ptpdprinter
Veteran
So much camera round robin.
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
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raid
Dad Photographer
I used 2 F1N and 2 T90 cameras. Amazing cameras indeed.
zuiko85
Veteran
My "dream" was owning a Leica M. Fondled them occasionally, finally near retirement bought a M4-2 and a couple of CV lenses. (CV lenses made ownership of a M possible, a used body is a minor money consideration compared to trying to afford Leica lenses.)
Unfortunately, the having was not so pleasant as the wanting. My 30 year OM habit had firmly fixed a preference for TTL viewing and focusing, I never could warm up to viewing the world through a VF, even the excellent Leica VF. Solid chunk of camera though.
Unfortunately, the having was not so pleasant as the wanting. My 30 year OM habit had firmly fixed a preference for TTL viewing and focusing, I never could warm up to viewing the world through a VF, even the excellent Leica VF. Solid chunk of camera though.
wjlapier
Well-known
Same issue here as well. It was a while back I purchased a FM3a and upon receiving it I wondered why is was so expensive and what was the fuss over. Light weight, kinda harsh feeling actually. I quickly sold it. I've owned the Canon F1 and I have to admit I find it too big, but I like the heft. Owned many Leicas and I really like the way they feel. Loved the M7. Recently, I came across a Leica R-E and then a R6. Just the right amount of heft for me, and not small or too big.
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PhotoGog
Guest
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
Funny you should say that since I am presently in the middle of a divorce. Hence, this acquisition is much needed retail therapy.
Funny you should say that since I am presently in the middle of a divorce. Hence, this acquisition is much needed retail therapy.
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PhotoGog
Guest
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
True, I had the same experience. While I did shoot a M4-P on loan for a few years many years ago, I only acquired my M6TTL last year. And likewise, heft for heft I remain more impressed by the F-1s beastly build. If I threw both out of my third floor apartment window, my money would be in the F-1 to survive. What this has to do with creating pictures ...? Absolutely nothing! But that is why we are on this forum - because we enjoy contemplating such things I suppose.
True, I had the same experience. While I did shoot a M4-P on loan for a few years many years ago, I only acquired my M6TTL last year. And likewise, heft for heft I remain more impressed by the F-1s beastly build. If I threw both out of my third floor apartment window, my money would be in the F-1 to survive. What this has to do with creating pictures ...? Absolutely nothing! But that is why we are on this forum - because we enjoy contemplating such things I suppose.
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PhotoGog
Guest
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PhotoGog
Guest
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
Yeah, considered it. And in response to other posts, while new to the Nikon system as an owner, of course I was well aware of the vast difference between the pro line of Fs and the lighter build of FM series, just as I am well expert in the difference between the F-1 and, say, the AE-1. But the latter system certainly seems like less of a chasm between the two, which is to say that the FM3a feels significantly more lightweight (and delicate and fragile even if is not) than the AE-1, even though we all know the latter is made of molded plastic. The AE-1s baseplate is certainly more dense than the FM3a. Hand in hand, the AE-1 is more of a brick than the FM3a even though we all know which is the superior camera in terms of specs.
Anyway, apologies if this all sounds like a drawn out whinge. I do appreciate the qualities of both and having a lighter camera for a change will, I have very confidence, prove a blessing in disguise for a guy with a so-called weight problem. In addition, the two principle specs that made we want to get the FM3a where two things that none of my other mechanical shutter bodies offer and which I really desire: first, a decent match needle readout that displays actual shutter speed and aperture figures. After a year of trying to accept it, the LEDs of the M6TTL are so woeful and distracting (chasing lights instead of thinking about exposure) that I have reverted to not loading a battery in it and relearning Sunny 16 like I used to do very successfully even in low light with the M4-P back in art school days. Second, and very important, I desired the opportunity to have an aperture priority mode (but on a mechanical beast) for those moments when I need it rattle of shots quickly or risk missing the action. Here I specifically mean taking photos of my 4 year old son who is mostly bouncing off walls! The Leica has proved woeful at using to shoot kids - something you all now doubt already know.
Thanks again for listening and humouring me.
Yeah, considered it. And in response to other posts, while new to the Nikon system as an owner, of course I was well aware of the vast difference between the pro line of Fs and the lighter build of FM series, just as I am well expert in the difference between the F-1 and, say, the AE-1. But the latter system certainly seems like less of a chasm between the two, which is to say that the FM3a feels significantly more lightweight (and delicate and fragile even if is not) than the AE-1, even though we all know the latter is made of molded plastic. The AE-1s baseplate is certainly more dense than the FM3a. Hand in hand, the AE-1 is more of a brick than the FM3a even though we all know which is the superior camera in terms of specs.
Anyway, apologies if this all sounds like a drawn out whinge. I do appreciate the qualities of both and having a lighter camera for a change will, I have very confidence, prove a blessing in disguise for a guy with a so-called weight problem. In addition, the two principle specs that made we want to get the FM3a where two things that none of my other mechanical shutter bodies offer and which I really desire: first, a decent match needle readout that displays actual shutter speed and aperture figures. After a year of trying to accept it, the LEDs of the M6TTL are so woeful and distracting (chasing lights instead of thinking about exposure) that I have reverted to not loading a battery in it and relearning Sunny 16 like I used to do very successfully even in low light with the M4-P back in art school days. Second, and very important, I desired the opportunity to have an aperture priority mode (but on a mechanical beast) for those moments when I need it rattle of shots quickly or risk missing the action. Here I specifically mean taking photos of my 4 year old son who is mostly bouncing off walls! The Leica has proved woeful at using to shoot kids - something you all now doubt already know.
