written by rex asson on 09/07/2008
Given that i carry and use both the Nixon fm2n and the fm3a at all times i find that there is never a situation that i can not walk away from without an excellent and usable image.
written by deerekit on 05/03/2008
The Nikon FM3a is my second Nikon camera; my first was a (Millennium Edition) FM2 which I bought as soon as I realised that the model had been discontinued - so, I bought the added advantage of a collector's-item camera and 50 mm lens with matching serial numbers. I eventually bought the FM3a in preference to an F5 because I wanted to be sure of the camera's ability to operate in all conditions and without power, and because I wanted to use manual rather than auto-focus lenses to make my photographs. I now regard the FM3a as my main body and the FM2 as my second body, although I often use them together to split and share my four fixed focal-length manual lenses (28, 50, 135 and 200 mm). As a journalist who shoots all of his own pictures, as a photo-journalist who sometimes finds himself in rough situations, and as a documentary photographer who values the depth and density and sheer quality of film, I can only say that these two Nikon bodies and their brilliant lenses are probably all that I will ever need (or wish for) in the making of photographs that matter to me, and that I try to make matter to others. I know that the F6 is the last film camera that Nikon will manufacture, but for me the two best mechanical cameras are a better choice: they speak of the purity and seriousness of the craft and vocation of photography, and remind me of its long history. I first picked up a camera more than twenty years ago - it was a Minolta X-700, an ideal camera for learning the basics - and my wish to always be entirely responsible for composition and exposure in the making of a photograph eventually led me towards the Nikon mechanical models with the sharpest and clearest lenses. Unless I one day decide to convert to a Leica MP rangefinder outfit, I will stay with Nikon and its mechanical sense and dependability.
written by Goldbach on 21/01/2008
If you are lucky to get one of these camera's, cannon lover or not, I suggest keeping it long enough to give to the grandkids so they have a nest egg when they put it on the antique road show or some other show where they auction classic items.
written by on 08/01/2008
A fitting companion to the FM2n as the two together , with the appropriate accessories , will meet any and all photographic requirements. No other 35mm camera made by Nikon or anyone else will produce photographs which are technically better . Just point it at the right object/scene .
written by John Chia on 28/03/2006
The Nikon FM3a 35mm SLR is a beautiful classic camera. It's got everything you will ever need from a camera, and it's got aperture priority, which gives it a bit more ease of handling, especially when taking quick candid shots. It uses all the Nikon lenses, except for the DX range, but the best lenses are the old ones. It is also lightweight, uses virtually no batteries (I've had mine for 4 years and have not had to change them). So it is a great travel camera.
written by Perry Munson on 23/01/2006
The Nikon FM3a 35mm SLR camera has been a fabulous replacement for my old Fujica 701, which, incidentally, still works perfectly. I bought it because it may well be the last high-quality manual SLR on this planet. I expect it to last me long enough so that one of you will be able to buy it in great shape when I am gone.
written by Charley. on 19/06/2003
I bought this camera when it first came out, and soon discovered that, like its forbearers, it is an exceptional shooting machine. It's been dropped, taken on a river rafting expedition (everyone else had disposable cameras), used in swamps, blowing sand deserts and extreme temperatures (hot and cold) without incident or problem.
I'd like to add that this camera is perhaps the only SLR available that's still built to older standard. What makes it cost what it does is not on the surface - beepers or blinking lights - but rather it's the materials and construction inside. Instead of the usual cheap plastic gears and transport mechanisms, the FM3a's shutter transport rides on ball bearings. Even the old-fashioned advance lever rotates on ball bearings! What electronics it does have are well protected from shock and heat. And though the hybrid mechanical/electronic shutter is new, it is still an engineering evolution of the long proven and reliable Nikon FE/FE2 and FM2n cameras, rather than an unproven shot in the dark.
