dtcls100
Well-known
I have a FM3a and FE2 (don't like LED display of FM2) and like the AE and TTL flash control of the first two. I do prefer the FM3a to the FE2 because of the better placed AE lock button and the addition of a fill flash comp button. The DX coding, improved standard focusing screen, and hybrid shutter made my paying $400 for a very lightly used black body vs $100 for the FE2 chrome body acceptable.
As to lenses, I own and recommend the Nikon 28 2.8 AIS and the Voightlander Ultron 40 f2. I prefer 40mm to 35mm, especially in conjunction with a 28mm. Also, the Ultron is sharper, more compact and better performing (and quite possibly is better built) than any Nikon 35mm. If you get the latest SL2 version of the Voightlander, it also has electronic contacts that can be read by the Nikon F6, Nikon digital cameras and perhaps others.
As to lenses, I own and recommend the Nikon 28 2.8 AIS and the Voightlander Ultron 40 f2. I prefer 40mm to 35mm, especially in conjunction with a 28mm. Also, the Ultron is sharper, more compact and better performing (and quite possibly is better built) than any Nikon 35mm. If you get the latest SL2 version of the Voightlander, it also has electronic contacts that can be read by the Nikon F6, Nikon digital cameras and perhaps others.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
It's a really nice camera in my opinion with some real world advantages .. the shutter speeds being one that comes to mind but ultimately the rather harsh clacky nature of the camera lost me. Particularly after putting an OM1 down.
fishf00d
Newbie
Another user of FM3A and Zeiss 35/2 ZF.2 here. It's a great combination, I use it a lot.
I chose the ZF2 over the milvus because of the size/weight. Not sure why the milvus had to be so much bigger when the optical formula is the same
I chose the ZF2 over the milvus because of the size/weight. Not sure why the milvus had to be so much bigger when the optical formula is the same
sanmich
Veteran
I was kidding. of course a 40 isn't a 35.
But the 40 f/2 is so good on all accounts, that I have chosen to use it instead of a 35.
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
I have an FM2 and am very happy with it. Although some have stated they don't like the LED, I actually prefer it mainly because it's easier to see when the lighting you are shooting in is not good. I find the match needle a bit harder to see.
Although I looked very hard at the FM3A and wanted one, I ended up not buying one because I felt it was overpriced.
I don't own the Nikon 28mm, although I've heard it's a great lens. However, I do own the Zeiss 25mm 2.8 and like it very much. I'd recommend that lens if you ever decide to go wider than 28mm. In any event, the Zeiss 25mm is far better than the Nikon 24mm 2.8 lens, based on the results of comparison testing I have done.
Have fun shooting!
Ellen
Although I looked very hard at the FM3A and wanted one, I ended up not buying one because I felt it was overpriced.
I don't own the Nikon 28mm, although I've heard it's a great lens. However, I do own the Zeiss 25mm 2.8 and like it very much. I'd recommend that lens if you ever decide to go wider than 28mm. In any event, the Zeiss 25mm is far better than the Nikon 24mm 2.8 lens, based on the results of comparison testing I have done.
Have fun shooting!
Ellen
dtcls100
Well-known
Agreed. I don't use my FM3a or my FE2 all that much. Much prefer using my OM and F6 bodies because they are much quieter, have better viewfinders, and faster, quieter motorized film advances. I do use MD12 motor drives on my FE2 and FM3a bodies at all times because you can turn on the meters by halfway depressing the motor drive shutter releases on the MD12. This avoids the need to turn on the meter by pulling out the film advance lever, which pokes into the right eye of left eyed folks like myself.
bonatto
looking out
So it looks like I'll be trying out an FM3a. Eventually may get a 45mm P so would appreciate any recent users of this particular lens/combination chiming in.
JoeLopez
Well-known
Tha FM3a is overpriced, but can be found for nice prices sometimes. I can agree to the advice on the FM2n.
35mm 1,4 AIS is a great performer, but makes the kit also a bit bulky. I love it, but use my FM3a with the pancake 45mm quite often.
