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

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....
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Become a member of SFLaB and JOIN the KZbin Members area.
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Contact me
THE SFLaB WEBSITE
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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
KZbin Studio Music

[@MichaelSeneschal]

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!

[@H2o3G2a]

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

[@MarkTrego]

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.

[@alanwhite5824]

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]

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.

[@atomicpuppet]

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!!!! 🎉

[@terryfrancis7639]

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

[@gixxysquidward1076]

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]

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]

I just learned the AE1 also had exposure lock.

[@garychatfield6709]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Glad you enjoyed it mate

[@TheGazmondo]

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]

Cheers Gary

[@marknicholson5293]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Mark.

[@JasonRenoux]

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]

great camera! I enjoy anyway going around with the f100

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Jason. Kind

[@Nadoor70]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thank you !

[@bicyclechain]

You can avoid the awkward issue with the winding lever by attaching an MD12 motor drive. You can then leave the lever locked into the camera body. A half touch of the MD12 shutter button fires up the light meter and it switches off automatically after around 10 seconds.

[@MrRom92DAW]

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]

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]

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)

[@AdamMuise]

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]

Cheers Adam. Enjoy the camera!

[@stephanpaier9887]

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 ;-)

[@GenerationAI2024]

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 :)

[@woodreaux]

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.

[@Kajoconnell]

You’ve got great photographic talent! Wonderful eye

[@chasingtheleitz]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Awesome Charlie. Have fun mate.

[@Isac3000]

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]

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

[@rogerclark2641]

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!

[@PeterGoode1128]

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]

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

[@bnkrazie]

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.

[@jdebultra]

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]

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

[@autodidact537]

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

[@LennyCooke636]

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]

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

[@silvestersze9968]

I’m happy with my FM 🎉

[@TheEPROM9]

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

[@moustachio334]

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.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

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]

All about the lens Jonny

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

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

[@HELL-BENT74]

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

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

@@HELL-BENT74 consider me told off by the grammar police. Lol 😂 I think there is a spelling mistake in your name but who knows.

[@HELL-BENT74]

@@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.

[@RickMahoney2013]

Yes looks brand new

[@CalumetVideo]

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]

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

[@luc5798]

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

[@Haffschlappe]

Please try soviet Start Professional TLR from the 1960s with Superlative Zeiss Biotar lens called Helios 44

[@marklittrell3202]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

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

[@BillSmith1]

Short answer, yes!

[@Jayysam95]

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]

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]

You can literally buy 6 FMs lol.

[@DavidBlount-cl7nn]

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]

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

[@DavidBlount-cl7nn]

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

[@ytuberization]

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

[@ytuberization]

@@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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@ytuberization]

@@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...

[@fbunes123]

New fantastic KZbin video Roger 👍📸😊

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Frode.

[@srfurley]

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.

[@amosk24]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@22fret]

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

[@tedphillips2951]

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!

[@terryfrancis7639]

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. 🤗📷

[@carlgreene538]

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

[@joerg_koeln]

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.

[@davidjb9199]

I thought I had commented on this before, but I don't see it. You point out how the film advance level sticks into your head when metering, but curiously I have never had that problem. I developed the habit of placing my thumb between the film advance lever and the eyepiece as if ready to advance the film. That way my thumb is what contacts my eyebrow, not the film advance lever. I handle all of my F series Nikons this way without issue. I probably started doing this to ensure the meter is on and operational.

[@andrewrothman7805]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@Shutternutteruk]

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]

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

[@Shutternutteruk]

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

[@petepictures]

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

[@markashfordphotography7348]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

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

[@MrFootyMad0]

On the lever, you can try to put your thumb behind, up to the joint and rest your thumb nail against your forehead. Then, the lever barely touches your forehead. You can also flip the camera 180 and put your nose and forehead against the film door. It's strange to do but strangely comfortable.

[@billebdon4338]

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]

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

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

The Nikon FM2 was my first Nikon. Amazing camera.

[@Lesterandsons]

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

[@arty2917]

My dream camera…

[@alphagrafix]

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]

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

[@alphagrafix]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

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

[@yorkieinnz4648]

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

[@lensman5762]

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]

Yes, excellent outdoor exposures.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

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

[@karlgreene2177]

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

[@reubenrajkumarphotography]

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.

[@williamburkholder769]

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]

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

[@HELL-BENT74]

@@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.

[@stevest55]

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]

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

[@HELL-BENT74]

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]

@@HELL-BENT74 Funny. If the camera is turned 180 deg. the other way.

