Do I need an FM3a

Mr Bump

Mr Bump

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Yes
abolutelly loving me FG and my series E lens's.

but

I fancy getting a better body after all I earn good money and I want to enjoy film to the best. I also want faster shutter speeds that 1000/1 that the FG has?

what do you think?
 
An F3 (1/2000), FE2/FM2 (1/4000) will all meet your higher shutter speed requirement without breaking the bank. I own an F3 and an FE2 - in fact, I was shooting with them together today at a festival - and they are both incredible cameras.

The FM3A is a jewel of 35mm cameras, and is much newer - but IMO, doesn't bring that much new to the table that the FE2 couldn't do.
 
The FM3A is a superb camera but commands quite a premium, as Freecom says an FE2 will deliver a similar set of functions at a much lower price. That said the FM3A will be much newer and probably last a lifetime. Sorry I am not helping much:lol:
 
Just another thing to note, the FG is fantastically light due to the use of plastics throughout. There's a small, but noticeable weight premium with any of the FM/FE series over it.
 
I always loved using my F3, it had a lovely easy feel to it and the top shutter speed was 1/2000.

Andy
 
I see you are hooked! :lol:

I had an FM3a but sold it - a lovely camera but I couldn't really justify carrying around £300-400 worth of body when a £100 FE2 does exactly the same thing (minus the ability to work without batteries, which is pretty pointless really). If you like that style of camera, then an FE2 (or FM2n, if you prefer manual exposure control, LEDs etc) is probably a better bet.

One problem I have with my FE2 is that I wear glasses and can't really see the whole viewfinder in one go (this is true also of the FG and its ilk). The F3HP (or regular F3) is so much better in that regard. If you don't wear glasses, then it probably won't be an issue.

The F3 is slightly more bulky/heavier, has a 100% viewfinder, and a lovely winding action, and a myriad of accessories. If you use flash, it's a bit of a fiddle, and is a bit hampered by its slow 1/80 (I think) flash sync. On that front, you're much better off with an FE2 or FM3a which have TTL control and a 1/250 sync. For me it's pretty irrelevant though.

There are of course lots of other options - F2, F4, FA, FE etc depending on how you intend to use them could be the best option for you.

Alternatively, just get on with buying one or two, see how you like them, and sell them if you don't get on...it's part of the fun of film photography for me, trying out the different options without spending a fortune, as you can usually get your money back when you sell them on anyway. I've had all of the above (and more) at some time or another!

The other thing to think about if you're looking to spend money is to invest in a few lenses, to go with your 50mm. Maybe a wide angle such as a Nikkor 24mm f2.8 perhaps, or the classic Nikon portrait lens, the 105mm f2.5 ? If you get them in AI or AI-S fitting they'll be a perfect match for whichever of these bodies you go for.
 
I admit, my FM3a purchase was a touch frivolous, but I was in a position to buy a camera I've always wanted and for a bargain price. I absolutely love it. I havn't used it much of late, but then again I've not used any camera of late, so I'm not bothered about it's price.

As you say, if you really really REALLY would like it and you can afford the premium, then get it. If however the cost is a concern, then as said by others, there are other cameras that do 99% what the FM3a does but at a more wallet friendly price.
 
For me the FM3 is overpriced for what it is. It being the last of the proper m/f Nikon's has made it a status symbol with a price to match. Just looking at the prices on ebay & for what an FM3 costs, you could get an FE2, FM2 & an F3 together. To me that says how over priced the thing is.

If I were to come up with a list of essential Nikon m/f bodies the FM3 wouldn't be on it. I would look at one of the F bodies, either an F3 or an F2 . The only proviso against either of these are flash as they are not great at it compared to later bodies & whether you want a manual only camera which could rule the F2 out.

I have an F2 (just got it & am utterly smitten with how silky smooth it handles) & a couple of F3's & they are quality cameras. You can feel them being a notch up from the amateur bodies like the FE/FM series.

If you are happy to dump the cash on a FM3 then don't let anyone try & put you off. My choice would be a cheaper body & a couple of Nikkor primes instead. Alternatively get an FM2, FE2 & an F3 for the same money & welcome yourself to the world of NAS :lol:
 
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Thanks guys some really good advice here, I agree the FM3a is a bit expensive and I think for sure I have decided its a doggy not worth chasing. I think an nice FE2 looks the right move for me. I think I will plan on letting one of my FG bodies go to part fund :D
 
So who has an FE2 to sell me or long term loan :lol:
 
FE2 is a good choice. Now you need to decide if you want a black one or a chrome one :lol:.
 
DNH said:
For me the FM3 is overpriced for what it is. It being the last of the proper m/f Nikon's has made it a status symbol with a price to match. Just looking at the prices on ebay & for what an FM3 costs, you could get an FE2, FM2 & an F3 together. To me that says how over priced the thing is.

If I were to come up with a list of essential Nikon m/f bodies the FM3 wouldn't be on it. I would look at one of the F bodies, either an F3 or an F2 . The only proviso against either of these are flash as they are not great at it compared to later bodies & whether you want a manual only camera which could rule the F2 out.