My local camera shop these days complains that they must often replace electronic SLR bodies within a month or two after purchase, sometimes more than once, until the customer finally gets a good one. Sometimes the customer drops the camera, which is deadly to many of today's offerings. But sometimes they don't do anything at all to it, and it still malfunctions. They say that happens with all the current SLRs except the Nikon FM3a. They don't sell a lot of this model because people want autofocus, but when they do sell an FM3a, it never, ever comes back.
written by Barry Campfield. on 13/06/2003
Now that I've owned my FM3a for a while now, I've come to enjoy it more than any other camera I've ever owned. It's a true combination of two of the best cameras Nikon ever manufactured, the FM2 and the FE-2. You get the best features of both combined with a handy fill-flash compensation button and DX film coding. With the optional matte B2 screen the viewfinder is extremely bright and easy to focus. I use a diopter correction lens for my eyes and it works great for focusing without having to wear eyeglasses.
Now that some time has passed it's apparent that the naysayers and FM2n defenders were wrong in thinking that the FM3a was somehow inferior to past offerings or grossly overpriced - it's without a doubt equally as reliable a camera, with much more to offer, and prices have come down dramatically these days - $445 U.S. will get you a chrome version and $500 US a black one.
No, it doesn't have metering options, but its center weighted light meter IS extremely accurate and works well for those who know how to use it. And let me reiterate - it works, not like some other well known models/brands where two or three computerized functions are always on the blink!! Let the duffers stick to their matrix automated metering, people who bother to learn photography will have no problem with obtaining brilliant pictures. And, unlike the modern crop of plastic AF junk, the FM3a can be used outdoors in any weather extreme with complete confidence. It's probably the last camera currently made that will still be working away 25 years from now. Sure to be a collectible classic.
written by Stanley Wong. on 27/05/2003
Introduction
The Nikon FM3a is a manual focus camera that has a tough metal body. It has Aperture Priority (AE) mode for situations where you need it. Just like the predecessor, the FM2n, it can work fully mechanically without battery (just that the metering, and hence the AE mode will not work without the battery). It also has a bevy of features you would usually associate with a high-end manual focus camera such as a self-timer (with which you can have mirror lockup), DOF preview button (really useful) and compensation dial.
I purchased the FM3a after many years using various AF SLRs. I wanted to relearn the basics. I also wanted a camera that would work no matter what. For a while I seriously considered the FM2n and the FM3a. I did intensive research into the 2 cameras. But I must honestly say that I have not used the FM2n before.
I have only had the FM3a for 6 months but I have gone through in excess of 20 rolls on it. In comparison, I have used less than 6 rolls on my other 3 camera bodies.
I initially planned to buy an AF Nikon body at a later date and use the FM3a as a backup. But now that I have gotten used to it, I am not too sure. I will probably wait a couple more years and get a digital SLR body instead. I am confident that I will have all I need till then in my FM3a.
FM2n vs. FM3a
What a tough contest. The FM2n is an all time favorite. Built to take a beating and still keep clicking, it has made it reputation by being THE camera you would bring when you needed a camera that you could depend on 100%. Professionals all over the world have at least 1 FM2n body in the bag as a backup to their F90s, F4s and F5s.
But the FM3a is all that and more.
The FM3a offers these little extras:
1/ Aperture Priority (AE) mode.
It is for this feature that purists would demand that the FM3a be renamed FE3a. Never before has the FM range offered a "Program" mode. With AE mode, you can simply select the aperture you need and take the photo. Be fully confident that the correct shutter speed based on the proven center weighted system will be selected.
There are times when this feature makes critical timing shots possible. Being a fully mechanical camera, the FM2n lacks this feature. It is related to the next feature.
2/ Dual shutter system
You work in the manual mode and the shutter speed is mechanically adjusted according to your choice, up to the staggering 1/4000s. This system is used both in the FM2n and the FM3a.
In addition, when you work in AE mode on the FM3a, the shutter speed is adjusted STEPLESSLY. So if the meter decides 1/333s is best, then that is what you will get. Not the next best step of 1/250s or 1/500s. This is also useful in night shots where it is most difficult to judge the timing past 10s. I have used the AE mode in situations requiring more than 30 s exposure with great results. With the FM2n, you would have to judge the timing yourself.
