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The rear section of the FM3a has a refreshing look and is different compared to any of the previous MF Nikon SLRs. A new film back has been designed with a delightful film confirmation window to allow user to visually check the type of film installed inside the body. It does more than that because, you can even visually check the film type via the window once the film roll has been properly taken up by the film take-up spool. |
The removable Aluminum alloy standard film back is a very well made unit. I have attempted to mount and used in my FM2/T and it fits perfectly. Since this film back works independently as a standalone accessory (the DX coding mechanism inside is not associated with the film back), it looks like this new accessory should be very appealing not just for the FM3a users alone but also should sell very well as there are many users of previous FM/FE SLR models who may also like to use this very thoughtful accessory with their bodies. A conventional method used for manual focus SLR camera to check whether if there is film roll installed in the camera body is by means of using film rewind knob, reverse tighten it to feel if any resistance to confirm there is actually any film roll being installed. Well, the often unsure and tedious way of confirmation finally has a positive solution with the debut of this film back design. Well, this could be the result accumulated experience from various feedbacks and finally Nikon provides a positive solution to users. Anyway, it has just proved a theory, good design will always garner more revenue for the Company in time to come, slowly but surely, I think this accessory will sell well.
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The internal section of the film back has a large film pressure plate at the center to ensure absolute flatness of field, which is a key element critical of maintaining picture sharpness. The portion where the film back confirmation window locates is well sealed and light tight for most general photographic applications. However, I would still think when using special infrared film, it would still need further cursion. |
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Just like any of the previous Nikon FM/FE/FA series models, the film back is also detachable type and can be easily removed and installed back in place. However, you can replace it with a databack version (No film confirmation window feature) that provides simple, practical data imprint onto film such as date, time, number of frames. The print function is cancelable via the control panel. The current MF-16 model is solidly made. It is cableless, and is of the directly mount-and-use type. I think the older MF-12 which needs an odd cable that link from the databack at the back and plug into the PC terminal in front of the camera may still be workable with the FM3a but please check with Nikon for its compatibility prior attempting use it with your FM3a |
Just above the film back and under the film advance lever, there is a button which reads 'AE-L' which signifies the new location of the Auto-Exposure Lock. As I have pointed out earlier, the previous FE/FE2 has the self timer lever being designed to work as a dual function lever for self timer operation and AE-L. Pushing inward towards the camera will activate AE-L but most of the time, most photographers who are not familiar with the camera may not even notice there is a AE-L feature found in the FE or the FE2. (The meter needle in the older Nikon FE (1978) has a BIG flaw where it will still move freely even after locking the exposure, the FE2 (1983) improved it by having a locked meter needle once the lever is pushed inward).
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The new location of the FM3a's AE-L is definitely an welcoming improvement as it is made clearer relates to its function even for a new user. Advantage is the conveniently located position rest naturally where the thumb is; next, as mentioned ealrlier, with a Motor Drive attached, it is far more user friendly as you need not have to use to your middle finder stretching to push the lever while holding the handgrip. The meter needle inside the viewfinder metering display of the FM3a will lock as you activate this button during operation. |
The eyepiece is where you will be making most use when using your camera. Its primary function is to allow user to view image through the lens, check exposure, focusing and for picture composing. The FM3a's viewfinder has a relatively large, bright projection of image with picture frame coverage of approx. 93% (objective screen) and has a viewfinder magnification ratio of approx. 0.83x with 50-mm lens set to infinity. The original FM3a's instruction manual indicates the finder of FM3a has 0.82X magnification, but it has been rectified in a supplement as 0.83X which is marginally smaller than all previous FM models (includes the FE2) where all previous bodies provide a larger 0.86X magnification ratio. I didn't notice there is significant reduction inside the finder although I would still rather believe it remains similar to previous Nikon FM/FE series of models.
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The eyepiece is replaceable with many types to suit your personal needs. Accessory lenses that screw onto the viewfinder eyepiece to enable near- and farsighted photographers to take pictures without having to wear eyeglasses. |
Other than the eyepiece diopter lenses, you can also choose many standalone eyepiece attachment accessories in the Nikon photographic system for specific requirement in your photography. Some of them are very handy and provide relief to eye stress especially when working on extended shooting sessions. However, equally I didn't notice there is significant reduction inside the finder although I would still rather believe it remains similar to previous Nikon FM/FE series of models.
