Nikon FM3A - the Good SLR

Incidentally, how is the FM3A viewfinder for glasses? I've always wanted one (and I found one in Aus recently...) but I've always thought that the F3 w/HP finder was better (and cheaper)...
 
No ... there isn't any shutter protection. I'm undecided about shutter lockouts with rotating colllars!


I didn't know my OM-2 had this feature until 'fdigital' pointed it out in one of the many OM threads.

You gotta laugh ... someone starts a thread about a Nikon and we all wind up talking about our Olys and Fujicas etc! 😛

I can understand about the collar, but it is really easy to do it and right at hand since it is at the shutter button. I forgot sometimes and it was simple to move my finger slightly to unlock the collar. Simple assuming I had also not forgotten to cock the shutter. :bang:


As to the latter, I seem to be the only enlightened one who ever mentions Fujicas. 😀

No doubt due to the fact they are so good nobody lets them go and you johnny-come-latelies can't find them. 😀

Not to mention they probably didn't have the popularity for larger production runs. The OM line really did make a big splash in its day. It was favored by some pros as well, not only because it was rugged, but the lenses took a back seat to no one (except Fujinon of course 😀 )
 
How do you like that 40mm Ultron?
A fine pancake every day lens.
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Nothing especially unique about it but it gets the job done.
 
The FM/FE bodies are some of the best cameras ever made, in my opinion. My first real camera was a FE2, bought brand new shortly after it was introduced in 1983. The FM/FE bodies are robust, reliable, with perfect size and weight. It's amazing to see these cameras being sold for almost nothing these days.

On paper, the FM3a is even "better" than the earlier models, but it's also a lot more expensive. If you want value for money, get one of the older bodies instead. I have several FM/FE(2) cameras, but couldn't resist getting these two FEs a while ago:

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They both look practically brand new. One was even boxed and came with the original bottom plate plastic cover! And - I got them for practically nothing (the boxed one cost me $15 + shipping!!) Is that a sweet deal, or what?

Jarle
 
The only detail that could be better in the FM3a is the shutter speeds needle display in the vf. If it only had a led array display like the FM/FM2 or an LCD as the FA/F3 it would be perfect, as the needle is very difficult to see under poor light.
 
The only detail that could be better in the FM3a is the shutter speeds needle display in the vf.
Personally, I've always prefered the FE/FE2 needle approach. Much better than the meter in the FM/FM2 and the F3, IMO. Which is probably why Nikon decided to put a needle in the FM3a.

(I agree that it can be a little difficult to see under very dark conditions, but it's never been a real problem for me.)

Jarle
 
Personally, I've always prefered the FE/FE2 needle approach. Much better than the meter in the FM/FM2 and the F3, IMO. Which is probably why Nikon decided to put a needle in the FM3a.

(I agree that it can be a little difficult to see under very dark conditions, but it's never been a real problem for me.)

Jarle

Had there been an FM3b I'm sure they would have added a little LED to illuminate the needle. That would have made it perfect.

/T
 
Yeah, FM3a is cool....

but I like my OM-3 🙂

Actually I just got this cutie yesterday:

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Something about the robot-like look and the 'clunk' shutter sound I find endearing.
Can I borrow the Ultron, Akiva? 😀
 
Had there been an FM3b I'm sure they would have added a little LED to illuminate the needle. That would have made it perfect.

/T
I agree, the M7 has about perfect. Shows LED shutter speeds in AP exposure and right and left LED arrows in Manual exposure and both adjust for outside light. real nice.
 
The only detail that could be better in the FM3a is the shutter speeds needle display in the vf. If it only had a led array display like the FM/FM2 or an LCD as the FA/F3 it would be perfect, as the needle is very difficult to see under poor light.

+1 100% That's always an issue with needle-match cameras.

/
 
I agree, the M7 has about perfect. Shows LED shutter speeds in AP exposure and right and left LED arrows in Manual exposure and both adjust for outside light. real nice.

I guess it would be perfect if the M7 also showed you the shutter speed in manual exposure, similar to how the M5 does it.

And if it also showed you the selected aperture you could almost have all the information without taking the eye off the finder.
 
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