That in itself is an innovation worth mentioning.
3/ The Match Stick metering
I used to have a F401. It had an LED metering that showed "+" if the meter thought that setting would cause the photo to be overexposed. "-" when it decided that the photo would be underexposed. And "o" to show correct exposure. This is common on many Nikon bodies.
I simply hated it. It did not tell me how many stops over or under. I had to fiddle around until "o" was displayed (and sometimes I WANTED to be under/overexposed without playing with the compensation dial). The FM2n uses this system. This was the deciding factor.
The FM3a offers a full information matchstick metering. At one glance I know how many stops I am under or over exposed. I can make instant decisions without fiddling with the speed or aperture dials.
4/ Bright Focusing Screen
The FM3a comes with one of the brightest focusing screen I have ever seen. It is comparable to those add-on super bright focusing screens that you need to fork out loads to buy. I understand that it is the brightest Nikon offers without modification.
In the face of some many other features, this almost becomes a footnote. I guess why it the feature is sometimes left out. But let me tell you, this bright split screen focusing screen will floor you the first time you look it.
If you were planning to use the integrated Depth of Field (DOF) preview button that the FM3a has (I am not sure if the FM2n has one) then this focusing screen will be a blessing to you.
5/ Others
Two features that you would not associate with a manual focus Nikon body would be TTL flash control and DX code reading. Imagine that! The FM3a has both.
With TTL flash control you can use a Nikon speedlight and control the flash output by light measurement through the lens. I never found the need for this feature as my Mecablitz flash is pretty accurate by itself. But hey, it is there if you need it.
DX code reader allows you to pop in a roll of film and the camera will determine how fast (ISO rating) it is by the DX code on the side of the roll. Silly me keep forgetting to change the ISO setting so this feature really comes in handy for me.
Drawbacks
My only gripe is the price and that there is no spot metering.
Nikon has set the price for this camera pretty high. I can probably buy 2 FM2n bodies for the same price as a new FM3a. But you cannot fault the build. The combination of quality and features is fantastic.
With spot metering, this would be an invincible camera. Without it, well, it is simply just a very, very good camera that is super reliable.
Conclusion
So if you are looking for a backup Nikon body, a camera that will not quit on you, a camera to learn (or relearn) all the basics or whatever, the FM3a is the one for you.
Written on: 10/07/2003
Mostly I agree, except with the comments as to price - the FM3a is NOT overpriced on the current market. I don't know if people have been comparing prices of well-used older FM2ns with brand-new FM3a cameras or what, but on ebay the price difference between those two cameras when in mint condition is not that great, and the FM3a gives you a lot more.
Written on: 26/12/2004
If you are travelling to Nepal (where there are many interesting subjects to photograph) this camera can be purchased for about 300 GBP.
written by Garland. on 24/11/2002
Owned an FM3A for about three weeks before I sold it and picked up an F100. I loved the camera's size, features, and capability overall, but could not reconcile the lack of a spot meter. I shoot a great deal of transparency film under difficult conditions and was quickly frustrated with not being able to accurately meter specific distant areas, particularly in landscapes. Alas, I then soon sold the F100 for its battery-hungry disposition, poor film chamber isolation, and plethora of unnecessary features (for my style of shooting) sold my Nikkor lenses as well, the AF Nikkor zooms in particular for their relatively low optical performance and too-abrupt manual focusing (due to the short helicoids needed to acheive fast AF speeds), which is how I tend to use them most. Now using Contax equipment with Zeiss T* primes (28 f/2, 50 f/1.4, 135 f/2.8), a Sigma macro (until I can afford the Zeiss), and a Yashica 80-200 f/4 telezoom, any of which put to shame similar Nikon (or Canon or Minolta, for that matter) offerings. In short, the FM3A is a fine camera for the purist used to working exclusively with 60/40 centerweighted metering. However, overall it's a bit pricey and limited in metering options for the rest of us. Somewhat of a bad miscalculation, I fear, for Nikon. A mint condition FM2(N) would likely prove a far more satisfying and useful purchase for 95% of users, at a substantial savings.
