Roel
Well-known
I am thinking about selecting a Nikon MF SLR body next to my M6TTL. (Pretty sure now, it should be Nikon since I already have glass.)
Think it should be the FM3a (Newest, Mechanical and A shutter, Really light viewfinder, not too heavy)!
The F3 feels great but isn't mechanical and is heavy and battery dependent. As 'nobody' is doubting the reliability of that Electronic camera i was thinking why not go for the FA for half the price of the FM3a. It is much lighter than the F3, and was at the time almost as expensive as the F3.
So what are your opinions within the Nikon stable? Is the Nikon FA to be expected to last much shorter as the FM3a. Is it less reliable as the FM3a. Any other considerations?
Think it should be the FM3a (Newest, Mechanical and A shutter, Really light viewfinder, not too heavy)!
The F3 feels great but isn't mechanical and is heavy and battery dependent. As 'nobody' is doubting the reliability of that Electronic camera i was thinking why not go for the FA for half the price of the FM3a. It is much lighter than the F3, and was at the time almost as expensive as the F3.
So what are your opinions within the Nikon stable? Is the Nikon FA to be expected to last much shorter as the FM3a. Is it less reliable as the FM3a. Any other considerations?
Robert Lai
Well-known
I would be wary of the electronic Nikons. There are no more replacement circuit boards. Once something goes wrong, they are dead. NIKON purposefully destroyed all replacement parts for these cameras once the support period was up. It was their way to push you into buying their digital cameras (or the F6).
F3 have two major weak points:
1) the LCD display has lasted far longer than the 7 years that Nikon originally envisioned for it. However, once it goes, there are no replacements left.
2) The ASA dial is right under the flash shoe, around the rewind knob. If you have a flash mounted there and it takes a knock, you can destroy the functional resistance element (FRE) that sets the ASA film speed. Your camera is then toast.
Having said that, I've used an F3 for 34 years now, with the same LCD panel and original ISO film speed elements. It's a very reliable, accurate camera.
FA is even worse - too many doodads and features.
You're probably best off with an FM2 or Sover Wong overhauled Nikon F2a.
F3 have two major weak points:
1) the LCD display has lasted far longer than the 7 years that Nikon originally envisioned for it. However, once it goes, there are no replacements left.
2) The ASA dial is right under the flash shoe, around the rewind knob. If you have a flash mounted there and it takes a knock, you can destroy the functional resistance element (FRE) that sets the ASA film speed. Your camera is then toast.
Having said that, I've used an F3 for 34 years now, with the same LCD panel and original ISO film speed elements. It's a very reliable, accurate camera.
FA is even worse - too many doodads and features.
You're probably best off with an FM2 or Sover Wong overhauled Nikon F2a.
css9450
Veteran
F3 uses the old style flash "foot" instead of the more common hotshoe flashes, if that is an issue for you. There is an adapter available. Of course, the F3P has a hotshoe also if you can find one of them.
Some people don't like the 92% or 93% viewfinder coverage of the FM2/FM3/FA family but I like it because it is just about perfect to make up for the edge overlap on slide mounts. No more clipping of the edge of the picture like you'd have with the 100% viewfinder in the F3! But if you only shoot negative film you might not care.
I think the electronic worries are overblown. I've never seen an F3 with a dead LCD display, but perfectly working ones are available inexpensively. FAs? Don't see them often on the used market so that's a tougher one to judge. Lots more electronics, true, but mine works fine.
Some people don't like the 92% or 93% viewfinder coverage of the FM2/FM3/FA family but I like it because it is just about perfect to make up for the edge overlap on slide mounts. No more clipping of the edge of the picture like you'd have with the 100% viewfinder in the F3! But if you only shoot negative film you might not care.
I think the electronic worries are overblown. I've never seen an F3 with a dead LCD display, but perfectly working ones are available inexpensively. FAs? Don't see them often on the used market so that's a tougher one to judge. Lots more electronics, true, but mine works fine.
DanskDynamit
Well-known
I like my dad's FM but if I had to pick one it would be the F3HP.
ktmrider
Well-known
Meter?
Meter?
I know this is not on your list but if you don't need a meter, there is a lot to say for the original F or F2 with the non metered prisms. I mean people here still rave about the M3 which was released in 1953. Well, the original F was released in 1959 and made to at least if not better standards. I have one and as we have talked, it is my favorite SLR (over the Leica R6.2).
