Nice. I recently got one quite "cheap" in near mint condition, after thinking about getting a Leica M6, but hearing again and again that this is basically the perfect mechanical SLR. It's less than a third of the cost of an M6 and the lenses are much cheaper as well. The camera feels super, super nice, very close to Leica in regards to build quality and it's so intuitive to use.
Thank you very much for your detailed description, this is really helpful. One thing I'd like to note: Your copy in the video lacks the rubber eyepiece. If you wear glasses, they will easily get scratched (I know this from experience, when I lost it from my camera). So one more thing to check out, when you are out for purchasing a used copy. (The eyepiece is still sold as a spare part and fits the FA, FE2, FM2 and FM3a.)
I have a FM2N and so want a FM3a still working on one I really dont want to sell some of my other Nikon’s to fund it for me it one of the finest Cameras Nikon ever made a great all round camera
It's on my wish list. My first serious camera was an FE2 and I'm still shooting a black body FM2 (one of the unusual FM2's before the FM2N came out). FM3a would be best of both worlds. I'm wondering if Nikon service centers will still work on these...?
Actually you cannot use non ai glass on these. They don't have the provision to flip the ai tab out of the way. The FM and FE did, the FM2, FE2 do not.
I would recommend an OM2n for film and a used Olympus OMD EM1 mark iii for digital. If you are on a budget, an older EM5 digital would work. Size wise, Oly is hard to beat and are very well made.@WorldwideCameraExchange 0:
Hi Jonathan. At 4:30 you mention about the top being knocked...I just bough an FE2 which has exactly this dent there on the side on the top. Looking through the viewfinder I don't see anything wrong with it. Do you think it can hide other problems? I didn't have a chance to go through the whole film yet. Thanks in advance.
The prism housing is quite delicate. That said, it’s common to see them with dents but still fully working. If it’s cheap enough and working I’d buy otherwise find another.
I wish I had seen this before I bought mine. Mine has a sticky shutter that results in random lines through each exposure, and I have no idea how to get it fixed... cool camera if it works!
I bought an Nikon FE a couple of months ago, also an amazing camera i.m.o. But unfortunately the light meter died, just like how you described it in the video. After some googling I found out that this is an extremely common issue with FE's. So now I'm looking to upgrade to an FM3A, but I was wondering does anybody know here how common this issue is with FM3A's? The FM3A is a much newer camera and hopefully Nikon did fix this issue in the construction. Did they though?
i good note for people that are left eye dominant, the FM cameras require the advance lever to jut out in order for the camera to be "on" as it acts as an on off switch. I hadnt heard anyone complain about this but as soon as i bought my fm3a i could feel the advance lever jab me in the eyebrow everytime i looked through the viewfinder. takes some getting used to. if anyone knows a workaround for this plz lmk. in terms of ergonomics its a pretty rough camera.
Thanks for commenting. Yes, you’re right, I should have mentioned that. The Nikon FM series cameras do need to be used with the wind on crank in the out position. Thanks for commenting.
Not essential. Some users who wear glasses prefer the FM3a, FM2, FM etc without them fitted. Obviously you’ll need to fit one if you need diopter correction. Also needed to fit some eyecups.
The best SLR camera ever made, in my opinion. I was fortunate to find one new in the box. I won't be parting with it...it will be an heirloom for a deserving family member.
It accepts some pre-AI lenses but you do need to be careful. Nikon recommends not fitting them because the lens can foul the plastic AI tab (which doesn’t fold). But some lenses will mount without issue. Obviously you won’t get any metering.
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great insight
Thanks for commenting
You are a SUPER-Teacher ! Super tutorial !
Thank you. You’re very kind.
Nice. I recently got one quite "cheap" in near mint condition, after thinking about getting a Leica M6, but hearing again and again that this is basically the perfect mechanical SLR. It's less than a third of the cost of an M6 and the lenses are much cheaper as well. The camera feels super, super nice, very close to Leica in regards to build quality and it's so intuitive to use.
Yes, fantastic cameras. Enjoy!
Thank you very much for your detailed description, this is really helpful.
One thing I'd like to note: Your copy in the video lacks the rubber eyepiece. If you wear glasses, they will easily get scratched (I know this from experience, when I lost it from my camera). So one more thing to check out, when you are out for purchasing a used copy.
(The eyepiece is still sold as a spare part and fits the FA, FE2, FM2 and FM3a.)
Thank you for commenting.
Just bought one,.. very excited to run through the check list
They’re fantastic cameras - enjoy!
Thanks for making this video. Great review! I am thinking about buying a Nikon FM3a and that is how I found your video.
My pleasure
This a great and informative video! Thank you.
