The Nikon FM3A - Beast or Bust?
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Bitter sweet episode today. This is my last video as an Arizona resident. In my last 48 hours in the state I take the Nikon FM3A out for a spin around Cave Creek, AZ. I've owned this camera for a couple years and only shot a few rolls through it. I had to change that!
Film shot: Kodak Gold 200 & LOMO 400
Lens Used: Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AIS
Have you shot an FM3A? Thoughts on it?
Thanks for watching!
Follow me on Instagram! / macshootsfilm
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Gear I will be using in 2021:
Voigtlander VC Speed Meter II on the m4-p amzn.to/2NhRag0
Leica M4-P 35mm Camera: amzn.to/2rOXsNe
Leica M5 35mm Camera
Leica 35mm Summicron f/2 ASPH v1
Leica 50mm Summicron f/2 v5
Leica 90mm Elmarit f/2.8
Nikon f100: amzn.to/36glVtM
Peak Design Slide Lite: amzn.to/3n3CxNk
Nikon FM3A: amzn.to/2QzAGkR
Olympus XA2: amzn.to/2ZOuQAk
Mamiya 645 Pro: amzn.to/2SJBpTi
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack: amzn.to/37vgis2
AmazonBasics Camera Sling Bag - 8 x 6 x 15 Inches, Black: amzn.to/2ZFwbZW
Leica Light meter - Voigtlander VC Speed Meter II: amzn.to/36i3d4X
RGB Light - Boling Vlogger BL-P1: amzn.to/31XfzxY
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What I use to develop film at home:
I use a Plustek 8200i SE scanner! It's AMAZING! amzn.to/2TVUAH7
Ultrafine Unicolor C-41 Powder Developer Kit (1 Liter): amzn.to/2YiWh44
CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit : amzn.to/2TtblZ9
Chemical bottles (get 3): amzn.to/2U1LpZ2
Paterson Universal tank and 2 reels : amzn.to/2JAcHSf
Dark bag: amzn.to/2JB2Yes
Analog thermometer: amzn.to/2JC5Mb5 (Optional Upgrade to standard thermometer)
Kodak Photo-Flo (minimizes streaks from hard water): amzn.to/2U7ahhP
Drying Clips: amzn.to/2UULNFJ
Archival Storage Sheets: amzn.to/2U1QLDC
Film Cassette Cartridge Opener: amzn.to/2U7bwgZ
Rocket Air Blaster: amzn.to/2Tq2rvz
Nikon FM3A Reviw
The light was not the best at that time, but I still think that many photos could have benefited from 1/2 to one stop less exposure
I personally like the slightly over exposed look for these films and conditions. It brings a pastel, painterly feel to it.
I got the F3 instead of the FM3A. It was mainly a financial decision and even tho I love my F3 my heart is bleeding every time I see an FM3A. Great video as always Mac 👍
I think I like my F3 more than the FM3A. The shutter, film advance, ergonomics on the F3 are just so dang sexy!
Yes it's a fantastic camera. But you know how it is.. The heart wants what the heart wants 😉
@@janosb5953 hey are you interested in trading
@@janosb5953 I have a Nikon fm3a in very good condition and I am intersted in trading it with very good condition Nikon f3
Just get an FE2... it's the FM3a but you do need batteries (except it will shoot at 1/250th without). Let's face it, LR44 batteries are ubiquitous. The F3 also needs batteries (and DOESN'T have the ability to shoot ANY shutter speed without). Anyone saying they prefer the F3 is nuts. The FM3a and FE2 outperform it in nearly every aspect. The FE2/FM3a also has an analog meter, which is not only prettier, but it tells you if you're in between shutter speeds and you can choose the faster or slower speed. It also has a proper hot shoe which the F3 does not. It's also a little smaller. I also like the film advance being the on/off switch (some people don't)... I borrowed my sister's F3 for about a month when I was deciding, and I left that damn thing on at least a handful of times every time I took it out shooting. (and did indeed need to replace the batteries at some point while I had it). The ONLY thing I liked better about the F3 was the 100 percent field of view. And I did like the removable prism, but never actually shot with it (maybe a few shots just cause I could). It was more fun to play with.. take on/off, etc. Get an FE2 if you can't afford the FM3a... same camera for all intents and purposes. And don't get an F3 unless you're doing so for the "cool look" of an F3. It's the inferior camera. [mac himself said it: the things he likes about it: film advance, shutter, ergonomics... just so dang SEXY. LOL. Point proven]
The late model FM2’s have a 1/4000 shutter also. I own one.
