Nikon FM3A. Is this camera as good as they say? Let's use it and find out!

Рет қаралды 45,812

Жыл бұрын

In this video.....
CHAPTER POINTS
Intro: 00:00:00
Darkroom: 04:25:36
Continue: 05:11:06
Darkroom: 08:24:06
Continue: 10:45:14
Darkroom: 14:47:03
Continue: 16:52:07
Darkroom: 19:07:18
Oak Leaf Print For sale
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SFLaB MERCH
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See all the images I took on the SFLaB Website
www.rogerlowe.co.uk
www.shootfilmlikeaboss.com
NIKON FM3A
This is the Nikon FM3A SLR Film camera. Looks nothing special right? Looks like another SLR from the 1970’s or 80s
except this model was launched by Nikon in 2001 and production ended in 2006.
In this video I use this camera for the first time and give my thoughts on it. Is it as good as they say it is?
Lets find out.
To support the channel and buy my prints visit the SFLaB Website
www.rogerlowe.co.uk
Want more content?
Why not become a member!
/ shootfilmlikeaboss
Become a member of SFLaB and JOIN the KZfaq Members area.
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Contact me
THE SFLaB WEBSITE
www.rogerlowe.co.uk
FACEBOOK
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INSTAGRAM
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EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO
CAMERA - Nikon FM3A
FILM - Kodak TMAX 400
DEVELOPER - 510 PYRO
STOP & FIX - ILFORD/FOTOSPEED
ENLARGER - DURST M605
PAPER - ILFORD MG RESIN
DEVELOPER - ILFORD MG
STOP & FIX - ILFORD/FOTOSPEED
PRODUCTION GEAR
CANON 6D, GOPRO 7 BLACK, Gopro 10 Black, TASCAM DR10L MIC, SENHEISSER SHOTGUN MIC,
NEEWER LED PANELS, GVM COLOUR PANELS, Valoi 360 Film Holder System for scanes, Zeapon Micro 2 Motor Slider,
Editing - FCP, PHOTOSHOP, LIGHTROOM,
ABOUT MY VIDEOS
If my videos inspire, create ideas and help others in film photography and darkroom work then it's worth making them.
I always welcome comments that are useful towards the video subject that will help others understand the process within.
Keep shooting and thanks for watching.
MUSIC CREDITING
KZfaq Studio Music

Пікірлер: 332

@H2o3G2a Жыл бұрын

I got the black with the black 45mm P and honest to god, I really feel like I'm not using a camera anymore, I'm just using my eyes, it became invisible. Aperture Priority, zone focus and exposure lock make it a point-and-shoot. It is the best photography camera of all time, it will never be outdated or matched. The price is more than justifiable

@MichaelSeneschal 4 ай бұрын

Definitely the best video on this camera I’ve seen. What a fantastic blend of talking about the camera, with going out and using it, and lots of positive personality mixed in. Was fun to watch, thanks!

@yorkieinnz4648 Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Roger...I have the FM, FE and F3 which are also great cameras....must get out and use them more though.

@user-eh5gq8eg5y Жыл бұрын

As a full-time photographer (retired staff photographer for large metropolitan daily US newspapers now doing personal work on film again) for decades this is my favorite photography source in online, print or otherwise bc this guy seems to be always making photographs and getting into his darkroom to process and print them. As a photo guy who started with an F and ended with an F5 until digital took over news photography completely in about 2000, personally I never much got on with the FM/FE line probably bc I have big hands. I do love however the option on those not to have a motor. Not that it matters (it doesn't) but currently on Nikon I'm using my F, F3, N90s which were the cameras that I felt the most comfortable with over the decades. I also got an F100 a few years ago which I think is a fantastic camera but one I never used whilst working professionally. Anyway, great, great job on your channel. And a big personal shout-out to the great old Nikon F. I really don't think you can with break or make a bad photograph with one of those because they make you slow down and think and are built by hand to last a lifetime no matter what. Just my opinion.

@Nadoor1980 9 ай бұрын

I love your enthusiasm when shooting and being behind the camera capturing small things that most people would miss. Subscribed.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss 9 ай бұрын

Thank you !

@atomicpuppet 2 ай бұрын

I really like that your channel shows the darkroom process. It shows the entire process which so many channels skip over. Or they just don't do darkroom only digital scans. Also the way you show techniques is clear and I learn a lot. Keep on it!!!! 🎉

@alanwhite5824 Жыл бұрын

The FM3a is a fantastic camera. My only complaint is there is no illumination for the match-needle meter which can be hard to see in low light. I use my camera a lot and don’t even notice the protruding film advance lever any more. I had it serviced by Nikon UK a couple of years ago and is still running as smooth as the day it was made. It has everything I need in a camera with no gimmicky nonsense, and can still mount and use lenses I bought as a teenager in the 1980s!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I didn't have a problem seeing the needle on those night shots, but then I wasn't thinking about it instead maybe straining to see it! I shall have to take notice next night shoot.