Written on: 11/05/2003
I don't think it's a very fair or balanced review. I feel Garland didn't give his nikon much of a chance, as anyone who would rate a Yashica 80-200mm f/4 zoom over the Nikon AIS 80-200mm f/4 zoom equivalent needs to review his slides again (and yes, i've owned both). If you want clearly better performance than Nikon MF lenses, you're going to need medium format. And that FM3a will be clicking away in a new owner's hands long after Garland's troublesome Contax SLR has quit for the last time!
Written on: 06/03/2004
If this reviewer did own this camera for all of three weeks, he certainly didn't learn how to use it properly. None of the criticisms he has made here are an obstacle to good pictures provided the controls are properly learnt. If you want a spotmeter, buy one, but don't use that as an excuse to criticise a truly excellent machine such as the FM3a!
Written on: 22/06/2003
<p>Finally, I seem to have missed Bob's own review of the FM3A. It's disappointing to think he might not actually have much of his own to say about it, or perhaps can't string together enough cogent, original thoughts to comprise a significant evaluation.</p>
Written on: 22/06/2003
<p>Bob, you seem to miss the distinction I made between AF (autofocus) Nikkor zoom lenses which in my experience have relatively low optical performance compared to AF Canons, MF & AF Zeiss, Leitz, and MF (Manual Focus) Nikkors, and MF Nikkors in general, which in terms of resolution in contrast, in my opinion, are the equal of Zeiss lenses, although in though terms of more subjective criterion such as smoothness of defocused areas, are inferior to both Zeiss and Leitz lenses. And considering that the FM3A is a virtual repackaging of the FE2, with only the hybrid shutter control mechanism and not so much as even a modest restyle to distinguish it, I can't understand the perspective that it's not at least moderately overpriced. The body castings and a great deal, if not all of the mechanicals, after all, have been in existence for more than two decades, and have long since been paid for by the two previous generations of FM cameras.</p>
<br><p>And, duh, it's not hard to imagine I don't particularly like the FM3A for what, in my opinion, are appreciable shortcomings. Otherwise, I'd still own the darned thing. But don't try to cast my review as either contradictory, generally dismissive of Nikon, or unappreciative of the virtues of a high-quality, fully mechanical camera as, in conclusion, I fully endorse the FM2(N) as, again in my opinion, an overall better example of that breed of camera at a much more attractive price. In fact, I also recommend the FM3A as a fine choice for a specific class of photograher, to which the other reviewers clearly belong. Considering that Bob and many of you others can't seem to overemphasize the durability and longevity of the FM design, I'd imagine, despite your apparent affinity for the FM3A, you'd be hard-pressed to deny that at nearly half the cost, a clean, used FM2(N) is clearly the better value.</p>
<br><p>If there are perceived inconsistencies and/or contradictions in my review, they are the result of Bob's apparent lack of proficiency at comprehending what he reads. Or perhaps it is simply a predilection for ignoring details which do not fuel his fervor against dissenting opinions of his obviously beloved FM3A.</p>
Written on: 20/06/2003
A review is only valid if it's sincere. I think Garland sincerely doesn't like the FM3a, but understandably a review is open to skepticism when one expresses diametrically opposed viewpoints. You can't praise Nikon lenses as equal to Zeiss in one review, then announce their inferiority to Zeiss in another without someone wondering why! And Garland is certainly entitled to his opinion on a camera, but others are also entitled to evaluate and comment on it, which is why I decided to comment!