Thanks - glad it was useful.
I have a FM2N and so want a FM3a still working on one I really dont want to sell some of my other Nikon’s to fund it for me it one of the finest Cameras Nikon ever made a great all round camera
Both fantastic Nikons!
It's on my wish list. My first serious camera was an FE2 and I'm still shooting a black body FM2 (one of the unusual FM2's before the FM2N came out). FM3a would be best of both worlds. I'm wondering if Nikon service centers will still work on these...?
Not the FE2 or FM2. Perhaps the FM3a - you’ll need to contact your local Nikon importer and ask.
Actually you cannot use non ai glass on these. They don't have the provision to flip the ai tab out of the way. The FM and FE did, the FM2, FE2 do not.
Thanks for your input. Some pre-AI lenses will mount despite the AI coupler but others won't. I appreciate you taking the time to highlight.
You can use modified pre-ai lenses, some people cut a part of the mount for it to be able to fit
For street photography, the FM3a and the Olympus OMs are very hard to beat.
I understand the advantage of small and discreet. Would you recommend film over digital for street photography?
I would recommend an OM2n for film and a used Olympus OMD EM1 mark iii for digital. If you are on a budget, an older EM5 digital would work. Size wise, Oly is hard to beat and are very well made.@WorldwideCameraExchange 0:
Hi Jonathan. At 4:30 you mention about the top being knocked...I just bough an FE2 which has exactly this dent there on the side on the top. Looking through the viewfinder I don't see anything wrong with it. Do you think it can hide other problems? I didn't have a chance to go through the whole film yet. Thanks in advance.
The prism housing is quite delicate. That said, it’s common to see them with dents but still fully working. If it’s cheap enough and working I’d buy otherwise find another.
Great camera
Yes, one of the best Nikons!
@@WorldwideCameraExchange agree
Thanks, very helpful!
Thank you!
I wish I had seen this before I bought mine. Mine has a sticky shutter that results in random lines through each exposure, and I have no idea how to get it fixed... cool camera if it works!
It might be worth getting a quote to service?
The 55mm micro is fitted on your Nikon? How do you rank that as far as nikkor manual focus lenses? For me - it’s the best
Yes, the Nikon micros are very, very good. Only slight drawback is the maximum apertures if you’re using them for day-to-day work.
I bought an Nikon FE a couple of months ago, also an amazing camera i.m.o. But unfortunately the light meter died, just like how you described it in the video. After some googling I found out that this is an extremely common issue with FE's. So now I'm looking to upgrade to an FM3A, but I was wondering does anybody know here how common this issue is with FM3A's? The FM3A is a much newer camera and hopefully Nikon did fix this issue in the construction. Did they though?
Yes, the Nikon FM3a does appear to be more reliable.
i good note for people that are left eye dominant, the FM cameras require the advance lever to jut out in order for the camera to be "on" as it acts as an on off switch. I hadnt heard anyone complain about this but as soon as i bought my fm3a i could feel the advance lever jab me in the eyebrow everytime i looked through the viewfinder. takes some getting used to. if anyone knows a workaround for this plz lmk. in terms of ergonomics its a pretty rough camera.
Thanks for commenting. Yes, you’re right, I should have mentioned that. The Nikon FM series cameras do need to be used with the wind on crank in the out position. Thanks for commenting.
Missing piece on this FM3A, the viewfinder protective glass with rubber rim
Not essential. Some users who wear glasses prefer the FM3a, FM2, FM etc without them fitted. Obviously you’ll need to fit one if you need diopter correction. Also needed to fit some eyecups.
Great review was wondering if this camera has the brighter screen than the fm2/fe2? Thanks
Yes, the screen is brighter. I’m not convinced it makes a huge difference in use.
how much is ok to pay for a good exemplar
£400 to £500 in the UK. Buy more for a really clean example.
The best SLR camera ever made, in my opinion. I was fortunate to find one new in the box. I won't be parting with it...it will be an heirloom for a deserving family member.
Nikon needs to reintroduce a mechanical film camera … maybe an FM4 or FM4a? There’s a desperate market waiting.
@@WorldwideCameraExchangea dream
Got one brand new two year ago, still my best photographic material purchase up to date, so reliable
non ai will not fit there
Some will mount if you’re careful but I wouldn’t recommend. Otherwise non-AI lenses can be converted.
Sorry ...this is a great camera..but doesn't accept pre-Ai lenses !
It accepts some pre-AI lenses but you do need to be careful. Nikon recommends not fitting them because the lens can foul the plastic AI tab (which doesn’t fold). But some lenses will mount without issue. Obviously you won’t get any metering.
Thanks, nicely done.
Thanks, much appreciated