Camera Geekery: The Nikon FM3A
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- A little video about that masterpiece that is the Nikon FM3A.
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Tomorrow I will receive MY Nikon FM3a ! I am not sure I will sleep tonight ! :))))) I want this camera since 2017.
So how is it? What you always imagined?
@@akyerit it's a great camera. You don't need another slr if you get one.
Not sure why I watched this as I'm lucky enough to already own an FM3a. It's my main camera and has worked flawlessly
I have to admit my FA is my favorite of all time, for the long exp, matrix metering, grip & my gods the sound of its shutter... but I got the FM3a to compare and choose 1 to sell. I can't. For having lesser features, this FM3a has such a fine quality that I can't bring myself to part with it. I just think that for what it does, it does so beautifully, it and the FA are my favorite camera(s). The FA cost me $200 mint condition, and the FM3a was NOS from Japan for $800, and yet honestly it feels like a steal its so nice.
Bought this back in the middle of 'digital transition' time, for a steal price, without even knowing what it is. Used it a lot and loved it so much, to the point of wanting to buy another one (with different color) and realized the price has skyrocketed since then.
Have had one for a few months wow
Every time I pick it up it feels so good in my hands ahhhhh
What a tool
Ahhhhh my one true camera! Ever since I got to borrow my college teacherʼs FM3a I decided to get one myself. I bought mine from a local seller in 2016 cheaply but I had to send it to repair since the shutter needed rebuilding. And oh what a pricetag! But I got it back just in time for New Year 2017, and it was all worth it. Now I own this amazing camera, and I have shot and plan to shoot lots of photos with my FM3a.
Edit: I now own two of these, one in black (as mentioned above) and another in chrome like what Bellamy used in the video.
I bought an FM3a new, shortly after they were discontinued, for almost nothing. Still have it. It's by far my favorite Nikon camera, although I like and use my F3 a lot, too.
(The F3 feels a little more bullet-proof and I use it when I think it might get banged around or rained on.)
@Luke Caldwell Exactly!
Ugh, my dream 35mm slr. I ended up settling for the fe2 as I couldn't justify paying 3-4 times as much for almost an identical camera. I still want it though, with that pancake 45mm that it came with.
And that smashing lens!
Personally, I’m pretty happy about my FM2n.
I have one, and I totally agree is and amazing camera. I’ll pass it to my kids. I’m pretty sure is that good.
Hello JCH, could you do a video comparing Nikon F3/T vs FM3a? Thank you
Excellent! Thank you Mr. Hunt!
Glad you enjoyed it
That drumroll was the exact point I clicked like on this video.
Top Brass 😂 Love it. The only camera I would ever trade in my beloved FE for...
No...would keep my FE as well..to nice a little cam to part with.
@@catey62 Yes you're right actually, I'd rather keep it haha
Solid camera - Needle meter is nice- Like my F3 Hp as a glasses wearer - but the Fm3a is more svelte. Starting to think the d850 may be the fm3a in a few more years. Last of the best.
hahahaha there is no other channel that makes me chuckle like this, so glad you're doing these now
So glad you like them.
Great review, owned most of the FM - FE cameras, but the thing I loved the most was needle metering over all the others.
LEDs were a real disappointment !
Totally agree! For that very reason the FE & FE2 remain my favourite film cameras, even though I own F3, F4 etc. An analogue needle system is just so intuitive to use. I sold my FM3a in 2004, to fund the purchase of my first digital body. I do now wish I'd kept it!!
Had a chance to get it brand new 😭. Ritz Camera had one and I didn't go for it cuz I was worried my cousin (who was with me at the moment) would scold me for blowing over $1000 US on a camera. Been kicking myself eversince.
This is my favorite Manual Focus 35mm SLR and I've used a lot. The FE2 is close but this is still better. The Pentax LX, Contax S2/b, Nikon FM2/FE2 are also great choices as well.
Yeah, I have zero complaints about my LX. Thing is a absolute work horse
that intro is wicked 555
Enjoyed the jokes and the camera overview. This was a grail Nikon for me as I started off with Nikon. I may leave Nikon Digital Cameras but this and my FE I'll keep forever.
There is one con, which is that the FE2 exists and runs much cheaper. I prefer my FM3a, but for most people the FE2 will do everything the FM3a does for a fraction of the price.
Important things: It has a dedicated motor drive and same F5 matrix photometer !! That lens comes with the FM3a by default and is a pancake 40mm, very sharp and perfect for street photography.
