Review 3 of 88
Price Paid:
$599.00
from B&H Photo Summary:
My humble begining in photography started when I purchased a used EM camera with a 50mm E series lens from an older gentlemen in my town, and from that time on I was totally hooked on being a good photographer. That camera was my pride and joy for over a decade even though I knew it was very inexpensive and lacked many funtions that were available on the better cameras. Over time the camera had worn out and I was left with an assortment of manual lenses. Instead of purchasing a better manual camera, I foolishly decided to go with one of Nikons first fully automatic cameras. No longer were my old manual lenses of any use, but the new auto focus camera tried to make all the decisions for me. I parted with that thing after fighting against it for a year, and found another EM to fill in until I could afford something better. When Nikon finally introduced the FM3a it was so familiar to my past expirences with the EM. Better built, full manual control, dosn't require battery power if that fails, and simple to use so I could concentrate on my composition. Since that time I have aquired an F3hp that I had always dreamed about, and a Nikon F4 that has its place in my toolbox too. I could make comparisons, but all that aside, the FM3a is always along for the ride if not my primary camera for certain subjects. The FM3a shines for night photography simply because you do not have to make any calculations unless you want to. Both the EM and FM3a will make indefinate correct exposures in Auto Mode which is not common with other Nikons. Double exposures are easily done with the FM3a, and I'm not worring about other things to go wrong as you might find in the more complex cameras. I've photographed air shows, many action shots with a 300mm lens on the FM3a with great results. Over all I feel the bacic funtions of the FM3a can add to anyones creativity, and the FM3a was an unexpected blessing from Nikon for all those who really loved the older manual cameras. Nikon makes many fine cameras for many applications, and the FM3a can fit many of those needs too. Strengths:
Faster flash sync then the F3hp and EM, (1/250 opposed to the 1/60) Bright screen and matched needle. This seems to be quicker for me to comprehend then digital readouts, but again that is a matter of personal tast, and I use both systems. Put your FM3a on a tripod and shoot in total darkness using auto mode and get correct exposures without haveing to calculate exposure time in B mode. Double exposure easy to use and again challenges creativity. Very well built compared to some of the plastic cameras everyone seems to be making today. Not having to worry about battery power if that fails. Usually a battery will last for years in the FM3a becase it only has to work the needle in the viewfinder display. Go completely manual for insperation, or Auto when you don't want to miss that action shot. Very good exposures even though it's only center weighted, but I use a Sekonic light meter if I want spot readings for those difficult lighting situations. Weaknesses:
It would have been nice if the matched needles could have been illuminated inside the viewfinder for dim or dark lighting like my F4 has, but I have survived without it for years with few negitive results. If its that dark you should be using a tripod anyway. No mirror lock up, but if time isn't an issue the mirror will lock up in 10 secounds using the self timer. Spot metering would have been a plus, but then again if Nikon kept adding, it would have required us to pay a lot more for the camera. Similar Products Used:
EM, F3hp, F4 if placed in manual mode. Mamiya RZ67 for manual opperation. Customer Service:
Never needed it
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