld or just as backup).
Great vid, I would say the FE and FG are better cameras now than the F3 because the F3 has 34 focal less options countless viewfinder options not including the various backs. With all the field 8nterchanable view finders makes it that much easier to damage un the field and it todays time difficult to repair
Thanks, that's an interesting point!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom also, if you don't have one already. Check out bulk 35mm film loader.
@@ArchLinuxTux thanks, I have! I keep meaning to do a video. Maybe I’ll try to do this week for something different 👍🏻
What’s your favorite Nikon to manual focus on? Easiest to see and achieve accurate focus.
I checked the screen on my FG-20 and it looks the same brightness as my FE2/FM2. Those 2 are better than the FM/FE ..though I'd not noticed before. I tend to use the F4/F5 with AF lenses. Maybe a subject for a future video! :)
I'll have to look into the MD-14 grip for my FG. Great review. I have the Nikkor pancake 50mm f/ 1.8 you are getting and I like the black plastic one you showed in this video (cheaper American one). Paired with the FG, - in your case FG-20, I'm not sure you can get a much lighter set up for the SLR's. That N80 (F80) is a favorite too for light weight reasons with the ability to use my D lenses. I'll check out your review of that one too.
Yes i'm in love with this small setup! So good. I just bought another FG-20 body cheap as a backup option :) I see you found the F80 video. I will try to do the F100 video soon too.
Great video as always Matt, nice to see your excitement! For me the position of the shutter-speed dial makes a lot of sense, like the Leica M5, Canon A1 (? not sure, don't really know Canon), better than the usual dial by the prism. Hope you've not pumped the prices too much..
Thanks Calum, I think they are so common and so cheap the price should be safe :)
Just bought one with a macro lens, data back, and flash. Got it all for $14.
AMAZING!!! What a crazy price! I got one of mine with a macro lens, see my sharpest 50 video, reall good lens if it is the same one, congrats! :)
Looks like a good many missed your point entirely with your impromptu review of the cousin to the EM. I totally agree with the complimentary MD-14, motor drive angle to keep camera fully planted in your hands while leaving the fingers to work all the basic controls. I also prefer the focusing screen, despite the fact that it's not removable as other models, but remains plenty bright for the darkest of days. Though the EV stop bumper may annoy just a few, it comes to the he rescue when taking those badly backlit scenes we often find ourselves in. I think it's a brilliant lightweight camera with little to no pretentiousness which is more than I can say of many people who tote the heavier, more costly, feature laden offerings in other models made by Nikon. Great review, of a honest, well attributed consumer-grade SLR, that only is as able as it's shooter.
Thanks Murray! I’m still enjoying this camera today so new samples will follow on dm social media once I get time to develop film.
Got my FG for $40. I already have lenses. Great camera!
Great James, yes excellent value camera for sure!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It sure is. This and a Ai manual focus 50mm 1.8 is killer. Question, is the MD-14 worth getting? I'm so use to using a battery grip.
@@jamesmonahan9408 the motor drive I have is fun and comfortable to use. It makes like a budget F5 setup!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I may pick one up. Thanks!
Great video Matt but don’t forget you are Mr Leica!
Ha thanks, I don’t mind film Nikons if want a cheap SLR ..and trying to make the channel less super niche! 😆
This is a very good camera, I have one myself and it takes really good pictures.
Thanks Agnetha! Yes I love mine. I bought a second one as a spare! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That's great
Matt, love your vids, your voice sounds like it's on it's last legs!! Seriously there are slip on dioptre
correction lenses for FG/EM, needs some 'hunting'! Yep always look for the unpopular unwanted item, just like going to the frosty drinks cabinet and NOT selecting C/C!! Regards and stay Covid safe.
Thanks Stephen, which lockdown I don't speak much day to day so I think the videos give it a wake up ha. Yes I have a slip on diopter thanks.. it's not perfect optically so will try getting another 'prescription' one, thanks!
The first SLR I used was a Nikon FG. Ah, the memories.
Great! :)
Does this camera have a DOF lever? Judging from the video, it seems no. That would be a deal breaker for me, as I use it all the time when I'm shooting with an SLR. I guess it is one the main reason to use an SLR, you know, looking through the lens.
