Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

By Anil Mistry

Last year I wrote a short piece for 35mmc as part of the “5 frames with” series. The camera I used was my Nikon Fm3a with the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 AIS lens- a combination that I just adore.

During the writing of it, I realized that if I could only have one camera and one lens forever, then this would be it. I also shoot with a Leica M7, a Contax Rts ii , an Olympus Om2 and a whole load of other medium formats and compacts. And I love them all to bits, but for me, Nikon Fm3a just nails everything beautifully  and I’ve found myself using it more and more as my main go-to street portrait camera- which has upset the Leica somewhat.

Hamish asked me to expand on my thoughts on the Nikon FM3a, so this piece is just that. The proof is in the pudding so I will fill this post with lots of pictures too, showing results for different film stocks.

The pics you’ll see come from the Nikkor Series E 28mm f2.8, The Micro Nikkor 55mm f2.8 and the majority come from the Nikkorn 50mm f1.2 Ais. Please click on the pictures to see them in a larger format.

Before we get into it:

This is a personal piece about me, my work and the camera I use for it. There are lots and lots and lots of cameras out there that can do the same thing as this camera. I am not claiming that this is the best camera in the world- but is is for me (so far). So for the pedants and spec freaks out there, I am aware that ALL CAMERAS MATTER. But today, I am talking about THIS camera. So if you respond with a “well, actually, the Nikon F whatever performs the same functions at a fraction of the cost with interchangeable screens, or “My Spotmatic is technically superior in brassing terms” or any of that guff, you’re missing a very simple point and I’ll ignore you. There are plenty of tech reviews and comparison Specs sites for you to drool over out there, so please knock yourself out. I write personally and  passionately, for people enthusiastic about cameras AND about taking pictures with them. So relax and enjoy it or scroll on.

 

Nikon Fm3a

A beautiful camera, and a fitting end to Nikon’s legacy

Nikon Fm3a

The FM3A does everything I want an SLR to do

The Camera

The Nikon FM3a is the last fully manual capable 35mm slr that Nikon produced, manufactured between 2001 to 2006, coming in all black and satin chrome. It’s the successor to a line of semi-pro slrs that Nikon made from the late 70s- the FM, FE, FM2 & FE2 (lots of F’s, just to confuse you a bit)

Film SLRs then started to go all autofocus and electronic, and that started to piss off the pro’s, so the FM3a was designed in response to a professional demand for a more reliable camera- something without autofocus and unnecessary electronics, but with a build quality that was precise and durable- and with the prized AE function of the discontinued FE2.

The Nikon FM3a was designed to be something built to last. Built to the highest possible quality and designed to last decades. It was Nikon’s mechanical swansong, flying in the face of the digital dawn- a love story to Nikon’s unique position in camera history.

Sadly, its inception coincided with the rise of digital photography, so it ceased production in 2006, but its legendary build quality has resulting in its second hand price staying close to its original value (especially the black models, because we all know that black cameras take better pictures)

Nikon Fm3a

The Nikon Fm3a has a wonderful feel that traverses the decades and takes the best from them

Shooting the Nikon FM3a

I love the “old & new” features in this camera- it looks classic but feels like a new hi-tech piece of kit. Nothing clunky about it at all.

Nikon Fm3a - top

The dial on the left allows iso selection as well as exposure compensation.

DX

The Nikon Fm3a takes DX coded film from iso 25 to 5000 but you can also override the DX coding and enter your own settings on the dial from iso 12 to 6400, giving you lots of creative options.

A look through the elegantly simple viewfinder reveals the match meters on the left plus a neat little top window that shows the aperture reading on the lens

EXPOSURE

The Nikon Fm3a provides  a choice of manual exposure or aperture priority- along with an exposure lock button which you can hold down to remember settings and reframe as you wish. To see your exposure you half-press the shutter button and look inside the viewfinder to see the reading.

In the viewfinder window, there is a classic looking blue match needle meter on the left of the display showing your chosen shutter speed. The black needle indicates whether your chosen aperture (visible via a little window in the top of the viewfinder) will over or under expose the shot. By turning the aperture ring (or changing shutter speed) to match the needles, you will get a well exposed shot.

