SHORTCUT TO GREAT PICTURES

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
(E IlII
 FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon F501F50D camera. We are sure
that you will enjoy using this camera and that it will make photography
a bigger part of your life. In addition to this comprehensive instruction
manual, the Nikon F501F50D comes with SHOOTING IN SIMPLE
MODE-SHORTCUT TO GREAT PICTURES, a concise, pock-
etable guide that explains the easiest way to use the F501F50D.

2
CONTENTS

FOREWORD .................................................................. 2 USING AE-L BUTION ..............................................42-43

GETIING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA ........................... 4-5 CASES WHERE AUTO FOCUS IS NOT
BEFORE SHOOTING ................................... 6-12 ACCEPTABLE ............................................................44
MOUNTING LENS ....................................................... 7-8 MANUAL FOCUS ......................................................... .45
INSTALLING BATIERY ................................................... 9 IMPRINTING DATEITIME (for F50D only) ................ 46-49
LOADING FILM ........................................................10-11 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ..........................50-56
SETIING CAMERA TO AUTOFOCUS MODE .................. 12 USING BUILT-IN FLASH .......................................... 51-55
SHOOTING IN ADVANCED MODE ..... 13-30 SPEEDLIGHT COMPATIBILITY ...................................... 56
AVAILABLE EXPOSURE MODES ............................. 14-15 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................57-71
PROGRAM SELECTION GUIDE ................................ 16-18 LENSES ................................................................. 58-59
OPERATION IN PROGRAMMED AUTO CAMERA CARE TIPS ...............................................60-61
EXPOSURE MODE ................................................19-25 NOTES ON BATIERIES ................................................62
OPERATION IN OTHER EXPOSURE MODES ............. 26-29 SPECiFiCATIONS ....................................................63-66
RESET FUNCTION ........................................................ 30 ABOUT F50/F50o METERING SYSTEM .........................67
OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS .......................... 31-37 LCD PANELIVIEWFINDER INDICATIONS ..................68-70
MEMORY SETIING FUNCTION ............................... 32-33
AF MODE SELECTION .................................................. 34
ISO CONFIRMATION/SETIING .....................................35
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION .................................. 36-37
OTHER CONTROLS ...................................38-49
SELF-TIMER OPERATION ............................................ 39
LONG TIME EXPOSURE AT "TIME" SETIING ............... 40
TO SHOOT AN OFF-CENTRE SUBJECT ... ..................... .41

3
Learn the parts of your camera.

~ uillJJ
Eyepiece cover DK-5: Attach to viewfinder eyepiece
~ to ward off stray light when using the self-timer.

- If . Ar.r.IP.~Sflrv
~--~==~~~~~----~~--
shoe: For Nikon dedicated C:;np r1 i1 ht~
LCD panel
r camera.
Self-timer button
SIMPLE/ADVANCED dial
Set/adjust buttons
Flash lock release
Shutter release button: Press
lightly to activate exposure Self-timer LED
meter and start AF operation;
fully depress to release Lens index
shutter and take picture.
Lens release button
Menu button
Focus switch

Focusing ring: Do not turn when the

Minimum aperture lock: Slide lever to lock position focus switch is set at AF. (For
manual focusing , see page 45).
(Optional lens illustrated:
AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-80mm f/4-f/5.6 0)
4
AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button: See pages 42 to
43 for Auto Exposure Lock.

Camera back

Viewfinder eyepiece

Film cartridge
confirmation window
Learn how to hold your camera
Camera strap • Grasp the camera handgrip with your
eyelet right hand .
• Use your left hand to cradle the camera
with the elbow propped against your
Camera back body for support, as you look through
lock release the viewfinder.
• Use your right hand index finger to
Rewind button depress the shutter release button.
• To hold the camera steady, lean on or
Tripod socket against something strong and stable.
This will help ensure sharp images.
Battery chamber cover

Battery chamber cover lock release

5
 BEFORE SHOOTING
This section shows you how to prepare the camera for
shooting, e.g. , how to mount a lens, install the battery and load
film.

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

6
MOUNTING LENS

, I I/

~
I .,: 1,-_ _- Err ,~
- 71-'

With a non-CPU lens

When the camera is
powered on with a non-
CPU lens, Err and mblink in

2 Position the lens in the

camera's bayonet mount so
the mounting indices on the lens
the LCD panel and E~ ~
blinks inside viewfi nder.
For using a non-CPU lens,
and the camera body are aligned. see page 58.
Twist the lens counterclockwise
1 Remove the camera body cap
and the front and rear lens
caps.
until it locks into place.

Usable Lenses When mounting lens-

Use CPU lenses (AF Nikkor lenses and AF-S/AF-I/ • Avoid direct sunlight.
AI-P lenses). Other Nikon and Nikkor lenses (non- • Make sure the camera's power is off.
CPU lenses) can be mounted, but you have to use • Do not touch the lens release button.
an external exposure meter, and the only usable
exposure mode is Manual. (See page 58) .
• AF-SIAF-IIAI-P lenses are for manual focus only.

7
 To remove
3 Turn the lens aperture ring to its minimum aperture (the largest f-
number, marked in orange, on AF Nikkor lenses). Then lock the lens
aperture at its minimum setting (see lens instruction manual).
While pressing the lens release
button, turn the lens clockwise.

If lens aperture is not set at its minimum setting

When the camera is powered on with a lens not set at its minimum aperture
setting, Err and ~ blink in the LCD panel and E,.,. blinks inside viewfinder.
With the F501F50D, all aperture setting operations are performed with the
camera's set/adjust buttons. Do not move the lens aperture ring once it is set to its
smallest aperture (largest f-number).

8
INSTALLING BATTERY

Make sure the camera's power

...
Insert a 6V lithium pack with
J
1 is off, then slide the lock
release on the battery chamber
2 "+" and "-" ends positioned as
shown on the inside of the cover.
3 Switch the power ON. Check
the LCD panel to see if the
frame counter shows "E" or the
cover to open the chamber. Close the cover by pushing until it frame number appears and no
clicks. battery mark (~ or = ) appears.
If ~ blinks: Battery is nearing
exhaustion. Have a fresh one
ready.
If Err and = blink: Battery is almost
ex hausted . Switch power OFF and
replace battery with fresh one.
If no indication appears on the
LCD panel: Battery is completely
- Use 6V lithium battery pack (2CR5 or DL245 type). exhausted or improperly instal led.
-See page 62 for "NOTES ON BATTERIES".
Change the battery.

9
LOADING FILM

000000000

1 Slide the camera back lock

release to open the camera
2 Insert film cartridge.
3 Pull the film leader out to the
red index mark.
back.

• To avoid fogging film (especially high-ISO film), • Opening/closing the camera back resets the
do not load/unload film in direct sunlight. frame counter to "E".
• Usable film speed range for OX-coded film is ISO
25 to 5000.

10
4 Make sure the film is properly positioned with no slack and the film
perforations engage the sprockets. (See illustration.) 5 Gently close the camera back
until the lock release snaps
closed.
Film automatically advances to
frame #l.
• If the frame counter still shows E
(i.e., if the film does not advance
to frame #1 ), with or without
blinking Err and e, the film is
incorrectly positioned. Reload
film.

• You can confinn the film speed of installed OX- • With a non-OX-coded film, film speed must be set
coded film. See page 35. manually. See page 35.

11
SETTING CAMERA TO AUTO FOCUS MODE

Regarding the FSO/FSOo's autofocus

feature
Your F501F50o is factory-set to Single Servo AF
operation. This means that once your subject is
in focus, focus remains locked as long as the
shutter release button is lightly pressed. You can
recompose the picture, and the subject will
remain in focus, provided you maintain the same
Autofocus should be used for most picture-taking subject-to-camera distance. (See page 41 for
situations, incl uding moving subjects. In general , it is details.) If the subject moves, take your finger
best to leave the focus switch set to AF. off the shutter release button, then lightly press it
again to restart autofocus operation .
• In the ADV ANCED mode, in addition to
Single Servo AF, you can choose Continuous
Servo AF which keeps autofocus operation
going continuously as long as you keep lightly
pressing the shutter release button. (For detai ls,
see page 34.) Use Continuous Servo AF for
sports and other action photography.

