Electronics

NIKON FM3A 35mm SLR Camera Body (Lens not included)
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NIKON FM3A 35mm SLR Camera Body (Lens not included)

Average customer rating:

Excellent camera, however...
Amazing!
Chrome and Black Leather
Best new camera of its type
Back to the future...

NIKON FM3A 35mm SLR Camera Body (Lens not included)

Manufacturer: NIKON
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:

True TTL Classic 60/40 Center Weighted metering helps determine proper exposure
Manual or DX ISO Film settings
New Hybrid Shutter Control System
Uses Nikon and Nikon Mount Lenses - A lens is not included with this camera and must be purchased separately
TTL Flash Metering System - Super fast 1/4,000 second to 1 second plus Bulb

ASIN: B00005LERK

Product Description

The Nikon FM3A 35mm SLR Camera is aimed toward the creative individual who seeks independent control alongside creativity. Full automation is frowned upon. The FM3A offers the best features of a 35mm SLR but is, fundamentally, a semi-automatic or manually operated camera so you're in full control. Rugged copper, silumin aluminum alloy construction chassis and metal outer body with Chrome finish Split-image microprism type (Type K3) focusing screen provides (other screens optional) Exposure Modes - Aperture-Priority Auto; Manual Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe for optional external electronic-flash Manual winding Double-exposure capable Uses one CR2 or two LR44 batteries (not included) Uses 35mm film

Customer Reviews:

Excellent camera, however..........2007-01-25

There are many good reasons to get the FM3a:
* It weighs about the same amount as an N80 (my previous camera), but virtually everything on it is made of metal.
* Batteries are easy to find and cheap because you rarely need to replace them. I recommend getting the single, larger lithium battery for the sake of convenience.
* It combines bits of the FMx and FEx series to form a hybrid manual/electronic system, so if you're in a situation where you can't use battery power for whatever reason you can still use it as a fully manual camera.
* It's not as chunky as AF cameras like the F100, but the tradeoff is that the ergonomics are very different.
* The simple controls are easy to learn and can be used while wearing gloves. The knowledge also transfers easily to other manual-focus Nikon cameras you might buy in the future, like a used F-series model.
* Because this is a mechanical camera and not an AF camera being used in Manual Mode, there's no risk that you'll hit something accidentally and spend a couple of minutes trying to figure out what you changed. I used to periodically knock my N80 back into AF or auto exposure while pulling it out of my camera bag, which got really annoying when I had to take a quick shot.
* It can use a traditional, cheap screw-in shutter release cable. It's easy to find long cables for $20 and under at places like eBay.
* It has Aperture Priority mode, unlike other FM cameras.
* Unlike some older mid-range Nikons, it goes up to a shutter speed of 1/4,000 a second.
* DX coding, which can be very handy when you've got a mixed bag of film speeds.
* Last, but certainly not least, you have a wide range of used, well-made AI Nikon lenses available to you. I recommend getting `80s (but not E series) manual-focus lenses because they're metal and easy to find used for around $100 or less (I got my 50mm/f1.4 for $60).

HOWEVER...if you're on more of a budget, you might be better off finding an older model like the FE (which I also have). It is more or less the same body, with little differences here and there.

If you're split over which to get, here's a few things to keep in mind when comparing the FM3a and the FE:
* Price! The FE is fairly common, so one in decent shape sells for $150 and under. You might even find a combination FE/manual-focus lens auction on eBay going for about half that.
* Accessories. The bodies are very similar, so they can use some of the same accessories like the rubber eyecup and the MD-12 motor drive.
* Age. The FE was made in the late `70s/early `80s, so there's more of a risk that something isn't working right. On the other hand, there's plenty of sellers who've used their FE a handful of times and then stored it in a closet.
* Smoother speed dial and film advance lever. Compared to the FE, the FM3a is much stiffer, though you can feel each click on the shutter speed dial more easily.
* A darker focusing screen, which is good or bad depending on whether you use fast glass.
* Shutter speed. The FE only goes up to 1/1,000 of a second, and the maximum flash sync speed is also lower.
* No DX coding, so you have to set the ISO speed manually.
* It can't take the single lithium battery that the FM3a can because the voltage is slightly too low to power it. The 2 alkalines work fine, though, and the FE has a switch next to the eyepiece to check battery power. Your shutter speed options are very limited if you run out of power.
* No viewing window for checking on the film canister. Instead, it's got a little slot that you can stick the end of a film box in as a reminder of what film you've got loaded.