The ergonomics have never worked for me on the Nikkormats or their replacements the FM's. I like the interchangeable viewfinders of the F's and the build quality just never felt up to the pro standards.
Am not knocking the FM's, just saying they never worked well for me.
Meter?
I know this is not on your list but if you don't need a meter, there is a lot to say for the original F or F2 with the non metered prisms. I mean people here still rave about the M3 which was released in 1953. Well, the original F was released in 1959 and made to at least if not better standards. I have one and as we have talked, it is my favorite SLR (over the Leica R6.2).
The ergonomics have never worked for me on the Nikkormats or their replacements the FM's. I like the interchangeable viewfinders of the F's and the build quality just never felt up to the pro standards.
Am not knocking the FM's, just saying they never worked well for me.
why start a new thread on this?
Any of these are good, and they are all relatively cheap. If you're worried about failure, buy 2.
Any of these are good, and they are all relatively cheap. If you're worried about failure, buy 2.
narsuitus
Well-known
1st choice: F3 because I need interchangeable viewfinder and 100% viewfinder coverage
2nd choice: FM3a because I love its battery independence and manual/mechanical features
3rd choice: FM2 because it is part of the FM series that consist of battery independent manual/mechanical cameras
4th choice: FA because I am not familiar with this camera
2nd choice: FM3a because I love its battery independence and manual/mechanical features
3rd choice: FM2 because it is part of the FM series that consist of battery independent manual/mechanical cameras
4th choice: FA because I am not familiar with this camera
css9450
Veteran
LOL I just realized its the same guy with the "Which SLR system to go with my M6" thread...
To the OP: Buy one of each! They're not expensive. Six months from now, sell whichever one (or ones) aren't your favorite. There! Problem solved.
Roel
Well-known
Yes the same guy. Seemed better to start an all Nikon Thread and not have discussions/advice on other beautiful systems. I know now it will have to be Nikon glass. I also know now i want a not to heavy body. Weight of the F3 is just about ok for me since a see i will possibly carry a M6 and Nikon SLR in one bag. Weight of FM/FA body is preferred.
Also: been really working hard to get rid of my 'buy one of each' addiction ;o)
Roel
Well-known
Thank you. Yes, Funny thing is that one side the FM cameras feel a bit 'tinny' but at the same time i read/see a lot of reports that these bodies can take a lot of abuse and have been working alright for professionals for many years. So i think i want to give them a try because the weight is just a bit nicer.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I will restate that the F3 has the 100% VF'er and for me it is the reason to shoot a SLR, meaning having accurate framing. If I don't require accurate framing rangefinders do just fine.
Also will state the obvious that the F3 is the "Pro" camera out of your selection. The F3 also has had the longest production run of any Nikon Pro body, and because they are so durable that prices remain cheap.
If you want to know more about the good, the bad, and the ugly on the F3 check out the F3 Tribute Thread I started years ago. Lots of insights to obsess about. Warning is that this is a very long thread...
Cal
Also will state the obvious that the F3 is the "Pro" camera out of your selection. The F3 also has had the longest production run of any Nikon Pro body, and because they are so durable that prices remain cheap.
If you want to know more about the good, the bad, and the ugly on the F3 check out the F3 Tribute Thread I started years ago. Lots of insights to obsess about. Warning is that this is a very long thread...
Cal
css9450
Veteran
Try one; I think you will like it. I don't think they're "tinny" at all; certainly not compared to the other models they competed with in the 70s-80s. I actually prefer the buttery smooth winding feel of the FM2 (and similar) over that of the pro models F2 and F3.
SaveKodak
Well-known
I'd love to say the FM3a but it's so expensive. I'd argue that the FM2 is your next best choice, but honestly LR44 batteries are cheap and everywhere, so the FE2 would probably be my choice once I really stared at the price difference.
The F3 is also great, but a lot heavier if that matters.
I shoot with an F6, and I love it. I only have one battery-less film camera left, and that's my Rollei. I guess I've just adjusted to the modern world. *shrug*
Oh and not to be a weirdo but if you go with an FM/FEx, might I suggest Voigtlander's excellent lenses. The 58/1.4 SLII is better than the Nikon version, and the 40 is a close 2nd. Zeiss lenses are nice too, but IMO over priced.
