Need another body: Nikon FM2 or Nikon FM3A?

[kivis]

Pro's and con's between the two?

 

[removed-user-1]

The FM2 doesn't have either TTL flash or aperture-priority auto-exposure; otherwise they are almost the same camera. Both will work mechanically, without batteries (although the FM3a loses the auto features without batteries, of course). The FM3a is quite a bit more expensive.

 

[Stan160]

I considered an FM3a until I found out the meter display is by match needle, with no LED indicator like the FM2N. Deal breaker for me, as I often shoot in low light and can't see the match needle on my FE against the dark background. If you don't care about this, just about every other aspect of the FM3a is an improvement, or equivalently good.

Ian

 

[dynachrome]

Need another body

I just got an FE2. The FE2 gives you the high top shutter speed as well as the TTL flash feature and interchangeable focusing screens. For mechanical speeds with dead batteries you get only 1/250 and B. If you can live with that you get a camera with a good reputation and a much lower price than an FM3A. An older FE has the advantage of an AI tab which flips up so you can use older pre-AI lenses too. If you need all of the mechanical speeds but not the aperture priority automation or TTL flash capability then the FM2 is a better buy.

 

[BradS]

The FM3a is far and away the best consumer grade, manual focus 35mm Nikon body. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

 

[RMP-NikonPro]

I've a good FM2n for sale if you want one?
I now own a FM3a, far more flexible than both the FE/FM2's

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I chuckled when I saw the name of the thread. I just need another body. Period.

 

[wolverine1]

I looked at both,and went with a mint FM2n body for $89.00, whereas the user-grade FM3a bodies were selling for at least $600 and more.

 

[elekm]

I chuckled when I saw the name of the thread. I just need another body. Period.

I hear you, brother. My left shoulder and right knees are hurting'.

Plus, now I'm getting arthritis in my hands.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I own both. The FM3A is more complete, manual and shutter priority mode, TTL Flash, and work at all shutter time without batteries.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[GraemeMitchell]

I'm gonna repeat a bit of what dynachrome said: FE2. I've owned a number of Nikon bodies that I use a lot. I finally picked up a used FE2 and it is by far my favorite nikon to date. Easily. I thought the viewfinder compared to the F3HP was gonna bum me out, but the the size, weight, and quite little tin sound of the shutter, not to mention a host of other things on the FE2 make up for anything the VF lacks. Best part, soooo cheap used they're practically disposable.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

The Nikon FE2 is pratically same the FM3A: the only difference is that the shutter, without batteries, work only on Bulb and 1/250th. The FE2 is a clever alternative at the FM3A.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[Henry Alive]

I recommend the FM3a since it has either TTL flash and aperture-priority auto-exposure. However, I also recommend the FA Nikon. You can get more information here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fa.htm
Henry.

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

Just a reminder: The FE2 *does* have TTL flash.

While ideally I'd prefer the FM3a because of it's non-reliance on batteries, I've never had problems with my FE2 and the batteries *do* last a very long time.
I'd go for the FE2 just for cost reasons...

 

[wotalegend]

I have an FM, FE, FM2N, and FE2. Each has their own different features. The FM and the FE have a flip-up AI tab so that you can use pre-AI lenses, but at the age they are now they will probably need new light seal foam. Both of mine have, and it is easy to do yourself. The FE and the FE2 have aperture priority auto, but the needle is a bit hard to see in bad light. Conversely the FM and the FM2N have LEDs in the viewfinder which is an advantage in dark places, but being manual they are a bit slower. I was thinking about an FM3A before I acquired the FE2, but the FE2 won in comparison because it has 90% of the FM3A's features for about 1/3 of the price. As far as battery life goes, I always use the single lithium battery rather than the pair of silver or alkaline ones. I have never had a failure while out shooting and the lithium battery just seems to go on for years.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I totally agree with Wotalegend. For the same reason, in my Nikon backpack, i have a Nikon F, F2A, F2AS, F3, two Nikkormat FT3, FM, FM2n, FE2, two Nikon FM3A. Every camera have the proper specific particularity and make a particular job, as needed.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[dynachrome]

FM2 or FM3A?

Vincenzo, Do you carry all of these cameras in the same bag at the same time?

 

[moouers]

I chuckled when I saw the name of the thread. I just need another body. Period.

I do believe I laughed a bit, too

 

[budrichard]

The biggest difference is in the display. The Fm2m will have lighted diodes for correct exposure, the Fm3a has no lighted anything in the display, just a needle that is practically invisable under low light. So if outdoors no problem with, indoors, I have a hard time when not in Auto with the Fm3a and a difficult ime knowing the shutter speed it is indicating.
One will also be newer and probably have a longer life span.
I have both.-Dick

 

[RMP-NikonPro]

FM3a!

 

[ken472]

Another vote for the FE2. I have an FM, FE2 and FM2n. I bought the FM2n because I always thought they were really cool. But I discovered I liked the FE2 better in the real world.

 

[KWhitmore]

I chuckled when I saw the name of the thread. I just need another body. Period.

LOL! Me too please!

 

[36cm2]

If this thread keeps popping up on the Today's Posts list, I'm definitely going to fall to the dark side and buy something. So much for frugality in the new year.

 

[mablo]

If this thread keeps popping up on the Today's Posts list, I'm definitely going to fall to the dark side and buy something. So much for frugality in the new year.

I can relate to that. I've been a long time user of a black FM2n but reading so many here singing the merits of the FE2 I soon might be tempted to buy one.

 

[RMP-NikonPro]

FM3a!