Amazing!.......2005-06-21

This is definitely one of the top five cameras on the market. Completely worth whatever you pay for it. Its durable, easy to use and turns out fantasic quality photos.

Chrome and Black Leather.......2004-01-27

I just bought one of these used, but in great condition. What a joy to hold and use! Light, fast, responsive, but not a toy for ones who like "idiot proof" cameras. A peerless image making tool for those who know what they want and can still multiply & divide by 2.... I wear glasses, and the finder presents no problems. Standard PC connector for studio use, and cable release for time exposures. NO SHUTTER LAG! If you can see it and hit the button, the moment is captured on film for the ages. Add an MD12 motordrive, Vivitar 285 flash and you've got a set-up that will do anything. This rugged and substantial camera will go anywhere. Best of all, no batteries are needed for basic operation. Cons? I don't have two of them! Get a 50mm F1.8 lens with it and skip the cheap zoom. You'll see what photography was meant to be.

Best new camera of its type.......2003-08-01

If you are looking for a camera without all the whizbang circuitry and computerizations that take the challenge out of setting up a camera, you have two choices. The first is to take your chances in the used market. The second choice is the Nikon FM3a.

The FM3a is a completely mechanical camera with only the most basic electronics built in. DX sensors make forgetting to reset the film settings a thing of the past. The Aperture Priority shutter setting allows the you to let the camera do the heavy work of deciding the shutter speed. And the center-weighted TTL metering makes an external light meter redundant.

Forget all those niceties. You are looking for a camera that will take you back to the beginning, back to a time when you enjoyed the fiddling and fondling of cameras. You don't want the automations, and with this camera, you don't need to think about them. The film ISO settings can be changed manually to allow pushing and pulling of film. The shutter speed can be set manually from 8 seconds down to 1/4000th of a second. And the focusing and aperture setting is ALL manual.

If you like having complete control over a camera, this is the one for you. It won't give you spot metering or auto-focus or 'portrait' mode and 'landscape' mode. But it will give you the tools to craft the photos you want, the way you want.

It's not a digital wonder. Thank heavens.

That said, there are a few things Nikon could have done better. They could have put in a mirror lockup to keep the camera steadier. They could have made the exposure compensation dial easier to use (get rid of that button, Nikon!). And they could have made the light meter easier to see in the dark. But these things are niggling inconsistencies at worst.

The camera works well and is excellent at what it does. The rest, as they say, is up to you.

Back to the future..........2003-07-08

Is everyone you know buying a digital camera? I have decided to go against the trend, and bought a FM3A. A light-weight and nearly manual camera. Why Nikon? After having used Canon for 20 years I decided to make the switch because I wanted better built quality. Something that lasts.

This baby has nearly all the pro features you are looking for in a camera. Built-in light meter, TTL flash, DX ISO, 1/4000 to 1 second, plus B. I usually choose the semi-automatic mode; by setting the aperture manually, then allowing the camera to set the shutter speed automatically.

As such, this camera is perfect for landscape photography. If you are like nature, and enjoy bush-walking or mountaineering, this Nikon is great. It only weighs 570g. This means that you can get away with using a light-weight tripod - if you don't mount big glass (a heavy telephoto lens). And it does not take much space. Good for travelling as well.

The only feature I sometimes miss is mirror lock-up. Without mirror lock-up, camera shake can cause problems at slower shutter speeds. But you can get around this issue by using the self-timer (causing the mirror to flip up before the shot is taken). A spot light-meter would have been nice, but you can still take spot readings by using a longer lens (or by zooming in).

The good thing about this film camera is that it provides me with the best of both worlds. I have the quality (and cheap price!) of film, the convenience of (slide) projection, but I can still scan the images into the computer if I need them digitally. And I can use the same set of lenses, should I decide to buy a digital body one day.

This is a simple to use semi-automatic camera - yet you can get find accessories for it (Nikon and third party) - including a motor-drive and flash.

