PhotoGog
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A recent, sudden attack of GAS (coinciding with an influx of funds from a freelance job on the side of my salaried job) saw me purchase the camera that I always wanted since drooling over its specs on the hard copy brochure back in 2001 when I was at art school: yep, a black FM3a. So I got me a mint body from a Japanese seller (where else but in a country where mint means never touched by ... air?) and it arrived in my hot little hands today.
Now, do not get me wrong, I certainly do not have buyers remorse. And yet ... while the ergonomics seem incredible (I have yet to take it for a serious spin and time will be the ultimate judge whether it works for my hands and shooting style), it seems dinky in terms of build ... like a half stop between a Holga and my other gear.
So it has finally dawned on me: I have a weight problem! Or, more like a weight fixation. Which is to say that the three cameras I own all have serious heft to them which I have come to see as normal: Mamiya C330f, Canon F-1 (1971 model), M6 TTL. Each of these starts at about 800g which means they are pushing well over a kilogram with a lens; the Mamiya almost pushing 2kg (or feels like it), not that it bothered me lugging it over a round the world trip 15 years ago.
Admittedly, not only have I never handled a FM3a, I have never handled a Nikon FM series body at all. So I have been surprised by my own rookie mistake: transposing previous experience onto internet images of gear! I am still very happy with the FM3a for what it is, and certainly it will make for a great travel body when weight is a concern, but I now have a new found respect for my trusty F-1 which, for the record, I have always loved and held in high regard.
For a camera 30 years its senior over the FM3A, the F-1 is phenomenal. I prefer the design on both aesthetics and ergonomics; the prism shape atop the body is a supremely more elegant; the extra height and width of the body fits my large hands better, and more imposing as a brick; the almost spot meter is ideal; but more than anything, I adore what I call its Panzer Division quality - built like the proverbial tank! Whereas the FM3a is disappointing especially for its hollow sounding base plate and the plastic (is it plastic?) around the lens mount.
I know, I know, I accept that I should not expect a 21st century body to compete in the metal department against bodies from the peak year of 1971 (including of course the Nikon F2 and whatever Minolta was issuing at the time), but being my first foray into the Nikon system (I cut my teeth on the AE-1 and FD glass my father bought in the late 70s), I just expected more of a Panzer build, especially since Nikon users are always looking down on the Canon mob.
On the plus side, another first should help add weight to my concern: I have also purchased a Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 ZF.2 (eBay, Japan, again) to go with my new body as my first F mount lens, and first Zeiss for that matter. Crunching the numbers, the body (570g) and this lens (330g) should take me up to a chocolate bar short of a kilo ... but still a featherweight when, so I realise now, I am more comfortable driving tanks!
I shall never complain of a sore neck again! And any stray thought I had of downsizing my gear by liquidating the F-1 with glass in order to justify having three 35mm cameras across three systems, has disappeared. The F-1 stays forever. I will simply have to chalk this experience up to an expensive lesson in rediscovering what I have known: the F-1 suits my play hard or go home approach perfectly. Think Battle of Kursk.
The Planar will take about two weeks to arrive. Out of interest, I am dying to know if any RFF members have this set up (the Planar ZF.2 on a FM series body), and if so how the overall balance feels? I can live with the light weight, but will be concerned if I have made an investment in a combo that might not work for me if the Zeiss makes the set up feel especially front weighted.
Again, no remorse (yet!). Thrilled to start shorting with the FM3A. However, I will be more circumspect about buying gear I have never handled in the future.
Maybe I will just fill the Nikon with sand instead of film.
Now, do not get me wrong, I certainly do not have buyers remorse. And yet ... while the ergonomics seem incredible (I have yet to take it for a serious spin and time will be the ultimate judge whether it works for my hands and shooting style), it seems dinky in terms of build ... like a half stop between a Holga and my other gear.
So it has finally dawned on me: I have a weight problem! Or, more like a weight fixation. Which is to say that the three cameras I own all have serious heft to them which I have come to see as normal: Mamiya C330f, Canon F-1 (1971 model), M6 TTL. Each of these starts at about 800g which means they are pushing well over a kilogram with a lens; the Mamiya almost pushing 2kg (or feels like it), not that it bothered me lugging it over a round the world trip 15 years ago.
Admittedly, not only have I never handled a FM3a, I have never handled a Nikon FM series body at all. So I have been surprised by my own rookie mistake: transposing previous experience onto internet images of gear! I am still very happy with the FM3a for what it is, and certainly it will make for a great travel body when weight is a concern, but I now have a new found respect for my trusty F-1 which, for the record, I have always loved and held in high regard.
