Never owned the FM3A, just a chrome FM2N and a black FM2N that I used throughout my news photography career. My holy grail 35mm camera was the F3/T in the rare, original "champagne" finish. Years after leaving the news media industry I bought one and I still enjoy it. May even take it out tomorrow!

My favourite camera is my Nikon FM2n, I mostly use it with a 50mm f/1.4 AIS lens. So simple to use and produces wonderful images.

I love my FM3a. Its a sum of all the best bits of all the manual Nikons. The amazing hybrid shutter where in aperture priority if your exposure is inbetween 4000th/s or 2000th/s it will pick a speed inbetween. The film identification window in the back. The shutter speed and aperture indication in the veiwfinder. DX coding and manual override. Shutter lock with the film wind lever. The buttery smooth film wind lever. The beautifully damped mirror allowing you to take photographs at very slow shutter speeds. The perfectly placed exposure lock button. The lovely feel of the shutter button and sound of the shutter. The removal of the camera back lock release lever (on the FE2). All the Nikons are beautiful cameras and all of them have some of the above features but the FM3a has all the best bits in one camera, its the sum of all these parts which make an amazing camera

I went through so many SLR’s over the years until I finally settled on the FM3a. For me it’s perfect.

Bought the FM3a in 2003. Wonderful to shoot with! A decade later when I saw what it was worth, sold it and bought my grail: a brand new in the box F3 HP for a fraction of the price. But dang, I miss the FM3a’s light meter. So perfect!

I had an FM3a - I think the best consumer SLR ever. After I went digital, I kept it for 13 years. But I never used it again, so I sold it. Wonderful craftmanship!

I started my photography with film and I can attest that my appreciation for photography is way higher. Thanks for the review!

Favourite camera has to be my FM2n bought in '96. They're totally reliable and cry out to be used. Coupled with a converted pre ai 50mm 1.4 lens for myself it's perfect.

I bought my FM3a (I call it my FE3) about 6 years ago and I love it. I still shoot film with it and my first film camera bought in 1982, the FE.

I started photography with a Pentax me while in the service, sold it. Then later on in life I brought a Nikon FM10 to get back into photography and astrophotography. I own 2 FM10’s. I have also owned Olympus OM1’s and a OM2. I love film photography. I use to get free film from Kodak and I would buy sample rolls of Fuji film from the camera store.

Definitely a beautiful camera. One thing I loved about the FE/FM series was how smoothly and precisely the controls worked. I never wanted to spend the money on this camera and opted for a used FE2 which can be had for much less money.

I traded a Minolta SRT101, (always worried about the rubberized cloth shutter), and a Nikkormat EL with $120 cash for a new FM in 1980. Added FM2n, FE, FE2, and FM3A. For $10 more I was able to get the black FM. I had 3 non Ai lenses that the dealer sent to Nikon to convert to Ais, total charge was $100. I also have several F3's with different viewfinders, but find the FM2n or the Fm3A more pleasing to shoot with. I like the FM because you could put a soft shutter release from an F2 and it would stay on, but on the FM2n Nikon changed the shutter release design so the soft shutter release was a button type that you screwed in to the shutter release and you had a good chance that it would unscrew and get lost during your shoot. Great family of cameras.

Bought the FM3a yesterday thanks largely to your video. Love it, thank you very much!

Thanks for sharing! My first SLR film camera was a Nikon F60, which I still own, but has sadly just recently stopped working. I travelled Europe in the 1990s and early 2000s with the F60 and loved shooting with it! I still have many wonderful photos and memories with it.

It is still my favourite film camera, in my current rotation. That said, before its shutter recently jammed and ripped, my F3HP was a very close second. I also happen to love and currently use two Nikon F2, a FM2n and FA. They are all slightly different in sound, and feel. They all produce fantastic results. However, if I was forced to only use one, it is the FM3a. Its got everything you need in a manual film SLR.