• For situations where autofocus is not possible,

see page 44.
• For manual focusing, see page 45.

12
 SHOOTING IN
ADVANCED MODE
This section shows you how to set your desired Program or exposure
mode.

C,______T_h_is_s_e_c_t_io_n_i_s_fo_r_A_D_v,_A_N_C__E_D_m__o d_e__O_n_IY_.____~)
13
AVAILABLE EXPOSURE MODES
In the Advanced Operation Mode, you can select any of four exposure
modes-Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-
Priority Auto (A)and Manual (M).

Programmed Auto Exposure Mode Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode

In addition to the four Programs in SIMPLE mode- You manually set the shutter speed and the camera
General-Purpose 0 , Landscape a, Portrait!l and sets the matching lens aperture. To freeze action, use a
Close-Up «'-four more Programs are available in high shutter speed; to create motion effects, choose a
ADV ANCED mode: Sport ~ , Silhouette~, Night low shutter speed. For more information on Shutter-
m
Scene and Motion Effect ~. Priority Auto, see pages 26 to 29.
The FSOJFSOD camera's microcomputer automatically
chooses the combination of shutter speed and aperture
for a correct exposure.
For features and sample pictures of each Program, see
pages 16 to 18.

14
Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode Manual Exposure Mode
You manually set the aperture and the camera sets the You select both the shutter speed and aperture. This
appropriate shutter speed. Smaller apertures make the mode lets you experiment with and produce different
background and foreground sharper (recommended for creative effects (e.g., intentional blur, intentional
landscape pictures) while larger apertures tend to blur under- or overexposure). For more information on
the background (recommended for portraits). Manual Exposure Mode, see pages 26 to 29.
For more information on Aperture-Priority Auto, see
pages 26 to 29.

Metering System In Manual exposure mode, Centre-Weighted

The Programmed, Aperture-Priority and Shutter- metering is used. For details about this metering
Priority Auto Exposure modes employ either 3D system, see page 67.
Matrix Metering or Advanced Matrix Metering,
depending on lens type in use.

15
PROGRAM SELECTION GUIDE
/

1 / . . ....'

, ; , !Jr' :. \.\~'\
',' t-f!
'.
o
AUto:' General-Purpose
Program
"" Landscape Program -9'
..........
Portrait Program

Suitable for most situations. Use Use this Program whenever you're Use this Program whenever you
this program if you are not sure making a picture of a distant scene. are taking pictures of people. It
which program is right for your Don't use flash-the scene may be creates an artistically blurred
subject, or for shooting a variety of too far. background to accentuate your
subjects without switching main subject.
programs.

16
 Close-Up Program . !.'7
. Sport Program N~ Silhouette Program
:iHI!t."
Use this Program when you are Use to freeze action. Recommend- Effective only when the back-
taking pictures up c1ose-a flower, ed for use with Continuous Servo ground is bright and the subject is
an ornamental detail, a butterfly, or AF (page 34). Do not use flash in shadow or comparatively dark.
if you are copying a picture. because it restricts the available The result is dramatic with a
shutter speed. wideangle lens-28mm or wider-
although a telephoto can also be
used. Excellent for sunsets or
pictures of people against the sky.
Do not use flash.

17
 Night Scene Program -,~ Motion Effect Program
.dH!i~

Use this Program in the even ing or Use this Program to express movement. Stationary subjects will come out
at night. To capture the beauty of a in sharp images and moving subjects in blurred images. Also suitable for
night scene in available light, such when your subject is moving and you are following along with your
as illuminated monument, traffic camera in a panning motion. The subject will come out relatively sharp,
lights or neon signs, shoot without with the background becoming a blurred streak of colors and shades.
flash. As the automatically set
shutter speed is rather slow , use a
tripod to avoid camera shake. With
flash , this Program captures all the
li ghting in the scene, including the
foreground subject which is
illuminated by the flash , and the
background.

18
OPERATION IN PROGRAMMED AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

CD ®
Cb l 1
o u Q 00

Press the menu button CD to access the exposure

1 Switch power ON and set the camera dial to
ADVANCED. The LCD shows the last selected
exposure modeiProgram . (The origi nal factory setting
2 mode menu, then press the button above P@.

is for General -Purpose Program.)

• Steps 2 and 3 explain how to set a Program. If the
Program shown is what you want, skip steps 2 and 3.

With the Exposure Menu, pressing the menu button activates the
Optional-Function Menu (see page 31). To return the LCD to the
Exposure Menu, press the menu button again.

19
 Cb
<Q) QDQ])

~~ @ ]
(Example: Setting Close-Up Program)

3 The Program menu contains eight Programs in

three screens. Pressing the button above 0 or Q
moves the menu to the following or previous screen.
For example, set to Close-Up Program:
a. Press the button above O .
b. Press the button above~. Close-Up Program is
Select and set the desired Program by pressing the now set.
button above it.

If indications on the LCD panel disappear, lightly press the shutter

release button to reactivate them.

20
4 Look through the viewfinder and position the focus brackets on your
subject. 5autofocus
Lightly press the shutter
release button to activate
operation and the
exposure meter.

If A blinks in the
p LCD panel
[ II In Single Servo AF mode, if a stationary subject
The shu~ter speed set on
moves, remove your finger from the shutter
the camera is slow and release button, then lightly press it again to
may cause picture blur. restart autofocus.
See page 23.

21
 Fully depress the shutter release button to take
6 Confirm that. (in-focus indicator), the shutter
speed (from 112000 to 30 sec.) and an aperture
(number with F) appear below the viewfinder screen.
7 the picture. The film will automatically advance
by one frame.

Shutter speed indication without ,,' , "should be read as a reciprocal

fraction, Le., "15" stands for 1/15 second, "15"" for 15 seconds.

22
 Viewfinder Information

1 · ~ ~: l ~ F22 H:blinks-Overexposure possible

Use a filter such as the Nikon ND filter.

I . ~ ~ ~ ~F'-: l blinks-Underexposure possible

Q

Use built-in flash or accessory Nikon Speedlight.

~blinks-Flash recommended
Not enough light. Use built-in flash or accessory Nikon Speedlight.

Shutter speed indication blinks inside viewfinder (and A blinks in the LCD
panel)-Picture blur possible
The automatically selected shutter speed is slow and picture blur may occur due to
camera shake. To reduce the possibility of blur, hold camera very steady, use a tripod
or use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon Speedlight.

• blinks-Unacceptable autofocus condition

Subject characteristics do not allow autofocus operation. Set focus switch to M and
rotate the lens focusing ring until the image in the viewfinder appears clear and
sharp. (See page 45 for manual focusing.)

For Err indication, see pages 68 to 70.

23
 Auto Rewind
When the film reaches the end of the roll, auto rewind begins.
During rewinding, ta and ~ blink in the LCD panel. After rewind
automatically stops, frame counter shows E and ta blinks for a
few seconds. You can then remove film cartridge.
• When battery power is very weak, or when the temperature is
very low, film may not rewind at the end of roll and Err appears
in the LCD panel. In this case, replace battery with a fresh one,
or wait for the temperature to rise and then press the rewind
button.
Using Built- In Flash
Use the built-in flash not only
when the ready-light blinks, but
also when your subject is in
shadow or backlit.
See pages 51 to 55 .

To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the rewind button on the

camera bottom.

24
 ( ......)
To change a combination of shutter speed/aperture
In the General-Purpose Program, you can change the combination of
shutter speed/aperture by pressing the button above '" or .A. Press
the button above '" for faster shutter speed/wider aperture (smaller
f-number) ; press the button above '" for slower shutter speed/
smaller aperture (larger f-number) . Pressing and holding the button
down changes the shutter speed/aperture combination rapidly. p:+:
appears in the LCD panel and ·· •• appears inside the viewfinder,
indicating the change in shutter speed/aperture.
• The original shutter speed/aperture combination for General-
Purpose Program is recalled when the LCD indication
automatically switches off, when you turn the camera power off,
when you switch to SIMPLE mode or when you use flash .

