Nikon launched the FG in 1982 to replace the EM, and it's the smallest full-featured 35mm SLR Nikon ever made. It was the first Nikon SLR with a program mode, and the first to control flash through the lens from a standard hot shoe, using a light cell at the base of the mirror box. You get program, aperture priority and full manual, with speeds from 1 s to 1/1000 s that run stepless in the auto modes. Flash syncs at 1/90 s, and that speed is mechanical, so M90 and B still work with no battery. Under the polycarbonate covers is an aluminium alloy chassis. It only lasted until 1984, when the cut-down FG-20 took its place.
The variants
The FG replaced the EM and was in turn replaced by the FG-20, a simpler body without program mode or TTL flash.
The FG has known reliability problems with its shutter parts and integrated circuits. There's no off switch, and the finder doesn't show the aperture.
Buying guide
We'd buy the FG titled tested with a Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8 pancake at $133 delivered, or the chrome body titled tested and working at $101 if you already have an AI, AI-S or Series E lens. There are at least 200 for sale, nearly all from US sellers, and most ask $110–180 delivered, with zoom and flash bundles making up the top. The shutter is electronically timed, so it needs its two LR44 or SR44 cells (or one 3 V lithium) for P, A and every manual speed except M90 and B, which fire without them. The FG has a record of shutter and circuit failures, so ask for a video firing in P, A and M with a fresh battery, plus one shot at M90 with the battery out. Skip the zero-feedback seller's 50mm kit, and treat the $25 parts auction as a donor body.
$59.99delivered
The lowest delivered FG that isn't sold for parts, a chrome body with free shipping at $60. There's no test claim, and the shutter and circuits are this camera's known weak spots, so ask for a video firing in P, A and M with fresh cells.
Nikon FG 35mm Film SLR Camera Body, Chrome (Camera Made in Japan)
$100.86est. delivered
A chrome body titled tested and working at $101 delivered, under the band, from a 100% seller. It's body only, so budget for an AI, AI-S or Series E lens, since non-AI lenses don't fit.
Nikon FG 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Chrome - Tested & Working - SN 8472786
![Nikon FG 35mm Film Camera + Nikon 50mm f1.8 Series E Pancake, TESTED[Mint] #1183](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1~wAAeSwdbRqyso1/s-l500.jpg)
$133.17est. delivered
Titled tested, with Nikon's Series E 50mm f/1.8 pancake, at $133 delivered, under the $145 median. Mint is the seller's own grade, so ask for a flashlight photo through the lens to check for haze.
Nikon FG 35mm Film Camera + Nikon 50mm f1.8 Series E Pancake, TESTED[Mint] #1183
$24.69est. delivered
A body titled parts, in a no-bid auction at $25 delivered when we looked. We'd stop near $40 delivered, where the fixed-price parts bodies here start.
Nikon FG 35mm Film Camera Body, flash, Black and silver (CAMERA BODY ONLY) PARTS
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$59.99delivered
$59.99 · free shipping
Buy It Now$59.99
Good buy
Chrome body only. No test claims.
Seller: thecameraoutlet
99.7% positive
Used$100.86est. delivered
$78.75 + $22.11 shipping
Buy It Now$78.75
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Chrome body only, titled tested and working.
Seller: geordidog
100% positive
Used$133.17est. delivered
$125.00 + $8.17 shipping
Buy It Now$125.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Titled tested, with a Series E 50mm f/1.8 pancake. Mint is the seller's grade.
Seller: alserge.dct2
99.5% positive
For parts$24.69est. delivered
$15.00 + $9.69 shipping
Auction · no bids yet · ends in 3d 9h
Project piece
Titled parts, body only. No bids when we looked.
Seller: gofast07
100% positive
Used$159.46est. delivered
$145.00 + $14.46 shipping
Buy It Now$145.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
With a Series E 36-72mm zoom. No test claim.
Seller: onehotproptart
100% positive
Serviced$227.49est. delivered
$142.49 + $85.00 shipping
Buy It Now$142.49
Our take
Silver body, titled CLA'd, from Japan. $85 of it is shipping.
Seller: hitonaga-0
100% positive
Used$255.65est. delivered
$240.00 + $15.65 shipping
Buy It Now$240.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
With an SD-18 flash, Kiron 30-80mm, bag and manuals. Titled new batteries, not tested.
Seller: hugo5178
99.9% positive
Used$157.07est. delivered
$149.00 + $8.07 shipping
Buy It Now$149.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Zero-feedback seller. Kit with a Nikkor f/1.8, strap and cap.
Seller: sweetjanesellsthings
No feedback yet
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