Nikon FM3A
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History:
The Nikon FM3a is a hybrid-camera tracing its family tree back on two sides. One branch can be traced through the rugged fully mechanical FM2n, FM2, and FM to the original all mechanical Nikkormats, and the other back through the intelligently automated FE2 and FE to the Nikkormat EL cameras. It is an impressive lineage, but none of the FM3a's distinguished ancestors can best it for versatility or, let us hope, ruggedness. Like the recently announced F6, the FM3a was a late gift from a company whose film cameras were always in the first rank. The FM3a filled the gap left by the much lamented FE2 that had been missing from the Nikon line-up since c. 1987, while giving the FM series of mechanical cameras an intelligently automated or fully mechanical replacement. When discontinued the FM2n was still a popular mechanical camera that could back-up an F5 on a tough assignment, or go it alone, as it often did, in the back-packs of naturalist, hikers, wilderness photographers, etc. The Nikon FM3a gives photographers the best of both worlds. It is likely to be the last manual focus fully-mechanical Nikon SLR that feeds on film.
Features:
The compact and fast handling FM3a has a hybrid shutter that is fully mechanical or fully electronic, depending upon the mode of operation. The camera and employs Nikon's classic 60/40 center-weighted TTL metering, and features TTL flash metering with a sync speed of 1/250 second. The FM3a has a self-timer which automatically raises and locks the mirror before the exposure is made. The FM3a has a hot-shoe, PC connection, and uses a standard cable release.
Operation:
Manual Operation: Like the FM, FM2, and FM2n the FM3a allows manual operation with a fully mechanical shutter. Select 1 second, the slowest marked speed, excepting of course, T and B, and the shutter "buzzes" like all good mechanical shutters should. Wheels and gears are time each and every marked speed from 1 second to 1/4000 second. If the batteries die in an FM3a, the photographer still has full uses of every marked shutter speed on the shutter speed dial. Exposure is set by matching the swinging needle in the left of the viewfinder with the wider needle that indicates the selected shutter speed. As with many Nikons, the selected F-Stop is read right off the lens in use through the Aperture Direct Readout (ADR) in the bottom of the viewfinder.
AE Operation:Like the FE and FE2. the FM3a it is also capable of Aperture Preferred Auto Exposure Control. In AE mode the photographer selects the F-Stop on the lens, and the camera body selects the shutter speed using an electronically timed and activated shutter. Shutter speeds are indicated by a needle that swings up and down the scale on the left of the view-finder. Again, the aperture is visible thorough the ADR. The highest-shutter speed in the AE range is 1/4000, and speeds extend below the 8 seconds mark in the viewfinder. It should be noted that speeds longer than 1 second must be accessed through the AE function of FM3a. This is a departure from the FE2 and FM2n, both of which allowed manual selection of speeds to 8 seconds. In AE mode, during long exposures, the FM3a's shutter is wonderfully silent between the sound of the mirror flipping-up and the mirror flipping down, for in this mode the camera electronically times the exposure. No wheels and gears here.
Intelligent Automation:
The AE automation of the FM3a provides the photographer with thoughtful automation. Though Nikon has long since adopted other Auto Exposure Modes, including Shutter Priority, Program, and Variable Program, many aging Nikonians still think that nothing beats a Nikkor lens with an aperture selection ring and Aperture Preferred Automation for the right combination of quickness and control in a fast changing picture taking situation. Notably, this is the same mode of exposure automation adopted by Leica for their M7. It ought also be noted that the FM3a has an AE lock located handily on the back of the camera. Regrettably, this lock cannot really be locked, as it must be pressed and held throughout the exposure.
Advanced Flash:
The really exciting thing about the FM3a is the up-to-date way it allows the photographer to use flash. The camera adds TTL flash to the FM2n and more control to the TTL flash capabilities of the FE2. Mount any Nikon TTL flash from a old SB-15 to the latest SB-800 on the FM3a and turn it on. In AE Mode the FM3a automatically switches to 1/250 second shutter speed and measures the flash TTL. In Manual Mode the FM3a camera measures the flash in TTL mode, but it also continues to meter normally, allowing the photographer to select any speed from 1 second to 1/250 second even when the flash is switched on and ready to fire. An additional feature is a Flash Compensation button placed on the left of the lens mount. Press it as you focus, compose, meter, and shoot. The camera will automatically take -1 EV off any mounted Nikon compatible TTL flash as it fires. Naturally both Nikon and 3rd party flash units can be mounted in the FM3a hot-shoe and used in Manual or Non-TTL Auto modes, and the viewfinder has the a ready light in the form of an LED that glows when the flash is ready, and blinks briefly when correct exposure is achieved.
Few manual focus cameras are the equal of the FM3a for sophisticated flash work, but is no F5. Indeed it is not even an N70, as it cannot take advantage of many of the features built into more sophisticated Nikon flashes units. For instance, when using the SB-28 the photographer will not be able to dial flash compensation into the flash itself. I am told this is because the FM3a it has a 3-pin versus a 5-pin connector.
Accessories:
The FM3a is a perfect match for the venerable MD-12 motor drive utilized by the various models of the FE and FM cameras. A range of accessories is available including diopter correction lenses, a data-back, bellows, extensions rings, flash-units, interchangeable focusing screens, etc. One can do almost any kind of SLR photography with an FM3a
Lenses:
Unlike the original FM and FE cameras, the FM3a cannot mount Non-AI lenses unless they have been converted to AI specifications. Mounting a Non-AI lens can cripple or damage the camera. The camera can use the full range of AI, AIS, P, AF, and AF-D lenses. The AE mode the FM3a can mount and use a G lens, but only at the widest aperture of the lens. Some PC lenses, beginning with later versions of the 35mm F2.8 and all the 28mm F3.5 lenses can be mounted and used.
One ought to note that the FM3a was frequently sold as a kit with a 45mm F2.8P lens, reportedly a Tessar formula. An article in Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine called it one of the best 35mm normal lenses ever tested. It is a superb lens, compact and sharp, and it looks great on the camera, especially with its compact and unique inward slanting hood. Of course, there are other options such as compact Nikkor wide-angles and normals, including the flat-field 55mm F2.8 Micro-Nikkor.
Conclusion:
The FM3a appeals to a range of people from beginning photographers who want to learn the basics, to advanced photographers who want the portability and reliability of a small, manual-focus SLR with TTL metering, sophisticated flash capabilities, and outstanding handling qualities. It may be no coincidence that the footprints of the FM3a and the Leica M camera are so very nearly the same. The FM3a has been called a modern classic, and some usually reliable web-sites have reported rumors that Nikon once considered a digital version. Regrettably, the same sites also reported the plan has been dropped. Several noted authorities have pointed out that sales of the FM3a are slow, saying that those who desire one ought to get one pretty quick. The FM/FE series endured for more than two decades. Nikon saved the best for last, but who can predict the future of a camera that was arguably an anachronism when it was introduced.