25
OPERATION IN OTHER EXPOSURE MODES

~ ab Q1)
- I.~~I.~ ~ .. - - , -

IJPSAt'i
1 Switch camera on and set the dial to ADVANCED. The LCD shows the previously
selected exposure modeiProgram. (The original factory setting is for General-
Purpose Program.)
• Step 2 explains how to set an exposure mode. If the present exposure mode is what you
want, skip step 2.
.Press the menu button to activate the Exposure Mode Menu. To set the exposure
2 mode, press the button above the desired indication.
• With the Exposure Mode Menu, pressing the menu button activates the Optional-
Function Menu (see page 31). To return the LCD to the Exposure Mode Menu, press
the menu button again.

3 To adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture, press the button above '" (up) or '"
(down) indication.
Look through the viewfinder and position the focus brackets ( [ ] ) on the main
4 subject. Lightly press the shutter release button to activate autofocus operation and
the exposure meter. Confirm that the in-focus indicator . appears in the viewfinder.

26
 Shutter-Priority Auto

Your selected shutter speed and the automatically

set aperture are shown below the viewfinder
screen.

To change shutter speed rapidly,

hold the button down.
Aperture-Priority Auto

Your selected aperture and the automatically set

shutter speed are shown below the viewfinder
screen.

To change aperture rapidly, hold

the button down.

Your selected shutter speed and aperture are

shown, along with the exposure indicator, below
the viewfinder indication.
+ . ~ . - Correct exposure

~.~ .- Overexposure
+ . ~.; Underexposure
To change shutter speed/aperture For "TH1E "-setting, see page 40.
rapidly, hold the button down.

27
 Using Built-In Flash
Use the built-in flash not only when the ready-
light blinks, but also when your subject is in
shadow or backlit.
See pages 51 to 55.

5 Fully depress the shutter release button to take a

picture. The film automatically advances by one
frame.
Auto Rewind
When the film reaches the end of the roll, auto
e
rewind begins. During rewinding, and ~ blink
in the LCD panel. After rewind automatically
e
stops, frame counter shows E and blinks for a
few seconds. You can then remove film
cartridge.
• When battery power is very weak, or when the
- Shutter speed indication without ,,' , "should be temperature is very low, fIlm may not rewind at
read as a reciprocal fraction, i.e., "15" stands for the end of roll; Err appears in the LCD panel. In
1/15 second, "15" H for 15 seconds. this case, replace battery with a fresh one, or
-In Single Servo AF mode, if a stationary subject wait for the temperature to rise and then press
moves, remove your finger from the shutter the rewind button.
release button, then lightly press it again to To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the rewind
restart autofocus. button at the bottom of the camera.

28
 Viewfinder information
H : blinks-Overexposure possible*: Select smaller aperture (l arger f- number) and/or
fas ter shutter speed. Or, use a filter such as the Nikon ND fi lter.
[• ~ ~! ~ F5.0
[. :25 ~~ o~ lo blinks-Underexposure possible*: Select a wider aperture (smaller f-number)
.--......_---=-:=-'-'- and/or a slower shutter speed. Or, use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon
[ . ~ ~ q ~ F5. 0 Speedlight.

F5.0 ~ blinks-Flash recommendation: Not enough light. Use the built-in fl ash or an
accessory Nikon SpeedJight.

Shutter speed indication blinks (and A blinks in the LCD panel)-Picture blur
possible**: Automatically selected shutter speed is low and picture blur may occur due
to camera shake or subject movement. To reduce the possibility of blur, hold camera
very steady, use a tripod or use the built-in flash or an accessory Nikon SpeedJight.
Selecting a wider aperture (smaller f-number) results in a faster shutter speed .
• blinks-Unacceptable autofocus condition
Your subject is inappropriate for autofocus operation. Set the focus switch to M and
foc us manually. (See page 45.)

For Err indicati on, see pages 68 to 70.

*For Shutter-Priority Auto and Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes.
**For Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode.

29
RESET FUNCTION

co OOCQo
P T ~~)
? cOOcQ~ O
,-
1:1 T ~
__
))~
• AUTI)
• AUT':l

I :l ~ lj I tl ~ !J
To return to the General-Purpose To reset the camera's mode to the
Program (when Memory Function is not original factory setting
set)* Simultaneously press the menu and self-timer buttons
Press and hold the menu button for at least two for two seconds. This will activate the General-
seconds. Purpose Program and cancel Optional Functions.
*With the Memory Function set, pressing and holding
the menu button for at least two seconds recalls the
memorised exposure mode/Program. (See pages 32
to 33.)

30
 OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS
The Advanced Operation Mode also offers four Optional Functions:
I18J Memory Setting (pages 32 to 33)
When Memory is set, you can easily set the desired exposure mode or desired
Program by pressing the menu button for at least two seconds.
AF AF Mode Selection (page 34)
You can switch the AF mode from Single Servo Autofocus to Continuous Servo
Autofocus.
ISO ISO Confirmation/Setting (page 35)
With OX-coded film, you can confirm ISO film speed. With non-OX-coded film, you
can manually set the ISO film speed number.
~ Exposure Compensation (pages 36 to 37)
You can compensate exposure from -5EV to +5EV in 112 steps.

In SIMPLE mode, the Optional Functions you have set will be ignored.

C,______T_h_i_s_s_e_c_tio_n__is_f_o_r_A_D_V_A_N_C__E_D_m__o_d_e_O_n_IY_"______)
31
MEMORY SETTING FUNCTION

With the Exposure Mode Blinking r1BJ appears above the frame counter, indicating that Memory
1 menu, press the menu button
to activate the Optional-Function
2 setting mode is activated. To select exposure mode, press the button
above the corresponding symbol. (In the example shown above, Shutter-
Menu. Press the button above ~. Priority Auto exposure mode is selected.)

Co ® Q0 ClJ
cD ((ill) Q0
W-f~- (r~ll'
3 The symbol for the selected
exposure mode or Program is
displayed. Press the button above
4 Memory is set. stops blinking and the LCD shows the exposure
r1BJ
mode/Program that was set before you activated the Optional-
Function Menu. (Example illustration shows General-Purpose Program.)
the symbol to have it memorised. To recall the memorised exposure mode or Program, press the menu
button for at least two seconds.

32
 Q]
CO> QOcaD
F -.- .-- .- .-
~ [- nUtDA'FfSb~
To clear memory
While memory is set, rtEl appears in place of l18J in the Optional-Function
Menu. Press the button above rtEl. (@ is replaced with 110 and 18 above the
frame counter di appears.

• Pressing the menu button while IB is blinking • Releasing the shutter while IB is blinking above
above the frame counter returns the LCD to the the frame counter activates the previously set
Exposure Mode Menu. exposure mode or Program.

33
AF MODE SELECTION

Single Servo AF and

Continuous Servo AF
The default AF setting is Single
Servo AF. In the Single Servo AF r-
mode, once the subject is in focus ,
you can lock focus by keeping the
[ oAF
shutter release button lightly With the Exposure Mode
pressed, but be sure to maintain the
same subject-to-camera distance.
1 Menu, press the menu button
to activate the Optional-Function
2 For Continuous Servo AF,
press the button above C for
Single Servo AF, press the button
In the Continuous Servo AF mode, Menu. Press the button above AF. above S.
autofocus is maintained as long as The LCD shows the last selected
you continuously lightly press the exposure modelProgram.
shutter release button, even if the
focus distance changes because
either you or your subject moves .
In either AF mode, the shutter
cannot be released when the
subject is out of focus.

AF Mode Selection can be performed regardless of the foc us switch

position (A or M).