Great video. Love the channel.
Thanks! Yes I think no it has not.. good point. I often shoot close to wide open so for me I think it will be OK.. i've never used this button on my other SLRs
The Nikon FM/FE series have DOF preview, but not the EM/FG/FG-20.
@@MichaelScheele thanks Yes I have on the FM/FE as you say but coming more from rangefinder cameras I never think to use it! ..I’m used to not seeing the final image I guess (final DOF*)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I understand where you coming from, but sometimes is useful to check if a big nose is too much out of focus at f2 or 1.8. 😄
The Nikon EL2 has the DOF lever as well.
I have never been able to see the DOF properly when stopping down. Too dark for my poor eyes. I have to rely on judgement and the hyperfocal scale and hope for the best.
Great review as always :) what a magnificent little beast the FG-20 is. I know this is an odd place to ask but do you by any chance plan to do a review on Nikkor L mount lens ? Would greatly appreciate it and love to hear your insights. Thank you so much again ☺️
Yes I will review the lens you have when I get chance. I’ve not got the others but they are all lovely! If I get I will review those also.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you so much for your kind reply! On all my comments as well :) truly appreciate it. It’s been greatly helpful and inspiring. Can’t wait to see any and all upcoming vids and reviews, (it’s always exciting to hear tips and see what is all the more possible with the lenses I have ahaha).
@@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki thanks no problem! See Patreon if you want new posts most days :)
Thinking about picking one up to have a full manual experience. My film bodies are all AF currently.
You Must! Amazing value and very rewarding to use. You wont look back!
Nice video. If I didn't already have a F100 I would check this camera out!
I have the f100.. review to come! ..this is almost half the weight! Nice if you like Ais lenses
And Thanks!
I enjoy your Nikon Stuff videos. Thanks!
Thanks! I still have them, I just shoot more Leica with the blog name etc
Ooh yes would love that 3 way 50mm comparison
Thanks George! Yes i'm interested myself ..to maybe bust some myths! I hope I just bought the best performer as I had to import it haha.. we shall see! :) (5 versions I believe but I will review the common 3 I have).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom wow excellent! I have a Cameradactyl grip for my FM2. They make them for a lot of other bodies as well. Not the prettiest but certainly a bit nicer to hold and still very light
@@georgebirddrums Thanks I will check it out!
Wow really love your content this is awesome . What is your preferred editing software you use for filmmaking, I'd love to have a conversation and maybe even collaborate on different methods in telling stories through film!
Thanks I think I already replied on this. See answer to last comment.
I may be called a luddite but film is still my favourite! I still have my very first camera, a Minolta XG-1.
I much prefer film! Minolta are good.. I like my X300 and the 45/2 lens is great. :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Excellent lens & camera!
@@LucyS565 👍🏻😊
About 25 years ago I started collecting cameras; about half of them are Nikon’s, all bought cheaply at camera collector’s fairs and on EBay. The Nikon’s I have are: F, FT, FTn, FT2, FT2, FT3, EL, ELW, EL2, FM, FE, FA, FM3a, EM, FG, FG20, FM10, FE10, F301, F501 and F90x, so I have most of the manual focus mid-range and amateur ranges. About ten years ago I gave up photography and put all of my cameras into store, mainly due to failing eyesight, I just couldn’t see through the viewfinder.
Recently there has been a small improvement in eyesight and ai have got some of the cameras out again. Some of them are easier to use than others, the LCD display in the viewfinder of the FA for example is almost impossible for me to see. At the moment the FG is one of my favourites. As well as the MD-14 it can also take the MD-E which was made for the EM. It is somewhat slower, but considerably lighter than the MD-14, mainly due to it taking 4 AAA batteries, rather than 8 AA ones. The FG can also take the MF-15 data. Back, but I’m not sure if the FM-20 can, and my one is still in store, so I cannot look at the moment.
I think the FG-20 is actually a better made camera than the FE-10 and FM10 which have that rubber covering which goes sticky with time, and wears off.
