Nikon FM3a or Leica R8 / R9

beemermark · Jul 2, 2022

Paul Howell said:
After thinking about it, if I were go with a Leica it would a Leicaflex SL 1 or 2 or R8 or 9. The early R bodies use Minolta electronics which are starting to fad. The R8 and 9 are all Leica, not sure who made the chips and IC boards, but from I read they seem to be holding up. The Leicaflex SL 1 and 2 needs batteries for the meter, in 2 I think there is a led that lights up the aperture slight otherwise all mechanical.

Leica did not use Minolta electronics, they did it their way. The R3 is almost a copy of the Minolta XE-7. The vast majority of the XE-7 are still working, the vast majority of R3 are boat anchors. The early R4 had so many problems that after a very short period even Leica repair wouldn't touch them. After a certain serial number the problems in the the R4 were fixed and it, and all follow on cameras, are pretty much problem free. I have a SL2 and R7. And while I really like the R7 I have a difficult time reading numbers (like the mode selected) on the camera - even with reading glasses.

Les Sarile · Jul 2, 2022

My XE-7 has the smoothest film advance of all the cameras I have. It is a joy to experience. The full stroke is even smoother then my Nikon F3's that is touted to be one of the smoothest due to the many bearings utilized.

Kodak Gold 100-7_30-32 by Les DMess, on Flickr

I don't have the R3 and wonder if it is as smooth?

Paul Howell · Jul 2, 2022

I have always read, beginning with Pop Photo and Modern Photo that the R3 used Minolta electronics. Although a source is not cited from the fountain of all knowledge Wikipedia.

"Following the Leicaflex series Leica took a totally new approach; the R3 was developed in cooperation with Minolta and closely based on their XE. Initially manufactured in Wetzlar, Germany, production was later moved to the new Leica plant in Portugal.[3][4]

In appearance very similar to the Minolta XE using the same electronics,"

Huss · Jul 3, 2022

momus said:
I've never had a Nikon camera break, so I personally wouldn't worry about reliability, whether it's a mechanical camera or a fully electronic one.

You can put Leica R lenses on a Nikon camera, as well as Nikon lenses. Other than T mount lenses, I think that Leica R cameras only work w/ Leica R lenses, if that makes any difference. A few people did make R mount third party lenses, but the Leica R lens system is outstanding for image quality and workmanship.

I once had a tiny Nikon FG w/ a Leica R 90 Summicon on it, that was a fun and light package.

I've had an FE2 break - shutter failure, an ActionTouch/LW35AF break, a Nikon EM break, the metered head in an F2 break, the advance counter in an F break, the meter in a Nikkormat Ft2 break, an FA break - shutter failure. I'm sure there are a few others.
But apart from that, I too have never had a Nikon camera break.

Huss · Jul 3, 2022

Les Sarile said:
My XE-7 has the smoothest film advance of all the cameras I have. It is a joy to experience. The full stroke is even smoother then my Nikon F3's that is touted to be one of the smoothest due to the many bearings utilized.

Kodak Gold 100-7_30-32 by Les DMess, on Flickr

I don't have the R3 and wonder if it is as smooth?

Yup the advance on the XE-7 is incredible.

tom43 · Jul 4, 2022

A Leica R9 is a completely different camera than a Nikon FM3A. It‘s like comparing a Nikon F6 with a Leica R6.2. I have both, the R6.2 and the FM3A - excellent cameras and it is more a matter of taste which to prefer. Regarding lenses: Leica lenses are excellent, no question. But you can easily use Zeiss lenses including Milvus, Apo-Sonnar and Voigtländer lenses with the Nikon, if highest quality is relevant.

There are many advocates for the F3 in this forum. Nice camera, but the fading LCD in the viewfinder in these cameras are a no-go for me. In a couple of years all F3s will have dead viewfinders, in contrast to the FM3A.

flavio81 · Jul 4, 2022

Les Sarile said:
My XE-7 has the smoothest film advance of all the cameras I have.

Holy moly!!

I'm taking note!

Chuck1 · Jul 4, 2022

When I clicked this thread, I didn't expect to like my fe2 more, but I still love the +- meter of my fm2's

flavio81 · Jul 5, 2022

Chuck1 said:
When I clicked this thread, I didn't expect to like my fe2 more, but I still love the +- meter of my fm2's

I prefer the FE (or FE2) over the FM/FM2 series.

For me the thing that i didn't like about the FM series was that the aperture value was on top, the speed at one side, the meter display at the other side. So i had to move my eye around. Ideally everything should be on the same side, as in most pro cameras.

On the FE you have speed and meter at the same side, and the aperture on top. Less eye moving.

Then, some people say "no, electronics bad, mechanics good", but the FEx/FMx line problems are mostly mechanical in nature, and affect the two cameras, since they use mostly the same mechanisms.

