*1980's styling *simple *uses wide variety of lenses *TTL flash *A mode *reads DX coded films(but I never use it) *1/4000 shutter speed(fast for a manual camera) *accepts motor drive *it holds the shutter open for more than the 8 secs. in A mode when needed

*no right hand grip *a bit small for big hands *match needle hard to read in very low light, but you can lock exposure and shine small flashlight in front of lens to see *this camera makes me forget that I have an awesome N80-it will collect dust for awhile *no spot metering(the N80's got it there)

This is my dream camera and after almost a year I finally got it(black not chrome)! It really rocks. Nikon did good on this one-a manual focus camera with the right amount of automation. It's very simple to use and is a nice break from the ever so complicated auto everything SLR. You don't need the owners manual with you all the time. The aperture priority is good when I'm lazy or to get those quick grab shots. The TTL flash makes flash photography so easy. The flash exposure compensation button reduces flash output by one stop and is good for fill flash. Shutter speed and aperture are displayed in the viewfinder(the N80 spoiled me on that one). Every slide is correctly exposed, whether flash or ambient light. This FM3A proves that you don't need 21st century technology to make perfect pictures:-)

Customer Service

Nikon repaired my 50mm lens and had it back to me quick, although it was expensive, you get what you pay for

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FG, Canon AE-1

as reviewed others

none

I agree with all the reviws posted so far- great camera- only a (tiny) gripe- within about 2 hours of use- ok- admittedly, halfway up a mountain- the black paint on the exp comp dial was wearing off! now has a nice used look- but might annoy some on such an expensive camera.... apart from that- no worries- focus and shoot- what could be simpler. Good one Nikon

Customer Service

Grays of Westminster cannot be beaten

Similar Products Used:

OM1, OM2, FM, FM2, Rollei 35

* Full manual mode: if your battery dies, all you lose is the meter * Aperture priority mode: you set the aperture, the camera sets the shutter, enough said. * Classic 60/40 metering pattern * Compatible with AF and MF lenses (with few exceptions) * Top shutter speed of 1/4000th * Match needle metering * TTL Flash metering * Based on the light-weight, durable FM2 body * A classic - you'll fall in love with it

* Lack of a spot meter - a necessity for shooting B&W * Low eye point - can cause problems if one wears glasses

Nikon is one of the few companies that supports the demand for manual focus cameras. The FM3a is descended from a long line of manual focus cameras which came to the market in the mid-70's, starting with the original FM and FE, and the 80's with the FM2 and FE2. The FM3a takes the best features from the FM2, and kicks-it a notch by incorporating a aperture priority automation through the uses of a new hybrid shutter. This shutter is timed mechanically in manual and electronically in automated mode. The system also boasts TTL flash metering, which makes flash photography considerable easier. The major advantage of the FM3 over AF cameras on the market resides in its inherent classic simplicity. You will not have to carry around a cheat sheet to remember your 22 custom functions - because there aren't any.

Customer Service

Never used

Similar Products Used:

* Nikon FM2 * Nikon F3 * Nikon FA

The SHUTTER! Aperture priority electronic with stepless shutter speeds. Whole stop mechanical speeds from 1s to 1/4000s if batteries fail (or if you operate the camera full manual). TTL flash. Shows Nikon's commitment to their manual focus fans. A little easier to open film back than FM2N (but no big deal). Film window to see what you've got loaded. Very solid and precise shutter release.

TTL flash comp restricted to -1 (little button on left side of lens mount). Further flash comp possible through manipulating the ISO/ExpComp dials but fiddly and if you forget to change it back after you're done, you're screwed. Low-eyepoint viewfinder, if you wear glasses, check before buying. Bright light sources in the frame can cause annoying reflections in the viewfinder that interfere with viewing the groundglass. Match-needle meter display cannot be illuminated (take a clue from the Leica R6.2, Nikon!) and therefore difficult to see in the dark. A spot meter, although not necessary, would be nice (again, take a clue from the Leica R6.2). There seems to be a problem with using f/1.4 lenses on the FM3A. The meter needle does not move a whole stop when changing from f/2 to f/1.4, but rather moves 1/2 to 2/3 stop. I tried 5 different FM3A bodies with several 50/1.4s and they were all like this. Due to the meter viewing and f/1.4 problems cited above, plus the fact that I don't use aperture priority, I've returned all three of my FM3A (USA) bodies to B&H and gone back to a set of FM2Ns.

Good evolution of the FM concept, but still some problems that should have been caught before production.

Customer Service

Haven't trieds servicing my equipment with Nikon USA, but they were courteous on the phone when answering my questions.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM2N, Leica R6.2, Leica M6

TTL flash, Fill flash compensation, aperture priority mode for snap shots

None

This is the only film camera that could bring me back from digital. If you want AF and this bell and that whistle, just use digital and be done with it. If you want to enjoy photography again, you gotta try this. You don't have to buy a $2000 Lieca for silky smooth precision. And with this Nikon you can use all the great lenses of the past for peanuts. If you are an old FM2n user like me, you will appreciate the TTL flash more than any other feature on the FM3a.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

FM2n, FE2

-TTL -fill flash -ael

-no lighted viewfinder, hard to read meter in low light -no hand grip, fixed that by putting on a PhotoEquip grip

I mostly use my F100(terrific wedding camera, backed up with my FM2n. I bought the FM3a mainly for the TTL capabilities. This camera has all the features one needs in a very simple package. A terrific camera. And the chrome has that nostalgic look of an OM-1.