It just goes to show how much more forgiving the latest technology proves to be .. as it saves me more times than not. We really ought to appreciate it more. I certainly do. I used to find film photography so difficult to get right, and the delay in getting the results was so frustrating. it also shows that maybe I've not got too much better since film days, but the enjoyment is still certainty there. However, with digital I learn so much faster. I use the auto modes to give me a starting point for manual settings later.

I retired my Nikon FM after digital arrived, so it's nice to see you two showing it some love, almost makes me want to dust mine off and have some photo fun with it again.

I wonder why neither of them talked about the FE2 which is closer to the FM3a in functionality except that it has an electronically activated shutter instead of a mechanical one. The FM3a is a hybrid of the FM2n and FE2.

I remember wanting an FM3a so freakin' bad when they were still being made. I can afford one now, but that itch was long since scratched with an FM2n and an F3HP.

You can under or overexposed slightly with the fm2 when the + led is lit with the O led it's 1/2 stop over same on the minus side but point taken the match needle in the FM3a is infinitely more subtile except when the light dims I have both fm2n and fm3a love them both such cameras will never be built again absolute classics

The FM3a is on my bucket list I currently enjoy my FM2N and FE2 and my gorgeous F3hp one day I will have one great video thanks for sharing it with us 👍🏻

I used a Pentax MX, for 30 years, mostly with the smc Pentax-M 50mm 1.4. But at some point processing the film and photos became a nightmare. Also the shutter started dying. So I had to go DSLR to document my projects. I have another MX and M50 1.4 this days, but only used the lens with my K-1 II. Great looking lens, very high quality and interesting optically. The MX is a phenomenal camera too. When was young, I liked the Nikon FA too. The FM-3a was interesting technical achievement, but I didn’t need aperture or shutter priority, and I remember metering display being very crude in the FM’s, compared to the MX. The MX also has huge pentaprism, compared to Canon or Nikon SLR’s.

You brought out the good stuff for this review :-) All the FM/FE's are hard to beat in just about any situation (except for the dark exposure shooting as pointed out). I love the matchstick meter needle system in these camera's so much. So simple to use, and you get that always on instant exposure readings. Very easy to tell if you're exposing for highlights or shadows by just adjusting the viewfinder position a little prior to taking your shot.

I had FM3A some 20ish years ago . Taken some photos of my daughter when she was a baby . Straight forward and simple to use . But only use about two or three roll films on the camera ,so I sold the FM3A and F100 to Grays and move on to DSLR. I miss it sometime ,wish I kept it. I still have a Nikon F3HP. A true classic

You didn't mention the Nikon FA at all. It's also a great camera with lots of modes, basically a FE2 with P and S modes added. It also has some other features such as matrix metering and a viewfinder curtain. Prices are lower than the FM2N and FE2. Worth a mention.

I have both an FM2n and an original FE. Between these two bodies I've got all the same features. Of ones that I'll actually use, anyway. Cheers!

Awesome video! Not counting my digital Nikon's, I am gaga for my F4. I have F4 G.A.S. so bad that I have bought almost all accessories for the F4. I even have magazines with reviews, brochures and all that stuff. I just love a big heavy cam! Cheers!

I've been shooting with the FM2n for about a year and it is my light weight go to camera when I shoot film and don't want to lug around the F5 or 6. I've always wanted to try the FM3a and if the right one comes available, I'll probably get it. If nothing else, it could be my backup for the 2n. I still keep my original F for purely mechanical reasons. It was also my main camera when I lived in the UK back in the 60's.

I use a F2AS, FM2N and FM3A. Prefer the simpler LED metering on the F2 and the FM2. The FM/FE series are so good and compact.

My first film camera was an Olympus OM10 which I got some 35 years ago; I still have it. I moved on to OM1 and OM2N. Having recently bought a Nikon Z6 II I'd love to try a Nikon film camera.