Thanks again for listening and humouring me.
BillBingham2
Registered User
While I loved my Leica Ms, there was something about the feeling of a Nikon S2 in my hands that just clicked. The angles are like my Nikkormats and old F, it just felt right.
I had a couple of FMs for a bit, sold them to fund my M4-P some years back. Best move I ever made, while that entire series (FM, FE, FA) seem to be sturdier than I ever expected, should have stuck with a single FTn than two FMs.
B2 (;->
I had a couple of FMs for a bit, sold them to fund my M4-P some years back. Best move I ever made, while that entire series (FM, FE, FA) seem to be sturdier than I ever expected, should have stuck with a single FTn than two FMs.
B2 (;->
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PhotoGog
Guest
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
Smart move. I used to have a great line up of FD glass but sadly sold off a few for much needed cash when I was living hand to mouth in my 20s. Now only have 35/2.8, 50/1.4, 135/2.8. But this kit is all I need for the F-1 and serves me well.
Smart move. I used to have a great line up of FD glass but sadly sold off a few for much needed cash when I was living hand to mouth in my 20s. Now only have 35/2.8, 50/1.4, 135/2.8. But this kit is all I need for the F-1 and serves me well.
p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
It doesn't. It sounds more like someone who was disillusioned. As a teenager I had a great administration for the Dynax 9xi - it was on every issue of photographic magazine I bought - but when, years later I got my hands on one I was just disillusioned. Great camera and worked well but nowhere near as fantastic I imagined it to be. Oh well, moved to Nikon F5 since... 😀
raid
Dad Photographer
My basic FD set for many years was built around 24/2.8, 28-50/3.5, 80-200/4.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
This reflects my experience of the FM3A perfectly. Driven by it's specs and reputation I sought one out (also black) and waited eagerly for it to arrive expecting to finally own the perfect SLR. It turned out to be a disappointment ... it felt light and tinny and I found the clacky copal shutter to be every bit as disappointing as the rest of the camera. Could I fault any function of the FM3A ... of course not because what is there to find fault with after all?
What it did do is give me a healthy respect for my OM1 and the way that particular SLR makes me feel ... and that specs and reputation aren't worth a jot if the camera in your hand doesn't feel right for you. 🙂
What it did do is give me a healthy respect for my OM1 and the way that particular SLR makes me feel ... and that specs and reputation aren't worth a jot if the camera in your hand doesn't feel right for you. 🙂
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PhotoGog
Guest
New found respect for Canon F-1 now that I bought FM3a
I have promised myself I will use the FM3a for a year, including an upcoming trip in Bangladesh, and reassess how I feel then. Hell, once my divorce settlement goes through I may find I do not own it at all!
I have promised myself I will use the FM3a for a year, including an upcoming trip in Bangladesh, and reassess how I feel then. Hell, once my divorce settlement goes through I may find I do not own it at all!
Huss
Veteran
I've used an Fm3A and thought that it felt (and looked) almost identical to my FE2. But cost 4 times as much. And had the way less cool modern Nikon logo on the prism.
emraphoto
Veteran
I'd take the meter in the FM3A over pretty much anything
jszokoli
Well-known
It's funny I started with Canon in the 80's and worked may way up to a F1N. Then Canon brought out the EOS mount, and I had the exact opposite reaction as Raid, disgusted that my system was at a dead end I put my Canon stuff on the shelf. When the Voigtlander stuff came out I went down the rangefinder rabbit hole. 5-6 years ago Calzone let me play with his F3 at the New York meet-up and thanks to KEH I had my own F3. I loved that I could then move on to the digital and auto focus world seamlessly. However when ever I pick up my old F1N I realize that in functionality it crushed it's Nikon counterparts. It's solid, with both aperture, shutter priority, and match needle metering, and that I must say I really miss.
Joe
(And another vote for the F2 it's my favorite film Nikon SLR)
Joe
(And another vote for the F2 it's my favorite film Nikon SLR)
Huss
Veteran
How's it different to the one in the FE2?
emraphoto
Veteran
Wasn't sure FE2 was part of OP's post? But now you've asked I don't think much meter wise. Operationally there are significant differences and again,FM3a
peterm1
Veteran
I have always had a deep respect for the Canon f1. I once owned the early version of this camera and thought it to be thoroughly professional, with all of the heft and build quality and rugged Marlboro Man good looks of the Nikon F. The new versions are technically better I suppose but I just loved the old one which was beautiful to look at hold and use. I had too many bodies and eventually sold it to finance something or other but I still miss it. I have not owned any of Canon's or NIkon's later and lighter consumer/ prosumer cameras always preferring the heavy older ones. The exceptions to this were a couple of Canon FL mount bodies and a Nikkormat Ftn. I appreciated the latter for its old world feel and solidity (a worthy downgrade from the Nikon F) but was not really all that impressed by Canon's offerings in this regard. I did and do however still enjoy their FL lenses and early and heavy FD lenses. I would not say Nikon or Canon's consumer grade cameras were poor. It is just that the Nikon F and Canon F1 were both so damn good.