Written on: 20/06/2003
<p>A review, unless it is simply a verification or evaluation of technical specifications, is inherently skewed toward its writer's priorities. The fact that despite it's all-metal construction and all-mechanical shutter, I prefer the Contax Aria (or virtually any other camera, all-electronic or otherwise, with a spot meter, for that matter) is nothing more than a reflection of my own preferences. Likewise, my preference for the optical characteristics of Yashica's 80-200/4 over Nikon's. If you disagree with the priorities which inform my review, fine. Realize this and move on to one which shares your particular sensibilities, for only from that commonality will one find any value. To feel the need to assail another's opinion–which, after all, is what the great majority of these reviews (mine included) amount to–betrays a certain weakness in one's own. And don't presume that just because the majority shares your opinion that it is inherently more "right" as it's a statistical reality that a thing's popularity is more accurately a testament of its mediocrity than its excellence.</p>
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<br><p>Furthermore, if one can't evaluate in three week's time a piece of photographic equipment for its suitability to his or her photographic needs and desires, then that person either hasn't the time for much shooting or lacks the understand basic photographic principles to make the assessment. Personally, I'd rather dedicate the time and energy to acquiring a piece of equipment myself and deciding if it works for me than rely on someone else's opinions. And thanks to eBay, if as in the case of the FM3A the equipment just doesn't "fit" me, I can get rid of it with very little, if any, money lost.</p>
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<br><p>Lastly, though I've often read of myriad, ominous component failures in modern electronic cameras, I can't say that any of the dozen's I've owned over the years have every had a single failure that wasn't due to outright abuse of the type that would threaten even the stoutest of mechanical equipment as well. And, despite most manufacturer's admittedly conservative declarations, LCD screens typically don't die at the five-year mark. Neither does the average fickled consumer doesn't keep a camera body that long. Simple fact is, the quality of your images will be determined more by how well your equipment meets your needs and how proficient you are in using it than whether or not it's electronic or fully manual or any other such triviality.</p>
Written on: 18/06/2003
I don't get this review, unless it's meant only as a means to dump on an otherwise good camera and justify a move to another brand. If the lack of a built-in spotmeter is so crucial to one's needs, why the heck get an FM3a in the first place - presumably the reviewer examined the camera first?
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<br>As to the viewfinder speed display, it's very easy to read, I've never had any trouble seeing the display even over dark objects. Also, the reviewer apparently didn't think to use the AE lock to freeze the speed display, then simply turn the camera to a bright light source or other area of the sky for reading. Pretty simple. The FM3a viewfinder isn't dim by any stretch of the imagination - with the interchangeable B3 screen I can see clearly even with slow telephoto lenses in poor light.
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<br>Furthermore, any review based on only three weeks of use couldn't possibly reveal the FM3a's other huge advantage if you plan to venture out-of-doors - reliable performance and extreme durability. The people who would like the FM3a aren't enamored with the current habit of constantly repairing one's cameras. Overpriced? That's hard to swallow given the current prices demanded for cameras like the Contax. And, is it worth it to you to spend $450-500 and get something that will last and need few or no repairs, or spend the same and get something that needs a $125 repair after a month's use? For myself, I'd much rather have a dependable camera like the FM3a with a meter that works than a shoddily built one with lots of options that doesn't or is always in the shop. If I may point out the obvious, a camera that needs frequent repair isn't out in the field taking photographs. The FM3a is one of the only reliable, all-metal SLRs available new today that isn't loaded with failure-prone CPU processors and LCD displays. Wouldn't that fact alone give it a high ranking for bucking the throw-away trend? Guess what happens when an LCD "Command Center" display dies after 5 years and there's no replacement? That's right, you throw the camera away!!
Written on: 09/06/2003
So Zeiss and Leica occupy 'the rarefied air above' Nikon and others? Man how many times have I heard that. But Garland's review of the F100 seems to indicate a conflict on whether or not this is actually true:
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<br>"However, having experienced an array of Nikkors, I must conclude this reputation is based upon the performance and build quality of the earlier manual focus Nikkors, WHICH INDEED OFFER OPTICAL PERFORMANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ON PAR WITH ZEISS OF GERMANY...I prefer manual focus Nikkor lenses for their precision and performance"
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<br>AND, as to that Yashica 80-200mm, it is SOFT. Even the Yashica users group have no respect for it - check out what two other owners said:
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<br>"I have found that the Yashica 80- 200mm f4 lens is soft at the 200mm end.”
