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

Rating:
Summary: a high-end classic camera... or an overpriced novelty item?
Review: After using a very basic, manual camera (Pentax K1000) for many years, I switched to something more modern to have the option of conveniences such as auto exposure and autofocus if I ever needed them. Then, after a few years of using those cameras, I realized: I shoot in aperture-priority auto exposure mode almost always, rarely use autofocus, automatic cameras drain batteries too fast (much of it is due to the auto film advance/rewind mechanism which I don't need), and I don't like most of today's cameras because they look and feel too much like computer gadgets. So with these things in mind, I recently purchased the Nikon FM3a which looks like a camera from 1980, with its classic body design, manual focus and manual film wind/advance. It looks and functions very much like their FE2 except this can set the ISO automatically for DX coded film and can operate the shutter mechanically at all speeds when the batteries die. I like this camera so far but I also find myself missing some of the features found in the more contemporary cameras, such as: 1. a comfortable grip - the small, boxiness of the body design is especially uncomforable to wield when a large/heavy lens is mounted; 2. adjustable diopter; 3. exposure speeds longer than 8 seconds; 4. and the most imporant one, LED display in viewfinder. Yes, Nikon really went old school with this one and used a needle instead of an LED panel, which means you cannot see the exposure information in low light situations. Another con is the high price -- at a street price of around $600, this camera definitely is not a good value. And at that price, why didn't Nikon make this a truly high-end, classic style camera? Although the body is metal, it feels somewhat thin and flimsy compared to some of their older models, and little parts here and there (such as the ASA setting dial) are made of plastic, which seems ridiculous at this price.

So, who is this camera for? I'd say that buying this camera might be like buying a record player -- something that is available in small quantities as an overpriced, high-end (perhaps a novelty) item for traditional camera enthusiasts who are willing to spend the money for it. If you are someone who is looking for one camera with all the modern conveniences and is a good value, this is not for you. if you happen to be one of the few who want a camera reminiscent of one made in 1980 but don't want to buy a used one, this might be the camera for you since this is probably the only camera of its kind in production today. And it probably will be discontinued soon due to low sales.

Rating:
Summary: Go digital
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Go digital
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Professional, easy to use and fun
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Back to the future...
Review: 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.

Classic camera. I love it. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: One of the reasons I will never stray away from Nikon
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One of Nikon's Best Cameras
Review: 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.