I have an F2 (just got it & am utterly smitten with how silky smooth it handles) & a couple of F3's & they are quality cameras. You can feel them being a notch up from the amateur bodies like the FE/FM series.

If you are happy to dump the cash on a FM3 then don't let anyone try & put you off. My choice would be a cheaper body & a couple of Nikkor primes instead. Alternatively get an FM2, FE2 & an F3 for the same money & welcome yourself to the world of NAS :lol:
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The F series were designed for professional use - I prefer the F2, the last of the completely mechanical/manual bodies - but I wouldn't class the FMs/FEs as "amateur". Sure, they were less expensive and didn't have all the features of the Fs, but they were solidly built and a lot of pros used them as back ups.
 
Mr Bump said:
Do I need an FM3a

what do you think?
Click to expand...

Without any doubt ...YES!! :D

and then a huge selection of Nikon lenses along with a couple more "spare bodies" for when your TP buddies ( like me :D) arrive on your doorstep and wish to borrow them......only to save me luggage space you understand:D

Good to see you're enjoying your plunge into "Nikonism".....a slippy slope but one that I doubt you will regret.
 
Asha I just got another Nikon Lens toy a minty 28mm F2.8

its fab !!!!
 
The FM3A was, and is, a lovely camera and has just about everything you could ask for in a manual focus body. I handled one at a dealers when they first came out, but this was in South Africa where prices were at least 50% higher than the UK, and I decided it was just too expensive for me. I could have bought one - at a stretch - but felt that it didn't really offer me that much more than my F2 and FM, apart from the AE capability and an FE or FE2 would have been a lot cheaper if I wanted that.

Mind you, if I had bought one, and if Nikon had produced the FM3D, they'd have made a formidable combination!
 
I remember a few years ago when Nikon were asking a few pro, what sought of digital camera they would like,a lot said an digital FM3a i would have loved to have seen one made :)
 
simonblue said:
I remember a few years ago when Nikon were asking a few pro, what sought of digital camera they would like,a lot said an digital FM3a i would have loved to have seen one made :)
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Thom Hogan reckoned the FM3D reached prototype but the project was abandoned before it got into production. It was around 2006 IIRC and was probably a marketing decision, based on a poor sales forecast.
 
Mr Bump said:
Asha I just got another Nikon Lens toy a minty 28mm F2.8

its fab !!!!
Click to expand...

Git ! :D .... watch the "new toy thread" in ten days or so when a little parcel is due to arrive from across the pond.......Payback time! :D :D

I like wide angle....I've recently been using a Sigma EX DG 20mm F/1.8 that I bought a while back to use on dslr ( on a D80 it's equivalent to 30mm)......I actually get more fun using it on the FE where of course it shoots at 20mm.

Surprisingly it is very prone to flare on the dslr but much less so on film....dunno why but it's cool.

The compatibilty of lenses between the film & digi bodies suits me to a tea...love it!

Naturally it's not just limited to Nikon, with suitable adapters, many lens / body combos can be made up....Great fun!
 
The FG and the 28mm is a wierd combo its almost point and shoot as it focuses to infiniy @ 2 meters+.
 
Mr Bump said:
The FG and the 28mm is a wierd combo its almost point and shoot as it focuses to infiniy @ 2 meters+.
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My Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm actually has f8 and 3.0 metres indicated in red as focusing to that at f8 makes the depth of field range from 1.5m to infinity, dead useful if you just want near about everything in focus.
 
MartynK said:
Thom Hogan reckoned the FM3D reached prototype but the project was abandoned before it got into production. It was around 2006 IIRC and was probably a marketing decision, based on a poor sales forecast.
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They got as far as a prototype,shame they didn't get to production :(
 
Actually I am now wondering if an FM2 might be a better idea?

price v's features.

also I might have read wrong but lenses for the FE need to have the metering prong do dar?

hummm
 
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Mr Bump said:
Actually I am now wondering if an FM2 might be a better idea?

price v's features.

also I might have read wrong but lenses for the FE need to have the metering prong do dar?

hummm
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I thought there was a negligible price difference between the two on the used market? The FE2 was actually the higher, premium model when new, and sold for more than the FM2.

No FE or FM, or any model in the series, requires the prong of non-AI lenses - they were all AI cameras. What the FE/FM had was compatibility with non-AI lenses, which the FE2/FM2 lost - but it involves stop down metering and it was a bit clunky, so it's not a deal breaker.
 
FM2(n) v FE2

Simple decision based on whether you value having the option of auto exposure.

Other minor differences:

FE2 has TTL flash control, if that's important to you
FM2 has a mechanical shutter, meaning it works without batteries (except the meter). Theoretically that also means it is more repairable if anything happens to it - if the electronic shutter control of the FE2 goes wrong, it's probably a write-off. However the cost of fixing either camera for anything significant (eg shutter) is probably not worthwhile anyway. One advantage of the electronic shutter of the FE2 over the mechanical is that it's likely to be more accurate in terms of its speeds. It's also far more useful for long exposures - it can go up to 8 seconds manually or several minutes/hours on auto - not as easy to do on an FM2.