@ABikeandACamera Жыл бұрын

Roger, thanks for bringing back some more darkroom content. It has inspired me to get into my darkroom this weekend.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Awesome Charlie. Have fun mate.

@joerg_koeln Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I was lucky and could get one in mint condition and very cheap on Ebay, but haven't used it - will try it soon.

@marknicholson5293 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the episode; nice balance with the field, the camera, the darkroom.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark.

@terryfrancis7639 11 ай бұрын

If you attach a Motor drive MD-12 you can fire the Camera without the wind lever out. Best wishes 🤗📷

@AdamMuise Жыл бұрын

I just got one of these beautiful FM3As after shooting my FM2N. What an amazing camera. I really enjoyed this video because of the breadth of your content and because you are obviously a very good photographer in addition to being an excellent technical photographer. Those two circles don't always intersect on the Venn diagram. Cheers!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Cheers Adam. Enjoy the camera!

@amosk24 Жыл бұрын

Great job Boss! The oak leaf photo turned out amazing.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@tedphillips2951 Жыл бұрын

It looks like a very nice camera plus my favorite film is Kodak Tmax 400. I am always amazed that people will spend so much on a Nikon when an Olympus camera with their fantastic lenses are so much more reasonably in price. With any camera I feel it is essential that you get a CLA from a good repair shop & I do that with my OM cameras & they perform beautifully. Another great video. Thanks!

@TheGazmondo Жыл бұрын

Having spent most of my professional life with the Nikon series of film cameras, that camera is a dream, as the match needle metering to me was the ultimate in day to day usage, and with the back- button what can I say ? Great little video, your work is progressing at a pace !

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Cheers Gary

@garychatfield6709 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Roger! Full of history and well presented. Oh!..and it's Roger the Dodger and Burner! LOL

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it mate

@hellatightdude Жыл бұрын

Heh, small world. I know Greg, dude is a crazy talented photographer

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Greg is active on Instagram. Yes. Good photographer and loves cars!

@Isac3000 Жыл бұрын

I got into analog photography last year. I ended up getting pretty much a new in box FM3a. I love the camera! I don’t switch around with lenses that much. So I have combined it with a 50mm ai-s pancake lens for some really nice bokeh. So I have a really compact setup.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Nice. Best way I think. One camera one good lens and the 50mm is a good allrounder I find.

@karlgreene2177 3 ай бұрын

Nice review I prefer the black version myself but both are lovely.

@carlgreene538 Жыл бұрын

I have 3 Minoltas but have always wanted one of these!

@ruedigermerz9525 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that video. Great stuff, as always. Although, I would not waste my money on a FM3a. My FE2 does just fine. Never had an issue with the batteries. Keep up the great work.

@cheeseblog 11 ай бұрын

Great teacher!

@woodreaux Жыл бұрын

A late comment: I have an Fm2n, and I have found that after a some use to get past the initial quirkiness of it, the open lever becomes a thumb hook of sorts, making the grip a little more ergonomic and secure.

@stephanpaier9887 Жыл бұрын

I would try the motordrive, it has a dedicated on/off switch and you can leave the advance lever where it does not hurt you ;-)

@markashfordphotography7348 Жыл бұрын

Great camera there Roger... The fact you can shoot without power is very good. Great pics as usual too.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Andy for me Mark as I always forget to take spare batteries with me!

@largophoto Жыл бұрын

Used a motor drive on my fm2n..helped off set the wind on lever

@rogerclark2641 3 ай бұрын

The FM3A looks to have a very similar spec to the old Nikkormat EL. I recently bought a very nice Nikomat EL fromJapan. Fabulous camera! I love your videos!

@bnkrazie Ай бұрын

This was the first camera I bought with my own money in 2003ish. I think I'll take mine out for a spin this weekend.

@olegboldyrev5113 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your video!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Oleg

@gixxysquidward1076 Жыл бұрын

You mentioned about AE lock. The old FE has an ae lock, push the timer lever towards the lens and hey presto..FE was so advanced for its time. Good video Roger!

@GigiDAmico Жыл бұрын

I just bought one, looking forward to receive it, even though I own the f100 but I was having the pleasure to get a vintage oe which can also use the old nikkor lesnes

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I just learned the AE1 also had exposure lock.

@22fret Жыл бұрын

The metering in the vf is exactly like in the Pentax KX. That works quite well indeed...