Product Description

The Nikon FM3A 35mm SLR Camera is aimed toward the creative individual who seeks independent control alongside creativity. Full automation is eschewed in this case. The FM3A offers the best features of a 35mm SLR but is, fundamentally, a semi-automatic or manually operated camera so you're in full control. Rugged copper, aluminum alloy construction chassis and metal outer body with Black finish Split-image microprism type (Type K3) focusing screen (other screens optional) Exposure Modes - Aperture-Priority Auto; Manual Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe for optional external flash Manual winding Double-exposure capable Uses (1) CR2 battery (not included) Uses 35mm film Size - 3.5H x 5.6W x 2.3D

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic camera, but not for everyone.......2006-01-15

I'm amazed by some of the negative reviews on this camera. The FM3a is a fully manual camera. While it does take batteries, it's intended to be completely usable with no batteries. I can't think of another 35mm camera with all these features that will still work at all shutter speeds of the batteries die.

This is a camera for photographers, not those shooting film on the weekends. Compared to moderm cameras, it is not as user friendly, it does not have a lighted viewfinder, and yes, it can be hard to operate in the dark. If you want to use a film camera in the dark, get a used Nikon N80 or some other electronic body.

This is a classic camera, which will be appreciated most by people who have used and loved the classic Nikon film cameras. I applaud Nikon for having the guts to bring this camera to market in the digital age. Bravo, and well done!

One of the reasons I will never stray away from Nikon.......2005-02-05

Most camera manufactuers don't even offer a manual focus camera, and their lens mount changed during the autofocus era, but the FM3A is an example of Nikon's loyalty to "old school" diehards. There's some automation that makes life much easier- Aperture priority, TTL flash, and it reads the DX coding on the film so you don't have to set it manually. It's built very well and can stand up to rugged use. The black costs about $20 more than the silver, but I don't mind paying extra for the "pro" look.
It's a bit small in large hands like mine, but add the MD-12 motordrive and it feels much larger. And it can shoot about 3 frames per second with it. Autofocus lenses can be used as long as they have the aperture ring, but there's no autofocus, of course.
It does very well shooting long exposures at night. In aperture priority, the shutter will stay open for several minutes if need be. There's been discussion that the max is 8 secs, but that's not true. To bracket, simply use the exposure compensation or the film ISO setting.

One of Nikon's Best Cameras.......2004-08-14

The Nikon FM3A is the camera Nikon should have made back in the 1980's. It combines the aperture priority automation of the Nikon FE2 with the manual only ease of operation of the Nikon FM series. Indeed, if the batteries should die, this camera should still work at virtually all shutter speeds under manual mode. It is also blessed with the traditional Nikon 60/40 center-weighted metering found in many of Nikon's manual cameras, dating from the last Nikkormats. It handles as well as its illustrious predecessors, but here, I think it is built so that it can be more durable than either the FE or FM cameras. In short, it is an excellent second body for someone seeking a durable backup to go with their Nikon F2A/AS, Nikon F3, F4 or current autofocus cameras. And for others interested primarily in working with Nikon's manual focusing lenses, it may be their primary body. Admittedly, it isn't cheap, but it is designed to be a professional workhorse and the price seems to reflect it. If I was still using Nikon equipment, I wouldn't hesitate adding the FM3A to my SLR kit.

Professional, easy to use and fun.......2004-05-29

I love this camera, I've been using Nikon FM10 for years, it was a great camera, the only problem was with its view finder, it was so dark that I couldn't use it properly in dim light and this made it hard to focus. For a camera with the same quality but a clear view finder, I went for Nikon FM3A. Now am able to have same quality pictures using manual options for more creativity and am able to focus clearly. I recommend this camera for professionals as well as beginners who want to take creative photography depending on manual options.

Go digital.......2003-12-12

I bought my FM3a with high hopes. It had the Nikon name and reputation. At close to $600 this is not a cheap camera to buy but functions at a very low level of operation. My biggest complaint is that you can not see the light meter in dim light or at narrow aperture openings. It is also invisible if you are using a zoom. You can only take pictures in well lit areas. I expected much more from Nikon but this camera is a terrible let down.

I want my Canon F-1 back.

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