Price for a new Nikon FM3A?

astroman

astroman

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Nov 23, 2007
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Hi All
I seen a new yes new Nikon FM3A for sale
And need some opinions on what its worth

Thanks!
 
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I would also ask over at Nikonians. I'm sorry to say I have no good idea, though I have seen a number of them pass through here over the past year.

Great camera, good luck.

B2 (;->
 
I think that a new FM3a is selling or was selling for nearly what they were when introduced and decent used ones are/were going for what Nikon sold them for on close out specials. They are very nice cameras but personally I would not pay the premium prices I have seen of late. A good user FM2n is a far better deal price wise IMHO.

Bob
 
If you must have one new, who knows.

$2,500 is insane and only someone with way too much money on their hands would buy it for that. Same kind that uses $100 bills to light cigars.

My new in the box Black Nikon FM was $250 when I bought it 15 years after it was out of production. Back room find at a camera shop.

I would not pay more than $600 for a new FM3A, and would get a Mint Nikon F3HP in the box instead. That is what I did...
 
It's odd how quickly the prices go up. In 2006 they were selling these off for £350 with the 45/2.8 lens... It was the same time that I bought a new F80 for £100 (which is worth nothing now).
 
Ffordes.com have some "Mint-" used chrome ones in for £349...
They're still pricy compared to other manual SLRs...
 
On Nikonians there was one in Canada recently for $500 "like new with box and manual".
 
Hi guys
no idea for outside Europe but here in Italy they go (body only) for 400 - 550 € (thus, make your calculation in local value) depending on the condition (always used, at best LNIB) and the shop. Actually, I had the luck to get mine for 350 € from someone who didnt use it and want to get some money. I think the chrome one is somehow more desired, especially if paired with the silver 45 F/2.8P, but I might be wrong here. Actually, if you're thinking about an alternative choice, please consider also the Voigtlander 40/2 which is roughly as expensive as the Nikkor 45 F/2.8 but offers a whole stop advantage.
I had the luck to get the whole combo for around 600€ all included (so I paid the Ultron MUCH less than its actual price, always around 400 € or so)

p.s. Don't even compare the silent Zeiss shutter with the funny and clumsier "clock" of the FM3a... but enjoy it equally as something really personal.
 
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I'm not about to stomp on Holy Nikon....rather about new old stock. Recently I bought new, never used, boxed Ricoh SLR - to make a gift. In fact, gift is only thing I can figure out of it. For me it's too new, too shiny, and it smells like....new camera. Doesn't work for me!

Aside from aesthetical aspect, I realized this only later, I were lucky that it haven't gummed up from sitting without any use. For so inexpensive gear it wouldn't be problem, though when paying extra for "Wow! it's new!!" factor for camera like this Nikon, considering adding extra for potential CLA to get it running properly screams buyer should love that model a lot. Truly, simply love it.

But that's just me, nevermind :)
 
I have an FM3a. Would never part with it. $2500, though, is a ridiculous price. That's for a collector version. User versions, even in near mint condition are much much cheaper. Check eBay. It's a fine camera. You won't regret the purchase.

/T
 
I've been eying them myself - you guys (and this thread) is not helping my gear lust..

cheers,
Dave
 
Nikon FM3a

Nikon FM3a

The FM3a is a camera that I had always wanted to get to replace my FA and I bought a Black one about 4-5 months ago. The seller refused to classify it as mint in case I found something wrong with it which I didn't. Having bought new Nikon bodies previously I new what to expect and I would say that the FM3a I purchased was in brand spanking new condition, fully boxed with all papers etc. The previous owner admitted to having used it but there was absolutely no sign of this. if I had not known that it was previously owned I would have said it was new.
I have obviously stopped watching auction sites and second hand dealers but prior to buying mine my view was that in less than mint condition Black commanded a 5 - 10% premium over Silver. In the UK you would expect to pay £325 - £350 for a mint example in Black with the original box and papers.
As Dino mentioned the shutter noise is different - in fact different from any other Nikon that I own or have owned. Having been used to a Leica M2 for some time now its positively loud and I don't know if it is because of the hybrid shutter arrangement. The other point that I would make is that they have gone from LED's in the previous FM range to a match needle system however in low light conditions it is very difficult to use and I tend to put it on to Aperture Priority to get over that problem.
Would I do it over again? - Yes, I bought this as my FA is getting too long in the tooth and I wanted to retain a smaller form manual Nikon for my AIS lenses without getting into the larger bodied F3, F4, F5 range.
Regards

Harry
 
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