Saw a Nikon FM3a at a camera show

Harry Lime said:
Actually the 45/2.8P is considered one of the best pieces of glass that Nikon has put out in a very long time.
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Is it? I didn't know that.

I found it OK, but not particularly impressive, except for its small size. That small size made its handling too fiddly (IMO) even on an FM3A; since its field of view was close enough to that of a 50mm for my needs, and since I had other lenses in roughly that length that gave more pleasing images, out it went.

It wasn't all bad - after all, it helped pay for a Pentax 645N. 🙂
 
scottwallick said:
I would suggest the FM3a over the FM2👎 for two reasons: ((a) an FM3a is going to be up to 10 years younger than an FM2; (b) the FM2 has an overly simply LED-based viewfinder meter. I much prefer the match-needle meter in the FM3a.
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Hmm, I bought an FM three years back. It has become my favourite camera. Yes, I like it more than my D200 or my M2 or my FE (which has a match needle meter). One of the reasons is the wonderful simplicity of that LED meter! I only wish it was a bit more sensitive. It was dirt cheap and works flawlessly. Close to 30 years old now and counting...

You can't go wrong with the FM/FE line. I never saw the point of the FM3a until I bought my FM to be able to shoot some Tri-X with my Nikon glass... The FM is ergonomically perfect. Everything at the right place, nothing more than you need. Perfect.

I already have too many cameras but a FM3a for 359$? I'd be sorely tempted... again 😀
 
My first camera was an FE2, and I still shoot with an FM2n more than any other SLR. The FM3a is a stunning camera, too. I've coveted one since they were released, and shot with one a bit. I do actually prefer the LED readout of the FM2n's meter, but I think the shutter in the FM3a is just about the most perfect shutter ever built for shooting 35mm film; all mechanical speeds (not just a couple) when your batteries run out, full step-less electronically controlled aperture priority, fast top speed, and flash sync up to 1/250th. I whole heartedly agree that this is the shutter that should have been in the M7. I'd love to have a hybrid of this camera and an M finder, RF, and lens mount- I don't care what the body looks like.

Anyway, the FM3a is a great camera, and $359.00 is a steal for one in good shape. I'd jump on a deal like that if I could find one!
 
I have an FM3A and an FM2N as a second body when I'm in an SLR mood. With 24mm/2.8 AIS, 50,/1.4 AIS (or ZF 50/1.4) and 105/2.5 AIS, you have everything you need to go anywhere. Also when you use a K1 extension ring with that 24mm (or a 20/3.5) and a small tripod, you get some very nice WA close ups. If you decide that you don't want that FM3A, PM me. Cheers!
 
With all the glowing reports here, it is a shame it didn't sell all that well when it was new...

But if you like mechanical charm with sophistication and robustness, maybe you should consider the FM3a. Ok, it is not an RF, but see what it costs and how high the quality is. Then look at a Leica and weep...

Oh, I almost forget. Manual focus in bad light works so much better with my FM than auto focus with my D200 that it is not even funny anymore.
 
I love the FM3a but it is not a RF and it's vibe is very different. So if you're after a RF, then get a RF. Otherwise, I've been lucky to own and shoot the two in tandem and love the combo. My RF loaded with B&W film + a 35mm lens. And the fm3a with colour and either a 50 or 85mm lens so that way I've got B&W / colour and street vs portrait all covered. At 85mm or longer, a SLR is a much better tool than a RF.
 
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I bought one in decent condition last year, partly for sentimental reasons as a friend's FE was a camera I used a lot when I was a teenager.

Here's a pic with a 35/2 mounted:

2278254357_5b51032fe8_o.jpg
 
I have the nikon 50 1.4 'pancake' lens which is fab on the FM3a - makes it feel very small. The 35/2 or the 85/2.8 AI/AIS makes it much more more clunky. I shot the FM3a and my M7 when I was in San Francisco recently and loved it!
 
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Harry Lime said:
Actually the 45/2.8P is considered one of the best pieces of glass that Nikon has put out in a very long time.
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I agree, I love the lens. Built great and a very nice bokeh (pretty much a Tessar I believe).

As for the FM3a, beautiful camera!

Kent
 
nksyoon said:
I bought one in decent condition last year, partly for sentimental reasons as a friend's FE was a camera I used a lot when I was a teenager.

Here's a pic with a 35/2 mounted:

2278254357_5b51032fe8_o.jpg
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I have the chrome and black with the matching 45/2.8 pancake, but I would love a black one. Was the 45/2.8P released in black?

.
 
Erik L said:
looks like it wants a grip, how do these handle?
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Very much like an old-school SLR. It's not really possible to use the self-timer as a fingerhold, but while the camera does have a decent heft to it, it's not so heavy as to be too awkward to hold one-handed. For extra grip an MD-12 motor drive wouldn't go amiss.

The only other accessory I've really found necessary for mine has been a soft release.
 
ruby.monkey said:
Very much like an old-school SLR. It's not really possible to use the self-timer as a fingerhold, but while the camera does have a decent heft to it, it's not so heavy as to be too awkward to hold one-handed. For extra grip an MD-12 motor drive wouldn't go amiss.

The only other accessory I've really found necessary for mine has been a soft release.
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I actually prefer the ergos of the camera WITH the MD-12. My finger has a tendency to rub against the timer on the front.


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