@richardsimms251 Жыл бұрын

This old Nikon camera has an absolutely beautiful classic look to it. Thank you for another fun, enjoyable outdoor session. Great. RS. Canada

@CalumetVideo Жыл бұрын

Nice camera, I am using the F2, F3 and F5. My F5 only gets used for chromes since metering needs to be precise. Otherwise, for black and white, it’s usually the F2, I love the mechanical aspect that it can be serviced.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I've not used the F2 or 3 or 4. They were the more professional cameras of the day

@PeterGoode1128 Жыл бұрын

I bought my FM3a new in 2002. The best film camera I have ever owned…and I have owned many film cameras! Funny, until I saw your video I never thought of the lever being in a bad position. I don’t seem to have a problem. Perhaps because I wear glasses. Great camera!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Any servicing since? Does it still hit all the right speeds and metering Peter?

@TheEPROM9 Жыл бұрын

I have a Nikon FE2. It is an amazing camera.

@ubeeh 2 ай бұрын

Moving the exposure lock to the back fixed one of the weak spots of the FE/FE2, which had the exposure lock combined with the self-timer lever. This was prone to break. But moving the exposure lock to this position was by no means a Nikon invention. The beautiful Yashica FR1 had it there as well like 20 years earlier.

@JasonRenoux Жыл бұрын

Good looking camera indeed. My one and only Nikon is a F4 and although heavy, I am enjoying using it as it is very good with a metering absolutely spot on. As for your photos ending up in a gallery, hold my beer... I mean seriously, it makes no doubt that you would have a very successful and fun time exhibiting your best work. Another beast of curating and prepping all of it but sure it would be well received. All the best

@GigiDAmico Жыл бұрын

great camera! I enjoy anyway going around with the f100

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason. Kind

@stigofthedump4058 Жыл бұрын

Hi Roger, great video as usual, really enjoyed it, and love the print you made 👍I'm a big fan of these cameras, FM2 & FE2 as well, the on/off winder seemed to be be your biggest gripe, trust me you do get used to it, in fact I now way prefer it to an on/off switch, it becomes very natural to use rather than hunting for a switch somewhere on the camera body. I'm right eyed to I appreciate its less of a hassle for me, and it probably would not be great if you are left eyed. As for portrait orientation you get in the habit of going left hand up, so the winder is by your cheek where there is space for it to go (and I do have chubby cheeks and it's still fine ;) Thanks again anyway, looking forward to your next video. Stig.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Cheers Stig. I suppose so the amount of times my OM20 has ran out of batteries as I've left it on! Thanks. I go to take a shot and keep forgetting to pull the lever out ha ha. Minor issue!

@silvestersze9968 27 күн бұрын

I’m happy with my FM 🎉

@moustachio334 25 күн бұрын

I love the on off lever. To make it more comfortable, just nudge your thumb under it. I've killed batteries in other cameras by incident or accident. The lever switch blew me away. My most enjoyable manual to use.

@luc5798 Жыл бұрын

Great, you're in the lab! Film is coming back in fashion, but too few make real prints with an enlarger, unfortunately...

@fbunes123 Жыл бұрын

New fantastic KZfaq video Roger 👍📸😊

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Frode.

@gregoryrogalsky6937 Жыл бұрын

The Nikon FM2 was my first Nikon. Amazing camera.

@Lesterandsons Жыл бұрын

Understand you, kept mine for decades, good results, reliable, I destroyed the prism, but it kept working and working perfectly. Such a simple easy to use camera design looks so small F

@IainHC1 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely love the vid m8 and the print turned out brilliantly🙂 Really like the FM3...... although I don't own one.....yet :-{

@terryfrancis7639 Жыл бұрын

If you use a Nikon MD-12 Motordrive you have the film advance lever flush and meter and shutter can be used. Helps me as a “Left Eyed” Photographer. 🤗📷

@GenerationAI2024 Жыл бұрын

On the site Ken Rockwell they say on auto mode the FM3A will do 3 minutes or more with open shutter. I know my FE2 does atleast 2 minutes. Thanks for sharing :)

@petepictures 4 ай бұрын

Same here, enjoying all my cameras few at the time.......😆

@RickMahoney2013 Жыл бұрын

Yes looks brand new

@MrRom92DAW Жыл бұрын

I wasn’t incredibly familiar with the fm3a and didn’t realize how late it was in production. I like the idea of a very advanced all-mechanical SLR but the 93% viewfinder is a dealbreaker for me. An accurate 100% viewfinder is one of the best things about using an SLR IMO. Enjoyed seeing the 55 micro-nikkor getting some love though

@jamesjacocks6221 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I think SFLAB was thinking "best prosumer camera that sold by the millions". What camera do you nominate? I made a separate comment just now so you can see what I think.

