colyn
ישו משיח
Maybe I am missing something but I fail to see why the Nikon FM3a is worth so much that some people are willing to pay upwards of $600 to over $900. As I see it the FE2 has more to offer and it goes for much less.
Granted the FM3a has DX contacts and AE-L but the FE2 has more shutter speeds as well as AE-L.
So can someone enlighten me as to the price difference??
Granted the FM3a has DX contacts and AE-L but the FE2 has more shutter speeds as well as AE-L.
So can someone enlighten me as to the price difference??
Huss
Veteran
What do you mean it has more shutter speeds? FM3A goes from 1/4000 to about 180 seconds (even though the markings only go to 8 seconds).
What the FM3A does have is the hybrid shutter. 1/4000 to 1 sec is mechanical, below that it is electronic.
I do get what you are saying though. In practical use (as long as your batteries don't go dead) they are the same. Difference being you can pick up an Fe2 for under $100, while an FM3A is over $500.
What the FM3A does have is the hybrid shutter. 1/4000 to 1 sec is mechanical, below that it is electronic.
I do get what you are saying though. In practical use (as long as your batteries don't go dead) they are the same. Difference being you can pick up an Fe2 for under $100, while an FM3A is over $500.
kxl
Social Documentary
Age.
Years of manufacture - 1980's (FE2) vs. 2000's (FM3A)
Years of manufacture - 1980's (FE2) vs. 2000's (FM3A)
colyn
ישו משיח
jarski
Veteran
then differences (specs, collectability etc.) are also bigger, than in your original post when comparing just FE2 v FM3a.
kxl
Social Documentary
Except the FE2 is completely reliant on what is now 30-year-old electronics to be completely functional.
colyn
ישו משיח
colyn
ישו משיח
According to the official Nikon specs the FM3a has auto speeds from 8 seconds to 1/4000th and manual speeds from 1 second to 1/4000th. The FE2 has 8 seconds to 1/4000th in both manual and auto speeds so the FE2 does in fact have more speeds than the FM3a. So it seems the only real advantage is the hybrid shutter...
So for me at least there is no real reason to spend hundreds more for the FM3a..and since I don't care for auto neither fit my wants or needs..
kxl
Social Documentary
dave lackey
Veteran
Colyn,
Two excellent cameras that I own. Actually three.
My two FE2s are wonderful to use and aside from the looseness and slightly inaccurate shutter speeds and failing meters on each, I get terrific results even with heavy exposure compensation to help with the meter issues. That said, I WISH I had two MINT FE2s because the FM3a I have is like a brand new camera and with the engineering touches as explained in the Nikon history write-up, it feels like a Swiss watch to use.
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/chronicle/history-fm3a/
Adding to that, it also has the exquisite black 48/2.8 P lens in mint condition and I have yet to blow a shot with that setup. The experience of this rig makes it my favorite fun camera to use in spite of my passion for Leica M bodies and lenses.
So is the FM3a worth more? To me, absolutely!
Only you can decide for yourself but if I could afford a mint Porsche 911 from the same period vs a well used daily driver, I will pick the nicer one everytime because of the feel and joy of using the nicer one.
Two excellent cameras that I own. Actually three.
My two FE2s are wonderful to use and aside from the looseness and slightly inaccurate shutter speeds and failing meters on each, I get terrific results even with heavy exposure compensation to help with the meter issues. That said, I WISH I had two MINT FE2s because the FM3a I have is like a brand new camera and with the engineering touches as explained in the Nikon history write-up, it feels like a Swiss watch to use.
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/chronicle/history-fm3a/
Adding to that, it also has the exquisite black 48/2.8 P lens in mint condition and I have yet to blow a shot with that setup. The experience of this rig makes it my favorite fun camera to use in spite of my passion for Leica M bodies and lenses.
So is the FM3a worth more? To me, absolutely!
Only you can decide for yourself but if I could afford a mint Porsche 911 from the same period vs a well used daily driver, I will pick the nicer one everytime because of the feel and joy of using the nicer one.
dave lackey
Veteran
By the way, what is the heated debate about anyways? :angel:
Is somebody bashing the FE2s somewhere that I haven't noticed? Jeez, neither camera costs a hell of a lot of money these days when compared to all the other cameras out there. So, buy what you want, but more importantly use what you love!!!
I love both, so I use both.