I owned the original FM with motor drive. Did not think much of it's center weighted pattern but in a pinch as my backup to my F2AS it was worth owning. The FM was nice mechanical camera that would function without a battery. Got rid the FM plus my F3 to get an N90 (F90 for those of you in Europe) just for the matrix balanced flash system with an SB25 which was a godsend did not hurt that it had auto focus as well.

I've a black version. Also a MD12 motor drive, which just happens to fit the my FA and FE. Super set of photo machines. Sometimes still use in them full manual mode with a Weston V meter.(Still works!!!!) Just set the exp. focus and shoot. Easy peasey init!

265090. Mine since the day it was born and will be till the day it dies, or I do! Odds on I go before it! Best camera I've ever had, mainly just used for creative fun now. Often sit with it in the evening, in front of the TV, caressing it, holding it, playing with its buttons lamenting the day digital ruined photography. Sometimes I even put it back into its original packaging, and unbox it again, just for the thrill....sad, I know, but I love my FM3A.

Shot the fully manual FM for decades never felt the need for exposure compensation (still don’t), mainly because I had been doing it without realising all the time, by choosing exposure, over or under, 1/2 or 1 stop as part of my framing, focus and exposure on the meter. Lucky for me film is forgiving. Admittedly not perfect when you are looking for 2-stops or more.

Fun video, I am just considering playing with film again after being digital for almost twenty years

You, guys, are very close to Nikon. Please tell them we want a new film camera, one similar to the F3 or FM3a would be great. Look at Pentax, they're going to do it. Nikon could also make magic again...

I have an FM and recently bought an FE for aperture priority. Thing is though I hardly use this newer camera as the metering needle is hard to spot in lower light. LEDs on the right are just the best for me...

Great video

totally agree with the fact that using a film camera will teach you about photography. I've had a few inexpensive Nikon film cameras and still have a Nikon FG-20 which I purchased used years ago. I practiced the "sunny 16" rule which got me in the ballpark. The only disappointment for me with film was that the photos seemed undersaturated, could be the film. I send the film off to be developed into prints. If I purchased another film camera I would like one with a faster shutter speed. Thanks for the video and the music was a catchy tune, would love to know the titles.

btw I strictly use it on AP , zone focus and AEL. It's basically a point and shoot.

Great video! Very informative. I shot with an FM2 during the 80's and 90's, and loved it, and wish I still had it. I want to get into film as a second camera. I was thinking about the FM2, but you made the FM3a look like a great alternative. Keep up the great work!

That's the video we needed. I've been messing around on reddit about pumping the prices of it by making more videos hahahah

You are wearing an Ilford shirt shooting Portra. I have not been able to find Portra in the US this summer. My current 35mm film cameras most used are the Nikon F2 and S2.

Fm3a is an excellent camera. I like the FE2 as well, i think its ae-lock is easier to use

Great videos, lovely photos. What lens is Rebecca using? Thanks

Nice gear, but already married to my FM2n.

My first Nikon, I still own it.

You inspirted me to search K&H for an FM to "update" my two Nikkormat FTn bodies and go with my 8 pre-AI prime lenses. Almost almost almost... (I do have a couple of F2 bodies so, not quite ready to buy the FM.)

I had always been a Rollei shooter and in 1990 I wanted to replace my SL35. The choices were Nikon FM2n or Leica M4; I chose my gorgeous black FM2n which still lives inside the old Rollei SL35 luxury soft leather half case. Why these models? Because they are totally manual and would last me a lifetime plus they dont need a battery; the FM2n is the camera I will always keep. Really dont like needles and guff so I hate the metering system in the FM3a. I got all my automation back then from my F601 which I used for nature photography. Well digital cameras come and go but still I love my FM2n. Beccy is mistaken, the LED meter isn't just under or over if two LEDs are lit, centre and +/- then its within half a stop. I still use my old FM2n lenses (the 35-70mm zoom from Grays back in 1990) with my D601 and other mirrorless bodies with adapters; I loved the 35mm f2 AF-D on a Leica T body - winks

Great video!

I agree with you Kon! Aperture priority is the way to go.Manual mode is for people who want to waste time.