FM3A 45mm by István Pénzes, on Flickr
Very nice kit right there!
Huss
Veteran
I use the 45 P (as well as the non AI version) and while it is small, you get used to where the focus and aperture ring are very quickly , especially if you use it as the only lens on that body for a while.
Some famous dope online claims it is a terrible lens, which is very different from the results I get with it. I made sure to get a black one (rarer than the silver) as I think it looks far better. On both a silver or black camera. The silver version just looks plasticky to me (even though it is a metal lens).
If your lens is missing the original lens hood, use the one from the non AI 45mm lens. Fits perfectly, runs about $10 when you can find them, and looks far cooler with the gothic F font.
spyderphil
Member
FM3a for sale
FM3a for sale
I just posted mine in the Classifieds. Great camera, just not getting enough time to shoot so letting a few cameras go.
FM3a for sale
I just posted mine in the Classifieds. Great camera, just not getting enough time to shoot so letting a few cameras go.
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
I just bought a like-new black Nikon FE body from Japan for $124.
Chris
Chris
dogberryjr
[Pithy phrase]
Since someone else has already broken the 28-35mm boundary, I will say that the VC 40mm is a perfect match for the FM3a. Mine's as good as welded on.
J enea
Established
I love my MF3a. one great thing about it....
I had an issue with it and sent it back to nikon 2 months ago for service, as its one of the few film cameras they service. Fixed it for free! I had an fm2 and sold it in a week. Im one who prefers the needle meter to the red dots. SO I also have an FE-2 and FE as they were in like new condition goodwill finds a few years ago, before they opened their online store. $20 for BOTH!
The other thing I love bout the FM3 that was mentioned above is the focus screen. I have a ai 28mm f3.5 and love how the finder stays nice and bright! same for my ai-s 80-200 f4.5. that focus screen does not dim like all the other nikons do
I had an issue with it and sent it back to nikon 2 months ago for service, as its one of the few film cameras they service. Fixed it for free! I had an fm2 and sold it in a week. Im one who prefers the needle meter to the red dots. SO I also have an FE-2 and FE as they were in like new condition goodwill finds a few years ago, before they opened their online store. $20 for BOTH!
The other thing I love bout the FM3 that was mentioned above is the focus screen. I have a ai 28mm f3.5 and love how the finder stays nice and bright! same for my ai-s 80-200 f4.5. that focus screen does not dim like all the other nikons do
KM-25
Well-known
thanks for all the input so far, may be headed towards an FM2 instead then
I'd get the FM3A, much better camera in every way. I bought mine new from B&H in 2002 and it has been through hell and back since then. When in Auto, the metering is fantastic, even in low light and for long exposures.
The screen it comes with is markedly brighter than the FM2N screen, flash exposure comp button in TTL is phenomenally handy as is the AE lock. Then of course when the batteries die, if ever, it is fully mechanical and just works.
In my 30 year career, I have to say that the FM3A is perhaps the most misunderstood camera by the photo enthusiast community. It's certainly one of Nikon's best ever.
Fraser
Well-known
I had a quick look on the big auction site at the prices of fm3s and they are quite pricey by I did find this alternative!
ebay number 302318645213
ebay number 302318645213
jeroenp
Newbie
The FM3a also pairs nicely with the 28-50mm AIS zoom. But that's a f/3.5 and of the push-pull type. With the bright screen, the f/3.5 is not so much of a problem, unless you're after shallow depth of field. It's a fairly compact zoom, so it balances quite well on the FM/FE series, unlike the bigger zoom or tele lenses.
Archlich
Well-known
The FM3a has many subtle improvements over the past FMs. Like for the well documented issue of the rewind crank falling off on the FM2/FE2 - you'll now find an extra screw on the side of the FM3a's crank shaft, making it downright secure.
It's a superb camera designed with heart.
BTW If you have the means, Nikon Japan would still service them until 2021.
It's a superb camera designed with heart.