Thanks Stephen and sorry to hear about your eyes. That’s an impressive collection! Tonight’s video is Nikon lenses so you might have experience with many of them. Will be out in a few hours 👍🏻😊
Just bought one on eBay. £45, looking forward to putting a film through it. I've got a few Nikkors and an FE2 so will be useful backup. .Slap an E-series 50mm and you've got a high quality compact camera. Is it quieter though? That's the only downside to film SLRs
Wow great price, I would have grabbed that as a spare. Really love mine, viewfinder much clearer than FE series with diopter on so now ordered diopter for FE2 to give it a fair chance! :) Soo easy to focus! Yes 501.8 Japan version and you have killer setup
I just bought another one as a backup. Hopefully it will work! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ebay?
@@Lumuification yes, my usual :)
Helpful video. What camera/features would you suggest to a complete camera newbie? Light-meter etc. I've heard of the fm2 and Canon AE1 being good starter cameras but if I can get a cheaper one, I'm very interested! Just want one that is easy to handle and takes good pictures. Thanks!
Hello thanks, yes the cameras you mention are both popular. The FE2 is like this one but more features (see that video). It depends what you want.. if you like AF look at the Nikon F80 video I did, cheap and like using a DSLR with film in. If prefer more manual I like the FG-20, I just bought a second so I rate them highly. Much cheaper than FE2. All these have lightmeters, put good film in and you should get nice photos. (You can get these for under £50 if you are lucky, £100 with lens easily.
Thanks, that's really helpful. I'm have another look at FG-20. Is there much difference between the FG? As in an I missing out on quite a lot?
@@Mircat7 i prefer the 20 as lighter, if you Google you see the FG has a few more features
Perfect thanks, that's enough to ponder on for now
@@Mircat7 Nikon made so many bodies look on Wiki to see the list then look on eBay. Many are very cheap. 👍🏻
Matt I've just bought on Ebay a FG for £20 but the shutter is jammed and I'm hopeful it only because the battery's and cover are missing if not I'll keep it as a parts camera.
Sorry to hear, I hope you can get a refund but at £20 it is as you say good for parts.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom sorry but I bought it knowing it was advertised not working and has no batteries and not looking any refund but I knew that everything locks up when the batteries die or removed so I'm talking a chance on it that it will work with a set of fresh batteries especially when the rest of other items the seller has are nothing to do with photography or anything electronic or mechanical I'm hopeful 🙏🤞 they don't know the wee secret about the batteries lol.
@@612morrison great plan! Those are the best sellers! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I'll let you know the outcome but I it's anything like the few old medium format folders that I've got I'll be a happy chappy.
@@612morrison thanks 👍🏻
Smallest lens : 45 Aip
Not a perfect lens but amazing IQ
Thanks! I did look at this lens before
whats a good long distance zoom lens for this camera ? i just picked up photography and i’ve been wanting to take pictures of birds but can’t because of the small lens i have :(
Hey Ruben, I used to use 80-200 2.8 for birds but longer the better normally for that.
So whats the alternative younmention at 17:00 to use g lenses?
Hi, Nikon F80 or Nikon F100 (see those videos I shared after this one).
This was the last iteration of the basic chassis that debuted on the Nikon EM in 1979. Nikon was trying to compete with the cheap, light, compact, auto-exposure centric SLR's that were all the rage at the time like the Pentax ME or the Olympus OM10. Nikon took kind of a unique approach to form factor here. Whereas most of their competitors tried to make their cameras shorter and shallower, Nikon decided to make theirs less broad, almost more squarish. Personally, I don't really care much for it - like the other cameras in that family (the EM, the FG), the FG-20 has an unusually large and bulbous film advance lever. I wear glasses, and it tends to hit my lens when extended. Of course, Nikon's ergonomics could always be hit and miss. See, for example, the location of the shutter button on the F, or the film speed setting on the Nikkormat FTn.
Thanks Thomas! I still use this alongside Leicas even in 2022.. strangely!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The value of a camera really does show itself in how much you use it. For example, the N70 gets almost zero love from Nikon fans. You can't give them away on auction sites. But I always find myself gravitating towards it. It's light, it's quiet, it's got plenty of useful features, it takes ai and ais lenses, and most importantly it just gets the shot.