34
ISO CONFIRMATION/SETTING

ItJ Press to adjust

<Q) cO OeQ]) Co ® ®
e~~;:-
===::::~~-- Press to complete setting
~ r- - A-

i :J fSo~ 400
To confirm ISO film speed for OX-coded To manually set ISO film speed for non-
film: OX-coded film:
Usable film speed range of DX-coded film is ISO 25 When using non-DX-coded film, manually set the ISO
to 5000. film speed number. Usable film speed range is ISO 6
With the Exposure Mode Menu, press the menu button to 6400.
to activate the Optional-Function Menu. Press the If you have installed non-DX-coded film and closed
button above ISO. The LCD shows the ISO film speed the camera back, the ISO setting screen is
of the loaded DX-coded mm. automatically activated on the LCD panel. Adjust the
To return to the last selected exposure modelProgram, film speed by pressing the button above the . (up) or
press the button above ISO. T (down) indication. To change film speed rapid ly,
hold tbe button down . To complete the setting, press
the button above ISO. The LCD shows the last selected
exposure mode/Program .
• Until setting is completed, the sbutter remains
locked, and the menu button is deactivated.
• If you want to recall the ISO setting screen after
With a OX-coded film , film speed is automatically completi ng the setting, activate the Optional-
set on the camera body; you cannot adjust. Function Menu and press the button above ISO.

35
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
By compensating the exposure, you can vary the
exposure results to create different versions of the
same picture or put creative emphasis on a specific
part of the picture.
You can compensate exposure from -5 EV to + 5 EV
in 1/2 steps.

Without compensation (overexposed)

With compensation (correctly exposed)

36
 Press to adjust

~ 6"Q ~ Press to complete

~~;;~~
;_
~=:CC2D
~:;~~ setting
FI ~ +0.51]
With the Exposure Mode Adjust the compensation value by pressing the button above the.A.
1 Menu, press the menu button
to activate the Optional-Function
2 (up) or (down) indication. + value is for overexposure; - value is
T
for underexposure. To change the value rapidly, hold the button down.
Menu . Press the button above the m.
To complete the setting, press the button above The LCD shows the
m indication. last selected exposure modelProgram. When you set exposure mode or
Program, m appears in the LCD panel and inside the viewfinder,
indicating that the exposure has been compensated .
• If you want to cancel the exposure compensation before completing the
setting, press the menu button. The LCD panel will return to the
Exposure Mode Menu.

After shooting with compensated exposure, make sure to reset the

compensation value to ±O.O.

37
 OTHER CONTROLS
This section shows you various photographic techniques-how to shoot an
off-centre subject, what you should do when autofocus is impossible, how
to operate the camera's self-timer, and how to perform a long time
exposure.

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

38
SELF-TIMER OPERATION

Set desired exposure mode or Look through the viewfinder, lightly press the shutter release button,
1 Program, then press the self-
timer button. ~ appears in the
2 and confirm focus and exposure.

LCD panel.
• To cancel self-timer and make ~
3 Fully depress the shutter release button to start self-timer operation.
The self-timer LED starts blinking and ~ in the LCD panel also
blinks. The shutter will release after 10 seconds. The LED bUnks for eight
disappear, press the menu button. seconds, then stops blinking to tell you to get ready.
After the shot, self-timer operation is automatically deactivated.

To cancel self-timer operation before shooting: Turn the camera's

power off.

In Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto or eyepiece before setting self-timer. The DK-5
Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, attach the prevents stray light from entering the viewfinder
eyepiece cover DK-5 (provided) to the viewfinder and affecting exposure.

39
LONG TIME EXPOSURE AT IITIMEII SETTING (ADVANCED mode only)

In the Manual Exposure mode, you

can set shutter speed to "TIME" to
leave the shutter open as long as
,... "f" "f .. 1
desired. i I II TI ME F5.sM
When performing long time
exposure, you must use a tripod to
avoid camera shake which may I- FS.E.
cause picture blur.

Set exposure mode to Manual and shutter speed to "TIME" (next to

1 "30' , ") for 30 seconds. Inside the viewfinder, "- - " appears in place
of the shutter speed indication and the exposure indicator disappears.
Fully depress the shutter release button then remove your finger to
2 start exposure. The shutter is released about 0.5 sec. after you
remove your finger from the shutter release button. During exposure, the
self-timer LED blinks.

3 After the desired duration, lightly press the shutter release button to
complete exposure.

40
TO SHOOT AN OFF-CENTRE SUBJECT
In the following procedure, you can take an in-focus picture with an
off-centre, stationary subject. However, when shooti ng a moving
subject, always position the viewfinder focus brackets on the
subject.

Willie keeping the shutter

1 Position focus brackets on the
subject and ljghtly press the
shutter release button to activate
2 Confirm that. (in-focus
indicator) appears in the
viewfinder. Focus remains locked
3 release button lightly pressed,
recompose the picture, then fully
autofocus operation. as long as you keep the shutter depress the shutter release button.
release button lightly pressed.

• The above procedure is for Single Servo AF mode button will not lock the focus.
(original factory setting ). If you have set • To maintain subject exposure, use the AE-L
Continuous Servo AF mode in Optional Functions (Automatic Exposure Lock) button. (See pages 42
(see page 34), lightly pressing the shutter release to 43.)

41
USING AE-L BUTTON

When your subject is off-centre or very small against

an extremely bright background, your subject may
come out too dark (underexposed) in the picture. Or,
with a background that is too dark, the subject may be
washed out (overexposed). In such situations, to
correctly expose your subject in the auto exposure
mode, use the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button.

Lightly press the shutter release button to activate

2 autofocus operation and the exposure meter.
Confirm . (in-focus indicator) and exposure.

Compose your subject so that the circle in the

1 viewfinder is fully covered by the subject.

42
3 Press the AE-L button and hold it.
4 While keeping the AE-L button pressed,
recompose the picture, then fully depress the
shutter release button.

In Single Servo AF mode, if recomposing the shutter release button and lightly pressing it again
picture could change subject-to-camera distance, (while holding the AE-L button).
refocus by briefly removing your finger from the

43
CASES WHERE AUTO FOCUS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE

Autofocus operation depends on general lighting, subject contrast and

detail, and other technical points. In those rare situations where autofocus When the focus brackets are
is not possible, • blinks inside the viewfinder. positioned on the following
subjects/scenes, ignore in-
focus. indication and focus
manually:
• Scenes with subjects
located at different
distances
• Bright subjects with a
shiny surface, such as
silver or aluminum
• Strongly backlit subjects
• When ·using a linear
• Very dark subject • Low-contrast subject polarizing filter, or a
Focus manually (page 45). Or for Focus manually (page 45). Or for special filter, e.g., a soft-
autofocus, focus on another, autofocus, focus on another subject focus filter. (Circular
brighter subject located at the same at the same distance but with more polarizing filters can be
distance, recompose with the contrast, recompose with the used for autofocus.)
shutter release button lightly shutter release button lightly
pressed, then shoot. pressed, then shoot.
You can also use the built-in flash,
or an accessory Nikon Speed light.

44
MANUAL FOCUS

Set focus switch to M.

1 If your AF Nikkor lens has an
A-M switch, set it to M.
2 Look through the viewfinder and rotate the lens focus ring until the
subject appears sharp.

For maximum focusing accuracy when using a focal length setting will magnify any slight
zoom lens. it is best to focus at the lens' longest imprecision in focusing and could result in unsharp
focal length setting. Focusing at the shortest focal pictures.
length setting and then zooming up to the longest

45
SETTING DATEITIME (for F50 0 only)
You can imprint date/time-YearlMonthlDay,
Day/HourlMinute, MonthlDay/Year, or Month indicator
DaylMonthlYear-Dn your picture.
Year indicator

rPRINT Data imprint indicator

Time indicator colon

Year/Month/Day Date/time

.IUI].]=- SELECT ADJUST

Day/Hour/Minute • • •
ADJUST button : Push
1------1 to adjust date/time.
No imprint display
MODE button : Push to
select one of the five SELECT button : Push to select
available displays. date/time to be ad·usted.
Month/DaylYear

Day/MonthlYear When the LCD becomes faint, replace lithium battery installed in the
camera back. (See page 49.)