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<br>“Don't touch the Yashica 80-200 ml zoom. I had one years ago. It was my very first zoom and I thought it great until I looked at the results after a summer holiday in Norway very soon after I bought it. It was 'soft' - lovely for contra-jour photos of children playing in hay meadows but no pleasure otherwise”
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<br>As to the reliability of Contax versus other brands, a recent study shows Nikon the most reliable body, with Contax at the very bottom.
Written on: 17/05/2003
To be fair, Bob, I don't torture any of my equipment, despite a decade of nearly constant shooting, and I've never had a modern camera body fail me for any reason. That being said, given the choice between a camera with a better user interface and more metering options, allowing more precise control over exposures and thus greater potential for a higher percentage of properly exposed images, but with possibly less longevity; and a camera likely to last longer, but giving me less metering precision and, consequently, a lower percentage of satisfying images, I'll happily take the body (and system) offering greater control and more metering options. As for the matter of optical quality, int he 35mm format, it's entirely subjective at the level of Canon/Minolta/Nikon, with Leitz and Zeiss occupying the rare air above. With all due respect to Bob's preference of the Nikkor 80-200/4 AIS (which, by the way I also have used quite extensively), I personally do find Yashica's 80-200/4 produces more appealing images.
written by Paul. on 24/05/2002
Nikon FM3a 35mm SLR camera.
Can't say anymore than what I have said in the strong points. It gives you a feeling of power and independence from batteries in that in cannot manage 1/4000 shutter speed completely mechanically.
Again, BUY THIS CAMERA!!
written by malcolm. on 25/04/2002
After years of using more and more advanced AF cameras I have intentionally regressed to this manual Nikon FM3a 35mm SLR camera. Why? Because I never used all those "modes", all those gizmos and add-ons. Taking a photo is so simple. You set the focus, set the exposure and press a button. The important thing is to set the right focus and the right exposure. We have become used to "ultrasonic motors" whizzing focusing rings around - now I have rediscovered my eyes and my fingers. We are used to digital read outs of f-stop and shutter speed. Now I have an analogue meter that shows me comparitive information.
Wow! There was nothing wrong with shooting photos manually. Actually it was more interesting and more fun. And the results are, in general, better!
The FM3a is a superb piece of engineering. Perfect size and weight. It has a build quality similar to a custom built instrument. It should last a very long time indeed.
Written on: 12/09/2003
I agree to Malcolm that there is more fun of taking picture in manual mode. Moreover, it is also a better way to learn and practice photography.
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<br>Nowadays, the automated features are so powerful that taking picture is just a press to the shutter. However, it is not a good way to comprehend photography.
written by Hugh. on 13/04/2002
The Nikon FM3a is a good 35mm SLR camera that could have been better. I'm a nikon fan but I don't go around all rosey-eyed and scorn the competition just because it says nikon on the front. For a start, why no spot-metering? Olympus did it in the mechanical om3 18 years ago.
Good camera if you want to start a manual nikon outfit, but I won't be changing my fm2 and fe2 for it. It's not worth it.
Written on: 18/08/2002
Not really a review here. More like a knock on a good camera because it's not an FM2 or an FE2...and because it doesn't have spot metering. Neither do the FM2 and the FE2. It was obviously posted by someone who's never even held the camera.
Written on: 17/09/2002
"not worth changing my fm2 and fe2 for" is not a bad point. How does it compare with FM2 and FE2? That would be more helpful. Most would probably hang onto their FM2 and FE2 and go out and buy the FM3a and use THAT.