Hi Matt. Can i ask you one question. I’m new to photography. the kids want to get me camera for Father’s Day in two weeks time. Ill have about €200 to spend. I want to get one of these cameras after seen your video this morning. When it comes to lens i don’t have a clue. What would you recommend ? 🙈 it will be used around the house and family days out.
Hi Andrew, great to hear you are getting into photography. If you need inspiration or 1-2-1 help you might find my Patreon useful. I would get a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 pancake lens (See my best 50mm video). The camera and this lens are cheap so you may want a second lens. I’d get a zoom so you can do everything with it, 35-70mm perhaps are cheap but many options for that.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, thank you so much for replying to my message. I feel more confident in buying the lens and camera. I’m going look at your video later today about buying off EBay second hand equipment. Hopefully down the line when I’ set up with camera gear ill sign up to your Patreon program.
@@andrewhoulihan7940 no problem, give me a shout if get stuck 👍🏻
You should try a Nikkormat!
Thanks Ian, I have one, I still need to put film through it
I want you to make a video Of Nikon n2000 or Nikon f-301 same camera
Thanks, if I ever have one I can. See my F100 video (I think for a similar camera - F-501 for memory), F80 good value to, see that.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom kay i Will buddy. I just ordered a lot Of 4 Nikons with no lenses. Maybe if i Can make Them all rund i might be tempted du send you one
@@milladazadi thanks that’s very kind. These types of cameras offer great value and you can take the same photos as a more expensive body as it’s only the lens that matters. My preference is MF Nikon’s now.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom cool. I dont have a Nikon lens. So i really dont know if there is a cheap lens out there ? I lost my job due too corona pandemic. So know Im on my own
What flash do you recommend for this camera? Thank you
I use Godox 350TT as they are small
Any flash that's hot-shoe capable will work; the X-sync speed is 1/90 or slower (M90 on the shutter speed dial). Nikon offered several dedicated Speedlights; one of those, the SB-19, activated the ready light in the viewfinder.
thank you
You're welcome!
I began watching your older videos. Great. Practical. Real world.👍
Then I watched a more recent video where you talk of how good the Hasselblad X2D is. Well yeah... duh.... it's £10k+!!!
I realise the commercial realities of staying relevant on YT, but you must also recognise the cost-of-living crisis surely? Telling people who are struggling to pay utility/household bills how fantastic a £10k camera is, isn't great business I'd have thought Matt.
Thanks Mark, I think I’ve done around 350 videos so far (2 most weeks). If you watch enough you’ll know I review new and vintage, cheap Chinese and Leica. Something for all budgets.
£2k-££3k Leica classics is a very different thing to a £9k-£10k camera needing a new computer . Ironically your photos are great on budget kit as on pricier stuff. I use Zeiss Otus and I can see people’s eyes glaze over whem I say the price.
I’ll watch more.
And I’d love to do one of your photo walks but I’m now disabled. Luckily I can still press my shutter button 😜👍
@@markorchard2272 you’ll find Olympus, Minolta, Nikon, Soviet and others mixed in with the Leica stuff.
Seems to be a pretty hefty ‘black tax’... went for an EM for £25 instead... because it just has to be black
Ah yes all my other F bodies are black. Still cheap!
It sure would be good to have a little more space between your face and the camera. Do you enjoy watching such close-up talking heads videos yourself? Have a look at Gerald Undone.
Thank you. Yes these were my early videos where I didn’t know any different. See my latest videos, they are completely different (I’ve done around 400 videos now)
Don't have that camera but I don't think i'll get it. no diopter on it, this is why i'm going to shoot my Nikon F100 with manual lenses.
You can get diopter to clip over VF but not as good as built it. Nikon f100 video also to follow! :)
I got the F3 ... Brightest viewfinder ....BEST. The rest are nothing.
Thanks Chris, OK noted thanks!
cool
Thanks!
Wow, they’re like $25 bucks on ebay. Lot of camera for the money.
Yes it’s crazy isn’t it!
IMHO manual focus bodies are over priced / over valuated, get an autofocus body instead ;)
I bought the auto focus equivalent also to try. See that in a follow up video soon :)
Nice face but where is the camera you talking about.
Ah sorry I don’t do lots of B roll with the usual music and walking down the street. I give the specs then in most videos lots of example images.