Nikon FM2n and FM3A: GAS attack.

[Pfreddee]

I've been using my FM2n now for several months, and I have been wondering if I am missing anything by not owning an FM3A. Call it FOMO. Am I missing anything, except for AE priority? I use my FM2 for B/W and an occasional roll of Kodak Ektar 100. I *know* that one camera or the other is just dandy for making good photos, but.... What has been your collective experience with either or both of these cameras?

A big thank you to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[Mudman]

You could always invest in a cheap FE2 to get the vibe of the FM3a, and see if you like the auto experience instead of shelling out the extra cash for the FM3a. All three are great cameras.

 

[jpa66]

I have not had any experience with an FM2n. However, I do have an FM3a, which I have to say is the greatest slr of all time 🙂 I love everything about it. It's the camera that is the reason that my rangefinder has sat unused (for the most part) for the past three or four years. I can go into it more when I have more time, if you like.

 

[Pfreddee]

jpa66: Please do!😀

With best regards.

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[Huss]

I use an FE2 (recently aquired) as well as an FM2n and find that about 80% of the time I put it in manual and shoot it like the FM2n!

But it is still nice to have that auto setting. The main thing the FM3a gives u over the FE2 is the hybrid shutter so u don't have to worry about dead batteries ending the party. (yes I know the FE2 has one mechanical speed)

 

[Huss]

I do have an FM3a, which I have to say is the greatest slr of all time 🙂 I love everything about it.

Can't argue with that. I much prefer using my FE2 over my F6, and the FM3a is an improved FE2.

 

[dave lackey]

Stephen,
I have a couple of FE2s now for several years. When I finally paid off my layaway for the FM3a, it was like getting a brand new camera that was exquisite in detail. It felt much different than my well-used FE2s.

IMO. I also feel it is an experience not to be missed. With the 45mm 2.8 P lens and hood, it is a terrific camera. The best film MF SLR for sure!

Life is too short to quibble over a few hundred dollars and miss out on such a wonderful instrument. Take the plunge! Immerse yourself! It sure couldn't hurt!

 

[Huss]

IMO. I also feel it is an experience not to be missed. With the 45mm 2.8 P lens and hood, it is a terrific camera. The best film MF SLR for sure!

It's even better with the Voigtlander 40mm f2. A much sharper lens with superior mechanics. One stop faster, almost the same size and just a little bit wider to make it noticable vs a 50mm lens.

This link is actually one of the few times where KR tested gear instead of "reviewing " it by typing up the mfg's specs and coming up with an opinion..

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/45.htm

 

[Huss]

It felt much different than my well-used FE2s.

Not arguing that the FM3a is better - it is- but how did it feel much different to you? I used one briefly and it looked the same, was the same size, felt the same to me.

 

[Charlie Lemay]

I had an Fm3a and sold it to buy an Fm2n. Just the opposite. I prefer the mechanical feel of the operation of the Fm2n shutter and never used the auto function on th Fm3a. With a Luigi leather case, and a 50mm f1.2 Ai and a Helios 85mm f1.5 that adapted only focuses at close range (within 20 ft.), it is a very nice outfit to change the pace from rangefinders for me. On sunny days, I don't use an incamera meter anyway. I use a form of the Zone System I call ZoneSimple. You can read about it on my website and get free downloads on the process.

 

[jamin-b]

Stephen,
I have a couple of FE2s now for several years. When I finally paid off my layaway for the FM3a, it was like getting a brand new camera that was exquisite in detail. It felt much different than my well-used FE2s.

IMO. I also feel it is an experience not to be missed. With the 45mm 2.8 P lens and hood, it is a terrific camera. The best film MF SLR for sure!

Life is too short to quibble over a few hundred dollars and miss out on such a wonderful instrument. Take the plunge! Immerse yourself! It sure couldn't hurt!

This was my thinking as well. I took the plunge over the summer, with a good deal on eBay (~$425 for very clean camera + the 45mm pancake). I also splurged on a 58mm Nokton and am thrilled with the package (but lusting for the Voigtlander 20mm and 28m,m pancakes...). Even if you don't use all the features all the time, having them all there in one, solid, utterly reliable camera let's you relax and get down to taking pictures. I use the AE comepnsation on auto and manual interchangeably, and the 1/4000 shutter is good in a pinch...

