 Erin |
Should I Buy a Nikon FM3a? I currently have a digital camera (Canon G2), but I want to get a film camera also. I don't like all the buttons on most cameras and having to always refer to the manual. I was looking at the Nikon FM3A. Does anyone have one? If so, do you like it and is it easy to use/learn? Also, would you recommend getting it new or are used cameras worth it? Thanks.
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Bob Cammarata |
If you want to "learn" manual operation, I recommend that you choose a Nikon FM2 camera instead of the Nikon FM3A. The only difference in the two models is that the FM3 has an aperture-priority automatic feature, in addition to all of its manual functions. Unless you plan to use this feature, you can save $$ by getting a used FM2 for less, and transferring the savings into better lenses and accessories.
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Randall Stewart |
The FM3a is the latest Nikon model that has basic manual operation as well as some auto exposure option. It is manual focus. It will not take the latest "G" lenses, but that's probably not an issue, as there are vast supplies of excellent lenses available. It has a simple, non-electronic control layout. If you want to use it manually, you will have to learn how to meter manually with the camera; otherwise, you can set it to auto-exposure. It is built the old-fashioned, high-quality way, which means expensive for its features. If you are considering a used model, an earlier, similar model is the FE2, but that camera could be 20-25 years old [but still my favorite]. The Nikon FM2N is a manual exposure-only version, a good choice if you do not need auto-exposure. I would avoid the FM and FM2 manual models because of their age [20+ years]. Avoid the Nikon FA model, which has a lot of early electronics that proved not to be durable.
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Michael McCullough |
From what I've heard the Nikon FM3A is a great camera,that said my manual back up bodies are a Minolta XE5,and an SRT 101 I really have no complaints at all and am very satisfied with the results..
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Erin |
Thanks for the replies. It seems from the research I've done that everybody who owns one loves it. I am just afraid it will be too frustrating and hard to learn for me. I will just have to keep looking at all the options before I make my final decision. Thanks again, Erin
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Justin Smith |
I recently picked up a Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 for $25 at a pawn shop. This is an all-manual SLR (with TTL light meter). Yashica lens are quite reasonable on eBay, and you can upgrade to Carl Zeiss optics in the future.
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Michael McCullough |
FM3A,very easy to learn,no bells and whistles,uncomplicated basic,check it out at the local vendor before you invest!!!!!!don't be intimidated at all there's no reason to be!!!!!
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Erin |
Well, I went to a local store and bought a new FM3a yesterday. I could have gotten it cheaper online, but I was weary of that and the people in the store are very helpful and friendly. I have to get used to the viewfinder, especially because I am used to looking at the LCD screen on my digital camera to take pictures. I also tried to load the film and that was a disaster. I will just keep trying with an old roll of film and if I can't get it I'll go back to the store and have them show me. Wish me luck!!!!
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Bob Cammarata |
Erin, Congrats on your new camera. I know you will come to love its simplicity and dependability. When loading your film, try hooking the leader into the take-up spool slot first.... then, advance the film winding lever half-way until the leader catches onto the take-up spool. Not only is this faster than the traditional way, you can get two or three additional frames from a roll of 36 exposure film. Good luck!
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George Anderson |
"..advance the film winding lever half-way until the leader catches onto the take-up spool. Next, pull the film canister backward, and seat it in place. Rotate the flim rewind knob clockwise until you see the film tighten against the camera, and close the back. Not only is this faster than the traditional way, you can get two or three additional frames from a roll of 36 exposure film." Faster is fine, but it's not advisable with most cameras to short-wind the takeup spool (or to short-stroke the advance lever, for that matter). Without a turn or two of full-width film on the spool, the leader will often pop off the takeup spool the moment the user turns the rewind lever to tighten the film. Then, many users won't notice and go on to take a full set of 36 photos with no film wound on the camera. Talk about missed opportunities! And short-winding the advance lever will jam some cameras with levers designed for full stroke operation. It just isn't saving a frame or two of film to risk the leader popping loose.
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Don Curry |
I have been using a Nikkormat FT2 since it came out in the 70s. It is fully manual. It is built like a tank and has been a great work horse. After 30 years it is still in mint condition. I now use it only for macro with a 55mm micro-Nikkor lens. It takes great pictures. I'm sure there are still some out there for sale.
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