Matrix? I thought that was on the FA model.
@@jsprite123 yes it is
No matrix in the FM3a buddy...
The historical significance of this camera cannot be understated. It was one of the last film cameras killed by the digital revolution. But it's also the camera that has the last laugh as my FM3a has only gone up in value while my D300 is virtually worthless.
Agree. Dgital camera are like disposable items. You may get a good 3-5 years before they are considered "obsolete".
The craziest part of this video is your GMT 😍
We all know that Nikon officially recognizes regional pronunciations, right?
Yup. I thought this was pretty understood. In fact, look at Nikon’s own American commercials and see how they pronounce their own name. They say Nai-kon.
Loving these videos. You could do a series of videos to help us understand the diferent lines f fe fm etc of diferent brands. Also comparing between brands
Vids are getting so good. Wouldn’t mind a long session beyond specs and intro though.. somewhat like an “all you need to know about” style. Would definitely sit through that! Thank you for your work!
The last film camera I bought, in 2005, that I would use for only few frames of just one film, then cherishing using it in imagination only, it just to behold. Reminds me of the original Mustang which, Lee Iacocca is purported to have remarked on: "looks running even when stationary".
like the bag ..also
I'm buying one today
A true gem!
And they did, Nikon is making the ZFC :P
Thanks im looking into getting one!
Fantástica Cámara!!
Me gusta tanto como mi Leica M3...
No dejo de trabajar con *film* la fotografía Digital se está volviendo muy aburrida
Gracias por su video!
Saludos desde México..
Hi Bellamy. I disagree with you on one point. Knee con could have made the FM3a better by adding a spot meter function....And that is the ONLY thing I miss on a camera I have owned since new in 2002. It is Knee cons best ever camera and I intend to be buried with mine!
Like I just recently lol or my FE and nod you make me want a FM3
I keep my FM-2 in good working order, even through the vagaries of budget rarely allow for film photography. To compensate, I use rhe 28-80mm Nikon lens on my Pentax K-1 DSLR.
My Contax Aria 70 Years version was Contax Yashica's attempt to create a high end camera like the FM3a and released one year later; although the Contax S2 which was all manual would probably be closer to the FM3a. Nikon and Kyocera had different objectives and design philosophies, both cameras were the culmination of years of experiences and coincides with the greatest revolution in photography, the impact of digital technology. I know purists may decry the Aria for not being all mechanical, but the Contax S2 already fulfilled that desire, but it only had spot metering, so for me the Aria 70 years is much more versatile than the S2 or the FM3a. But best of all I prefer Zeiss glass to Nikon, sorry Nikonophiles
Contax S2's younger sibling, the Contax S2b, has center-weighted metering (as well as a darker finish on the top and bottom plates), which actually makes it quite similar to the Nikon FM2n, but you pay a premium for it... The Nikon FM3a also is a manual camera but actually has a few more features than both: exposure compensation, TTL flash metering fully integrated with the Nikon Speedlight system, and that unique hybrid shutter that allows it to have both fully mechanical operation and an electronic aperture-priority mode with full shutter speed range up to 1/4000th of a second. Anyhow, I agree that the main reason to choose a camera system is the lens roster, and it's difficult to argue with Zeiss in that regard...
Which lens is on the camera???
Cons: match-needle meter is difficult to read in low light (same as FE no lit + - like FM/FM2) and very expensive, especially with that 45mm lens. Otherwise, amazing camera.
The FM2 meter is the best! Can do half stop control on over/under exposures anywhere in the frame easily in nearly any light
Love the vids, it's much more enjoyable in my opinion to see/hear about the camera history rather than reading it. Although I've read countless camera writeups 😅
This was my last slr camera.
Can you do a video for FM2 also I have a myopic eye and have seen a noticeable difficulty with focusing without my specs.
Wow it's just like a Nikon fe but modernized and mechanical I love my fe might have to get one of these. Although I really do love the nikon f3 I've been lent
Hi Bellami,
Thanks for your content.
This is my dream camera, when I finish my Master's I'm going to reach out to you :)
Please do!
Nice
Where do I get one of those film canister attachable holders?
Hi Bellamy, as a glass wearer can you see all the information in the viewfinder of FM3A easily? I read quite a few comments online about how it is difficult to see everything without pushing the eye very close to the viewfinder (as compared to, for example, the F3). Thanks!
I'm obviously not Bellamy but as a glasses wearer and FM3a shooter I can confirm - yes, really ✌🏾
@@j.fontaine2491 Thank you!