It was your F100 video that first brought it to my attention and convinced me to get it when my FG fell and broke.
I love hearing this! Thanks so much for watching the channel, Ben!
Great images, camera and location! So many things to shoot.
I love the video also, very fun to watch! Well done.
Thank you very much!
Nice vid & love the FM3A! Please post more vids about this amazing camera!! 🔥
I love this camera! I have plans for a few more vids with it. Thanks for watching, Robb!
So many things to take photos of…wish I was there! Great pictures!
Thanks so much for watching!
All mechanical Nikons are workhorses with or without batteries. They're bulletproof and great tools. BTW Danny is quite the videographer. Excellent work.
Every time I pick up a Nikon SLR I am reminded why they dominated the film SLR space for so long. Absolute beasts! Thanks for watching and thanks for giving Dani a shout out. She def appreciates it!
@@MacShootsFilm I have about a dozen Nikon SLR's from 70's, 80's and 90's. Have a few Nikon DSLR's as well. I think we have a few in common. Sorry for the misspelling Dani! Looking forward to the next vid.
if i remember correct, theres a story of a vietnam/korea war photographer whos nikon F stopped a bullet aimed at his head.
@@ikaros4203 I read a short story about that with a photo of the camera. It seems plausible.
Great camera! The exposure lock button is sure in a much better location than on the old Canon EF (for fd-lenses)
The only difference it it and a FE2 is that the FE2 has an electronic shutter, and the FM3A has a Mechanical one. Oh. I forgot to mention the big difference. The price!
The FM3a only uses the mechanical shutter if you are shooting it in manual. Otherwise it reverts to the electronic to get specific shutter speeds that aren't necessarily in full stops (like 1/315th of a second e.g.) Basically you're spending a LOT more money over the FE2 in case you run out of batteries... which is not going to be often. [And to get a camera that is about 20 years newer.]
I just bought a Nikon FM3A. I am looking forward to receiving it. I like the fact that I do not have to worry about batteries while using that camera.
At least I am not the only one who likes super harsh light. 😄 really love the look of your pictures.
I loved that BRIGHT Arizona light! Just moved to Western NC and, well, tons of clouds. It's gonna change my photography...maybe. 😂
Mac, I dig the logo. Looks sharp brother keep up the good work.
Thanks! Felt like I needed to create a logo to really nail what this channel is about. Thanks so much for watching, Jamie!
the only con of the fm3a is the prices for the bodies these days. been an owner of one since 2011 and i can confidently say it’s the only film slr i’ll ever need. absolutely love mine. the only other con of it is the how small the shutter dial is. would like it to be a little bit larger so i don’t have to take my eye off the viewfinder and miss the moment.
It sure is expensive! Mine actually is having problems. The shutter sticks when using aperture priority and I have to smack the bottom of the camera with my hand to get it to release. People see me slapping my camera on the streets and probably think I'm crazy! hahahaha
@@MacShootsFilm mine does the same on aperture priority if the shutter speed is 500th or faster. It releases if I move the self timer half way 😂. It’s fairly common apparently but hard to trace why
Subscribed in the end after watching this. Actually before getting the FE2 i watched your review a while back now and liked it :) The FM3a is great, got myself a mint black one a while back and its my most used Film body coupled with the 28 lens. Love it for street and landscapes. I use a Leica film kit as well but keep getting back to my Nikon SLRs more often.
Great content, would love some more "in depth reviews" even though i like the relaxed kind of way you do yours. And actually rather watch a review that makes me inspired than a very technical one. But just a thought from a now subscriber hehe. Keep it up, regards Martin,
Thanks for watching, Martin!
Had it in mint condition for a good price but got bored of it very quickly. Exchanged it for a Bessa R and fell in love with rangefinders. But if you prefer SLRs it's a beast for sure.
The Bessa R is an amazing camera for sure! What lens do you typically run on it? Thanks for watching!