@luc5798 Жыл бұрын

You still have more accuracy with a 93% reflex viewfinder than with a rangefinder, even a Leica... (with a rangefinder, the lines are fixed, and the lens coverage changes a bit with the focusing distance)

@frankzappa3834 Жыл бұрын

Not exactly a Nikon, but the Minolta X700, X570, and X370 (names vary by market) all have a nifty auto exposure lock as a manual focus 80's SLR with center spot metering. They're really quite lovely cameras to use.

@peterkin1010 Жыл бұрын

Centre weighted average rather than centre spot metering.

@reubenrajkumarphotography 4 күн бұрын

You should use the bulb mode to get a more than 1second shutter speed, so not really a drawback I suppose. I agree on the view finder though, would have been great to have a better one.

@srfurley Жыл бұрын

Interesting that what started with the FM led to two such different cameras as the FM3A and the FA. Strange that the mechanical FM used LEDs for the metre while the electronic, and slightly later, FE used a needle. If I had been designing the FM3A I think I would have included a few features from the FA, the matrix metering, the small grip on the front, the cover for the motor drive conntacts and the ability to use the MD-15, and to take power from it. I prefer the mid-range cameras to the professional ones, though I do have those, an original F. The FM and FE series are probably my favourite Nikon cameras.

@Shutternutteruk Жыл бұрын

Lovely camera Roger. As you say, one of Nikon's best and with that gem of a lens, the 55mm Micro Nikkor, a hard combination to beat. A bit of a premium over the FE2 and FM2n though. The Oak Leaf print looks great too!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Charles. I posted extended darkroom on the KZfaq Members area.

@Shutternutteruk Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss brilliant! I’ll settled down with a beer and watch it this evening! Happy days!

@MrPetermc199 Жыл бұрын

If You get the extension tube PK-13, You get 1:1 macro capabilities, check the corresponding inscriptions on the lens barrel. The 55mm is a wonderful lens, optically and mechanically.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Food for thought! Cheers.

@Resgerr Жыл бұрын

Ooh 😮 I have to get one

@Resgerr Жыл бұрын

Or have I got one🤔I just remembered I have a Nikon extension tube🤦‍♀️

@jdebultra Жыл бұрын

I have the FE2 and the F2. Yes, that electronic lever takes some getting used to. My primary camera is the Nikon F2 , I prefer it over the FE2 because of the 100% viewfinder. I had the F2 serviced by Sover Wong and it is brilliant. It is silky smooth and a joy to use.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I've yet to discover how much more of a scene I get on the neg visually compared to what the viewfinder sees.

@autodidact537 Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss There's no mirror lock-up on the Nikon FM3A & the prices for them are a bit high.

@LennyCooke636 7 ай бұрын

Really I wish they had a plain old ON/OFF switch. Some cameras like the Pentax cameras turn on automatically, that is the light meter turns on as soon as you remove the lens cap. This might make things a little faster, but there is a greater chance of draining the battery, if the lens cap drops from the camera inside your bag. Of course if you lose the lens-cap altogether, which happens often, then you are screwed.

@jdebultra 7 ай бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss 100% just lets you know what's at the edge of the frame , what you see is what you get.

@stevest55 Жыл бұрын

Roger, very nice video. Two quick points. I agree with you that the film advance in the shooting position can dig into one's face in portrait mode. For more comfortable portrait mode shooting, try rotating the camera 180 deg. The film advance lever will now be in a better position. The other point is that the FE shutter can go to 8 sec. while the FM cameras can only go to 1 sec. I think that is because the FE line used an electronically controlled shutter, where as the FM line used a fully mechanical shutter and there could be physical limitations on a manual shutter going beyond 1 sec. My first Nikon was the FE. After using it a few times and having the battery go dead on me (along with the whole camera being essentially dead), I promptly went back to the camera store, and traded the FE for the FM2n, which was the fully manual model at that time (1980's). I always like to keep up with each iteration, i.e. FM --> FM2 --> FM2n --> FM3a. But I could not justify the price jump from the FM2n to the FM3a, so I just kept my FM2n. I am 100% happy with the FM2n camera. I know that the FM3a does something more than the FM2n, but they are essentially the same camera. I will never sell mine. Cheers! Steve (New York).

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Cheers Steve, Of course that makes sense. Looking at my old folding cameras they struggle at 1 second! Thanks

@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO Жыл бұрын

If one followed your advice by turning their camera 180 Degrees, this would result in the lens facing the photographer, which would defeat the purpose of taking other people's portraits

@stevest55 Жыл бұрын

@@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO Funny. If the camera is turned 180 deg. the other way.