[@olegboldyrev5113]

Thank you for your video!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Oleg

[@RonEMarks]

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

[@largophoto]

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

[@JanneRanta]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

lol, no trade ins Janne.

[@GigiDAmico]

I'm super happy with my f100

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Brilliant camera they say.

[@haraldmauz7508]

Have the FM2. Nicest Camera ever.

[@lensman5762]

They are quite lovely for an SLR.

[@haraldmauz7508]

Fits in my Hand like no other of my gear. Always enjoy it to hold the camera, even without taking a picture 😂

[@largophoto]

This was the stock camera of the day ...being a cruise ship photog..I had three of them

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I remember staring at them behind the glass as a youngster in the camera shop! I remember preferring the Olympus but couldn't afford either so just browsed

[@haraldmauz7508]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Bought the first one end of the 90is. Was Stolen out of my car, the second one was giftet by good friends. Got into digital (all Nikon), lost my intrest ans became an analog addicted Alain a year ago😀 partwise because of your chanel😀😀 Now i am started b&w in my own darkroom (a few weeks ago). Collection Dome old cameras (Agfa ans Kodak in particular, because i worked for them back then)👍

[@NJPurling]

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]

I read somewhere it came with a pancake lens originally.

[@jimpix8019]

@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🌀 (-: :-)

[@richardsimms251]

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]

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

[@bondgabebond4907]

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

[@captaindebug]

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]

Tried that. I'm all kak handed trying 😂

[@ruedigermerz9525]

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.

[@Caballeroshot]

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.

[@frankzappa3834]

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]

Centre weighted average rather than centre spot metering.

[@cheeseblog]

Great teacher!

[@Resgerr]

I have that gripe with the FM2 that you have to pull the wind on lever out and in portrait you whack your head. I often forget and wonder why I can’t press the shutter button when a moment ago I could, then I realise the wind on lever has closed back to the body🙄😂

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I kept doing it. All ready... damn! Lever is in.

[@Resgerr]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I still do it, but I love the camera though and you have to shoot portrait the other way but it’s not comfortable that way. Dunno what Nikon were thinking of 🤷‍♀️

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

@@Resgerr Some said the same. Don't think I could get used to that to be honest. I'll try!

[@Resgerr]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss it would be a perfect camera otherwise 🙄

[@stigofthedump4058]

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]

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!

[@HippieMagic]

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.

[@ajbrennan6456]

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]

Its an option Andy!

[@ofeykalakar1]

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.

[@chenyang5448]

Nikon fm3a is a great camera. I have a black paint brassy FM2n and a near mint chrome FM3a. These cameras meet all my need but I still love owning great mechanical cameras. Any suggestion for my next purchase?

[@geirnordheim6986]

F3 ❤ It goes well with the other two and is a step up in mechanical quality. I said this in an other comment here so it is repeat, but I have all three and they complement each other very well 😊 The FM`s for compactness and the F3 for that professional quality feeling.

[@helgividar]

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]

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]

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

[@Pogey_Bait]

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.

[@bfs5113]

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]

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.

[@robertwinter6974]

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

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Big bushy beard. Loved that guy growing up

[@carlgreene538]

That's a nice forest you are in where is it?

[@mathewrupp8568]

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]

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

[@jamesjacocks6221]

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.

[@colinclark3218]

I see that you've really taken to 510-Pyro. What development method do you use - Standard? Semi-stand?

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Semi Stand Colin. I switch developers depending on the look I want and the film I use. Rodinal, D76,

[@colinclark3218]

Thanks. Understood. I tend to forget about printing. Everything for me is 'scanned' (using my Canon 5D Mk IV and a 100mm macro lens) and then sorted out in Photoshop to achieve the look I want.

[@Kref3]

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]

"Needle Flag Match" it's a word now 😂

[@ubeeh]

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.

[@IainHC1]

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

[@Kevinschart]

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.

[@mpgnz73]

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]

Will this camera become the best in mechanical operation?

[@eddyhoughton6542]

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.

[@Irelando84]

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.

[@john-iveson]

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]

Not very often John!

[@carlos.r7597]

Nikon F4 ... 🔥👌🏽

[@Lesterandsons]

One the most beautiful camera designed by an artist

[@MarcosElMalo2]

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

[@Analogbrain]

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]

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]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Sounds like my F-1 New 😂

[@kendesantis7319]

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.