Would you prefere that or F3?
Great camera! I wanna ask, body Is which material? Any titanium used?
Cons... none. I am hovering on pulling the trigger on one, but am hesitant on just one point... the film advance lever needs to be pulled out to the 'ready' position in order to activate the meter and shutter (as a battery saving quirk, I read), but that if you are a left-eye shooter that means it sticks into your right eye (or bumps the right side of your eyeglasses) when shooting. Is that right? It really does seem a remarkable camera in any case.
Bellamy, is not the exposure comp setting a bit faff on this body? A bit of an achilles heel? Because I have heard that it locks up at every incremental step to over or under expose and is a bit faff to work with this.
What's your real thoughts on this bro?
Stu
Hi! This camera has the B focusing screen? Or the finder scene was done in post? Thanks
Finally some one who has the guts to say 'Nikon' the way its meant to be. brilliant video too.
Great video. I love all your content. And I can't stop thinking about the poster on your desk. Where did u get it?
Thank you! It is actually a desk mat which was provided by Nikon to vendors. I was given it by my old boss when I left the company.
Nikon f series design really looks good i don't know why they leave its design like completely... at era before mirrorless rise up people say that body like fm, fm2, or fm3 so thin the electricty couldn't fit in it and at nikon z mirrorless realease its thin and they forget about their beloved f design... i know its been nikon df but that camera really like special edition for nikon F anniversary (cmiiw)
Can you help source the +2 diopter? Thank you, Alan
Thank you so much for trying to educate the americans on how to pronounce NIKON and, id they are in any doubt why don't they ask NIKON, its their company !!! They know how to pronounce it.
Only one lens showed up in all JCH's Nikon camera videos, that 45/2.8 must be good?
It's the only one I have at the moment haha.
FM3a or FA? Choices, choices...A comparison video would be nice!
Although this is about the Nikon FM3A, the camera bag looks good too. Where can I get for myself? ☺️
Hello there, I have a large format Studio camera made by F Charten & Company, Japan. I believe this would have been made around the 1940’s or 50’s. (I may be wrong on this). It has a Schneider Lens, 300mm 4.5. Its on a beautiful stand with lots os stainless steel work. I am trying to do some research on this but nothing is seen on the Web. There is a another specimen in a museum in Australia but that a smaller item. Any help on finding more details on this will be welcome.
It's hardly settled. English has been doing that thing to the 'i' sound for many hundreds of years. It's one of the quirks of the accent that have been driving Europeans up the wall forever. It's even in the way the English pronounce Latin, in an unbroken tradition probably stretching back to the Roman occupation. The academic world has grudgingly accepted English Latin as a thing. Shakespeare would probably have been incapable of pronouncing Nikon the way you prefer.
But quite apart from that, Nikon doesn't just refer to Nippon Kogaku, but also to Zeiss Ikon from whom they borrowed and sought to emulate. So there is a case to be made for pronouncing it the English way, as we don't automatically adopt German pronunciation when we refer to their brands. I was taught that not even bilingual speakers snap back and forth between accents in the same sentence.
Gorgeous camera.
Dicaprio cracked me up!
What is the difference with Nikon F3? Better or not?
Great presentation of the pinnacle of Nikon’s experience and knowledge to create the last of a package with all the features needed in an old school camera
It’s a shame they finished off that glorious era with that horrible FM 10
Hi Bellamy--Great video! I like the film canister attachment you have on the strap of your ONA camera bag. Did you make it or is there somewhere I can buy it?
Thanks!
Glad you like it. It was actually made as a special edition for the JCH ONA bag. Unfortunately they no longer make it. Thanks.
Unfortunately the f6 has just been discontinued (Apparently) so your wish for the restart of production of this is not going to happen. I think Pentax should release an LX mark 2 though.
Nikon should start manufacturing this camera again. This camera will exist for a very very long time.
Especially with the surge in popularity of 35mm photography
Despite the onscreen pronunciation of "knee-con", I kept hearing "nick-on" from Bellamy, similar to how most British people pronounce the "i" in Nissan.
The British can mispronounce Nissan and we'll take Nikon and call it even 🤝 😂
Hold on, how do you pronounce Nissan?
@@japancamerahunter probably like Oniisan? I would put the stress on the "-san" syllable.
Could you compare the size/handling with the olympus om 1-4 cameras?
I have an OM-1 and one grip I have is that it feels way too tiny in my hands.