@billebdon4338 Жыл бұрын

I share your irritation with dust spots on prints. I have taught myself to spot them out over the years, it takes some practice but after a while you can get quite good at disguising spots on your prints. Hairs are the worst though and almost impossible to make disappear. You need a tiny sable brush, very good light and ideally magnifying eyeglasses plus the retouching dye. It is satisfying to get it right.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I loath spotting but find myself enjoying it once I'm seeing results

@RonEMarks 8 ай бұрын

I think they left off 2,4 and 8 second exposures due to the additional parts needed to get those speeds accurately with a mechanical shutter. They would work in electrical mode but harder to achieve in fully mechanical. Seems logical to simply leave them off. IMO

@DavidBlount-cl7nn 9 ай бұрын

When using the camera in portrait mode, try turning it 180 to the way you usually hold it so that the advance lever is near to your mouth. Found this out when I bought my FM2n. Keep up the good work!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss 9 ай бұрын

I have tried that so many times David and end up parrot fashion again

@DavidBlount-cl7nn 9 ай бұрын

Must admit, I took my FM2n out again at the weekend for the first time in ages and done exactly the same!! @@ShootFilmLikeaBoss

@lensman5762 Жыл бұрын

I still have my FE2 and FM2 from the early 80s. Proper Nikons. They shout quality. BTW, if they have implemented the self timer the same as the FM2 or FE2, then you can use it as a mirror lockup. The selftimer flaps the mirror up first before counting down. It is actually a mechanical camera in spirit, so no point of putting an 8s exposure on it like the FE2. that 55mm Micro-Nikkor is as sharp as a lens can get without going into the crazy realm of Leica's Apo stuff.Some lovely tones in those photos, Roger. Very tasty indeed.

@richardsimms251 Жыл бұрын

Yes, excellent outdoor exposures.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lensman. The mushroom was a bit white but hey ho.

@Caballeroshot 7 ай бұрын

All things considered, the only reason to own this is cause you want one. The need for an all mechanical camera is to have the convenience to keep shooting when you may run out of battery power but how often are any hobbyists going to be away from a convenience store? Best value Nikon to me is the F100, the Nikon F5 if you want weather sealing and both can be had for a third of the price of this one, offer far more accurate shutters and meters, AF and can use both AF and manual nikon lenses.

@alphagrafix Жыл бұрын

Great video as ever Roger, interesting camera bit out of my price range though plus as well the wife would be after me if I bought another camera. 😁 Can I offer a word of advice ... buy a decent pair of walking boots clambering about in the woods will make you more sure footed and you won't end up with wet feet so often. Looking forward to your next video. 👍

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I had them on my feet Steve. Waterproof too LOL. And you didn't notice. :(

@alphagrafix Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss you usually end up with soggy feet mate. 😁

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

@@alphagrafix I know! Trainers on today about to photowalk somewhere. Hopefully I won't feel the need for any wet underfoot areas!

@Jayysam95 Жыл бұрын

The FM3A is such an awesome camera, I sold mine a while back and sometimes I regret it. But there are many film cameras you can buy for half the cost that do nearly the same thing.

@sputumtube Жыл бұрын

Well said. I've owned all manner of flashy cameras (including the heavy Nikon F4s), but I'm now using the cheap and cheerful Ricoh KR10, KR10s and KR5 but with super sharp K-mount Pentax lenses. If the camera body fails I've only lost £30-£50 and it can be replaced easily.

@HippieMagic Жыл бұрын

You can literally buy 6 FMs lol.

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

That 55mm macro lens is a beautiful I have it myself the FM3a in black is a sexy looking beast lol 😂

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Someone mentioned to extension tube for macro.

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss yep I used both depending on how close you want extension tube are a good thing and take you even closer i do find depth of field is narrow so tripod is helpful

@marklittrell3202 Жыл бұрын

Canon A-1 has exposure lock also, but has electronic controls instead of purely mechanical.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I never shot that camera. Held one! Not used it. Thanks

@HippieMagic Жыл бұрын

I have two FMs, a 3 knurled silver one and a 1 knurled black one. I swear I think I jammed my shutter every time I use my black one because I keep flipping the lever all the way in and trying to snap it. If you’re unaware, on the three knurled knob ones, the collar around the shutter button can be turned to lock it and while the lever has to be out to turn on the light meter it doesn’t have to be out to use the shutter. I really prefer that method. I guess it does prevent the shutter from being pressed in your bag but it’s still sort of annoying.

@BillSmith1 Жыл бұрын

Short answer, yes!

@ajbrennan6456 Жыл бұрын

G'day Rog, as the FM3a is similar to the FE (I have a couple of those) I have same issue with the cocking lever, I am considering the purchase of the MD11 drive to see if that does away with the cocking handle issue.. Might look up the manual for that accessory first ,,,will let you know what I find out!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Its an option Andy!

