FM3a 35mm SLR Body (Chrome)

by Nikon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• ASIN: B00005LERK
• Item model number: FM3A
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,121 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 23, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The FM3A inherits many of the FM2's features, including a durable die-cast metal body construction; Center-Weighted TTL (Through-the-Lens) full-aperture exposure metering with exposure compensation of -2 to +2 EV; and a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, plus bulb.

New also is the FM3A camera's TTL flash control with a maximum sync speed of 1/250 second, DX-coded film speed settings and new bright view focusing screens. Using the optional MD-12 Motor Drive, film advance at 3.2 frames per second is possible.

The FM3A is ideal for photographers seeking the quality and innovation of Nikon 35mm cameras with the freedom of personal control. The FM3A camera's hybrid shutter control system enables full mechanical shutter range plus electronic shutter speed range of operation. For mechanical operation the shutter's control does not require battery power, allowing users to shoot in all types of conditions, including extremely cold weather, without having to worry about battery failure. Using batteries, photographers can take advantage of the camera's built-in exposure meter. The battery power check is displayed for 16 seconds with the meter-on timer.

Under battery power the FM3A offers Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure. With Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure control, the user chooses the desired aperture, while the FM3A automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed.

This mode is ideal for many picture taking conditions, such as when action is happening too fast for the photographer to respond with manual operation, for shooting under conditions that may require exposure compensation, such as close-ups with extension tubes or Micro Nikkor optics, and when subjects are quickly moving from bright to dark areas. Additionally, during candid photography, changes in scene brightness are common, and automatic adjustment to exposure can be a true benefit. The FM3A's 60/40 center-weighted meter, an original Nikon innovation, handles a wide range of lighting with ease. In the hands of an experienced photographer, photographic excellence is achievable.

The FM3A's top shutter speed of 1/4000 second provides opportunities for critical action-stopping photos. It also expands exposure control, which is particularly useful when shooting with high-speed film. Shutter speed can be manually selected from one second to 1/4000 second. In A mode (Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure), shutter speed is controlled from eight seconds to 1/4000 second.

The FM3A's fast TTL flash sync, with fill-flash capability, provides a broad range of control options for shooting in virtually all ambient light conditions. When used with Nikon TTL Speedlights, such as the new SB-50DX(TM) or SB-28, the FM3A's TTL sensor monitors both ambient and flash illumination.

When the total light accumulated is right for the correct exposure, the flash automatically turns off. For fill effects, the FM3A includes a special button, which when pressed will automatically reduce the flash output by approximately one (1) f/stop. The result is a pleasing fill light that is very effective for backlighted subjects, and when ambient lighting is causing harsh shadows on the subject. This feature affords control that has not been available for those who prefer to use mechanical manual cameras.

The FM3A is designed for ruggedness and durability with a die-cast camera body made of copper silumin aluminum, a metal alloy that significantly reduces the effects of extreme temperature and humidity. While remarkably light, the alloy is rigid and resistant to metal fatigue and corrosion. With this solid construction, the FM3A is designed to perform superbly in a wide variety of challenging conditions.

Features

• New Hybrid Shutter Control System
• Classic 60/40 Center Weighted metering
• Rugged copper, silumin aluminum alloy construction chassis and metal outer body
• TTL Flash Metering System: Super fast 1/4,000 sec. to 1 sec. plus Bulb
• DX and Manual ISO

Product Description

The Nikon FM3A 35mm SLR Camera is aimed toward the creative individual who seeks independent control alongside creativity. Full automation is frowned upon. The FM3A offers the best features of a 35mm SLR but is, fundamentally, a semi-automatic or manually operated camera so you're in full control. Rugged copper, silumin aluminum alloy construction chassis and metal outer body with Chrome finish Split-image microprism type (Type K3) focusing screen provides (other screens optional) Exposure Modes - Aperture-Priority Auto; Manual Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe for optional external electronic-flash Manual winding Double-exposure capable Uses one CR2 or two LR44 batteries (not included) Uses 35mm film

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best new camera of its type, July 31, 2003

By 

raboof "Lauren in Tokyo" (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FM3a 35mm SLR Body (Chrome) (Electronics)

If you are looking for a camera without all the whizbang circuitry and computerizations that take the challenge out of setting up a camera, you have two choices. The first is to take your chances in the used market. The second choice is the Nikon FM3a.

The FM3a is a completely mechanical camera with only the most basic electronics built in. DX sensors make forgetting to reset the film settings a thing of the past. The Aperture Priority shutter setting allows the you to let the camera do the heavy work of deciding the shutter speed. And the center-weighted TTL metering makes an external light meter redundant.

Forget all those niceties. You are looking for a camera that will take you back to the beginning, back to a time when you enjoyed the fiddling and fondling of cameras. You don't want the automations, and with this camera, you don't need to think about them. The film ISO settings can be changed manually to allow pushing and pulling of film. The shutter speed can be set manually from 8 seconds down to 1/4000th of a second. And the focusing and aperture setting is ALL manual.

If you like having complete control over a camera, this is the one for you. It won't give you spot metering or auto-focus or 'portrait' mode and 'landscape' mode. But it will give you the tools to craft the photos you want, the way you want.

It's not a digital wonder. Thank heavens.

That said, there are a few things Nikon could have done better. They could have put in a mirror lockup to keep the camera steadier. They could have made the exposure compensation dial easier to use (get rid of that button, Nikon!). And they could have made the light meter easier to see in the dark. But these things are niggling inconsistencies at worst.

The camera works well and is excellent at what it does. The rest, as they say, is up to you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, June 20, 2005

By 

Jonathan Alan Escher "Calliope" (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FM3a 35mm SLR Body (Chrome) (Electronics)

This is definitely one of the top five cameras on the market. Completely worth whatever you pay for it. Its durable, easy to use and turns out fantasic quality photos.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chrome and Black Leather, January 26, 2004

By 

R. Rosener "Photomatic" (St. Louis, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: FM3a 35mm SLR Body (Chrome) (Electronics)

I just bought one of these used, but in great condition. What a joy to hold and use! Light, fast, responsive, but not a toy for ones who like "idiot proof" cameras. A peerless image making tool for those who know what they want and can still multiply & divide by 2.... I wear glasses, and the finder presents no problems. Standard PC connector for studio use, and cable release for time exposures. NO SHUTTER LAG! If you can see it and hit the button, the moment is captured on film for the ages. Add an MD12 motordrive, Vivitar 285 flash and you've got a set-up that will do anything. This rugged and substantial camera will go anywhere. Best of all, no batteries are needed for basic operation. Cons? I don't have two of them! Get a 50mm F1.8 lens with it and skip the cheap zoom. You'll see what photography was meant to be.