Is the Nikon FM3A the best MF film camera?

narsuitus · Jul 31, 2011

Here is my opinion (listed in descending order of priority) to this very subjective question:

1. Nikon F2
2. Nikon F4 (best manual focusing auto focus camera)
3. Nikon F3
4. Nikon F
5. Nikon FM3a (lacks interchangeable view finder)
6. Other Nikon FM series (except FM 10)

I have owned and used all except the last two.

CGW · Jul 31, 2011

Vsanzbajo said:
I am just taking opinions. If you do not like the question, do not answer. Grow up people. Go and bitch somewhere else. I am just asking for some opinions.

Is the Nikon FM3A the best MF film camera?

Like there's a shortage of reviews/evaluations of the FM3a? How many responding here own one?

It's an open-ended question that just generates largely irrelevant responses about other cameras. Had you asked what features make the FM3a a great camera, responses would have been more focused.

Les Sarile · Jul 31, 2011

The FM3A does lack an interchangeable finders but it does have the K3 split image screen that never blacks out regardless of stopping down, slow lens, multipliers or bellows. (This screen can be used on other compatible bodies.) I don't believe this type of screen is available to any of the F/F2/F3 unless it is third party. I don't know if the other auto focus F's have this available? I have only seen this type of screen on my Canon (new) F1 and not aware if it is available for any other brand/model.

The FM3A also has advantages of higher shutter speeds, higher sync speeds as well as other automation not available in any other MF body as well as full manual functionalities without batteries then any/all Nikons. It's build may arguably be lesser then the F/F2/F3 and certainly it's time of release has possibly relegated it to far less use so we may never know how robust it really is compared to it's earlier siblings. Perhaps what speaks volume for it is the commonly held notion that it cost more to build then what Nikon was able to sell it for and of course that it commands a very good price in the used market.

Rol_Lei Nut · Jul 31, 2011

No way!!!

It strikes a nice balance between durability, price & usability, though.

IMHO, while on paper its specs seem nearly perfect, in reality it could be better (viewfinder could be better for image/focusing, shutter & mirror better dampened).

jgjbowen · Jul 31, 2011

Is the FM3a the best? I don't know, but I own 3 of them.....

2F/2F · Jul 31, 2011

I don't think so, personally. I also don't think the word "best" is really that useful without clarification. Best for what? Each camera has it's strong and weak points. The best camera in one way or for one person will often not be the best in another way or for another person.

My "favorites" are the F and F2 (as well as Nikkormats). Anything else is really no better to me; it just has more "fluff" IMHO. Since I rarely use the fluff, I prefer not to even have it there most of the time. That and they feel great in the hand, and look beautiful.

Eric Rose · Jul 31, 2011

For me "best" means the following:
1. rock solid
2. reliable
3. no fiddly parts
4. runs without batteries
5. can be put under a wheel to keep car from rolling
6. not so pretty someone wants to steal it
7. takes Nikkor glass
8. easy to load under fire
9. still works caked in mud
10. easy to focus in all kinds of light

Given all that my favorite MF camera of all time is the Nikon Nikkormat FTN. It was always my go-to camera when the chips were down. Or up for that matter. Sure I have owned and used the venerable Nikon F, the F2, N90s, F5 and even an EM. Plus Nikonos IV and V.

They were all great cameras (well maybe except the EM). I dropped an F from a moving car during a hostage taking situation and once retrieved still worked like a charm. The F2 was probably the prettiest, sexiest camera I have ever used. It's fit/finish and mechanical smoothness was second to none. The F5 is a major work horse and can pound nails but heck if the batteries go dead that's about all it's good for. The Nikonos cameras I used underwater until I switched to a housing for a D700. They sport a 35mm lens that is probably the sharpest in the industry.

Anyway that's a long winded answer to a quick question.

BobD · Jul 31, 2011

The answer is obvious:

lxdude · Jul 31, 2011

CGW said:
Why do the Mods tolerate these "best/greatest/sharpest" posts? Pointless.

Probably for the same reason they tolerate posts complaining about thread subjects.

yeknom02 · Jul 31, 2011

Well, a few months ago, I might have asked a similar question, because I was in the market for a Nikon manual focus* SLR. I ended up purchasing an FE2, which I'm surprised hasn't got any mentions yet.

* - I almost complained about the original post because the FM3a is not a medium format camera...

hidesert · Aug 2, 2011

Yeah, those darned hostages can be a pain when they get feisty. I always bring my F4s when I'm taking hostages. A conk on the head with it really calms them down.

Eric Rose said:
For me "best" means the following:
1. rock solid
2. reliable
3. no fiddly parts
4. runs without batteries
5. can be put under a wheel to keep car from rolling
6. not so pretty someone wants to steal it
7. takes Nikkor glass
8. easy to load under fire
9. still works caked in mud
10. easy to focus in all kinds of light

Given all that my favorite MF camera of all time is the Nikon Nikkormat FTN. It was always my go-to camera when the chips were down. Or up for that matter. Sure I have owned and used the venerable Nikon F, the F2, N90s, F5 and even an EM. Plus Nikonos IV and V.

