Nikon FM3a Focusing screen installation

[ags]

Hi All,

Thanks for a great website!

I just purchased an FM3a. I attached a 50mm AI lens and just looked through the viewfinder. It was extremely blurry, not close to focus anywhere. I have read that this is a common problem. It could be due to an improperly aligned focusing screen or vision problems. I wear glasses and will get a diopter, if the focusing screen isnt the issue.

Anyway, my camera came with an alternative focusing screen and the special tweezers to remove the focusing screen. I popped out the focusing screen that came inside the camera by using the special tweezers. It is a K3 screen and looks fine. However, when I went to put it back in, I noticed that it doesn't fit into the holder flush. If I put the rear corners of the screen flush with the holder, the front corners don't go into the corners of the holder, it sits on top and wont allow the screen to snap up into place. If I put the front corners flush into the holder the rear will sit on top, but will allow the screen to snap into place. Is this common?

The front of the screen holder has some odd cutouts in the front. Im assuming that these are for alternative screens.

Sorry for a long post, I just wanted to make sure that this isnt a major issue since I have a few days left to return.

Thanks!

 

[ags]

I just saw that hidden under the rubber eyepiece was a +1 diopter. I removed it and the viewfinder is crystal clear. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else is having the same problem in the future.

 

[Aja B]

'...this is a common problem.' Please clarify. I've never heard anyone mention extreme blurriness. Been shooting one for years and regularly communicate with other 3a users who follow forums fairly close. So this is a new one.

You've ruled-out the possibility that your lens is not the problem? Any chance there's already a diopter mounted? Eyepiece isn't cross-threaded? If the screen were misaligned the frame probably wouldn’t lock up and into the closed position without extraordinary force.

 

[ags]

I guess what I meant was that if anything can be criticized on the fm3a, it is the viewfinder. From what I have read, some people don't like it. Now, I think it is great.

 

[Les Sarile]

I guess what I meant was that if anything can be criticized on the fm3a, it is the viewfinder. From what I have read, some people don't like it. Now, I think it is great.

That's funny as I find the split image K3 screen that never blacks out regardless of slow lens, stopping down or using a bellows, the least critical part of the FM3A. I would think that those who wear glasses might be critical of this and are probably better served by finders with better relief such as the F3HP which could not have been incorporated into the FM3A design restrictions of continuing with the FM/FM2 size.

For me, the FM3A would have been the perfect camera had they been able to add spot metering like the Olympus OM's did. But then what would be the fun of only owning one camera . . . ;-)

 

[Les Sarile]

BTW, Nikon considered incorporating spot metering into the FM3A and despite considerable effort, had to drop it from the final design -> Nikon FM3A

They also tried to incorporate mirror lockup but I consider automatic MLU in timer mode to be just fine.

 

[CGW]

BTW, Nikon considered incorporating spot metering into the FM3A and despite considerable effort, had to drop it from the final design -> Nikon FM3A

They also tried to incorporate mirror lockup but I consider automatic MLU in timer mode to be just fine.

Always struck me as a DOA model introduced past the digital tipping point. Way too pricey for what it delivered(never mind tons of FM/FE variants and F3s still in service), the FM3A didn't make a great deal of sense but did prove Nikon retained a certain sense of whimsy. There was also rumored to be plans to roll out a set of chipped manual lenses a la 45/2.8 Ai-P that got shelved after FM3A sales fizzled.

 

[perkeleellinen]

I especially liked the rhetorical question from that FM3a link:

Can you imagine selecting the appropriate exposure manually and adjusting the lens focus each time you take a photograph?

 

[Les Sarile]

Always struck me as a DOA model introduced past the digital tipping point. Nikon retained a certain sense of whimsy.

More incredibly, how about 20 years since the introduction of AF - Pentax ME-F AF camera 1981!

Whimsy for you and knowing what was important for me . . . ;-)

 

[CGW]

More incredibly, how about 20 years since the introduction of AF - Pentax ME-F AF camera 1981!

Whimsy for you and knowing what was important for me . . . ;-)

The market spoke and the FM3A bombed. I recall looks of blank disbelief from store staff and customers when these landed in Toronto. Nice product. Bad timing.

 

[Les Sarile]

I know it's selfish but I don't listen to the market. Perfect timing for me though . . . ;-)

Nothing like a shiny FM3A . . .