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing this as a FM3a is on my dream list I have FM2N and F3 and FE2 prices are mental metering system is supposed to be awesome really want one love to add it to my collection and it will be used and I have some beautiful vintage Nikkor manual lenses to use on it

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

All about the lens Jonny

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss glass is key you wouldn’t put paraffin in a Porsche lol 😂 so get the best glass you can afford

@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO Жыл бұрын

Your comment would have made sense if you had used punctuation marks, and grammar

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

@@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO consider me told off by the grammar police. Lol 😂 I think there is a spelling mistake in your name but who knows.

@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO Жыл бұрын

@@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs I was keen to read what you had to say in your original comment, but was put off because of lack of punctuation. As for my username it has no spelling errors.

@andrewrothman7805 Жыл бұрын

Regarding the advance lever sticking out, Nikon used this method also on the F3, and I think on the F2. For portraits, I simply turn the camera so my right hand is below, and left hand on top. That way the lever is at chin-level.

@sdcorrey Жыл бұрын

Yes, I have both an FM2 and FM3A and they are exactly the same. Coming from Pentax it took me a while to get used to moving the lever out before taking a photo

@stephenmcculloch1915 Жыл бұрын

The F3 has a power switch. My other Nikons use the advance lever. I always forget about it and wonder why the meter has stopped working.

@andrewrothman7805 Жыл бұрын

My F2 and my Canon EF both require the advance lever to be out 30° to power the meter. So, I think this method was a feature of many cameras from that era.

@northof-62 Жыл бұрын

Ditto. Feels more natural to me too to have the camera tilted to the right with shutter underneath.

@GigiDAmico Жыл бұрын

I'm super happy with my f100

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Brilliant camera they say.

@NJPurling Жыл бұрын

I have a FM2 and a much older 55mm pre-ai Micro-Nikkor. Normally the Nikon wears a 50mm f1.8 'pancake' Nikkor, which you can shoot wide-open. A Nikon was an aspiration right from when I started with a Zenit 11, back in 1983.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I read somewhere it came with a pancake lens originally.

@jimpix8019 Жыл бұрын

@NJPurling… Zenit 11 you say…. I started with a Zenith E back in 1974. Photography class at school 14-16 years old. Which was the Catalyst for my career in photography when I left school in 1976. I’ve been mainly a Nikon user since 1985. I’ve had many classic models. I still have a Black FM2n. Beautiful camera. (the on/off lever is obviously a fail safe to avoid accidentally exposing the film) I’ve never had a problem with it. My other cameras are/were large format. Also have a D850. Which should see me out. The beauty is I can use all my Nikon lenses on all my Nikon cameras. Which is why I changed from Canon to Nikon in 1985. Because Canon upgraded their lenses for new cameras which would have made my old, quality glass obsolete. So I sold my Canon kit for Nikon. I never regretted it. May the Force be with you.🌀 Jim🌀 (-: :-)

@JanneRanta Жыл бұрын

What an absolute beast of a camera. Lucky buy, I hope you didn't trade in your M6 for that :D

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

lol, no trade ins Janne.

@ofeykalakar1 Жыл бұрын

Lots of shots lost in the camera bag with film Leicas- the FM3A lever lock is a shot loss in the camera bag safety feature.

@Irelando84 Жыл бұрын

Had one, but sold it since it doesn't have 100 viewfinder coverage and i like to have control of what is in my frame 100%. Anyway, great camera, well built. Also don't like where hot shoe is positioned.

@hlash99 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Love the darkroom content too! I have a FM3a along with the more advanced F100, yet I find myself reaching for the FM3a more often. Love that its no frills, and mechanical. That said, wish I was better at manual focusing (AF on the F100 is perfect)

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I have trouble manual focusing sometimes! Sometimes I wonder if my eye is working but always I get in focus which keep me confident... for now.

@mathewrupp8568 Жыл бұрын

The reason they use the advance lever to activate the meter and shutter is to save the battery. I have a couple of Olympus OM's and they are great except for one thing the batteries are always dead. You have to remember to turn off the meter or you drain the battery, no automatic shut-off like modern cameras. Don't have to remember to turn off the meter, only one problem try shooting it left handed, you have to tilt the right side of your head to keep from getting poked in the eye. I'm used to it but it is a pain.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I just said that in another comment. My OM20 always forget to turn it off!

@jamesjacocks6221 Жыл бұрын

It's a tough one, the battery auto turn off or the run down due to brain drain. After hitting myself on the head a few times I stopped killing my F3 by leaving it on.

@Analogbrain Жыл бұрын

Very nice video, Roger! Was that camera new/unused? Pretty special! Looks as a great camera, but my FM2N and my Canon F-1s are serving me well. I don't know why Nikon and Konica has that lever lock, I find it irritating too sometimes. By the way, Canon AE-1 Program has an AE lock button too.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

It is mint Kalle. I will keep the box and manual and also the shutter cover for future but can't promise I won't scratch it. Some say they look good beaten up as the brass comes through.