In Aperture priority mode, the Nikon Fm3a only shows the shutter speed your camera will shoot at based upon your chosen aperture setting. By changing aperture, the shutter speed needle will move up and down accordingly to show the speed it will shoot at to get the right exposure.

Kodak Portra 400

I mainly shoot on Aperture priority mode, setting my depth of field and then letting the camera do the rest. This is a camera made in 2001 that doesn’t have a single blinking light or any digital guff in the viewfinder. Don’t get me wrong- I love a hi tech display- my recently acquired Contax RTSii makes me feel like I’m in an episode of Knight Rider when I look through its 80’s digital display viewfinder but the FM3A’s match needle method is so intuitive and tactile that I never feel lost.

Exposure compensation in A mode is possible also, allowing you to further adjust shots on the fly if you feel the desire to do so..

 

 

Focusing

The Nikon FM3a comes with my favourite focusing aid- a split screen. The viewfinder is generous and clear and I can very quickly get focus and shoot. Compared to my Leica M7, I can focus a lot faster and also feel a lot more confident that I have focus because it is so clear. I love the M7 and I always feel like I’m talking it down when I discuss the FM3A but it’s simply the truth. I find that the SLR is more instinctively easy to focus and shoot with than using a rangefinder patch.

Nikon Fm3a

The shutter dial shows all available speeds along with an A setting that hands shutter speed over to the aperture selection

Shutter

The Nikon FM3a’s shutter is built to such a high mechanical standard that it can shot at 1/4000th of a second WITHOUT a battery. Think about that – the engineering history that’s allowed that to happen. It blows me away.

With batteries, the FM3a ‘s shutter goes into amazing electronic mode- shooting at WHATEVER shutter speed the set aperture requires- the numbers on your shutter speed dial, plus ALL the numbers in between. Which is just amazing, and also why I love the shots out of this camera. They always feel brilliantly exposed.

Flash

I don’t shoot a lot of flash on my SLRs so can’t claim to know enough about it, but just wanted to note the the FM3a has TTL OTF flash exposure control incorporated into it along with flash exposure compensation. This is apparently a big deal.

Nikon Fm3a

With my favourite 50mm 1.2 lens on it, this is a substantial piece of kit.

In use

Right – the important bit. What’s it like to work with?

Firstly, the Nikon FM3a body weighs 570 grammes. Not super light, but then I like a camera with a bit of heft to it. It’s a two- hander, not a one- hander like the Pentax ME super. And when I think of all the wonderful work that’s gone into it, I want it to feel substantial. When I whack on my Nikkor 50mm 1.2 ais, it takes the weight up to 940g. A solid, reassuring piece of camera. (speaking of lenses by the way, the Nikon FM3a uses Nikon’s F-mount- which gives you access to decades and decades of superb Nikon glass from the 50’s onwards. So you won’t be short of decent glass)

Feel

The Nikon FM3a feels very intuitive. Everything is where is should be. It feels surprisingly simple to look at, which is part of its appeal. There has been no attempt to show off from a design point of view- simply to allow form to follow function. The sexy bits are inside and that makes the camera exciting to me. It has no need to impress anybody, it’s the culmination of all of Nikon’s manufacturing knowledge. And it WORKS BEAUTIFULLY. The shutter wind lever is solid and smooth, all the switches and dials are chunky and have a satisfying click. I feel safe with this camera. Safe that I am using a good piece of kit and safe in the knowledge that I could smash through a brick wall with it if I was imprisoned.

Feedback

I shoot lots of street portraits and the FM3a allows me to feel confidently in control of the the 30-40 second time window I have with my subjects on the street. Whenever I’m out with the Leica M7, I always feel ever so slightly unsure of my ability to nail perfect focus because of the rangefinder , despite it always delivering the goods. But the FM3a’s split screen focus and heftier lenses that I can grab and turn as opposed to making micro adjustments on a leica thumb tab gives me a more satisfying tactile feedback. And confidence is everything in those short moments.