46
ED SELECT ADJUST Setting has been
• • • Set year. Set month. Set day .

g ~g
completed.

ED SELECT ADJUST
-t9:r--:
, :1
, 1'9 l :
,
-3-: :}
['9Y -3 ~

o© a
Setting date and time
-t9~--: :1 ['9 '-: -3-::*
rapidly, hold the ADJUST button down. Set the month
For example, to set March 15, 1994, choose and day in the same manner as for year. To complete
YearlMonthlDay display. (To set date, choose display setting, push SELECT button while the day display is
other than Day/Hour/Minute. With Day/HourlMinute blinking. The newly adjusted date and the imprint
display, only time can be set.) indicator - appears without blinking.
Push SELECT button so year section starts blinking To set time, select Day/HourlMinute display and set
indicating that it can be adjusted. Push ADJUST the hour and the minute.
button to set the year. To change numerical indication

To set time to precise second:

Advance the time one minute and ahead of actual colon starts blinking. When actual time coincides
time (i.e., if actual time is 12:59, set the time to with the time you set, push ADJUST button to reset
13:00). Then push SELECT button so time indicator the second to 00.

47
 r PRINT Imprinted DatelTime
"-II' ~-,
;,-, ;, 'jj=
,]

4M.,.,.• SELECT ADJUST

ggg • •

Imprinting date/time
Select your desired display by pushing MODE button and
confirm date and time are correctly set. Then fully depress
Year/Month/Day
the shutter release button to take picture with imprinted
date/time. To confirm whether date/time is imprinted, check
to make sure the imprint indicator - blinks for approx. 2
sec., immediately after taking the picture.

Imprinting date/time may be difficult to read against

bright colours such as white or reddish colours.
DaylHour/Minute
48
Replacing lithium
battery for imprinting
function

1. Make sure that film is not 2. Loosen the silver screw on the
loaded, open the camera back. inside of the camera back.
Remove the battery chamber
cover.

3. Remove used battery. 4. Insert new battery with "+" 5. Replace the battery chamber
terminal facing upward. cover and tighten the screw.

49
 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
The thunderbolt symbol (~) inside viewfinder will blink if you need
flash to take a picture, for example, in dim light. You can then
activate the F50/F50D'S built-in flash and use it. But remember that
you can also use flash in bright light to fill in shadows with extra light.
This feature, which works with the F50/F50D'S built-in flash or any
dedicated Nikon Speed light, is called Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. It
operates in all the Programmed exposure modes, as well as in the
Shutter-Priority or Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes,
automatically assuring a correct and well-balanced exposure of both
the main subject and the background. In the Manual exposure mode,
Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash, which uses Centre-Weighted metering to
expose the background, applies.

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

50
USING BUILT-IN FLASH

Notes on using built-in flash I- Ie'S FS.b

• Do not touch the flash when it is firing;
normal operation can cause it to heat up.
• Never fire the flash more than 20
consecutive times at intervals of 5 sec.
or shorter. This may impair flash
performance. After each continuous
firing, let the flash rest at least 10
minutes before firing again.
When you continuously fire the flash ,
the camera's handgrip may become hot;
this is normal. Continuous firing will When subject brightness is insufficient, the ready-light
result in a longer interval before the
ready-light comes on because it takes
1 ~ blinks inside the viewfinder when you lightly press
the shutter release button to activate the exposure meter.
longer for the flash to recharge Press the flash lock-release to release and activate the built-
automatically. in flash.
You can use the built-in flash anytime, regard-less of
ambient lighting. For example, if your subject is backlit, you
can use the built-in flash to illuminate your subject and fill in
shadows.

• When the built-in flash is activated, an accessory

Speedlight will not fire. When using a Speedlight, keep
the built-in flash in the locked-down position .
• For usable lenses, see page 55.

51
 Flash shooting distance range
I- :25 F5.6
ISO film speed Flash shooting
25 50 100 200 400 BOO distance range

- - - 2 2.B 4 2.B - 9.2m

- - 2 2.B 4 5.6 2 - 6.5m

Make sure the subject is within the flash shooting - 2 2.B 4 5.6 B 1.4 - 4.6m
2 distance range and confIrm that the ready-light
(~ ) is on. Fully depress the shutter release button to ...
Q)
:::J
2 2.B 4 5.6 B 11 1.0 - 3.3m
take a shot with flash. 1:
Q)
After shooting, check the ready-light again . If it blinks a.
for a few seconds after shooting, the light might have « 2.B 4 5.6 B 11 16 0.7 - 2.3m
been insufficient. ConfIrm shooting distance and, if
necessary, move closer to the subject or select a wider 4 5.6 B 11 16 22 0.6 - 1.6m
aperture.
5.6 B 11 16 22 32 0.6 - 1.2m

B 11 16 22 32 - 0.6 - O.Bm

52
Guide for flash shooting distance range in Using guide number to estimate the
SIMPLE mode (at ISO 100) maximum shooting distance
For outdoor subjects You can also estimate the maximum shooting distance
0.6 -1.6m by guide number of built-in flash.
on sunny day
Guide number
For outdoor subjects on
0.7 - 2.3m Lens full aperture
=Maximum shooting distance
cloudy day or in shadows
For indoor subjects 0.7 - 4.6 m Guide number for each ISO setting (m)
ISO film speed
Use the listed range only as a guide for a lens 25 50 100 200 400 800
having maximum aperture of f12. 8 or faster. With
slower lenses, the maximum shooting distance will 6.5 9.2 13 18.4 26 36.8
be reduced.

• The wider the aperture (the smaller the f-number) • With a slower shutter speed, a smaller aperture is
you select, the farther the maximum shooting automatically selected, resulting in a shorter
distance, whereas the smaller the aperture (the shooting distance range.
larger the f-number), the shorter the maximum
shooting distance.

53
 • In Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure
mode, if yo u set the shutter speed at 111 80 ec.
or faster, the camera automatically shifts to
111 25 sec. as soon as the built-in flash is
acti vated .
• In Aperture-Pri ori ty Auto ex posure mode, the
shutter speed is fixed at 111 25 sec. fo r fl as h
shooting.

SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25 or SB-24 users

The automatic adjustment functions fo r film
speed, aperture and zoom-head pos iti on cannot
be used with the F50/F50o camera.

54
Usable AF Nikkor Lenses with Built-In Flash
• Usable non-zoom lenses AF 3S-70mm f /3.3-4.S
3S to 300mm AF Nikkor lens (except AF Micro AF 3S-80mm f/4-S.6D
200mm f/4D IF-ED, AF 300mm fI2 .S, AF-I 300mm AF 3S-10Smm f/3.S-4.S IF
f12.8D IF-ED and AF-S 300mm fI2 .8D IF-ED) AF 3S-10Smm f/3.S-4.SD IF
• Usable zoom lenses AF 3S-13Smm f/3.S-4.5*3
AF 24-S0mm f/3 .3-4.SD* 1 AF Micro 70-1S0mm f/4.S-S .6D ED*5
AF 24-120mm f/3 .S-S.6D IF*2 AF 70-210mm f/4
AF 28-70mm f/3.S-4.S * 1 AF 70-21Omm f/4-S .6
AF 28-70mm f/3.S-4.SD* I AF 70-21Omm f/4-S .6D
AF 28-80mm f/3.S-S.6D* I AF 7S-300rnm f /4.S-S.6
AF 28-8Smm f/3.S-4.S*3 AF 80-200mm fI2 .S ED *6
AF 3S-70mrn f/2 .8*4 AF 80-200mm f/2.SD ED*6
AF 3S-70mm f12 .8D*4 AF 80-200mm f/4.S-S .6D*6
* 1 Focal length 35mm or longer.
*2 Shooting atfocallength 35mm, within 1m/3.3 ft. (at 50mm), within O.8mJ2.6 ft. (at
70mm) or within O.6m!2.0 ft. (at 120mm) causes vignetting.
*3 Focal length 35mm or longer. At 35mm, shooting within 2m/6.6 ft. causes vignetting.
*4 Focal length 50mm or longer.
*5 Shooting within I. 7m/5.6 ft. at a f ocal length shorter than 85mm or within O.8mJ2.6 ft.
(at J05mm or 135mm) causes vignetting.
*6 Focal length JOOmm or longer.