Hey did you folks shoot 10:34 at the Nikon School area during the London Photo Expo 2022 ? I was at that event too :)

What confuses me is that the FM3a is basically an updated FE2 rather than an FM line of cameras, so why brand it as an FM line? Either way, I prefer the FM2n (mine being fully pimped out with the motordrive and databack) but I do also have a FE. The only thing that I find irritating is the fact you have to pull the film advance leaver out to switch on the camera, with the motordrive attached that is an annoyance, not so much if you do not have an 'electric thumb' attached. Also, not a big fan of the squinty logo, they should have stuck to the square text. Needless to say, I never felt the need to get the FM3a, although I find the FA compelling.

Nice, thanks! Since we are manually focussing, can you buy diopter eyecups, like you can for the DSLRs, please?

The original FE and FM will accept pre-AI lenses because the coupling tab on these was retractable. It is a pity that this feature was dropped from the FE2 and FM2, etc. - presumably just to save a little bit of cost. Pre-AI lenses can still be metered on the FE and FM in stopped-down mode by holding down the depth-of-field preview button. I was shooting with my FE only yesterday: it is 100% after 40 years.

I really hope that 35mm film is coming back strong...

The current prices of the FM3a are so unrealistic for the format that anyone who wants a good Nikon 35mm camera should look for other realistic alternatives.

what lens is the lady using pls??

I do own a FM3a but seldom use it at the moment due to eyesight problems. It is strange that the original FM should have evolved into two cameras as different as the FA amd the FM3a. Also strange that the FM used LEDs for the meter, while the FE used a needle. Both have advantages in different situations; It would have been nice if they could include both types of display in one camera. If I had been designing the FN3a there are a few things that I would have done differently. Firstly, I woud have included the retractable ai coupling tab; Nikon did bring it fack with the Df of course. Then I would have included a few features from the FA, the cocer over the motordrive electrical contacts, the ability to use, and take power from, the MD-15 and, of course, the matrix metering. I don't really likr the professional Nikons, I have just one, an original F, mainly as a collector's piece, but have also used the F2 and F3; I muchprefer the FM series Also like the little FG and even the F301/501 The odd members of the FM series are the FM-10 and the rather rare FE-10, both made for Nikon by Cosina. I don't agree with those who say that there are terrible cameras, for what they are they're ok; they wouldn't stand up to the treatment that a F2 would, but they're not intended to Along with the F6 the FM-10 was the last film camera sold by Nikon, and I do think that at that time it was way overpriced.

Here is what I want Nikon to do: take the FM3a body modify it for the Z mount just put a sensor in there and an EVF with basic AF and center weighted metering. Thats it. No LCD back screen, no video, no preview screen. Then use the crank to charge the camera for one shot. Bingo - a digital camera that never needs a battery. Would rule the industry. Will never happen but hey - i can dream right?

So, the lady has a problem seeing the exposure meter in certain lighting conditions, guess what, aperture priority will sort that out. My FM3a is set to that, as are my D600 & Z6, I have no issues determining DOF. Mind you, I have been a keen photographer since 1967, when I bought a Canon FT QL, which I still use to this day. I use shutter priority when necessary. Aperture priority, it’s the future…😂😂

Which converted lens was Becky using? Subtitles says "one fire 2.5". Would be interested to try this 'magical' lens on my FE. Interesting video...

Hate to betray my age but today marks 40yrs!!?!?!?! to the day since I got my first proper camera, a Pentax ME Super, with 50mm f1.7

Cual lente usa?

❤❤❤

I don't get the whole "best Nikon ever made" thing. I mean, the FM3a is great... I have one, but it is not the best film Nikon by a long way. That has to be the F5.

Fm3a was released in 2001. So Soviet Russia no longer existed.

If you are using the inbuilt metering by the means of a match needle system ,how can you say you are shooting manually .You are merely doing what the camera is telling you to do.

Made me want to buy a FM3a body - until I saw how much the prize has gone up...🦘