 

[jonmanjiro]

It's even better with the Voigtlander 40mm f2. A much sharper lens with superior mechanics. One stop faster, almost the same size and just a little bit wider to make it noticable vs a 50mm lens.

This link is actually one of the few times where KR tested gear instead of "reviewing " it by typing up the mfg's specs and coming up with an opinion..

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/45.htm

For quite a few years after the lens was released, KR's 45mm Ai-P review was exactly this > "reviewing " it by typing up the mfg's specs and coming up with an (unfavourable) opinion. Thanks to your link I see he finally got around to actually shooting with it and writing up a (still unfavourable) review 🙂

The little 45mm Ai-P doesn't too well in his corner sharpness comparison... hmmmmm true its not the sharpest lens out there. But judging on sharpness alone kinda misses the point with this lens IMO, as it can give a unique 3D-ish look to images that few other F-mount lenses can. But if sharpness is the top priority then the CV 40/2 looks like a great lens.

 

[jamin-b]

For quite a few years after the lens was released, KR's 45mm Ai-P review was exactly this > "reviewing " it by typing up the mfg's specs and coming up with an (unfavourable) opinion. Thanks to your link I see he finally got around to actually shooting with it and writing up a (still unfavourable) review 🙂

The little 45mm Ai-P doesn't too well in his corner sharpness comparison... hmmmmm true its not the sharpest lens out there. But judging on sharpness alone kinda misses the point with this lens IMO, as it can give a unique 3D-ish look to images that few other F-mount lenses can. But if sharpness is the top priority then the CV 40/2 looks like a great lens.

I agree about the 45mm - it has a special rendering that is better than tack sharp. IMHO. More and more I look for the lenses that give the special magic, rather than digital-like clarity...

 

[dave lackey]

Jeez,

http://imaging.nikon.com/history/chronicle/history-fm3a/

Details!

My FM3a is brand new as in Mint ++... My FE2s feel like my 10 year old Levi's. Loose, comfortable and a bit noisy while the FM3a is like jumping in a time machine and buying it over the counter NIB...

Use what you love! The FM3a is just more fun to use for me... and if lenses really matter, well, get what you want.

 

[robert blu]

Many answer with interesting points of view. I shoot not so much film lately but when I need or am in a SLR mood I use my FM2N most of time with an old 50 AIS 1,4 or the 20 AF-D 2,8 from my F100 kit. Really I prefer to shoot the FM2 than the F100 , probably size and weight matters.

It happens me too as well to desire a different Nikon, the F3. But this is not because I think to make better picture with that but simply because of the desire to own it!

As Dave says life is too short, if you can afford it go for it...

robert

 

[kshapero]

I have had them both. I must say that a Nikon FM3a with a CV 40/2 pancake and the iconic Nikkor 105/2.5 AiS is IMHO as good as it gets. Throw in some Ilford XP2 or Tri-X (I know, very different animals). Film camera heaven. P.S. As much as I like the FM3a, these lenses are a dream on any of my, too many, Nikon film bodies.

 

[ray*j*gun]

One of the cameras that I regret selling. I have and use an FE2 now which is very good as noted above but the FM3a was a gem and IMO the best film Nikon made.

 

[jpa66]

Size-wise, it's easy to handle, and it feels really good in my hands. It's super-intuitive to use (for me, anyway), as everything is easy to reach when shooting. Having a shutter that can move up to 4000 is a really nice option to have, also.

Basically, I've never had as much pleasure using a camera as I have the FM3a.

 

[jamin-b]

I have had them both. I must say that a Nikon FM3a with a CV 40/2 pancake and the iconic Nikkor 105/2.5 AiS is IMHO as good as it gets. Throw in some Ilford XP2 or Tri-X (I know, very different animals). Film camera heaven. P.S. As much as I like the FM3a, these lenses are a dream on any of my, too many, Nikon film bodies.

Do you have any of the other Voigtlander Nikon lenses? I am curious as to what you think of the 20mm and 28mm for use with film. Is it worth the extra cost compared with vintage Nikon lenses?

 

[mfogiel]

FM3A is a nice camera - it complements well a Leica with a 35mm if you go out to shoot in a 35/85mm mode for example, or if you want a macro lens. I usually use it with the 60 Macro Elmar or 80 Summilux on Leitax adapters.