• Do not use a lens hood; it could cause slight • With zoom lenses, do not shoot within the macro
vignetting. range (indicated by the orange line on the lens).

55
ISPEED LIGHT COMPATIBILITY
Camera exposure mode
Nikon 8peedlight Connection
P S A M
88-28, 88-27, 88-26, 88-25, TIL auto flash Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct
88-24, 88-23, 88-22 , 88-218*1,
88-20, 88-168 Other flash mode No No Yes Yes Direct
TIL auto flash Yes Yes Yes Yes Via 8C-23
88-140, 88-14,
88-11 (with 8U-2) Via 8C-13 or sync cord
Other flash mode No No Yes Yes
with A8-15

88-21A*2, TIL auto flash No No No No

88-16A*2 ViaA8-6
Other flash mode No No Yes Yes

*1 Although possible with 58-218, Matrix 8alanced Fill-Flash and Centre-

Weighted Fill-Flash are not recommended for close-up photography, With
c::J : Matrix 8alanced Fill-Flash
the F50lF50D camera, use the 58-218 at manual flash exposure mode, c::J : Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash
*2 The difference between 58-21A and 58-218, or between 58-16A and
58-168, is the type of controller attached, (For details, see 5peedlight
instruction manual.)
Controlled aperture in SIMPLE mode with an
• 58-21A and 58-218 are not available in EU countries,
accessory Nikon Speedlight (at ISO 100)
For outdoor subjects on sunny day f/8
For outdoor subjects on cloudy day
f/5,6
or in shadows
For indoor subjects f/4

56
 MISCELLANEOUS

This section is for both SIMPLE and ADVANCED modes.

57
LENSES

The Nikon F501F50o is designed for autofocus photography with AF

Mountable Nikkor lenses
Nikkor lenses (except AF-Nikkor lenses made specifically for the
• AF Nikkor lenses
Nikon F3AF camera). To take full advantage of the F501F50o • AF-S Nikkor lenses
camera's features, you should use AF Nikkor lenses. • AF-I Nikkor lenses
However, the lenses listed on right can be used under the following • AI -P Nikkor lenses
conditions: • AI-type (AI-S, AI and AI-modified)
When an AF-S, AF-I or AI-P Nikkor lens is used: Nikkor lenses except Fisheye 6mm
• Set the focus switch to M and focus by rotating the lens focusing f/5.6 and Fisheye OP 1Omm f/5.6,
ring*. 180-600mm fl8 (No. 174166 or
When mountable non-CPU Nikkor lenses are used: smaller), 200-600mm f/9.5 (No.
300490 or smaller), 360- 1200mm
• Use an externa l exposure meter.
f/ 11 (No. 174087 or smaller)
• Set exposure mode to Manual. (In other exposure modes, shutter is • Nikon Series E lenses
locked.) • Reflex Nikkor lenses
• Shutter speed indication appears on the LCD panel and inside the 500mm fl8
viewfinder. Set hutter speed by pre ing the set/adjust button. 1OOOmm f/ 11 (No. 142360 or
The f-n umber of the aperture set will not be visible in the LCD panel smaller/ No. 143001 or larger)
and inside the viewfinder. Set the aperture by rotating the lens 2000mm f/ 11 (No. 200311 or
aperture ring. larger)
• Adjust focus by rotating the lens focusing ring until the subject • Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 (not
appears sharp inside the viewfinder. * available in EU countries)
* Unless your subject is not acceptable for autofocus operation (page 44), you • Teleconverters (except non-
can confirm the in-focus indicator. Centre the focus brackets on the subject, mountable TC-16/TC- 16A)
and rotate the focusing ring while lightly pressing the shutter release button.
When the subject is infocus, the in-focus indicator. appears. Use of other lenses may damage
the camera.

58
Nikkor lens compatibility

Focusing Exposure mode

Lenses
Autofocus Manual P S A M
AF Nikkor (except AF-S Nikkor/AF-1Nikkorl
AF-Nikkor for F3AF) 0 0 0 0 0 0
AF-S Nikkor/ AF-1Nikkor/ AI-P Nikkor X 0 '2 0 0 0 0
AI- or AI -S type Nikkor (including AI -modified
Nikkor) I Reflex Nikkorl Series E ' 1 X 0 '2 X X X 0 '4
Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 (not available in EU countries) X 0 X X X 0 '4
Teleconverters
(except TC-16/TC-16A) X 0 '3 X X X 0 '4
Bellows Foc using Attachment PB-6
K ring set (K1 , K3 , K4 and KS)
Auto Extension Rings X 0 '3 X X X 0 '4
(PK-11A, 12, 13 and PN- 11)

o Compatible
X Incompatible
' 1 Some lenses within these types/series cannot be attached. '3 Manual focus with in-focus indicator confirmation is available
Seepage 58. with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5. 6
'2 Manual focus with in-focus indicator confirmation is available or faster.
with lenses that have a maximum aperture of fl5. 6 or faster. *4 Camera's exposure meter does not work. See page 58.

59
CAMERA CARE TIPS

1. Do not touch the 2. Do not touch the 3. Do not touch the DX 4. Clean the viewfinder
camera's reflex mirror shutter curtains. contacts. Keep them eyepiece with a soft,
or focusing screen. clean with a blower clean cloth. Do not use
Remove dust with a brush. alcohol.
blower brush.

Caution!
A spray gun-type blower may damage the
optical glass if used to clean the lens, especially
if ED glass is used for the front lens element. To
avoid damage, hold the blower upright with its
5. Clean glass surfaces, such as the lens or the nozzle more than 30cm from the lens surface,
eyepiece, with a blower brush; do not use lens tissue, and keep the nozzle moving so the stream of air
silicon type eyeglass tissue, etc. To remove dirt and is not concentrated in one spot.
smudges, use soft cotton moistened with denatured
alcohol and wipe surfaces in a spiral motion from
centre to periphery. Do not leave traces.

60
6.Do not lubricate the 7.Do not leave the 8. Keep the camera away 9. Make sure not to drop
camera. camera in an from water or mois- or bump the camera
excessively hot place. ture. When using the body/lens against a
camera near water, hard surface. Strong
guard against splashes, shock may cause
especially salt water malfunction.
spray.

10. If the camera mal- 11 . Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from 12. To maintain the built-in
functions, take it im- naphthalene or camphor (moth repellent). In a flash condenser in peak
mediately to an humid environment, store the camera inside a vinyl condition, thereby
authorised Nikon bag with a desiccant to keep out dust, moisture and enabling you to use the
dealer or service salt. Note, however, that storing leather cases in flash for many years,
centre. vinyl bags may cause the leather to deteriorate. fire the flash a few
times every month.
61
NOTES ON BATTERIES

1. Keep batteries out of 2. Do not disassemble, 3. If you do not intend to 4. Battery power
children's reach . If short circuit or heat use the camera for a diminishes at
someone accidentally batteries. Do not long time, remove the extremely low
swallows a battery, call charge batteries. battery. temperatures-make
a doctor immediately. sure the battery you
buy is fresh , and wrap
the camera body in
something warm.

5. When replacing a 6. Do not throw used 7. If the battery chamber is contaminated by battery
battery, be sure to use batteries into fire. leakage, take the camera to an authorised Nikon
a fresh battery. dealer.