Nikon Fm3a

Flip the back door open (note the useful window to see what film you’ve loaded ) and slap another roll in. Off you go.

Loading

Loading a Leica M7 is a ballache. Stop. Sit down. Undo the bottom plate. Tap the film out. Open the flap. Feed new film in. Ensure it’s engaged. Tap it down. Close flap. Close bottem plate.

Loading an FM3a is easy. Carry on walking. Flip up the back door. Yank old film out. Put new film in and feed, wind on a couple of turns. Close back door. Done. Note that I haven’t stopped or sat down.

I’m not Leica bashing

I ADORE my M7 , But the NIkon FM3a forces to make honest comparison between the two different ways of shooting. They are both aperture priority cameras, and when it comes to the crunch I’d get MORE from a day with the Nikon than a day with the Leica. With less faff, less worry about misloading film, and with more flexibility (M7’s top shutter speed is 1/1000th second. My Nikon’s is 1/4000th, allowing me to shoot with a much shallower depth of field in brighter light. Very useful for street portraits. Yes, the rangefinder shows me a world beyond my frame, but I don’t really need that for my portraits. The Leica does have a better shutter sound though- a low dull thud unlike the Nikon’s more pronounced mechanical click. But I can live with that.

They real, simply, honestly do not make them like this anymore.

Conclusion.

The Nikon FM3a feels like it will last forever. There is nothing flimsy about its construction, but it is elegant with it. Carrying it around, I always get as many appreciative looks as I do with the Leica, and most Nikon owners always regard it with jealous eyes. I read somewhere that it was tested at -40 Celsius and worked perfectly. I can’t leave the house at -4 without longjohns and half a bottle of single malt in me so I’ll never know. But I can blather on about it to anyone who’ll listen.

And Finally…

I have an admission to make. The camera is not actually mine- it’s technically my wife’s –  a Christmas present I bought for her 12 years ago in a highly drunken state, that slowly and silently made its way back into my hands. Whenever I take it out, she looks at it and gives me that “It’s still mine- you do know that don’t you?” look. And I pretend not to see it. I just focus on the feel of the camera in my hands and the wonderful shots it will get for me by the end of the day. And I pray that Jane doesn’t take up photography.

Anil Mistry is a creative director and photographer.

You can find and connect with him in the following places:

Instagram: @Anilmistryphoto

Website: http://www.anilmistryphoto.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Anilmistryphotography/

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About The Author

By Anil Mistry
Anil Mistry is a creative director and photographer. You can see his work on his facebook page
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Comments

Martyn on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 24/11/2023

Hi Anil
Great article. I have both FM3a and F6 which I dearly love. Due to airport scanner challenges with film I also have a Q2. The process of my photography is pretty similar across analogue and digital so I am blessed. The FM3a with 40mm Voigtlander is the purest photographic experience for me and if you can afford the investment it's worth it for sure.
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James on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 14/04/2023

Hello Anil,
A beautiful ode to Nikon's last great manual focus 35mm camera. However I would like to temper your enthusiasm a little bit for this technical marvel of a camera.. Specifically on the issue of durability. Having personally owned and used every Nikon pro camera from the F to the F6, as well as less pro options such as the EM, FE and FM3a, I have to say that you will NOT be able to get out of jail with the latter. It is simply not built as toughly as even the FE, on which it is based (same body design and interchangeable parts). It is more durable than Nikon's smallest camera, the EM, but it has far from the durability of the pro cameras. The base plate is rather thin and prone to denting easily (maybe not so apparent on the black version, which has a thick coat of paint) and in operation it sounds "tinny" and not nearly as solid as the pro F's. The mount shroud and name-plate are made of plastic, which wear quickly, and on the silver version this is immediately apparent (the black versions are obviously unpainted as the plastic is already black, so again not noticable). The shutter sound is of a higher pitch than the F3, again sounding tinny. On a plus side the chrome version does not brass easily, the chrome coating being bonded to the brass and more durable than the black paint.. Although if you like your camera Brassed (anyone for a Lenny Kravitz edition Leica??) you'll definitely prefer the black version. I don't want to put down the FM3a, which is a technological marvel! It's just that you have to treat it with respect and a bit of care. No knocking out would-be assailants - you'll need an F3 for that!
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E on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 04/01/2021