The F3 is also great, but a lot heavier if that matters.
I shoot with an F6, and I love it. I only have one battery-less film camera left, and that's my Rollei. I guess I've just adjusted to the modern world. *shrug*
Oh and not to be a weirdo but if you go with an FM/FEx, might I suggest Voigtlander's excellent lenses. The 58/1.4 SLII is better than the Nikon version, and the 40 is a close 2nd. Zeiss lenses are nice too, but IMO over priced.
JoeLopez
Well-known
F3, FE2 and FM2 are great pics.
To me, FM3 prices are just too high for me.
To me, FM3 prices are just too high for me.
dfdann
Member
Not on your list but I use a FE2 alongside my Leica M7. No problem with electronics.
Cheers,Dan
Cheers,Dan
Fraser
Well-known
I would say FM3a, F3, FA, FM2.
Seriously everything except for Fm3 is so cheap it doesn't really matter, they're all good. Why not just pick up a cheap Fm or Fe for about £50 and see how it goes.
My personal choice is F2 plain prism or if I want a meter then F4.
Seriously everything except for Fm3 is so cheap it doesn't really matter, they're all good. Why not just pick up a cheap Fm or Fe for about £50 and see how it goes.
My personal choice is F2 plain prism or if I want a meter then F4.
J enea
Established
like mentioned above, you should also add the FE-2 to your list.
I own one of each, because they are so cheap today why not. the FM3a gest used more than all the others combined. I use the FA when i want to shoot 35mm slide film as the matrix meter gives me superior results over center weighted. the F3 comes next. for some situations I love the real tight 20/80 center weighted pattern.
at theses prices, get one of each. if you lose $10 on each camera while trying them out, consider it a cheap rental cost. you could wind up keeping more than 1 of them
I own one of each, because they are so cheap today why not. the FM3a gest used more than all the others combined. I use the FA when i want to shoot 35mm slide film as the matrix meter gives me superior results over center weighted. the F3 comes next. for some situations I love the real tight 20/80 center weighted pattern.
at theses prices, get one of each. if you lose $10 on each camera while trying them out, consider it a cheap rental cost. you could wind up keeping more than 1 of them
taemo
eat sleep shoot
F3, FM2 would also be my recommendation.
FM3 if the metering in the finder doesn't bother you (did for me unfortunately)
You mentioned that you had Nikon lenses already, these are AI/AI-S lenses or AF?
I sold my Nikon kit (FM2 and bunch of AI-S lenses) and went to the Pentax MX route as the body is smaller and lighter and not as expensive as Nikon.
FM3 if the metering in the finder doesn't bother you (did for me unfortunately)
You mentioned that you had Nikon lenses already, these are AI/AI-S lenses or AF?
I sold my Nikon kit (FM2 and bunch of AI-S lenses) and went to the Pentax MX route as the body is smaller and lighter and not as expensive as Nikon.
drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
I have a couple F3's and they have been very reliable and have nice finders- but the FM2n is my favorite for it's size and simplicity. The FE2 is the same size and shape body (an an excellent camera) but the electronics went dead in mine ten years ago, so sadly it's a paper weight now. The FM3a is a fantastic camera. It shares a body size and configuration with the FM2 and FE2, but has that hybrid electric/mechanical shutter which makes it the best of both worlds- but the cost reflects this. I wouldn't look very hard at the FA; it's a fine camera, but you can get better Nikons for the same money, so why bother? My FM2n will be the last film SLR I will let go, but if I needed to work with film cameras today, I'd have FM3a's in my bag for sure.
Huss
Veteran
The FM3A is functionally an FE2 for $400 more. The best F3 is the Limited edition, which has titanium covers and the hot shoe on the prism so you no longer have to worry about damaging electrics etc. The F3P is the same, but w/o the fancy limited script.
F3Limited is big bux in the Nikon slr world (outside F2 Titans) and run about $700 for mint ones. But you're a big baller Leica dood, so that's nuttin'..
FE2 can be had for $120 w/md 12 motordrive, F3Limited $700. I'm going to place these in the classifieds soon.
F3Limited is big bux in the Nikon slr world (outside F2 Titans) and run about $700 for mint ones. But you're a big baller Leica dood, so that's nuttin'..
FE2 can be had for $120 w/md 12 motordrive, F3Limited $700. I'm going to place these in the classifieds soon.