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<br>And there is a good reason why people respect the "Nikon" in the front of the camera.
written by finlay. on 19/03/2002
This Nikon FM3a is a beauty of a camera. Unlike the previous reviewer this is in the FM series not the FE series. It offers mechanical shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/4000 of a second so cannot be considered as fully automatic depending on battery power.It is definitely FM3a in catagory and you can consider the automation as a bonus.After having used autofocus cameras I was getting fed up with the batteries packing in in cold winter conditions and the shutter locking.
I was looking for a camera that offered full manual shutter speed control so that if the batteries failed I could still operate the camera.This camera was the ideal option and nikon produced it.It has everything, build is superb, metering is spot on and the results can match any autofocus gizmo currently on the market.If you cannot afford a leica M6 buy this it is better and the finish is better.
Written on: 10/08/2002
I'm a professional photojournalist and own several Nikon F* cameras. My favourite old warhorse is a venerable, titanium-bodied F3T. I don't own an FM3a, but I have used one on several occasions, and a nice bit of kit it is too.
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<br>To say it's better finished than a Leica M6, is however, complete rubbish.
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<br>I'd part with any piece of my Nikon kit for a reasonable wad of cash but you'd have to prise my M6 out of my cold, dead fingers.
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INTRODUCTION
Nikon FM3a, a design that many assume...
”written by Elson75. on 23/09/2001
INTRODUCTION
Nikon FM3a, a design that many assume will end the 2 decades of existences for the well-accepted FM2 and FM2n. I am not very sure how it will take over the heart of so many strong believer of the FM2n, which include myself.
I am no fan of the FM3a, as I strongly feel it should be registered as a FE3 instead because of the extra electronic control that the FE series provides. In my personal opinion, the inclusion of the Aperture Priority AE into the FM series, which make the discussed FM3a, have change the whole concept of the FM series, which should be fully manual, with no electronic interference. I have no idea why is it in the FM series instead of the FE series.
I do not own a FM3a at the moment, I got to use this camera from a friend of mine who just bought it and want me to test it out. I have done 2 session with him, and I am very please with the capabilities of the FM3a, somehow better than the FE2 than I have. I do not want to compare the body with the FM2n, as I find them very different.
BUILD
Nikon FM3a retains the well like build of the FM2n. It has a die cast body of copper silumin aluminum, making it light, but rugged and durable.
The robust quality of the FM3a will make it suitable with all sort of environmental attacks, which my FM2n survives with praise.
Shutter is similar to all recent design with aluminum alloy curtain that is more reliable.
FOCUSING
Focusing is done with split image, which is very effective, as it is similar to all other design like the FM2 and FE2. Personally, I find such focusing method more reliable than those do in AF bodies, which really rely on your eyesight.
Focusing can be difficult at low light situation, this is the only time you hope she have the infrared beam to assist focusing found in AF bodies.
SPEED
At Manual mode, it has a shutter speed from 1s to 1/4000s, plus bulb, which is similar to that of it's pre-decessor, FM2n. The mode is battery free, which provide some flexibility when the battery is flat. At Auto mode, meaning Aperture Priority AE, it has a stepless shutter speed of 8s to 1/4000s.
A flash sync speed of 1/250s, similar to FM2n, provides good flash capability to the user.
EXPOSURE
The Nikon FM3a provide a 60/40 center weighted metering, which is common to most manual mode Nikon SLR. Definitely it cannot be compared to more powerful and accurate 3D metering systems provided with present days AF bodies, but seasoned photographer will know how to appreciate such metering.
A good difference between the FM3a and the FM2n, but not the FE2, is the provision of the exposure compensation, which can provide +/- 2 stops in 1/3 increments. It is useful when you need it.
OTHER USEFUL FEATURES
The Nikon FM3a provides TTL flash, which is not provided in the earlier FM2n. The capabilities provide better flash usage, which results in better exposure. I am not a frequent user of flash, so I am not sure how critical this function can be. But I guess it will be very useful, since information transmitted is more accurate.