This is a helpful article—thanks! I'm curious about the shots *of* the FM3a that you've included above. What camera and lens did you take those with? They're vivid and crisp and beautiful. Thx!
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 04/01/2021

Hi- the pics of the camera were taken with a Nikon d750 and a nikkor 50mm f1.4g lens

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Isolation Photo Project, Day 79: Blackened Catfish by Khürt Williams on Island in the Net on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 27/07/2020

[…] note. After reading this Rod's "The Last Ninja" blog post and Anil's "My desert Island camera" blog post about Nikon's FM3A, I have serious GAS. I want […]
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Khürt Louis Williams on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 09/06/2020

I’ve just read the post which I discovered via another link on 35mmc. I think the title is all wrong. It could be called “Ode to the FM3A”. Very well written.
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Nikon FM3a - Code Name: "The Last Ninja" - by Rod ZX - 35mmc on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 07/06/2020

[…] SLR camera ever”, “Nikons mechanical epitome”, and “The Perfect Desert Island Camera” by Anil MISTRY (Link). Nice write up Anil, it was your article that finally made me pull the trigger on mine. I decided […]
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James on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 22/03/2020

Hi Anil, took me 2 years to find your article! I have a chrome FM3a, so obviously my pictures are worse than yours! Before I bought it, I had been using the F3 and the F4, when I wasn't shooting the D700. I re-read countless reveiws and articles and decided I had to have this camera. Besides a photographer, I also collect cameras... When the FM3a arrived I marveled at all the practical features, the relative diminuitive size (a hair shorter and thinner than the F3). Batteries not working means you can still shoot, and it mostly felt well put together. However as time went on I couldn't help but notice that I gravitated more to the F3, despite it's higher weight, 1 stop slower top speed, and absolute dependance on electronics. I even waited for 9 months while my F3 was off being repaired.. The FM3a in the end still lives with me, but it feels just a bit cheaper, just a bit less well put together than the F3, even if it is a technical marvel. The Nikon name plate is plastic, and on the chrome version scratches easily, revealing the black plastic underneath. The brass is a thinner gauge than the F3.. The advance lever nowhere near as smooth, though I do like how it unlocks the shutter when it's pulled out slghtly.. On my F3 I've lost the occasional picture if I haven't unlocked it. I still use the FM3a occasionally, and I simply love the match-needle exposure meter (which is impossible to see at night). I do believe that Nikon did put all their love for film photography into it, and it feels very well thought out, if a bit light on quality. A pity the bean counters made them scrimp and save here and there.. Still, I will treasure this camera as long as I can. Sorry, not for sale! And that is I guess a testimony to Nikons and their quality.
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Recommended reading : Down the Road on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 05/03/2020

[…] Nikon FM3a (Anil Mistry) […]
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Camera Review Blog No. 94 – Nikon FM3a – Alex Luyckx | Blog on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 18/02/2020

[…] the Invisible Nikon FM3a Casual Photophile – The Nikon FM3a, A Masterpiece for SLR Shooters 35mmc – The Nikon FM3a, My Desert Island Camera B&H Exploria – Nikon FM3a Classic Camera Review Ken Rockwell – Nikon FM3a […]
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AC on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 31/01/2020

Nikon was beyend my pocket as a teenager so I got into K-mount before settling on a Pentax MX for a while. I had really always fancied the FM2n but on a ski weekend in Chur, Switzerland, stumbled into a mint FE2, 50/1.4 and a 50-135/3.5, all at a good price. At the time, there was a lot of fuss being made about the FM3a. The FE2 does exactly the same job and is today a relative bargain for the hype surrounding the FM3a. I have never bought into the 'mechanical shutter' arguement for the FM3a; if the electronics die, you are still left with a broken camera and, whether the mechanical part still works or not, it is still broken! For me, I would save and buy an FM2n, an FE2, or both...
All that said, the other posters here are right; the F3 trumps them all in feel, build, handling and quality, is the one I love and is a bargain today. If I a remember correctly, if you don't shoot wearing glasses don't pay extra for the HP as the finder magnification is slightly better with the ordinary - someone might confirm or otherwise.
I have avoided mention of the F2 as that is a whole other subject!