BTW If you have the means, Nikon Japan would still service them until 2021.
bonatto
looking out
First, let me thank all once again for the valuable input. It's all been a bit of a new experience to me. Though I already know the Leica M family well and what I like and don't like - SLRs are a whole other ball game. I needed to fulfill a few criteria - mainly pertaining to reliability and quality within potentially professional applications. All this stemming from my interest in shooting film again.
Initially I had expected to purchase a compact 35mm camera, but the options have quite frankly dwindled to the point of becoming quasi luxury commodities. Over a grand for a Contax? 800 dollars for a Fuji Klasse? I mean, these are great cameras and all - but if they break (and they do tend to - I've had my share - especially the older ones), it's an expensive paperweight exercise. Age was a special consideration, and corroded wires or old batteries were not something I was willing to put up with.
So I considered going back to the metered M family - but that too seems to be in a state of demand where you are competing with 25 bidders for a good modern M body - and won't go into lenses, but prices slowly creeping up. I'd be looking at 1.5-2.5 US for anything decent within my specs.
SLR wise I dabbled with Olympus but had a hard time getting used to the shutter speed ring and was not impressed by the mid-range lenses I tried. I also had a short stint with the Minolta Leica R6.2 - that though had a lovely viewfinder, I had a few minor issues of semantics, film advance lever was not to my liking, the camera was overall bulky, and the 35 2.8 I had was soft around the frame. I was not interested in spending near M money in Leica R glass, especially when the good ones are also comparatively larger.
Coming from Nikon pro DSLRs and having been very much impressed by the shooting capabilities of Nikon Coolpix A as well as the quality of Nikon scanners, it felt sensible to consider a Nikon film kit as an alternative. This is where the FM3a came in, modern facilities and implied reliability in a compact and high quality package. The FM2n and FE s are so similar aesthetically that one could be forgiven for confusing them as near equals, but after reading the very well written - and sometimes romantic - report on Nikon's website, along with a generous offer by a fellow RFFer, it was obvious that the FM3a was most likely to fit the bill. Being a fan of the tessar look and the availability of 45mmP s sealed the deal.
Ultimately, when you get down to it - the FM3a with its hybrid electromechanical shutter (from what I understand the only one in the business) appears to be the superlative full manual SLR of the 21st century - I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this new kit!
Initially I had expected to purchase a compact 35mm camera, but the options have quite frankly dwindled to the point of becoming quasi luxury commodities. Over a grand for a Contax? 800 dollars for a Fuji Klasse? I mean, these are great cameras and all - but if they break (and they do tend to - I've had my share - especially the older ones), it's an expensive paperweight exercise. Age was a special consideration, and corroded wires or old batteries were not something I was willing to put up with.
So I considered going back to the metered M family - but that too seems to be in a state of demand where you are competing with 25 bidders for a good modern M body - and won't go into lenses, but prices slowly creeping up. I'd be looking at 1.5-2.5 US for anything decent within my specs.
SLR wise I dabbled with Olympus but had a hard time getting used to the shutter speed ring and was not impressed by the mid-range lenses I tried. I also had a short stint with the Minolta Leica R6.2 - that though had a lovely viewfinder, I had a few minor issues of semantics, film advance lever was not to my liking, the camera was overall bulky, and the 35 2.8 I had was soft around the frame. I was not interested in spending near M money in Leica R glass, especially when the good ones are also comparatively larger.
Coming from Nikon pro DSLRs and having been very much impressed by the shooting capabilities of Nikon Coolpix A as well as the quality of Nikon scanners, it felt sensible to consider a Nikon film kit as an alternative. This is where the FM3a came in, modern facilities and implied reliability in a compact and high quality package. The FM2n and FE s are so similar aesthetically that one could be forgiven for confusing them as near equals, but after reading the very well written - and sometimes romantic - report on Nikon's website, along with a generous offer by a fellow RFFer, it was obvious that the FM3a was most likely to fit the bill. Being a fan of the tessar look and the availability of 45mmP s sealed the deal.
Ultimately, when you get down to it - the FM3a with its hybrid electromechanical shutter (from what I understand the only one in the business) appears to be the superlative full manual SLR of the 21st century - I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this new kit!