62
 SPECIFICATIONS
Type of camera Integral-motor autofocus 35mm Exposure modes Programmed Auto in SIMPLE
single-lens reflex mode; Programmed Auto, Shutter-
Picture format 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto
film format) and Manual in ADVANCED mode
Lens mount Nikon F mount Programmed Both shutter speed and aperture
Lens AF Nikkor lenses (except AF- Auto exposure are set; in SIMPLE mode, General-
Nikkor SOmm fl2.S, ED 200mm control Purpose Program , Landscape
f/3.5 IF, and autofocus converter Program , Portrait Program and
TC- 16!fC-16A), and non-AF Close-Up Program are available; in
Nikkor lenses (with limitation) ADVANCED mode, General-
available Purpose Program , Landscape
Operation mode SIMPLE and ADVANCED Program , Portrait Program , Close-
Focus modes Autofocus and manual Up Program, Sport Program ,
Autofocus mode Single Servo AF and Continuous Silhouette Program , Night-Scene
Servo AF* Program, and Motion Effect
* Continuous Servo is possible in Program are available
ADVANCED mode only Flexible Program Possible with General-Purpose
Autofocus TIL phase detection system using Program in ADVANCED mode
detection system Nikon advanced AM200 autofocus when flash is off
module Shutter-Priority Aperture automatically selected to
Autofocus Approx . EV -1 to EV 19 (at ISO Auto exposure match manually set shutter speed
detection range 100) control
Autofocus lock Possible, in Single Servo AF mode, Aperture-Priority Shutter speed automatically
once a stationary subject is in Auto exposure selected to match manually set
focus as long as the shutter control aperture
release button is lightly pressed Manual exposure Both aperture and shutter speed
Focus tracking Automatically activated with a control are set manually
moving subject

63
Shutter speedl Pressing the adjust button approx. 8 sec. with the built-in
aperture changes shutter speed or flash off or 15 sec. with the built -in
adjustment aperture in 1/ 2 step; holding down flash on
the adjust button rapidly changes Shutter Electronically controlled vertical -
shutter speed or aperture in one travel focal-plane shutter
step Shutter release Electromagnetic
Auto exposure Available by pressing the AE-L Shutter speeds 1/ 2000 sec. to 30 sec .; electro-
lock button while the exposure meter is magnetically controlled Time
on setting is provided (for ADVANCED
Exposure Possible in ADVANCED mode mode)
compensation within ±5 EV range in 1/2 steps Viewfinder Fixed eye-level pentaprism type;
Exposure metering Matrix Metering (for Programmed 0.78x magnification with 50mm
Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, and lens set at infinity; approx. 90%
Aperture-Priority Auto exposure frame coverage
modes) ; Centre-Weighted Eyepoint Approx. 18mm
Metering for Manual exposure Focusing screen Fixed Nikon advanced B-type
mode BriteView screen with central focus
Exposure metering EV 1 to EV 20 at ISO 100 with brackets for autofocus operation
range f/ 1 .4 lens Viewfinder In-focus/ AF-impossible indication,
Exposure meter Activated by lightly pressing shut- information correct exposure indicator, shutter
switch ter release button; when the LCD speed, aperture, exposure
panel shows the Exposure Mode information and exposure
menu, Program menu , Optional- compensation indicatior are shown
Function menu , or Optional in LCD readout; also shows flash
Function settings, stays on for recommended-/ ready- light
approx. 60 sec.; when the LCD Viewfinder Automatically activates when
panel shows the Program/ illuminator exposure meter is on
exposure mode, stays on for

64
Film speed range ISO 25 to 5000 for DX-coded Built-in TTL flash Guide number: 13 meters (at ISO
films; ISO 6 to 6400 for non-DX- 100, 20'C ); angle of coverage:
coded fi lms (for ADVANCED mode) 35mm or longer lens
Film speed setting Auto for DX-coded films; manual Flash synchro- 1/ 125 sec. or slower
setting for non-OX-coded films (for nisation speed
ADVANCED mode) Automatic Possible with built-in TIL flash or
Film loading Film automatically advances to Balanced Nikon dedicated Speed lights such
frame one when camera back is Fill-Flash as SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25,
closed SB-24, SB-23, SB-22, SB-20, and
Frame counter Accumulative type (counts down SB-16B; Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash
during film rewind); displayed on in Auto exposure modes; Centre-
the LCD panel Weighted Fill-Flash in Manual
Film advance Film automatically advances one exposure mode
frame at approx. 1 sec. when Flash ready-light Without flash: Blinks when using
shutter is released; film advance flash is recommended
stops automatically at end of film With flash: Lights up when built-in
roll flash or Nikon dedicated
Film rewind Automatic by built-in motor at end Speed light is ready to fire; blinks
of fi lm roll ; manual mid-roll rewind after flash shooting to warn of
possible by pressing rewind button insufficient light for correct
Self-timer Electronically controlled; 10- exposure
sec.timer duration Power source 6V lithium battery pack (2CR5 or
Reflex mirror Automatic, instant-return type 0L245 type)
Camera back Hinged back; unchangeable
Accessory shoe Standard ISO-type with hot-shoe
contact, ready- light contact,
monitor contact , TIL flash contact

65
Number of 24-exposure (36-exposure) film rolls per fresh For Date/Time imprinting function (F50D only)
battery> Imprint functions Year/ Month/ Day, Day/ Hour/
Minute, No imprint, Month/ Day/
at 20'C at -1 O'C Year and Day/ MonthlYear are
selectable; 24-hour built-in clock
Without flash 100 (80) 40 (30)
with timing accuracy within ±90
seconds a month at normal
With flash for half
20 (15) 13 (10) temperature
of all exposures
Power source One 3V lithium (CR2025) battery
Battery life Approx. three years'
• May vary depending on extent of data
• For autofocus operation with AF Zoom Nikkor 35-80mm f/4- imprint use and film speed in use .
f/5.6 0 lens covering the full range from infinity to the closest
distance and back to Infinity before each shot, at 1/125 sec.,
or faster shutter speed With fresh battery at normal temperature (20"C).
SpeCifications and design are subject to change without notice.
Dimensions F50: Approx. 149 x 96 x 70mm
(WxHxD) F50o: Approx. 149 x 96 x 71 mm
Weight (without F50: Approx. 580g
battery inside F50o: Approx. 590g (including
camera body) battery for date/time imprint
function)
Optional viewing Rubber Eyecup DK-9
accessory

66
ABOUT THE F50/F50D METERING SYSTEM

The Nikon F501F50D has two types of exposure

metering systems-Matrix Metering and Centre-
Weighted Metering.

o
Matrix Metering Centre-Weighted Metering
With D-type AF Nikkor lenses including AF-S/AF-J Nikkor: When you When you set Manual exposure
set a Program, or Shutter-Priority Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto mode, the camera automatically
exposure mode, 3D Matrix Metering automatically activates. Even in switches to Centre-Weighted
extremely complex lighting situations, the six-segment Matrix Meter Metering. Centre-Weighted
analyzes scene brightness and contrast, automatically adjusting Metering places special emphasis
everything to ensure correct exposure. In addition, the microcomputer on brightness within the 12mm-
built in the D-type AF Nikkor lens sends the information about camera- diameter central area of the
to-subject distance, enabling the camera's microcomputer to perform more viewfinder, and useful to base
precise exposure analysis. exposure on a specific area of the
If non-D-type AF Nikkor lens or Al-P Nikkor lens is used, Advanced scene.
Matrix Metering is activated; although there is no information about
camera-to-subject distance, correct exposure is assured.

67
LCD PANEUVIEWFINDER INDICATIONS

I LCD panel Viewfinder

Shutter Cause and Remedy
Blinking Symbol Blinking Symbol I
c::ril!III Battery is nearing exhaustion. Have a fresh one
Can be released
ready.

Err CJ Locked
Battery is just about exhausted . Turn the power off
and replace battery with new one.

.:.- ,- ,-
a) Film is not correctly positioned . Reload film.
Err Locked b) Battery is exhausted during film rewind. Turn the
power off and replace battery with new one.

.:.- ,- ,-
Non-OX-coded film or film with unacceptable OX
Err Locked code is loaded. Switch to ADVANCED mode and
set film speed manually.