(The MX was nice too, and I am nostalgic for it because I didn't fully appreciate it at the time and I don't have it now.)
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Steve Snell on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 14/12/2019

I certainly hope you’re happy with yourself, I now have to buy the FM3a for my wife too! The article, your photographs, all rock solid like the camera.

Thanks
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georg on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 11/08/2019

really wonderful, even poetic review. thanks for a few minutes on the internet really well spent!
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Film photography blogs to follow - Kosmo Foto on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 02/04/2019

[…] Nikon FM3A – My Desert Island camera […]
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Steve Smith on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 02/11/2018

Nice article and images. I just bought my third FM3a. Back in 2004, after having done my C&G photography with an FE, I wanted to buy a new camera and deliberated between a FM3a and F80; went with the F80, because I was too inexperienced to appreciate just how special the FM3a was and thought I'd miss things like AF. Sold the F80 a couple of years later for a quarter of the price, and probably would have done the same with the FM3. The digital onslaught was well under way and I got a D70s. People were practically giving cameras like this away. But it kept niggling me, and in about 2009 bought a slightly tatty FM3a for about £200 - which for some reason got sold on to a mate. I've since added a F100 and use a (loaned) FE2 alongside my digis, but still it niggles. So this summer I bought a beautiful black example at Aperture, took it Paris paired with my beloved 35mm f2, and left it in the back of the taxi I took from the station to the hotel. Devastated. Fast forward, the insurance eventually paid out, and I kept wistfully checking availability. Had a casual look at Aperture's website a couple of days ago, as I often do, and blow me, they had a black, mint, boxed FM3a listed. Jumped on the tube after about 10 seconds wrestling with my conscience. And I have a 50mm 1.2 to pair with it too (which along with the FE2 is on permanent loan and thankfully wasn't left in a Parisian taxi).

I agree with everything you say about it. What I like about it, with the hybrid shutter, is the feeling that it can be used anywhere, at any time. And it has everything you want in a camera, and no more. I feel technology frequently gets in the way, and the FM3a is just pure, capable, photography. Beautifully made, no frills, much cheaper and easier to load than a Leica. Could be quieter though!
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 02/11/2018

Looks like you've earned this one! you have the same setup I use- with the 50 1.2. Perfection. On another note, I bought an f90x recently- cheap and great fun too! Nikon rocks.

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BenHeijermans on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 01/11/2018

I am truly baffled. Stunning pictures! My whole 'analog life', and I started out in the early 70's, I just had 2 Nikkormat EL's. Just never bothered to look at anything else. I liked the simplicity. I would be curious as to how in your estimation the FM3A might work for me. Very tempted to give it a try after your inspiring review!!
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 01/11/2018

It's such an easy and instinctive camera to use, and Nikon has great glass out there. It's truly my favourite slr. Give it a go!

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Mike Morgan on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 27/09/2018

Really enjoyed reading this and seeing the great images after having just acquired both an FE2 and FM2. I think Nikon should have called this the FE3m vs the FM3a. It's an FE2 with a mechanical shutter. It seems much more akin to the FE2 given the aperture priority mode, low selectable shutter speeds, exposure comp and matchstick needle meter display. What a great camera nonetheless. Wish it was less expensive.
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Jacob Firsel on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 14/06/2018

Hi Anil,

Excellant review with really enviable portraits. I picked up what seemed to be an unused one a few years ago.
I'd like to know what soft shutter release you use.
Cheers!
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 14/06/2018

thank you! I bought the shutter release from a chinese vendor on ebay a while back- a pack of four different colours for around a fiver. nothing fancy!

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Scott Edwards on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 27/04/2018

Found you via Pinterest of all things... :) Thanks for the fine article and wonderful images. Is the last image used with flash?