But seeing your hands on the fm3, it seems similar :-(
The other thing that I think might bother is the advancing lever needing to be out. I feel like it will be hitting my face as I usually shoot with left eye in. Or I will just get used to right eye haha
These camera companies are leaving money on the table by not at least crafting some limited runs of there classic camera models - Nikon, Pentax I'm looking at you.
Just wondering how loud the shutter is on FM3A? Is it suitable for street photography?
How is the camera for left eye shooters? I ask because the film advance lever needs to be pulled out when using the camera. Does it get in the way?
No
everybody should be talking about how much they care about the environment , and acting on it too .... peace and mother fucking love !!!!
@JapanCameraHunter If you were looking at either an FM3A or F3HP, which would you buy? Assuming both were in let's say mint minus condition...
My wallet and head says FM3a. My hears says F3HP. I am wiser now than to follow my heart.
everything you said about this camera is true , I have 1 , wish my copy was as nice as yours , lol
in your opinion , any Minoltas worth a JCH review?
Sure, plenty. It is a case of if we get them in. We have already reviewed a couple of Minoltas.
Great Nikon SLR camera. Where is the Canon FD cameras at?
One day.
I'm waiting for a manufacturer to make a digital camera of this simplicity, style and purity. Not the bloated frankenstein that is the Df, but an FM3A that merely records to a memory card rather than film, no bells whistles or digital filters. I think that's the untapped market in photography right now. (I'm leaving Leica out of this because they don't exist for most people's budgets)
I wish Nikon updates the Df, leave all mechanical switches as is, and lower the darn price!
Will the Nikon Zfc already cut it? I mean it's operationally similar to the FM2/FE2 but then it's APS-C size and is a mirrorless.
There is not so much wrong with the Df, it is a nice digital camera that handles like a film camera. It is just misunderstood...
Do share image samples please. We only fancy these desires through your videos. Please allow us to experience the magic🔥
Such a handsome boi
I have one with the non working meter 😪🤷♂️
Tangent: Do they even call them 'hot cakes' in Japan? I thought that term is highly regional to parts of the USA.
They do. ホットケーキ (hot cake) is very popular here.
Finally! Someone pronounces Nikon correctly!
I can't tell you how happy I am hear someone pronounce it correctly and tell the Americans they are incorrect.
Released in 2001? That must be one of their last film cameras then?
Nikon still technically has the F6 in production!
They still have a small assembly line for it in the factory (or until very recently).
@@FelipeFigueroaG
Also producing the AiS 50 1.2 @ around 600euros.
That's why I respect Nikon.
May be they produce other lenses, not sure. ( mean manual focus )
@@FelipeFigueroaG wow, that's a surprise. Pleasing though.
hayios0 Maybe it’s time to buy that fast 50? Tempting.
more detail. what lens is that? what lenses it use?
Nikon lenses...
Wonderfull camera, what the heck is that bag though?
No cons? There is only one. A price tag
Sensual Nikon Music
New band name
Ok... now the big question FM3A with 1/4000 metallic shutter or the legend F3HP ? : ))
Thanks for the advice.
both
Ideal world: both
My world: FE2 + F3HP. The FE2 is just as good if you don't mind the batteries. And a lot cheaper too
@@Kylemsguy FE2 ! hmm... Thanks for the heads up.
The F3HP and the FM2 are not a bad combo. I still would like the FM3a and the F6 as well.
First time I hear some one non Russian pronouncing Nikon normally. :)
One of Nikon's finest ever film cameras for sure, but very expensive to buy now, even after all these years since Nikon stopped making them. You can buy 3 mint FE2's or 5 mint FE's for the same price..
yes, but you need only 1
What type of lens is that??
Sir , what are the shutter speeds at mechanical override when the batteries die. ? . Nice video & Thanks :)
All the shutter speeds are available also in mechanical mode.
All the shutter speed are available even without the battery....hence the dual shutter mechanism, manual and electronic. The only difference is that in manual mode the shutter speeds are not stepless as they would be in A (electronic aperture priority mode). So in A mode if the camera thought it necessary it might set a shutter speed between say 2000 and 4000. In manual mode you manually set either 2000 or 4000.
@@Revup1 Thank you Sir :)
@@tor2919 Thank you Sir :)
I had to "settle" on the FM2n since this camera is way too expensive.
Neyekon
What lens is this?
Nikon 45mm Ai-p
Lmao this was fantastic 😂😂