@@MacShootsFilm I had just one the 35mm f1.7 Ultron but I have sold that combo and got Fuji GW680 III instead, wife treated me with Leica M6 so didn't needed the Bessa anymore but if anyone is interested I highly recommend it. Just be careful, it's a getaway drug for sure.
So . I haven't followed you in a while. You do great work and good info. What made you leave Arizona and move to South Carolina. That area seems to be popular for Californians. My friend moved to Greenville. Keep up the good work.
Hello! Are the dials made of metal or plastic? For example, in the FM2 they are mostly plastic, but what are they like in the FM3a? Does the FM3a have some other very plastic parts? Thank you!
An overlooked camera is the Canon F-1. A professional SLR meant to go after the Nikon F2 and F3. It doesn't get much attention and perhaps that keep their demand low...for now that is.
The Nikon FM3a was something I have wanted in the past years but shooting medium format has kept me from buying one even when one comes my way. Hahaha. So your moving back to the Carolina’s?
It's a fun, feature packed, camera! Yeah, we're back in Western North Carolina now. Gonna be interesting to see how my photography changes. From non-stop AZ sun to humid cloudy southeastern skies. Here we go!
Man I was torn between the FA, F3, and FM3a, so I got the FA for ape mode, matrix metering & looong exposures, but then wanted to get him a buddy, and thought the FM3a makes a nice backup body, in case the FA's electronics croak someday. ...what I didn't get from the video's is, this silver FM3a is like a piece of jewelry. It's freaking gorgeous, and I got a mint one, so it's not going to be kicking around in a camera bag, it's sitting on the shelf waiting to be pressed into service. ...except, for as annoyed as I am with the plasticky bits of the FA, shooting with it is sooooo nice, if it died I'd just get another one (and for like $150). So now I'm one of these yahoos that has a mint FM3a sitting on a shelf that I won't get rid of because it's pretty.
Danny filmed this? FIRE 🔥
Dani filmed the last 4 or 5! She does all my videography and video editing now. I'm so freaking proud of her to be able to jump in and produce vids right out of the gate. Thanks for acknowledging her. She appreciates it so much! Thanks for watching, J.K.!
A model, Top videographer and editor. Mac, you a lucky film shooter. Keep it up you two.
Your number 2 fan.
I have always wanted to try the fm3a. It seems like an amazing camera! The aperture priority with a fully mechanical camera seems like a big bonus for me. however I have 2 nikon fm2 cameras that I use. they are mechanical as well just without aperture priority. I would also say I like the led read out of the meter in these over the match needle style on the fe2 and fm3a.
I need to try the fm2! Aperture priority is cool, but i'd be fine without it!
We all have different styles, I feel more comfortable with the needle, it allows me to have a more analogical idea of how the photometer measures and to compensate if necessary.
@@marcelocampoamor4761 while i do agree, the needle-light meter turns pretty much useless once it gets dark since there’s no LEDs brightening up the needle
@@riccykuno3215 :) Maybe then it's time for the tripod or digital camera. LOL
@@riccykuno3215 It is true what you say, but if it is so dark that you cannot see the needle in that case it is a minor problem compared to others caused by the lack of light, it is generally also convenient to use a tripod, I generally prefer to use in those cases my digital camera but I am not a die hard analog as will be seen from my comment.
That lens though 🤤
It was one of the first manual focus Nikon lenses I ever purchased. Love it!
I'm buying one today God knows how many years that camera is in the storage
Looks like a decent camera.
Switch back to Fm3a again?
No. I love the FM3A, but I think i'm good on my Leica kit for now.
Still searching, is large format camera not for you?!
I def wanna try large format! It will happen by the end of the year! 😂
i wanna be like mac when i grow up
hahahahahaha
I almost want to trade my F3hp for a FM3a.
It's a great camera. The F3 def feels better in hand and I prefer the 80/20 meter in the F3.
@@MacShootsFilm I was out shooting this morning at a local beach called Ruby. I was shooting the F3 with TRI-X 400 film. I also brought my Olympus OMG with its 50mm lens. Because I had a role of Portra 400 in it that I needed to finish off. It is a basic beginner type of camera and I love it. It is small and the view finder is huge and bright. I bought it for $20 at a yard sale :)
Nikon FM2n every day. Absolutely zero need for the FM3a. Also, are you a tourist or a photographer? Make some images, quit taking them.