For a camera 30 years its senior over the FM3A, the F-1 is phenomenal. I prefer the design on both aesthetics and ergonomics; the prism shape atop the body is a supremely more elegant; the extra height and width of the body fits my large hands better, and more imposing as a brick; the almost spot meter is ideal; but more than anything, I adore what I call its Panzer Division quality - built like the proverbial tank! Whereas the FM3a is disappointing especially for its hollow sounding base plate and the plastic (is it plastic?) around the lens mount.
I know, I know, I accept that I should not expect a 21st century body to compete in the metal department against bodies from the peak year of 1971 (including of course the Nikon F2 and whatever Minolta was issuing at the time), but being my first foray into the Nikon system (I cut my teeth on the AE-1 and FD glass my father bought in the late 70s), I just expected more of a Panzer build, especially since Nikon users are always looking down on the Canon mob.
On the plus side, another first should help add weight to my concern: I have also purchased a Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 ZF.2 (eBay, Japan, again) to go with my new body as my first F mount lens, and first Zeiss for that matter. Crunching the numbers, the body (570g) and this lens (330g) should take me up to a chocolate bar short of a kilo ... but still a featherweight when, so I realise now, I am more comfortable driving tanks!
I shall never complain of a sore neck again! And any stray thought I had of downsizing my gear by liquidating the F-1 with glass in order to justify having three 35mm cameras across three systems, has disappeared. The F-1 stays forever. I will simply have to chalk this experience up to an expensive lesson in rediscovering what I have known: the F-1 suits my play hard or go home approach perfectly. Think Battle of Kursk.
The Planar will take about two weeks to arrive. Out of interest, I am dying to know if any RFF members have this set up (the Planar ZF.2 on a FM series body), and if so how the overall balance feels? I can live with the light weight, but will be concerned if I have made an investment in a combo that might not work for me if the Zeiss makes the set up feel especially front weighted.
Again, no remorse (yet!). Thrilled to start shorting with the FM3A. However, I will be more circumspect about buying gear I have never handled in the future.
Maybe I will just fill the Nikon with sand instead of film.
Arbitrarium
Well-known
I have the same prejudice against lightweight cameras. I had wanted a Nikon FE for ages and when I finally got one and took it out, it felt so empty and fragile and just a bit nothingy really. Even my plastic-topped Chinon CE4s feels more substantial. I sold the FE and thereby ended my interest in that particular line of cameras.
Conversely, I'm currently lugging around a Kiev 4a which feels like it's made from scaffolding and weighs a ton. I love it.
Conversely, I'm currently lugging around a Kiev 4a which feels like it's made from scaffolding and weighs a ton. I love it.
presspass
filmshooter
As a photojournalist - yes, I did the photos and wrote the stories - I shot two of the F-1 Canons for years. Both had the MF motor drives - true bricks. Four lenses - 20, 35, 85, and 200. Did everything I needed and most of what I wanted. Sold them in a fit of pique when Canon changed lens mounts. Big mistake.
css9450
Veteran
Have you considered an F2? Its more on par with the Canon F-1. The FM and FE series are smaller, lightweight compacts.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I hold this Canon once, then some young fella on the street asked me how to fix it.
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ktmrider
Well-known
The Nikon FM's and FE's were never meant to be the professional's only cameras. Nikon's professional line were the F's, F2's, F3's etc. The FM and FE were decedents of the Nikkormats which were meant as backups or for much lighter use.
The Canon F1 was marketed as THE Nikon F alternative. Canons like the FT, AE1 etc were the equivalent of the Nikon FM/FE's. Comparing the Nikon FM to a Canon F1 is kind of like comparing a 9mm to a .45. The 9mm is a good social round but for serious business, use a .45.
The Canon F1 was marketed as THE Nikon F alternative. Canons like the FT, AE1 etc were the equivalent of the Nikon FM/FE's. Comparing the Nikon FM to a Canon F1 is kind of like comparing a 9mm to a .45. The 9mm is a good social round but for serious business, use a .45.
stupid leica
i don't shoot rf
The FM3A is a great camera, but it's an entirely different class from the F1 and Nikon F's.
If you like your F1, check out an F2 as has been mentioned above. The original F is classier, but the F2 is the best mechanical Nikon shooter.
Although really, you'd be better served just getting another F1(or New F1N).
If you like your F1, check out an F2 as has been mentioned above. The original F is classier, but the F2 is the best mechanical Nikon shooter.
Although really, you'd be better served just getting another F1(or New F1N).