Other main difference is through the viewfinder - FE2 has a needle, FM2 has LEDs. For most uses, I find the needle better, though in low light the LEDs are easier to see.

But putting all that minutiae to one side, it really just comes down to whether you value having the auto exposure option. I do, so for me, FE2 beats FM2.
 
I'm a bit confused over auto exposure?
Also will my standard Series E lenses be ok with either body?

I read that the FE2 might not like non A-is lenses are they different?
 
Mr Bump said:
I'm a bit confused over auto exposure?
Also will my standard Series E lenses be ok with either body?

I read that the FE2 might not like non A-is lenses are they different?
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"auto exposure" = "aperture priority"

Series E lenses will be fine with either body - Series E lenses are AI lenses.

The FE2 doesn't properly support non-AI lenses, because its AI mechanism interferes with non-AI lenses. The AI mechanism can be moved out of the way on the FE, which allows it to support non-AI lenses. It's a feature valued by some, but it's clunky and a workaround at best (it was for Nikon to provide a bridge between non-AI and AI users who were transitioning).
 
Ah oh "AP" I use that most of the time to be honest so does the FM2n not have AP?
 
Yeah, the FM is manual only. If you really need aperture priority you're better off with an FE. Though having a mechanical camera will complement your electronic FG nicely, I use an FM2n as a backup for my F3. Actually I think F3's are around the same price as FE/FMs, the pro Nikons are on another level in terms of build and refinement. The F3 has aperture priority too.
 
Mr Bump said:
Ah oh "AP" I use that most of the time to be honest so does the FM2n not have AP?
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Nope. The FM series are completely manual, and only require the battery for metering. The FE and FE2 offer aperture priority auto exposure too, but not fully automatic operation.
 
ok I see.

I have to think....

Thanks chaps as ever
 
I think the FE had one manual shutter speed in case the battery went 1/125sec not to sure if this carry over to the FE2

When i started up their were only manual cameras SLR,i remember thinking when the first auto SLR came :eek: what if the battery goes,but soon got used to it,nowadays :lol:.
 
If you use A mode on your FG a lot then you want an FE2 (or F3, or indeed the FM3a if you're feeling flush), not an FM2.

If you also use P mode on your FG, then think about an FA (like an FE2 on steroids: has P, S, A, M modes and matrix metering). Mine was possibly my favourite Nikon body until I dropped it and it died - the only Nikon I've had (and I've had a few) that gave up the ghost (and it was provoked I guess) :'(.
 
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simonblue said:
I think the FE had one manual shutter speed in case the battery went 1/125sec not to sure if this carry over to the FE2

When i started up their were only manual cameras SLR,i remember thinking when the first auto SLR came :eek: what if the battery goes,but soon got used to it,nowadays :lol:.
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I had much the same experience. All SLRs were manual when I started photography, and I was deeply suspicious of the electronic automation and particularly the battery dependency when this first appeared. I never really got over that either and still 'trust' my F2 and FM more than the later models, although I do have a DSLR too!

AFAIK, the FE2 does have a failsafe shutter speed, but I've never owned one and can't confirm that personally. I think the FM3A reverts to full mechanical/manual mode if the battery dies. Best of both worlds, at a price.
 
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TheGreatSoprendo said:
Think it's 1/90th on the FE, and 1/250th on the FE2.
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This is indeed the case (M90, M250). Whilst a battery independent camera is nice, if you can carry an extra roll of film with you, you can also carry two extra LR44 batteries!
 
freecom2 said:
This is indeed the case (M90, M250). Whilst a battery independent camera is nice, if you can carry an extra roll of film with you, you can also carry two extra LR44 batteries!
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Yes, you can, but I've known people whose electronic cameras from that era failed under high temperatures and humidity in gold mines, and came back to life afterwards. Their mechanical backups - usually FMs and FM2s - worked flawlessly. I've no intention of going down a deep mine - I'm slightly claustrophobic - but that just fed my innate conservatism. Too much to go wrong with these complicated electronic gadgets!
 
The FE2 is a great package for its size. Going to Italy next week and need to travel light camera wise, so have 90% decided that FE2 + 50mm is the only kit I'm bringing. I do find having aperture priority a useful feature for quick shooting if out and about on holiday, snaps of the kids etc., though I am slightly nervous and wondering if I'd be better off with a mechanical body from a reliability perspective. I'll be bringing spare batteries, but if anything goes wrong with the electrics it will be a challenge to shoot everything at 1/250! I guess sunny 16 with the ISO100 film I'll be bringing will mean approx f11 in bright sunshine, something like f4 to 5.6 in open shade...would be a challenge but not impossible.

Still toying with the idea of taking the Rolleicord instead for a laugh, but it's much slower to shoot, and not as easy to change rolls on the hoof with my family urging me to hurry up....whereas I can change a roll of 35mm without breaking stride! FE2 also likely to get the nod over F3 due to weight/size advantage.
 
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