Nikon EM, FG & FG-20 - Main Index Page

Nikon Super Compact Bodies - EM, FG & FG-20

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Nikon first introduced the AI-spec (Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing) camera models in 1977. A year later in 1978, an automatic mid-compact body , Nikon FE replaced the bulkier automatic Nikkormat EL series was also introduced. Subsequent year in 1979, Nikon surprised many observers with the introduction of a new family of ultra-compact automatic SLR cameras. Nikon EM was the first model which has only a simple aperture priority AE for exposure control. The product line was followed by a first Nikon programmed AE capable and also a Nikon's first multimode camera body four years later in 1982, referred as the Nikon FG. Two years later in 1984, the third and last of such model in the super compact bodies series, a simplified version of the FG, FG-20 was also introduced.

Most Nikon fans remembered the Series E lenses introduced along with these ultra compact SLR cameras of EM, FG and FG-20 - that must be something wrong somewhere...

Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. Peter Coeln from LEICA Shop®, Austria who also operates a popular Westlicht Auction House. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

These three camera bodies have its own system which built around their smaller physical size than the Nikon FM or FE series models. Some new dedicated accessories which ranging from film advance device(s), focusing aids, a dedicated film back and even came with an entirely new series of light, compact and affordable lenses in Series E to supplement and make these cameras more competitive.

I don't regard these cameras as absolute Classic Nikon bodies. But they do possess its own level of charm and product character. But more importantly, they share a common F-mount that path an economical entry for many new users into the Nikon photographic system and thus deserve a mention here. Those days, every camera introduced was a big event. The last 15 years, with the aid of computer design, more cost efficient automated manufacturing and assembling processes were implemented in the production line, SLR camera models introduced were faster than I was changing girl friends during my 'prime and youthful' days. Although in most cases, they were generally richer in features but compromise point was the lack of a distinguishable product character which the older cameras present and deserve the kind of respect we have in them. Whatever, but I do remembered those memorable days of the EM, FG and FG-20.

| Nikon EM, 1979 | | Nikon FG, 1982 | | Nikon FG20, 1984 |

Specifications : Nikon EM, Nikon FG, Nikon FG-20
Additional info available on : MD-14 | MD-E | SB-15 | SB-E | MF-15 Databack

| Nikon Series E Lenses | Nikkor Resources |

| Message Board | for your favourite Nikon SLR models Questions, issues & Answer(s)
| Message Board | for your Nikon Optics in a shared environment
| Message Board | Specifically for Dispose or Looking for Nikon/Nikkor Photographic Equipment

| Back | to Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

The Eyes of Nikon:-
Nippon Kogaku KK Rangefinder RF-Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses- Main Index Page

Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm 28mm 35mm |
Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm 105mm 135mm 180mm & 200mm |
Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm 75~150mm 70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm |
35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm |
100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat |
Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models

MIR Supports for Photographic Community: Various Message Boards/Community Forums
Nikon F-series| Nikon F2-series| Nikon F3-series| Nikon F4-series| Nikon F5-series|Nikkormat/Nikomat-series
Nikon FM-series|Nikon FE-series|Nikon FA|Nikon Digital SLR series|Various Nikon Models|Nikkor Optic -shared

Others:- Free Trade Zone - Photography| Free Trade Zone - Business Community |Free To Zouk - Photographic Community
Apple's Mac Public Community Message Board | Windows based PC & Apple/Mac Public Community Trade Exchange Centre

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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Credit: My nephew, EeWynwho has helped to convert the Owner's Manual of Nikon EM into HTML format. Also to a smart friend of mine who has just spent US60-00 for a EM body. A contributing site to a long lost friend on the Net. Made witha PowerMac