I primarily shoot digital but fell in love with film again at year's end. Having fun with the F100 and my 50 1.4D, which is a really nice combo. :) Peace, brother.
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 27/04/2018

Hi Scott thanks for reading- the last image was not shot with flash (I've never tried flash photography with the fm3a so far) - maybe I should have a go and see what results I get - anil

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Pedro on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 18/03/2018

Hmmmm ... this article brings me to comment on my own recent experience of falling in love with the FM3A's spec sheet, shelling out for a mint black unit, only to regret it. Or, rather, learn a hard lesson about ergonomics. For me, at least, the FM3A feels dinky. All this talk of robust build quality is as true as the spec sheet implies, yet in my hands it feels like a toy. With a Nikkor 50/1.8 AIS pancake it's acceptable, but whack a hunk of prime glass on it like my Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 ZF.2 (or Anil's Nikkor 50/1.2 for that matter) and the weight distribution is ALL WRONG. How shocked I was, having never actually held much less owned a Nikon FM series body, to learn this! After 10 years of using 'my tanks' (i.e. Leica M6, Canon F-1, Mamiya C330F), the experience of the FM3A was disappointing. It does not feel robust at all. Hell, it might be (indeed, probably is), but doesn't FEEL it. In response, I sold it and bought a mint F3 instead (for half the price). Of course, it can't claim full mechanical shutter speeds, etc etc, but you know what? It's a certifiable tank that feels ten times for substantial than the FM3A. The F3, paired with my Zeiss Planar, is insanely good. The FM3A was toy-like. One more thing: the final straw for me was the FM3As unforgivable sin of it's ridiculous shutter lock on the lever. Having the rewind lever popped out in order to activate the shutter and meter is absurd. The damn things sticks right into my forehead when turning the body counter-clockwise to compose vertical format shots (the natural stance). The ergonomics on this little beauty are awful - at least for me. So like I said, sold my FM3A and with the cash bought a mint F3, a new strap, a couple of focusing screens and a Nikkor 24/2.8. Happy for someone else to enjoy the FM3A - really not for me.
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 18/03/2018

Hi Pedro- some good observations there. The FM3A is solid, but i wouldn't say it has that DENSE feel of my Leica M7. All cameras all do pretty much the same thing, and these small details start to become big, defining factors for us during use. Somebody else also mentioned the shutter lock on the lever. This has never been an issue for me but I can see how it could really piss someone off if it got in their way all the time. For me though, it's been the best all round camera, to the point that I've started to let go of some others in my collection to spend more time using it. Now If only I could transfer the M7's shutter sound to it...

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Flavio Colker replied:

Comment posted: 18/03/2018

That´s my experience too. Had FMs , FE and FA along w/F2, F3 and nikkormatt. Nikon´s legendary built is in the F 1/2/3/4/5/6 series. The FM/FE are funky and light little cameras. They worked well for me but once you grab the big brothers it becomes clear where the nikon legend was built. Otoh far from me to try to dispell the hype and myth around certain cameras. I rather have the F3 and F6 at g¡better prices so yeah the FM3A is the best slr nikon camera ever!!

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Chris Pattison on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 14/03/2018

Unfortunately, my Spotmatic is not technically superior in brassing terms, as it isn't black. :-)
Sweet camera and images Anil.
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 14/03/2018

haha! All cameras matter Chris, and your Spotmatic is just as important as my FM3A! thanks for reading sir.

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Marius Voicu on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 12/03/2018

Hello Anil,
Very good article about one of the legendary Nikons out there. I have the FM2N and I take it everywhere with me since it is so dependable and has great glass: 50mm f/1.4 and the 28mm f/3.5. BTW, I shot with mine at -20 deg C and it worked flawlessly, no issues. Some said that the oil inside the camera might freeze and when brought to normal temperature would start to drip on the aperture blades and insides of the camera. I had no issues and it just works. You did mentioned that the FM3A is fully mechanical, but I read that the FM2 was the last fully mechanical camera (uses a battery for the meter only), and starting from the FM3 the shutter is electronically controlled. Maybe the information is not accurate from where I read, don't know. This was the thing that made me choose the FM2 and not the FM3. I wanted a fully mechanical beast, that didn't needed batteries for the main operating functions. The meter is something that I can make do without if the battery fails.
Anyway, it's on the Legendary Nikons Hall of Fame for many reasons (most of them you mentioned in this article).
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BC replied:

Comment posted: 12/03/2018

Hi Marius, you are right about the fact that the FM2 was the last FULLY and ONLY mechanical Nikon, but wrong about the FM3A which was built to be both mechanical AND electronic at all shutter-speeds equipped with what was called a "hybrid" shutter, probably the most evolved and the smartest one in all of Nikon's SLR history. So just like an FM and FM2 (or F2 for that matter) you can use an FM3A at all shutter-speeds without battery.

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Des McSweeney on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

Hi Anil, thank you for these thoughtful ponderings, a very enjoyable Sunday morning read. I have just been given a rather more automated FA (or all least I think it is). I wonder if you have any thoughts about it ( or other readers too please). It has a 1.8 50mm. I just need to by a battery for it and off we go, this week I hope. All the best. Des
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Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

Here you go mate, all you could ever want to know in 13 parts: https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfa/operation/basic1.htm

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BC replied:

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

Well Des, if it is an FA, the front of the camera carries the two letter "FA". It was a step up (in technology) from the F3. It is a very nice camera. The only draw back by comparison with the FM3A is that it is not equipped with a hybrid shutter which means the FA shutter is entirely electronic (and as such requires a working battery) with the exception of one mechanical shutter speed (1/90th if I remember well). You should be able to enjoy it. Best,

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[email protected] on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

I took lots of wonderful photos with a FE that I sold to get a Leica M8 that I sold the other day together with a summicron.
Leica click sound is one those things people use to admire, but for me it was never music really. I also keep an M7 and enjoy it, it's a good machine.
Rangefinders have their limitations that leica lovers simply avoid uderstanding. For instance plugging a telelens in them to use it for portraiture is nearly ridiculous compared to some other system, say slr, not to speak about digital tools like evf. Even so Leica launches an astonishing expensive 90 mm noctilux; probably it sounds like angels singing when turning aperture ring.
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Terry B replied:

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

That's quite an assumption to say that Leica users simply avoid understanding the limitations of their rangefinder camera. I'd say it is more true to say that experienced Leica shooters are very aware of the limitations (compared to an slr) but equally know that it is better under some shooting scenarios. Fact: the Leica is better for some shooting styles and not so good for others. So the simple fact is you don't buy a Leica (or any rangefinder, for that matter) if it's not going to meet your own requirements. I'd suggest that those who will be most disappointed with it will be those who buy one without fully realising this. And if I may be somewhat blunt, not being able to take a portrait with a 90mm lens on a Leica will say more about a photographer's limitations than the lens/camera combination.

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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

Hi- thanks for your comment- this is my personal view on my experience with the Leica (and rangefinders in general) versus a 35mm slr (specifically the FM3a). As I say earlier in the piece, it's my view, based upon my uses for the camera. It's not a Leica bashing piece. ALL CAMERAS MATTER!

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BC replied:

Comment posted: 11/03/2018

Agreed Terry, one buys a Leica M to work with a 28, 35 or 50 mm. One must know it when one buys an M. They are made for it (mostly reportage, including personal, and street photography). As for the FM3A viewfinder being more clear and easier to use than a Leica viewfinder, this is a very subjective opinion that is not technically verified (in fact scientifically wrong). 1-in the FM3A the light has to travel through the lens, be reflected on the mirror and inside the prism, this means a loss of intensity compared to the direct viewing of a Leica M (just the glass of the viewfinder), 2-the base of a Leica's range-finder is by far wider than the base of the focusing system in the FM3A, finally because of 1- and 2- a Leica is far easier and more convenient to use in low available light than a FM3A, but this may be a situation that is not common in your photography, Anil, then you just do not use / need this specification. Finally out of all the Nikons I have used (all models in metal), I think my favorite one is the F3 in spite of its low sync speed compared to the competition of its time. It feels and is solid, is extremely well designed (physically and ergonomically ... for my taste and use) and has probably got the best viewfinder and film-advance system of any SLR of its type. The three points in which the FM3A is superior: maximum shutter speed (but I never use them, but I understand that someone working at full aperture may need this feature); maximum sync speed (useful for open flash outside during the day); mechanical shutter on top of the electronic one (the F3 has just got one mechanical speed, 1/60th s the rest is electronically controlled). So yes, Anil, if you have a chance try one. With some patience you will find one in excellent condition at a very reasonable (if not ridiculous when I think of the price I paid my first used F3 in 1987). In terms of pure technology on board, there is no doubt that the FM3A that came out 20 years after the F3 (2000 and 1980 respectively) is a better camera. My only regret for both is that they did not have the possibility of spot-metering.