Customer Service

never had the need

Similar Products Used:

-Fm2n -F100 -F4 -F3HP

solid construction, a screaming classic. smooth but not loose, bright and clear viewfinder and many modern features.

none really, unless you are looking for multiple metering modes, it only used the classic 60/40 center weighted metering, (but any half brained photographer should be able to figure out how to compensate and use it as a psuedo spot meter etc etc), and there is no autofocus, but, the manual focus is a joy to use. my only gripe is that the price tag is a bit hefty, you wont be dissappointed, but many older slrs are built with roughly the same materials and are a fraction of the price, but i guess that's what we have to deal with when buying new.

i started my photography with an old slr my dad owned, and i have handled numerous other AF slr's, including an f100 and a few canons. i found that these autofocus cameras were a bit too quick to use, almost as if i was using a point and shoot camera. i decided that i would like to have my very own camera, but i had a few prerequisits. 1. the camera had to be new (i figured id want to be the first one to use it=) ) 2. it had to be mechanical at all speeds. 3. i wanted something built outa metal, something heavy. with these in mind the only manual focus/exposure camera i could find was the fm3a, but i wasn't sold just yet, i had to find out if the hefty price was worth it. after handling it, the quality and feel of the product instantly shined through. the feel of the camera along with the great 45mm lens that came with it were absolutely great. the viewfinder was bright, the shutter was consistent, the knobs/levers all had a quality feel. the hidden features are great as well, DOF preview, psuedo MLU with the timer, stepless auto setting, AEL, and TTL flash metering, etc etc etc. if you are looking for a great new camera with the feel of the older manual cameras, the fm3a is the only choice you have, lol unless you want one of those plastic fm10's or that one dakota.....anyways, luckily the only choice is one d*** good one.

Customer Service

none yet....highly doubt ill use it, until maybe 10 years from now when the foam inside the camera needs to be replaced.

Similar Products Used:

pentax k1000, ricoh kr10, minolta om-1, canon ae-1, nikon fm10

Rugged Depth of field Bright viewfinder Quality constuction Size TTL Metering

I would label it almost perfect if Nikon had done something to make it more water resistant. Meter difficult to read in dark but can be remedied with ae-lock.

I purchased this camera because it satisfied very specific wants I had for a second camera body. I am seeking to improve my photography skills and wanted a camera that would allow me to get more intimate with photographic technique. My Nikon AF SLR is a great camera but I felt it was inhibiting my understanding of how great photos are taken. Now that I have used it for a period of time and have gone through several rolls of film I can say that it has exceeded my expectations. My short list of “Must Haves” when researching this camera included the following” 1. Must be rugged 2. Mechanical and able to perform without batteries if necessary 3. Simple manual controls 4. Size!! I wanted a smaller camera body 5. Depth of field is a must 6. TTL metering I settled on the FM3A, but let’s be honest, the options for new mechanical cameras are few. I feel Nikon put a lot of thought into this camera. The viewfinder is very bright. The quality of the craftsmanship is without question (and will make you feel like your plastic AF is junk). I have very large hands and I have no problems with the ergonomics of the camera. Some purists will sneer at the auto exposure but it is a great tool. There are many ways to work around the issues some people have brought up, like no mirror lock up and the difficulty in reading the meter in low light. Nikonians.org is a great site for this info. If you are seeking an SLR that has the ease of use of a point and shoot this camera may not be for you. Nor would I recommend it for sports photography. I would recommend it for events, outdoor (great size to strap to your backpack), and candid, and architecture photography. Students of photography can’t go wrong with this camera either. I must say, this camera makes you want to take more pictures. Not overpriced!!! I find it a bargain for how pleased I am with it and how long I hope to be using it.

Customer Service

A called to inquire how water resistant the camera was. The didn't give me the answer I hoped for but they were very courteous and responsive.

Similar Products Used:

Various Nikon and Minolta SLRs.

Durable body yet compact: METAL Aperature priority TTL

Old body design Difficult to look at the viewfinder No illumination inside the finder Old design motor

This is essential a FE2 with the addition of FM2 shutter. The design is identical to FE2, if you have experience using it. I think Nikon should use the old FA body design for this camera for better look and handling. I sold my FE2 because it lacked mechancial shutter. Again sold the FM2 because it lacked aperature priority. Now I bought the FM3a since it has both functions that I wanted. Very dependable.

Similar Products Used:

FE2, FM2

Accepts the popular MD12 motor drive. Bright, sharp viewfinder. Smooth film advance. Large shuttter speed dial. Rugged construction. Removable eyepiece for easy cleaning. Balances well in hands, even without the motordrive.

I wish it had a shutter cocked indicator, as my Pentax MX has.But that is not an issue since I have the Motor Drive.

I decided to buy the FM3A because I wanted a well built manual focus camera that would take a good motordrive. I have been using it for 4 months, and would suggest it to anyone who likes having control over thier photography. I rarely use the Auto Exposure mode, But have found it very convenient in tricky lighting conditions. My only regret is that I did not Mail order it,as I could have saved a lot of money. I would take the FM3A over any of todays high tech electronic cameras!

Customer Service

Have not needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K100, Pentax MX