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A friend of mine like John Ishii, an American photojournalist stationed here in Malaysia who wears spectacles all the time may feel it's a little hard to get use to FM3a'smarginally smaller viewfinder image as his backup body for the 100% viewfinder reproduction on his Nikon F5. There is not a problem though if he uses the Digital D1X as the companion body with a FM3a as both magnifications are quite alike (D1X has 22mm eyepoint, 96% viewfield coverage and 0.8X magnification ratio with 50mm set at OO -1.0 DP). This picture was taken in Pakistan. For an instance, he will know a shot like this portrait may still have a little margin to show when the slides returned. |
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Among the few accessories that available, in particular, I would always suggest you to get a cheap but very useful DK-3 Eyepiece attachment/Eyecup : The DK-3 is made of rubber. When attached to the camera's eyepiece, it makes the field of vision in the viewfinder clearer, and may reduce eye strain. |
DG-2 Eyepiece Magnifier: Attached to the viewfinder eyepiece, this accessory enlarges the image at the center of the viewfinder to assure ever precise focusing in close-up photography, duplication work and telephotography.
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DR-4 Right-Angle Viewing Attachment: Screws onto the viewfinder eyepiece to provide a viewfinder image at a 90 degrees angle to the camera's optical axis, An Adapter Ring DK-13 (optional) is required. I believe the older DR-3 can also be used with the FM3A. |
To conclude the eyepiece section, there is little effort for improvement. Nikon has not considered adding a eyepiece shutter or a built-in diopter correction adjustment in the FM3a's feature list. Well, eyepiece shutter such as the one for the Nikon FA is useful when self timer or during remote photography operation. As the camera's metering cell(s) are just located very near the eyepiece, and in situations if you are shooting with a strong light source behind (or shooting with the camera back tilting backward), it might affect exposure accuracy in auto or unmanned photography. Anyway, Nikon probably thinks it may add up to their cost and doesn't justify to add in such a feature especially if it is only affecting auto exposure mode operation. In comparison, I would rather see a built-in diopter adjustment being incorporate into the FM3a as changing and carrying multiple of diopter lenses is troublesome. Further, maintaining the viewfinder magnification of 0.83X (which is much preferred by me than creating a High-Eyepoint with magnification reduced to 0.75X or lesser) means eyeglass wearer may not be comfortable to see the entire viewfinder information. With a built-in diopter adjustment mechanism, it is still possible for photographers to shoot without the tedious process of changing dioptric lenses. Well, this time around, looks like it is not so lucky for the eyeglass wearer(s).
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Standard
production Nikon FM Series models:-
Nikon FM | Nikon FM2 | Nikon FM2n | Nikon FM10 | Nikon FM3a |
Known
variants:-
Nikon
FM Gold
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FM2/T
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FM2N Tropical Set
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FM2/T Limited Edition
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FM2N LAPITA
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Nion
FM2n Millennium 2000
Shared Resources: MD-11 | MD-12 | Focusing Screens | Titanium Shutter | older dedicated Flash Units for FM series -SB-16 | SB-15 | SB-10 or other Options | Databack | Nikkor lens mount (related info)
Others:- Nikon AF-TTL Speedlights | SB-20 (1986) | SB-22 (1987) | SB-23 | SB-24 (1988) | SB-25 (1991/2) | SB-26 (1994) | SB-27(1997) | SB-28 (1997) | Nikon SB-29(s) (2000) | Nikon SB-30 (2003) | Nikon SB-600 (2004) | Nikon SB-800 (2003) Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight DX-Series: Nikon SB-28DX (1999) | SB-50DX (2001) | SB-80DX (2002) (updated)
Nikon
BC-flash Series |
Original
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SB-2
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SB-11
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Instruction
Manual: Nikon FM (HTML | PDF) | Nikon FM-10 (HTML) | Nikon FM2n's
User's Manual
available only in HTML format (6
parts) | Nikon FM3A (HTML)
Specifications: Nikon FM, FM-10, FM2, FM2n and FM3A
Main Reference Map: (HTML) Nikon FM, FM2, FM-10, FM2n (Applicable
to FM2T, FM2 "Year of the Dog"; Millennium 2000") and FM3A
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Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models |
Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main
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Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame |
Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto
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Special
Application lenses: Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm |
MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E
Recommended links to understand more technical details
related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my
friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen,
Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
W A R N I N G: The New G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring on the lens, they CANNOT ADJUST APERTURES with any of these manual focus Nikon FE series SLR camera models; please ignore some portion of the content contained herein this site where it relates.
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Credit: To all the good people who has contributed their own experience, resources or those who are kind enough granting us permission to use their images appeared in this site. Mr. MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites;LarsHolst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; TedWengelaar,Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; HiuraShinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. t is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures, sales manuals or publications published by Nikon over the years and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.