Huss · Jul 5, 2022

tom43 said:
A Leica R9 is a completely different camera than a Nikon FM3A. It‘s like comparing a Nikon F6 with a Leica R6.2...

Owning an F6 and an R9 I would disagree. The R9 and F6 are actually very similar apart from the R9 not having AF. The ergos are better on the 9.

Munky · Jul 5, 2022

The Nikon all day!

Steve York · Jul 16, 2022

Not sure the R8/9 can be repaired these days but what ergonomic masterpieces. They look like a hunchback but in the hands they feel great. R mount lenses have gotten prices over the last several years because of the cine crowd.

tom43 · Jul 16, 2022

Huss said:
Owning an F6 and an R9 I would disagree. The R9 and F6 are actually very similar apart from the R9 not having AF. The ergos are better on the 9.

I think we don‘t have a different opinion. Read my text again: I would decide between a R9 and F6 or otherwise between a R6.2 and FM3A. You can‘t compare the R9 with the FM3A.

Huss · Jul 17, 2022

tom43 said:
I think we don‘t have a different opinion. Read my text again: I would decide between a R9 and F6 or otherwise between a R6.2 and FM3A. You can‘t compare the R9 with the FM3A.

Gotcha.

wjlapier · Jul 18, 2022

Huss said:
The R5/R-E/R7 are rock solid. The R-E actually has just what is needed - Aperture AE and manual. The R5 has that plus program and shutter AE. R7 is the R5 but w fancier VF readout and serious flash tech. Downside it takes double the batteries, and is bigger. The R5/E is the perfect size.

Totally agree on the R-E.

I once bought a FM3a and immediately sold it after receiving it. Felt cheap compared to other Nikons I owned over the years. I used a FM for many years. That camera felt much more solid than the FM3a. Same for F, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Rayt · Jul 18, 2022

As a former user of Nikons FM2 and FE2 and also Leica R8 and R9 I would go for the Nikon because my eyes are no longer perfect and the low magnifications of the Leicas make handheld photography more challenging. As far as Leica SLRs I would go for the R4 series for the high finder magnification with the caveat that the diopters are hard to find these days. But what a question! If you already own Leica lenses why ask about Nikons unless you want to do the Leitax conversions. Leica glass is the reason to put up with those bodies. Manual Nikon are great because you can still buy the accessories new. Buy a few Voigtlander lenses and you are all set.

Evanbutson · Aug 25, 2022

I have both, have the fe2 with a motor back that is louder than any camera I have heard (it's awesome) , also have a motor drive on the R8 (not really needed and there is no single fire option on the R8 aonits super easier to accidentally fire off two frames.
As with all film cameras it really comes down to the glass for me. The Leica glass is amazing, truly stunning, but as others have said getting more and more expensive due to stoopid digital cinemas users converting them. Whereas Nikon glass is so much more attainable. With no budget I would choose the Leica every day, if I wanted more than one or two lenses then I would choose the fe2 as I could then choose from literally hundreds of options.

Huss · Aug 26, 2022

Evanbutson said:
I have both, have the fe2 with a motor back that is louder than any camera I have heard (it's awesome) , also have a motor drive on the R8 (not really needed and there is no single fire option on the R8 aonits super easier to accidentally fire off two frames.

You must mean the motor winder. I have the motor drive on my R9 and there is single, continuous low and continuous high mode.

Evanbutson · Aug 26, 2022

Yeah, it's the low profile winder, doesnt add much to the size of the body which is why I got it, seeing as the R8 is such a beast even stock .

guangong · Aug 26, 2022

Huss, that looks like my MB behind motorcycle. Be driving since 1983. The cheapest car I have ever owned.
I have been using Leicaflex SL and SL2 since SL introduced. However, never attracted to R8. Have also been using Nikon F. Over all, if Nikon dimensions are close to F’s, I would go with Nikon. A Nikon with a pancake lens is almost pocketable. I also wonder how much support Leica still gives to R8 cameras.

Huss · Aug 26, 2022

guangong said:
I also wonder how much support Leica still gives to R8 cameras.

About as much support as Nikon gives to F cameras. (apart from the F6)

Huss · Aug 26, 2022

guangong said:
Huss, that looks like my MB behind motorcycle. Be driving since 1983. The cheapest car I have ever owned.

Those 1980s MBs last forever!

guangong · Aug 26, 2022

Huss said:
Those 1980s MBs last forever!

Everybody says that mine hasn’t been broken into yet. The only repair ( other than regular maintenance), has been replacement of the air conditioner this year. Even the bolts in engine compartment and underneath the car are painted the same color as the car.

Huss · Aug 26, 2022

Is it a 300D?

kivis · Mar 4, 2023

Les Sarile said:
Because I have already have one and it works well

Just got an all black version. Oh.....so nice.

Nikon FM3a or Leica R8 / R9

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