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ScottP on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

Absolutely agree about the FM3a. The only Nikon that comes close is the F3, which does most of the same things and has (for me) a slightly more comfortable shape. When I go out shooting I have a little internal debate about which to take.
.
I notice that you use both Pan-F and Fuji Acros. How would you compare them? I think I like the Pan-F tones a little better, but that might be because I don't have the Acros processing zeroed in yet.
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Alex Hakimi on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

great. now i want one.
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Martin south of France on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

One of the best articles I have read on 35mm camera reviews in a long long time. Sorely tempted...Currently run a Contax 139Q that I bought new in 1980 and cost me three months pay back then....came with the Planar. Great camera and has served me well....still use it today. Have an FE2 that I bought as a job lot.....planned on selling it on......but loved it too much!! Currently film is loaded in two cameras a New F1 Canon and a Nikon F2 with DP11.......Long may film live on......Thanks for the article!!!
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

Merci Martin- you should listen to that inner voice and buy a BLACK FM3a...!

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Karl Valentin on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

I think that the Nikon FM3a is Nikons most advanced and useful manual Camera ever build
Sadly it is still very expensive so I never bought one
If you not insist of mechanical shutter the Nikon F4 (which also works ver well with manual focus lenses)
is a cheaper pick and a joy to use too
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Ashley Carr on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

A great article about a great camera.

I too shoot a Nikon (F and F3) alongside a Leica M2. I use to fret about which one to pick up when heading out but after realising they can compliment each other nicely I just take them both. The M2 usually wears the Zeiss ZM 35/2 Biogon and the Nikon with the (absolutely amazing) Micro-Nikkor 55/2.8.
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

I love the nikkor 55- so sharp

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Terry B on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

I've always liked the Nikon designs from around this era and already owning a lovely all black F Photomic Ftn with f1.4/50, I once had a brief flirtation with an FE2. Sadly, it was all too brief and sold it to a work colleague for what I'd paid for it after only a few weeks. Since I'd purchased it it had gone up in price by about £40, and he wanted one. I suggested he borrow it to run some films through to make certain he was happy, as he knew the reason I wished to sell it. It had a quirk which I soon discovered was not to my liking - the film wind on lever incorporated the meter switch which meant it had to be in the stand-off position to switch on the meter. As I viewed using my left eye, the lever kept poking my eye out! Is this still an issue with the FM3a?
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

Thanks for your comment- It is the case but it hasn't bothered me so far....so far.

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Guy Wheater on Nikon FM3a Review – My desert Island camera – by Anil Mistry

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

Great article Anil. I also vacillate between M6 and OM4Ti, often wishing I had the other in my hand when out and about (how lucky we are, with the luxury of these choices!). In my mind, the Nikons are tougher than OMs (FM3a being the modern ultimate - the analogue shutter speed dial is very appealing). I would have gone that route apart from the fact my father had an OM2 (lens availability). By the way, I used an FM2 extensively during my PhD (technical photography). A colleague tested the maximum shutter speed to only 1/3200 (should be 1/4000); he sent a report to Nikon and they sent us a new body and a very nice letter back! It was super reliable and a pleasure to use - I've been a fan ever since.
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Anil Mistry replied:

Comment posted: 10/03/2018

Thanks guy. I must say I'm tempted to get an f3hp now too!

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