They were all great cameras (well maybe except the EM). I dropped an F from a moving car during a hostage taking situation and once retrieved still worked like a charm. The F2 was probably the prettiest, sexiest camera I have ever used. It's fit/finish and mechanical smoothness was second to none. The F5 is a major work horse and can pound nails but heck if the batteries go dead that's about all it's good for. The Nikonos cameras I used underwater until I switched to a housing for a D700. They sport a 35mm lens that is probably the sharpest in the industry.

Anyway that's a long winded answer to a quick question.

Eric Rose · Aug 2, 2011

hidesert said:
Yeah, those darned hostages can be a pain when they get feisty. I always bring my F4s when I'm taking hostages. A conk on the head with it really calms them down.

Ya I guess I should have spelled it out that I was PHOTOGRAPHING a hostage situation for a local newspaper. But I understand you were adding some humour.

AezranHakim · Aug 3, 2011

for me, yes

wblynch · Aug 3, 2011

Vsanzbajo said:
Being the most modern and so greatly built, do you guys think is the best MF Nikon body? Opinions....
Thanks

Yes... Yes, it is.

or maybe not...

dreamingartemis · Aug 3, 2011

RidingWaves said:
Nope. F4 all the way, followed by the F2as. Matrix metering with Ai lenses, built in spot and center weighted metering, smaller body size with MB-20, built in motordrive, silent mode, ability to use non-Ai lenses Standard, extended shutter speed range, 1/250 sync, multiple finders and wide variety of screens to match lenses, legendary F series construction, able to find for 10-20% of new cost, AA battery use, umm, did I forget anything? Oh yeah, swing it around as a weapon.

Oh the last point I totally agree! I bet it could take a bullet !

Chan Tran · Aug 3, 2011

Really to each his/her own. I have not seen the OP response since the original post. Am I missing something?

djacobox372 · Aug 3, 2011

F2as would be my choice. There is simply nothing wrong with this camera.

ROL · Aug 3, 2011

Vsanzbajo said:
Being the most modern and so greatly built, do you guys think is the best MF Nikon body? Opinions....
Thanks

I don't know I'm still using my FM (manual everything), on the rare occasions I shoot 35mm.

eSPhotos · Aug 4, 2011

Vsanzbajo said:
Being the most modern and so greatly built, do you guys think is the best MF Nikon body? Opinions....
Thanks

Yes, because it is modern.
You can't compare this (built since 2001) with F3 that is 21 years older.
I rackon F3 is the best MF camera .. for me.

lxdude · Aug 4, 2011

Chan Tran said:
Really to each his/her own. I have not seen the OP response since the original post. Am I missing something?

Yes. Post #25.

bblhed · Aug 4, 2011

IMO the best Manual Focus camera is the one that is working with film in it and a lens on it and within easy access.

By that definition I do not own the best manual focus Nikon, but depending on my mood tonight, it could be either a Nikon FA or FM, right now the best Nikon I own is my N90s.

Beyond that, they all have unique switches and doodads that do some such strange function that 99% of the people that buy them may never use, or a knob or toggle is in just the right place for your hand. Lets face it here, these are high quality cameras we are talking about here, in that regard they are all the best. When you find the one that works best for you, then you have the best MF camera makes for you.

kivis · Mar 20, 2015

I have had them all and yes the FM3a is the best.

Pioneer · Mar 20, 2015

Nope...and Maybe

Based on the question in the thread title...Nope. There are plenty of manual focus film cameras that are better.

Based on the question in the post...maybe. I would choose the FM2n.

Theo Sulphate · Mar 20, 2015

Even though I have the F (plain prism), F2 (various flavors, all with metering heads), F3/T, F4s, FM, and FM3a I think my favorites are the F, FM, and FM3a.

To me, the metering heads on the F2's, plus the shutter speed dial coupling, makes the camera feel clunky in use. Build quality is excellent and implementation of features such as the timer, mirror lock-up, DOF, is excellent.

Never really liked the LCD readout on the F3's, but it's a very solid camera, especially the F3/T.

I love the controls on the F4, but I always use mine with AF lenses, so it doesn't count in this poll

That leaves the F, FM, and FM3a - which I enjoy the most, equally.

Alan Gales · Mar 20, 2015

yeknom02 said:
Well, a few months ago, I might have asked a similar question, because I was in the market for a Nikon manual focus* SLR. I ended up purchasing an FE2, which I'm surprised hasn't got any mentions yet.

* - I almost complained about the original post because the FM3a is not a medium format camera...

On the Large Format Photography Forum we call the FM3a a TF camera (tiny format).

Oh and 35mm photographers please don't get offended. Some of those Ultra Format guys shoot cameras that make my 8x10 camera look small.

Is the Nikon FM3A the best MF film camera?

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