Err 11]]
(PU .:.- ,- ,- Locked
Lens attached has no CPU; or no lens is
attached. Attach AF Nikkor or AI-P lens.
(in P IS IA )
0]] Lens attached has no CPU (see page 58); or no
(F'U Can be released
(in M ).
lens is attached.

Err G) f(,;r, .:,- ,- ,- Locked

Lens is not set to the smallest aperture (largest f-
number) setting. Set lens to the smallest aperture.
Camera detects a malfunction during film advance
Err Locked or film rewind. Turn the camera's power off, and on
again.
68
I Blinking
LCD panel Viewfinder
Shutter Cause and Remedy
Symbol Blinking Symbol I

HI
• Locked
Autofocus is impossible with the subject. Set focus
mode switch to M to focus manually by rotating
the lens focusing ring.

(in P I S I A)
H: Can be released Overexposure may occur.

Lo
(in P I S I A)
Lo Can be released Underexposure may occur.

,-.- -'
U -,
I.!:::::!.I Automatically selected shutter speed is too slow
(in SIMPL mode)
and picture blur may occur. Use a tripod to avoid
Can be released
camera shake, or use built-in TTL flash or Nikon
U
I.!:::::!.I
Shutter speed
indicator Speed light.
(in P IA in ADVANCED mode)

,- ,-
"TIME" is set in Shutter-Priority Auto exposure
TI ME Err C ,- Locked mode. Set another shutter speed, or set exposure
mode to Manual.

~ Can be released
Your subject is too dark. Use the built-in TTL flash
or Nikon Speedlight.
(without flash).

69
I LCD panel Viewfinder
Shutter Cause and Remedy
Blinking Symbol Blinking Symbol I
~ Locked
Light might be insufficient. Confirm shooting
distance and , if necessary, move closer to the
(after flash
subject or select a wider aperture.
shooting)

Err •
TTL
(in P IS)
,-
C ,- ,- Locked
Speed light attached is not set at TIL. Set the
Speedlight's flash mode to TIL. Or, use Aperture-
Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode.

About LCD
• The camera uses a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) of • At temperatures between freezing, the LCD's
the highest quality which, under conditions of response time slows down; it goes back to
normal use, should provide several years of normal when the temperature rises.
reliable operation. After this period, contrast may • As the temperature rises, the LCD turns reddish;
deteriorate and display information may start to as the temperature drops, the LCD turns bluish.
fade. You can have the LCD replaced at a nominal These changes do not affect normal use.
charge by contacting an authorised Nikon dealer
or service facility.

70
In certain cases, due to static electricity or poorly "This digital apparatus does not exceed the
loaded batteries, the camera's microcomputer (Class B) limits for radio noise emissions from
may tum the camera off, even with fresh properly digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
installed battery. For the same reason, film may Regulations of the Canadian Department of
not advanced properly. In each of these cases, to Communications. "
resume operation, simply tum the power OFF,
then tum ON again, or remove battery and install
it again.

Nikon cannot be held responsible for any

malfunction resulting from the use of the camera
other than as specified in this manual.

71
 .
No reproduction in any form of this manual,
in whole or in part (except for brief
quotation in critical articles or reviews) , may
be made without written authorisation from
NIKON CORPORATION.

Nikon

•
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::11
••• •••
•••
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f
NIKON CORPORATION
FUJI BLDG. , 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN
PHONE: 81-3-3214-53 11 TELEX: NIKON J22601 FAX: 81-3-3201 -5856
,
Printed in Japan K8A20011 01 (8392)
 SHORTCUT TO GREAT PICTURES
Nikon F50/F50o SHOOTING IN SIMPLE MODE
Read this Instruction Sheet to learn operate your F50/F50o, please also
how to use your F50/F50o camera in read the F50/F50o Instruction Manual
the SIMPLE mode. booklet, after you have become familiar
For additional information about how to with the SIMPLE mode.

Set/adjust buttons: In
SIMPLE mode, press
to set ~r("\r''''rn Power switch

Shutter release SIMPLE!

button ADVANCED dial

Menu button

I PREPARING THE CAMERA

Make sure the power switch is turned Insert 6-volt lithium battery pack (2CR5
1 off. Attach the AF Nikkor lens. 2 or Duracell DL245 type).

Turn on the power switch and load film. mark and close the camera back. Film auto-
3 Pull the film leader out to the red index matically advances to frame #1 .
I CAMERA SETTINGS

Set lens aperture to minimum Set focus switch to AF position . Set selector dial to SIMPLE.
setting (f/ 22 , f/ 32 , etc .) and lock
the lens aperture .

I TAKING A PICTURE-FOR AGENERAL SUBJECT

Confirm the LCD panel shows ri, indicating the General Purpose Program. Look through the
viewfinder at the subject you wish to photograph, and lightly press the shutter release button;
this activates the autofocus operation and the light meter operation. Confirm the . (in-focus
indicator) and 0 (correct exposure indicator) appear; fu lly depress the shutter release button to
take a picture.

•• •••
••••• •• •••
•• •• •
•• ••
• • ••• • •• •
••
••••
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••••• • ••••
••••
••••••••••••••

I TAKING LANDSCAPE, PORTRAIT AND CLOSE-UP PICTURES

To view t he Program Menu, press the menu
button, then press the button above the
icon to select the desired Program. Take a (b cQDCQD
picture in the same manner as taking a
picture with General Purpose Program.
Once selected, each Program remains in
effect until you select another Program.
[ :I IS ] To select the General
Purpose Program quickly
Just press the menu button for
at least two seconds.

LANDSCAPE PROGRAM

Co ® CQO •
••
••••
• •••
••• •• •••••
••• •••••

1 :I ~n,
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••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••

PORTRAIT PROGRAM

••••• ••
•••••••
•••••••
•••••• • ••
•••••• ••••••
••••
•• •••• •••
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• ••••
••
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••••
•••••• • •••••

CLOSE-UP PROGRAM

• •
••• •••
••• ••• ••
• ••
•••••••••••
...........
•••••••••••
•••••••••••
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•••••••••
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•••• •• ••
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•••• • •••••
I WHILE YOUIRE TAKING PICTURES
Using the Built-In Flash r If a stationary """
subject starts to
The flash can be used move
when the subject is within Remove your finger from
0.6m to 3m when using a the shutter release
film with ISO 100 and the button and lightly press
AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-80 again to restart
mm (/4-(/5.60 lens. autofocus.

If ~ blinks inside the viewfinder, use the built-in flash . Press the flash
lock release button. Lightly press the shutter release button, wait for the
~ to come on in the viewfinder. Confirm the. (in-focus indicator)
appears in the viewfinder, then fully depress the shutter release button .
-If ~ blinks after shooting for a few seconds, this means that the light
might be insufficient. Check shooting distance, and if necessary,
move closer to subject and take a picture with flash again.

Viewfinder information
[c........,.......-
~ :~: i ~
; ....: -"<-- -
H : blinks-Overexposure
possible
[ ~:~ :: ~
;. i i ;
[ ] blinks inside viewfinder and A
blinks in the LCD panel-Picture blur
Use a film with lower ISO, or is possible
use a Nikon Neutral Density The light is probably dim and the
Filter. automatically selected shutter speed is
slow. This can cause picture blur due to
camera shake. Hold the camera steady,
lo blinks-Underexposure or use a tripod . Or, use a built-in flash .
possible
Use the built-in flash. !;.-___
.
S"'...... _ for• blinks-Unacceptable
autofocus
condition

Autofocus requires that the subject

have some contrast or details to focus
o ~H" ~ blinks (without flash)- upon. Make sure the subject conforms .
- - -- - -<..pI Flash recommendation You can 't focus on the sky, a blank
This happens when it's dark. wall , a very shiny surface, a subject
Use the built-in flash . which has no details or contrast.

I WHEN YOUIVE TAKEN A COMPLETE ROLL

To rewind film at mid-roll: Press the

rewind button on the camera bottom .