@Analogbrain Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Sounds like my F-1 New 😂

@MarcosElMalo2 Жыл бұрын

I had a F3 HP. I bought the body and two primes, a 28mm and a 105mm. I never much liked 50mm lenses.

@Kref3 Жыл бұрын

The FM3a is by far my most expensive small format camera (and my second most expensive overall, I also own a Hasselblad 501CM) and that I really love it. In 35 mm I shoot exclusively Nikon SLRs and own an F2AS, an F3 and the FM3a. Out of these I must say: The F3 feels best. It just has this incredible smoothness. The feel of the film advance lever alone makes the camera worth it. Strange to some people maybe, but if it is only about the joy of shooting, you want the equipment to lie in your hand and just feel right, don‘t you? The F2, also being a full pro camera is a very close second place. The FM3a definitly is in third place when it comes to how it feels, it is also a bit too small for my hands. But this is complaining on really high level, because in itself it is a gorgeous and fantastic camera and I actually take it more often than the other two, because shooting it is a bit easier. I really love the exposure meter with the needle-flag-match (is that even a word?). The only thing I am thinking about right now: The FE2 would have been just as good, there is actually absolutely no difference between the two for day to day shooting. And it would have been much cheaper. Now that I own a perfectly fine working FM3a I will certainly not sell it to buy an unmaintained FE2 to bank some money. But if I would buy new, I would think about the FE2 first. BTW: Because this is probably the most accurate camera I own this is also the camera that I use to test new films and adjust the film ISO and development time to get perfect gradient for my enlarger. Works perfectly well with this camera with its huge ISO range and accuracy.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

"Needle Flag Match" it's a word now 😂

@kendesantis7319 Жыл бұрын

The winding lever having to be pulled out is what keeps me from shooting those Nikon cameras. I shoot with my left eye and I can’t get used to it poking me. They are excellent cameras though.

@arty2917 Жыл бұрын

My dream camera…

@jbaxter007 3 ай бұрын

Hi Roger, I`ve got 2 of these, take the batteries out, it`s a nikon fm2,🤭

@robertwinter6974 Жыл бұрын

Reminded me of watching David Bellamy. Foraging through the undergrowth.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Big bushy beard. Loved that guy growing up

@ytuberization Жыл бұрын

The FM3A and the Leica R6.2 are in my view the most compelling film SLRs you can buy for money. 👍🏼

@ytuberization Жыл бұрын

@@OKuusava This is a very general comment, which is partly true, but does not relate to the R6.2, which is quite differentiated from any Minolta technically and without major flaws. Not even touching the lens topic…

@mpgnz73 Жыл бұрын

As someone who owned a Leica R6.2 20 years ago, I have to disagree. The electronics and overall reliability was dreadful and the R lenses weren't anything special - especially given the price of them. I went back to Nikon and it was an easy decision.

@ytuberization Жыл бұрын

@@mpgnz73 Electronics in the Leica R6.2? What do you exactly mean by this - please specify? Minimally Sebastião Salgado was convinced by the Leica R6 and the lenses. But maybe you are a more reputable photographer…

@peter-robinson Жыл бұрын

Compelling? In what way? I’m never quite sure what is intended by that word.

@ytuberization Жыл бұрын

@@peter-robinson I´m not a native speaker, so maybe it´s not the best word to be used here. Overall it´s just a huge fun to use these cameras: Technically very refined, good mechanical quality, bright viewfinders, high quality lenses, very good design, durable in a long term perspective (important for collectors), latest generation mechanical SLRs. These are partly objective opinions, but let´s be honest: If you want the best overall 35mm camera just buy a recent Nikon Z9 ;-) Of course there are other good cameras: A Nikon F80 as an example. But has it the atractivness of a pure mechanical camera? Depends on your viewpoint. A Nikon F6 is a fantastic camera. But what sense does it make to shoot 6 frames a second with a film cost of $20 per roll? A Nikon F3? Maybe - but what about the bleeding LEDs from a long-term perspective. Overall the FM3A and the R6.2 (and maybe the Bessaflex) appear as highly attractive cameras. Other opinions are of course welcome. This is a hobby at the end...

@mpgnz73 Жыл бұрын

The FM3a is indeed the best manual Nikon camera you can get, though the prices are too high for what it is - around £700 on average. I think the FE2 is the best you can get for the price with the only caveat that you need batteries for general operation. But lets face it, the batteries are going to last weeks and months on these cameras in any case.

@doroteotimtim8854 8 ай бұрын

Will this camera become the best in mechanical operation?

@richardsimms251 Жыл бұрын

I am surprised that you can get quite clear and sharp photos at “hand-held” speeds of 1/30 of a second. I am a little older with a slight tremor, and I have to use a monopod or tripod now to get a clear shot. Fun.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I wasn't sure to be honest Richard. I had to hold my breath and keep rigid. Worked out well.