Is somebody bashing the FE2s somewhere that I haven't noticed? Jeez, neither camera costs a hell of a lot of money these days when compared to all the other cameras out there. So, buy what you want, but more importantly use what you love!!!
I love both, so I use both.
colyn
ישו משיח
By the way, what is the heated debate about anyways? :angel:
Is somebody bashing the FE2s somewhere that I haven't noticed? Jeez, neither camera costs a hell of a lot of money these days when compared to all the other cameras out there. So, buy what you want, but more importantly use what you love!!!
I love both, so I use both.
I think the only thing that got bashed was "30 year old electronics"..
If the truth be known I can live without either but I was wondering why such a high price tag on the FM3a not trying to start an argument.
dave lackey
Veteran
I understand...
My FE2s are suffering a bit to be honest but I am keeping them going because I love them so much. Old pair of jeans feel and all of that. But I have no doubt that the FM3A will be working decades longer than those two FE2 bodies I have. But that is a good thing. I can use the FE2 bodies I have with abandon!
I take them to outdoor events with the grandkids and even let them use them. But the FM3A, I lavish with a nice strap, half case, etc. So, I get the best of both worlds.
colyn
ישו משיח
I understand...
My FE2s are suffering a bit to be honest but I am keeping them going because I love them so much. Old pair of jeans feel and all of that. But I have no doubt that the FM3A will be working decades longer than those two FE2 bodies I have. But that is a good thing. I can use the FE2 bodies I have with abandon!
I ended up with a FE2 in trade for another camera. Had to take the FE2 since it was part of the deal but I also got a fully working Nikon F with working and accurate Ftn finder. The FE2 has tested to be properly working and I have run 1 roll through it but for me it just doesn't have a good feel..
Huss
Veteran
Funny thing is an "expensive" FM3a is cheaper than my "cheap" Bessa R3a...
Suddenly the Nikon seems like a screaming deal given that it is built to a much higher standard (coming from an owner of the Bessa)
Suddenly the Nikon seems like a screaming deal given that it is built to a much higher standard (coming from an owner of the Bessa)
Huss
Veteran
But if you actually use an FM3a you will know it meters down to at least 180 secs.
But what does it matter? If you do not see the value in an FM3a then it is not for you. I see it as Nikon's last hurrah, ending the FM/FE series in a blaze of glory.
colyn
ישו משיח
So why are you so upset?? I simply asked a question..
kxl
Social Documentary
The OP asked a simple question... I and others pointed out some possible reasons for price differences, then all of a sudden FE2 owners become defensive about the FE2.
There is no FE2 bashing going on here, certainly not from me. The FE2 was my first Nikon in 1983. A few years ago, I decided to buy an FM3A rather than 2-3 FE2's. Today, I won an FM2N. It's all about what works for me at any given time, which could change due to a variety of factors and circumstances. So I think Dave nailed it... Is the FM3A today worth more ***TO ME*** and the answer, at least today, is absolutely YES.
Is it to you (Colyn)? That's for you to say; if it's not, then that's your call. You asked a simple question. I gave you a simple answer. No need to get defensive because you didn't get the answer that you wanted.
There is no FE2 bashing going on here, certainly not from me. The FE2 was my first Nikon in 1983. A few years ago, I decided to buy an FM3A rather than 2-3 FE2's. Today, I won an FM2N. It's all about what works for me at any given time, which could change due to a variety of factors and circumstances. So I think Dave nailed it... Is the FM3A today worth more ***TO ME*** and the answer, at least today, is absolutely YES.
Is it to you (Colyn)? That's for you to say; if it's not, then that's your call. You asked a simple question. I gave you a simple answer. No need to get defensive because you didn't get the answer that you wanted.
colyn
ישו משיח
And I agree with you nor have I gotten defensive with you. I asked a question because I was truly wondering about the price difference. Most cameras don't have the additional features that would convince me to spend hundreds more especially since I most probably would never use them..
Are you saying I am defensive since I don't have the same like for the FM3a as you do??
Personally I don't care for auto cameras. Instead I prefer manual and I respect others opinions..
dave lackey
Veteran
Well, let's see, the F that Colyn got and the FM2n that Keith got are both manual cameras that I seem to have never owned, although I have used them and always planned to get both! I guess it is like they say, if you are lucky to have one or the other, you are lucky enough!
Sigh...maybe one day I will get one.
Sigh...maybe one day I will get one.