Auto DX film capability is another rare function found on manual camera. The body will automatically recognize the ISO code of the film used, ISO 25-5000, by reading the DX Coding. The only drawbacks is that we cannot confirmed the reading of the camera, since there is no feedback, it is done mainly based on trust. Of course, it can be manually set from ISO 12-6400.
The Nikon FM3a also provide depth of field preview and multiple exposure capability, for user who find them useful.
LENS MOUNT
Nikon have been very loyal to the old outdated F mount, but that actually save many Nikon users thousands of dollars because it can accept both older AI lens to present AF lenses. This is the best flexibility Nikon have provided for the world of Nikon photographer.
DRAWBACKS
The camera do not provide mirror lockup, which is critical for high magnification macro photography. But Nikon claimed that the camera's quick reflex mirror uses a special control gear and wheel mechanism that minimizes mirror bounce. I am not too sure about such mechanical capability, though I am a Mechanical Engineer. I have no faith in claimed mechanical theory, as I still believe the locking up of mirror (with timer activated) is a more foolproof method to eliminate any camera movement due to the flipping of mirror.
SUMMARY
This camera is for anyone who likes to have something like the FE2 and F3HP. If you are after the most pure of mechanical camera, this is not the one for you. A Nikon FM2n will be a better bet. The extra $250 or more paid to get the Nikon FM3a, instead of a FM2n or FE2, is to get the extra flexibility of Aperture Priority AE.
I have no doubts this is a very capable camera, which will slowly gain her own fans around the world as years go by. I am very sure she will buy over the past user of discontinued FE2, but I am not too sure if she can really as intended, replace the legend FM2n. With a price of about $600 in the streets, I would suggest hunting around for a mint F3HP, which in my opinions, is more capable.
Written on: 15/12/2001
The reviewer's comment about mirror lockup not true. FM3A provides mirror lockup with self timer - just like FM2n.
Written on: 28/03/2002
What about the money? Does it take better pictures? for 200-300 bucks more then a used FE2 (my back up body to an F4s M1 Abrahms Tank Camera), I have a hard time justifying buying it, so I won't. With the money saved, you budget for a better lenses. There may be a day coming in 10 years or so where parts availability for the FMs and FEs will be an issue. Then I'll buy used FM3 and upgrade the F4s to a used F5, or maybe I'll be 100% digital.
Written on: 07/03/2002
I speak as the owner/user of the fm2n, the fe2, and the fm3a. The fm3a has every function of both the fm2n and the fe2. The only advantage I can see with the fm2n is that the meter is illuminated although I prefer the fm3a/fe2 style of meter. The reason the fm2n does not have exposure compensation is because it does not have aperture priority.
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<br>Lots of people like the fm2n because it's an fm2n. (a bit like the leica fans supporting certain designs which to many people seem very old fassioned).
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<br>Having aperture priority doesn't mean you have to use it all the time but when you ask someone to take a picture for you it makes the matter a whole lot easier.
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<br>I love all three bodies but the fm3a is the one that I use most (95% of the time)!
Written on: 30/01/2002
Inaccurate to say that FE-2 does not have exposure compensation - it does. Its located under the rewind crank on the left top of the camera on the film speed dial. Also, mirror lockup, though not direct, is achievable by using the self-timer.
Written on: 17/01/2002
fm3a is a fm2n and more ...the reviewers forget to mention that fm3a has all his speeds mechanicals working without batteries ..if fm2n is a legend fm3a must become a better legend because its a complete fm2+fe2 combined ...right now fe2 was considered one of best designed camera and many are looking for a used body (look at the price on the net for a used one and read the reviews on that old camera ...
Written on: 14/01/2002
Very helpful review. Extremely insightful. After reading the
review I made up my mind on which camera to buy.
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114633_Chillgill.'s Response to 107134_Barry Campfield.'s Review
Written on: 10/07/2003
I agree completely. The FM3a is a great camera and it's not overpriced at all. I got mine on ebay for $348! Nikon must be losing money on each one they make.