Got the FM3a !

Nikon Bob said:
Very fine camera to have. I found the easiest way to load my FM2n, the FM3a should be similar, was to insert the film leader into the slot in the take up spool, put the film cassette into place, wind on partially till the take up sprockets engage the film top and bottom, back wind the film cassette to remove any slack and then close the back. When you wind on you will notice the rewind lever turning so you know that you are advancing the film. Sounds long winded but it is actually fast to do. Have fun.

Bob
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Perfect description on how to do it right. And I was laughing to myself because I immediately thought of the trials and errors of loading my M6 when I first got it. Anyway, the important step here is to pull the canister to the left after putting the leader tongue into the groove of the take-up "spool". This helps to eliminate the possibility of damaging the shutter curtain, which is a stronger possibility if you do it the way I used to: plopping the canister in, then pulling the film over to the take-up spool. Like Bob said, it's very easy in practice--with practice!
 
CK Dexter Haven said:
Congratulations.
I'm surprised to read that the camera is loud. My FE2 isn't, by any means.
Have you checked the mirror bumper foam? Maybe that needs to be replaced and that might contribute to 'softening' the impact a bit? Check, also, the foam around the seals in the film door.
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My FM2n is louder than my old FE, and my FE's film advance mechanism feels smoother. But the FM has an overall superior feel that I can't quite articulate, perhaps better fit 'n' finish. But, yeah, the FM is loud!
 
Riverman said:
I picked up an FM3a two weeks ago together with the Nikon 50mm f1.2.
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Solid combination! I just love my 50/1.2 (newer version). Seems to be at its best from 1-10 meters at f/1.4-f/4. That's a wild internet guesstimation, based on my own experience and shooting/developing/printing methods.
😛

It's true love, though, and I use it more than any other 35mm lens I own, and I get more "keepers" than any other lens, with the 135/2.8 Ai-S a semi-distant second place.
 
Ok guys with the several hints (Chris with the lever and someone else to set 1/4000s with the lens facing the light) you gave me now I took only 1 min to load the camera and it worked immediately. Ilford Delta 3200 escorted me during this WORK DAY (what a shame) and then tonight at the beer festival.. looking forward to see results within the end of next week...
 
A (hopefully good) update.
That neighbour I told you earlier said he would be available to trade his like-new 200 F/4 AIS for my used F80, because he has also two af lenses (24 and 50) and he could give them to the daughter going to Russia soon. He bought it many years ago but never used it. (Now let's hope he won't change his mind!)

It would be nice to pair it with the FM3a while waiting for the Voigtlander 40 mm... (I'd prefer to keep the 50 over my F6 and be a bit lighter on the FM3a)

By the way also the 3rd roll went on it smoothly by following your advices, thanks !
 
italy74 said:
A

It would be nice to pair it with the FM3a while waiting for the Voigtlander 40 mm... (I'd prefer to keep the 50 over my F6 and be a bit lighter on the FM3a)
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Here what your new rig will look like:

3650455762_535840bf1e.jpg
 
yum yum.. yes, someone had posted it a few days ago.. 🙂 🙂 🙂 If I hadn't this evily home loan to pay... it would have already been mine since the first day I got the FM3a !
 
The 40/2 is a full stop faster and a bit wider than the 45/2.8. It's smaller than the 35/2 which is important.

I went with CV SL IIs because of the lack of MF Nikkors that had electronic contacts for the lenses/sizes I wanted.

B2 (;->
 
Prosaic said:
So many great manual Nikkors around, I see no reason to buy Voigtlander. (Now rangefinders are a different story... Or maybe if there was a 35/1.2 for Nikon F.)
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As another said the CV lens is far more advanced than almost all Nikon MF lenses. When I pop this lens on my D200 it recognized it right away. It is small, fast and very sharp. Having said that I would never give up on all my fine Nikon MF lenses.
 
Some recent shots from my newly acquired FM3A
 

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novum said:
I just love my 50/1.2 (newer version). Seems to be at its best from 1-10 meters at f/1.4-f/4.
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I agree. The 50/1.2 is a brilliant lens on an FM3A! Super bright viewfinder!

This shot below was taken with an FM3A and 50/1.2 (2006 onward batch) on Fuji Superia 1600. Taken at f2 and 1/30 (manually set so the bright lights didn't trick the meter). The only catch with the FM3A compared to an RF is that people do hear the shutter fire, which makes stealth shooting a little difficult.

Dinner at street stall - Luang Prabang, Laos

 
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