@bondgabebond4907 Жыл бұрын

Same here. I had good luck with my FE2 shooting at slow shutter speeds. The motor drive helped a lot.

@helgividar Жыл бұрын

I recently got an East-German Praktica camera from 1976 with 3 screw mount lenses. It is built like a tank and has a communistic light meter that doesn’t know what battery is but works nevertheless. I feel like a Stasi spy when I am wearing it and the pictures it makes look surprisingly good.

@theoldfilmbloke Жыл бұрын

I also have been GIVEN Several PRAKTICAS and tonight at my Camera Club I am showing ' Within 1 mile of My House With a Cheap PRAKTICA ' !!

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

You've started Pete of now with the Prakticas ha ha... Hi Pete!

@captaindebug Жыл бұрын

I suspect that the solution to your 'lever sticking out' problem is to shoot portrait images with the camera the other way up, which is what the Nikon designers probably did and therefore missed this issue (I have an FM2n, so understand where you're coming from).

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Tried that. I'm all kak handed trying 😂

@Kevinschart Жыл бұрын

I shoot film with my fm2n. If I want the fully mechanical experience it's the way to go. If I want the convenience of modern electronics I just go all the way digital.

@Pogey_Bait Ай бұрын

Personally, I'd rather shoot an FM2n, but that's because I don't really enjoy aperture priority or many other auto features when shooting 35mm film. To each their own though for sure. I just like the rawness and simplicity of the FM2n with a Voigtlander lens.

@johniveson6308 Жыл бұрын

I would say the Olympus om3 is a competitive or the OM 4 ti been cheaper , yes you have max shutter speed of 2000 and a max iso speed of 3200 but when do you shoot that fast ? And the OM 3/om4 has a built in spot meter

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

Not very often John!

@bfs5113 Жыл бұрын

I have the F2A and FE2. According to the Internet, only the F, F2 and F3 had 100% viewfinders. As far as the lever, it was a curse for left eye dominant photographer like myself and the solution is to use the motor drive to bypass it. That was how I tamed my FE2.

@brendanhayes5565 10 ай бұрын

Yes much better with the motor drive and I have the MR-3 shutter button for vertical shots, yes it’s heavier, but I like it still less than my F5 anyway was a great video to watch. Cheers mate from down under.

@arcanics1971 Жыл бұрын

When I first decided I wanted a film camera, I saw a picture of an FM3a and thought "That's the one! I'm having that!" I've put it on the 'wanted' list instead.

@AldermanFredCDavis Жыл бұрын

Bought an FM3a a few years ago. While I won't sell it, as a HUGE fan of the Nikon F3, the FM3a was a let down, and for ME (particularly, as a non-flash shooter), the FM3a is inferior to the F3 in many ways. None of the "let downs" were surprises, as they were all in the marketing materials, but the 93% viewfinder is a let down, the lack of any illumination to see the metering needle in low-light is a let down, and, coming from the brick solid heft and build quality of the F3, to the toy-like construction of the FM3a is a let down. Again, I won't part with it, but I also can't imagine any scenario where I use it before (or instead of), grabbing one of my F3's. My .02 to anyone considering buying one is.........the Nikon FE2 does 90% of what the FM3a does.......but for about 1/5th the price.

@eddyhoughton6542 24 күн бұрын

Mate, at 14:00, the close-up shot of the fern, the background is really dark in contrast to the foreground. Are you using a red filter, did you photoshop the negative, or is that just the natural effect of the short depth of field? Cheers.

@justnoted2995 Жыл бұрын

We classic Nikon shooters don't moan and definitely do not mind the loving lever touch

@Uwe_Ludolf Жыл бұрын

Nikon made some wonderful cameras, but it's quite expensive to invest in each camera system, so I'll stay with Pentax and Canon FD. Just bought a Canon A1 and 50 1.4 in perfect shape and two Pentax LX's that need some care.

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Жыл бұрын

I find using the MD12 or MD11 on my Nikon’s helps with handling and it makes a beautiful sounds lol 😂

@williamburkholder769 Жыл бұрын

Great film camera. Great lens, too! Do yourself a favor, though. Ditch the printing darkroom, and make the leap to digital camera film scanning, with post-processing in Negative Lab Pro and Lightroom Classic. You can get far better tones from your negatives without the tedium of the darkroom, and with all the power and precision of computer aided adjustment of raw data files. It takes film photography into the 21st century.

@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Жыл бұрын

I much prefer the darkroom print process. I scan for reference and online sharing but not for prints.

@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO Жыл бұрын

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss With a high resolution scanner if you scan your negatives then make prints from those scans you can make decent quality prints up to 36"x24", something that can't be achieved using a enlarger and chemicals.