Nikon FM3a Auto Focus ?

[sevo]

I wonder if in a similar manner that lens from the Nikon F3 could do.

No - the F3AF was a in-camera AF system - the AF sensors and computer were installed in its oversize finder, the motors were in the lens (only a 80mm and 200mm were ever made), but it required a special body that did have a set of extra contacts and wiring between the finder base and lens mount (and could communicate events like release press to the finder). IIRC the lenses do still fit the F4 (and perhaps even some of the later single digit Nikon pro bodies), but they were just dumb motorized lenses.

There were a few self contained Nikon AI mount AF lenses from third party vendors, which followed the Canon/Pentax example. Most notably a Vivitar, but by the late eighties even some mail order house brands had them (to be sold in kit with the remaining inventory of non-AF cameras). As all these lenses do not communicate with the camera body, you have to press some button on them to make them focus - so they are not much easier to handle with one hand than a manual focus lens.

 

[Woody 63]

Thank you all very much for you help and advice. I had only wished to buy an FM3a, I already have a Nikon F5 and also a Nikon F6, so I would not wish to buy an F4.
I have had a Contax G2 , which I did not get on with, as being a rangefinder camera, I found it very difficult to hold with my left hand without a grip.

I also have a Rolleiflex 3.5f Xenotar also Yashica mat 124g, which I am able to use fairly easily.
As I have several Nikon auto focus lenses, I did not want to change to another make of camera. I am more than happy with my F5 and F6, but just wanted a more classic Nikon film camera.

I think I will still go for a FM3a, as far as holding / grip I could add a MD-12 motor drive.
Thank you all very much again for all your knowledgeable help and advice.

 

[GarageBoy]

Minolta 9000 is the only "classic" looking SLR with AF

 

[Mudman]

Woody if you do get the FM3a and plan on using your AF lenses, consider getting a DOF calculator app for your phone. That way you can figure out the hyperfocal settings for the lenses as long as they have a distance scale. As much as I love my Nikon gear, the DOF scales even on the MF lenses aren't up to par with what I get with my german/swiss cameras.

 

[Woody 63]

Well, i decided to take the plunge. I have bought a chrome FM3a, which has just had CLA, it is in i would say mint condition.It also came with MD-12 motor drive, MF-16 data back, 50mm 1.8 Nikkor lens, hoya filter original instruction manual and plastic base cover and strap.

I am very pleased with it, works perfectly,no marks dents or scratches anywhere.
Have loaded the motor drive with eight batteries, although the camera and data back are working fine, i have ordered new batteries for them.

It is a perfect size, very easy for me to use with my left hand.

Pictures of the camera to follow shortly.

 

[farlymac]

With all the controls on Nikons set up for right-handed operation, I have to ask, Woody, are you shooting with the camera upside down? If so, you can get a shutter release button (MR-3) that plugs into the port on the front of the MD-12, and use your left index finger to trigger the shutter. Just a thought.

PF

 

[Woody 63]

Thank you very much Farlymac, that looks like an excellent idea.
Most of the ones i have looked at on ebay, are in America, but i have found that Grays of Westminster, in the UK have one.

It will certainly be very useful for me.

Thank you again for your very helpful information.

 

[kshapero]

Minolta Maxxum 7000 (about $19) and 50mm f1.7 ($65) at KEH.com. Would be a great kit. Auto-load, -rewind, -exposure, -focus. Fairly small, too.

my experience with the 7000 from 23 years ago was that the auto focus sucked.

 

[kshapero]

A Nikon f90 or 100 is awesome and cheap.

 

[GarageBoy]

He has an f6