I have the FM3a and I think it is one of the best cameras Nikon has ever made. It gets a pretty good bashing by people who don't find it's unique feature set to be a big selling point but for me when I bought it new in 2002, I thought it was just what I was looking for then and would now.
Why would anybody want to buy a new camera when there are still so many "new" cameras still coming to the used market. Many a physicians or lawyers wife would walk into a camera store to buy the "best" camera for hubby. Best meant most expensive, which back then meant totally manual professional grade cameras. Hubby couldn't be bothered with f stops and camera was retired to closet. Now these closets are being cleaned out and their usually unused cameras dribble to the used market. Quality much better than now new.
In a Pop Photo 2002 ad, they list a black FM2 for $479, chrome FM3A for $459 and a black FM3A for $489. I am certain people aren't bashing the FM3A for it's unique properties more so then the price difference.
Why would anybody want to buy a new camera when there are still so many "new" cameras still coming to the used market.
They're pretty much identical. Minor electronic differences. Get a better or different focal length lens to see a difference.
From the standpoint of what is going to lead to a better photo, yes. But beyond that, read my last post above, hardly the same.
Unless you're buying a film Leica, a Nikon F6 or a couple of other 35mm models, the new camera will be new in name only. Chances are once the warranty runs out you're on your own, no parts or manufacturer servicing. This puts the camera in the same position as a used camera.Because buying used cameras is kind of russian roulette... I can understand someone wanting to get something reliable for the next 10 or 15 years... Honestly, if Olympus could still produce the OM1, I would buy one right now. Mine I bought used 6 years ago is between John Hermanson's hands for the second time (shutter adjustment 5 year ago, mirror issue now)... A 30/40 years old camera is a 30/40 years old camera and being stored in a cabinet does not change anything.
Agreed. I flip between Leica rangefinder, consumer AF SLRs, plastic point and shoots and all points between, and the subject is the single biggest factor in deciding whether the shot is any good. Familiarity with a camera is also important, as the ability to instinctively know the settings can be the difference between a missed shot and a classic.With respect to the importance of things, I'd have to revise it a little...
1) Photographer
2) Lens
3) Film
4) Body
With respect to the importance of things, I'd have to revise it a little...
1) Photographer
2) Lens
3) Film
4) Body
I am not sure any manufacturer has any commitment of any kind to repair a 40 years old camera or even provide spare parts.
I think you guys are sooo behind the curve you can't even see hipsterville from there. Hipsters have moved on to real film cameras along with their reel to reel tape decks, and vinyl records.
I bought a Nikon FM2/T yesterday, and it feels like new - it wasn't the intention to get the titanium clad version but it popped up at $320 almost locally. ...
I bought a Nikon FM2/T yesterday, and it feels like new - it wasn't the intention to get the titanium clad version but it popped up at $320 almost locally. I would still try to find an FM3A to replace a Nikkormat FT2, but that is more my inner collector shining through!
Reel to reel is here to stay - the remnants of BASF and Ampex are still going strong, and Revox has just announced their first new model in 25 years!
Wow... that is a good deal.
Is that a lens hood for an EF 35 IS USM?
Now we just need SOMEONE to make a new film camera!
Reel to reel is here to stay
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