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Nikon FM3A |
Nikon's first new SLR for the 21st Century, the FM3A, surprisingly is a manual focus, rather than computerized auto-focus or digital SLR camera. The FM3A is the successor to the FM2N and earlier FM series bodies, and many see it as a long awaited successor to the beloved Nikon FE2. Actually it's a marriage between the two. Anyone who loves the FM series and/or the FE2 should love this new manual SLR from Nikon.
The FM3A is of tuff metal construction with electronically and mechanically controlled focal-plane shutter. It is an Aperture-Priority system, with exposure control possible with Ai-type Nikkor and AF Nikkor lenses. Or it can be used in a totally manual mode. Top shutter speed is 1/4000 sec. and peak flash speed is 1/250 sec.
The camera comes with the K3 type (splitprism-image) clear matte screen. Power source is one 3V lithium battery (CR-1/3N type), two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), or two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type). Metering system is TTL centre-weighted, full-aperture exposure, with approximately 60% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on a 12mm diameter circle.
The camera also provides exposure compensation of plus and minus 2 EV in units of one third stop, and flash exposure compensation. There is also an auto exposure lock which works only in Aperture-Priority (A) mode, not in manual.
Other features include: depth-of-field preview, multiple exposure lever, hot-shoe, compatibility with DX-coded film and TTL flash ability.
One of its best features is that the camera will function at all shutter speeds without batteries. Of course the meter will not function without batteries, but if you're out in the field and your batteries go out you'll still be able to take pictures at all speeds in full manual mode.
Metering is only center-weighted. Nikon should have added spot-metering and made it an even greater improvement over the FM2n.
Most lenses will work with the FM3A, but there are exceptions: TC-16A and TC-16S teleconverters, non-Ai-modified lenses, 6mm f/5.6, 8mm f/8, OP 10mm f/5.6, old-type 21mm f/4, K2 ring, ED 180-600mm f/8, ED 360-1200mm f/11, 200-600mm f/9.5, 80mm f/2.8, 200mm f/3.5, PC 28mm f/4, PC 35mm f/2.8, old-type PC 35mm f/3.5, old-type mirror 1000mm f/6.3, mirror 1000mm f/11 and mirror 2000mm f/11 cannot be mounted to the FM3A without damage to the camera or lens.
Optional equipment includes: MD-12 Motor Drive, SB-27 and 28 Speedlight and equivalents, MF-16 Data Back, CF-27S & CF-28S & CF-29S semisoft camera cases, DK-3 eyepiece attachment, DB-2 anti-cold battery pack, DR-4 right-angle attachment, and AR-3 Cable Release.
FM3A body weight is 570 grams and is 142.5mm wide, 90mm high and 58mm deep. A bit small for my hands, I find the addition of the MD-12 Motor Drive greatly adds to its feel and ease of handling.
The FM3A is destined to become one of Nikon's great SLR cameras.