Timmyjoe
Veteran
Had been shooting a Canon F1n for about six years when I switched over to Nikon for AF in 1996. Started with an N90s with an FM2n as back up. The FM was just too small for my hands, and I hated the sound the shutter made. I found putting an MD-12 on the camera was a huge improvement, and really the only way I'll shoot with it. I find those bodies to be just too small.
Best,
-Tim
Best,
-Tim
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Or then again, for a heavier Pro body, there's the F3, which has the build of the F1/F2 plus the electronic shutter control of the FM/FE series.
Personally, I like the analog exposure needle of my FE2 and FM3a.
Personally, I like the analog exposure needle of my FE2 and FM3a.
leicapixie
Well-known
At present using a FE and it's sort of nice!
Light and feels good, very responsive.
Viewfinder mostly ruined by poor clean by previous owner.
Need another screen, easy as removable.
My F3, F's are more substantial in build BUT,
Steve McCurry used them in all over Middle East and war zones.
The Afghan girl one of the great shots anytime.
I love SLR but use Leica M, when i want simplicity.
Light and feels good, very responsive.
Viewfinder mostly ruined by poor clean by previous owner.
Need another screen, easy as removable.
My F3, F's are more substantial in build BUT,
Steve McCurry used them in all over Middle East and war zones.
The Afghan girl one of the great shots anytime.
I love SLR but use Leica M, when i want simplicity.
Beemermark
Veteran
Weight, you want 35mm weight? Get a Leica SL/SL2
Huss
Veteran
oftheherd
Veteran
I don't have Canon or Nikon. But I do have a Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 for Contax cameras. I like it. It gives great detail and renders everything well. I thought if fit the Contax 139Q I bought with it, and perhaps a little better the Contax 167mt, in the way it carried. If the Nikon mount is like the Contax mount, then I think you will be very happy.
Huss
Veteran
Out to Lunch
Ventor
A bit like a newly wed comparing his new wife with the ex....
I'll take sturdy and light over sturdy and heavy any day of the week.
I have a Nikkormat EL which is the precursor to the Nikon FE2, but it weighs fully 38% more.
Weight has no relation to reliability/longevity if it is engineered correctly, and the Nikons have proven to be so over many decades.
I have a Nikkormat EL which is the precursor to the Nikon FE2, but it weighs fully 38% more.
Weight has no relation to reliability/longevity if it is engineered correctly, and the Nikons have proven to be so over many decades.
vicrattlehead
Newbie
I had the same thought when I opened my minty FE2 from Japan a few years ago. It felt like a toy. If you like heavier cameras, and want another Nikon body- Do yourself a favor and get an F3, F4s or F5. Then you'll get your heft back! : )
I have all of the above and the F4 and F5 are truly fantastic! The F5 in particular can be had for such great prices these days that it's practically sinful how much camera you can get for low $$$. It's a great time to shoot film!
...One more thought, if you like that 'tiny brick' feel you might investigate the Nikon FA. Of all my smaller Nikon bodies, it's my favorite, partially because of the bit of extra heft while still being very small. The matrix meter in the FA is really really good for quicker shooting and it's exposures are always spot on. In fact, the FA and the F4 are the only film bodies that I have back ups of- I enjoy them that much.
I have all of the above and the F4 and F5 are truly fantastic! The F5 in particular can be had for such great prices these days that it's practically sinful how much camera you can get for low $$$. It's a great time to shoot film!
...One more thought, if you like that 'tiny brick' feel you might investigate the Nikon FA. Of all my smaller Nikon bodies, it's my favorite, partially because of the bit of extra heft while still being very small. The matrix meter in the FA is really really good for quicker shooting and it's exposures are always spot on. In fact, the FA and the F4 are the only film bodies that I have back ups of- I enjoy them that much.
Gregm61
Well-known
You just need to have a better understanding of what it is you are buying. The FM3a is no Nikon F2, just like a Canon A1 is no F1.
The FM2, FE2/FM3a are excellent cameras, but expecting them to be more than what they ever were, well, that's not their fault, LOL....
Pick up an MD-12 motor drive for your FM3a if you feel like you need a little more heft. Personally, I think the body size of those models or another mechanical beauty like the Pentax MX, is perfect.
raid
Dad Photographer
When Canon dumped their FD line, I sold off my Nikons and I started buying up FD lenses .
flagellum
Established
I believe the Canon F-1 (though admittedly the F-1N) is the reason why I didn't find my Leica all that amazing as far as build goes. Picking up an F-1N and feeling how dense it is for the first time is one of my favorite camera memories, and definitely helped solidify it as my main camera.