Fm3a modern or classic?

<p>It's the one "modern" lever advance camera that I think of as classic. Maybe it is the shared looks with long running FM series. Funny thing is there is something about that camera that really makes it far more desirable (for me) than the common FM/FE models even though they all pretty much do the same thing. Can't quite explain it.</p>

<p>Boy, that's a real toss-up in terms of classic vs modern when there are two different forums. I had one, and I could kick myself for having sold it.</p>

<p>If I had to choose one, I would say it's more of a classic camera than a modern one... since it's basically a last gasp combination replica of the FE2 and FM2. It doesn't have much in common with it's modern film contemporaries of the time, Nikon or otherwise.</p>

<p>But, I'm nobody in terms of making decisions about where to discuss it.</p>

It's a modern classic, of course.

<p>Given that it started production in 2001 and had a number of automated features, I would place it squarely in the "modern" category despite the fact that it can operate without batteries. At some point you have to draw the line.</p>

<p>Though I can see how some would disagree given the operational experience and design aesthetic of the FM3a.</p>

<p>Gee, that didn't take long. </p>

<p>:-)</p>

<p>What about the FM and FE2? These don't have the most modern Nikon font on the pentaprism.<br>

Both are pretty in black. These are the only Nikons I have. I just need a lens or two.</p>

<p>My personal take would be it could be in either camp, depending on how it was written up, but it probably does fit better overall here than in the CMC forum.</p>

<p>I hope that we won't worry overmuch about this sort of classification, but will just enjoy the wonnerful world of old cameras as seen by those wonnerful geezers (young and old, actually) who shoot them as well as sit them on shelves.</p>

<p>Imagine, someone driving miles through the biggest blizzard in this century just to get a Biotar lens listed on Craig's list. :)</p>

<p>Yawn...How about banishing it to the Nikon Forum, and be done with it? :-)</p>

<p>I think the only way out of the serious dilemma raised by this camera is to create a third forum, the Retro Modern Film Camera Forum, for discussing the FM3a, Leica MP and Bessaflex TM. The main topic of discussion will be whether the recent reproductions of the Nikon S3 and Leica Null Series qualify for inclusion. Anyone mentioning the Fuji X100 will be immediately banished to the Casual Photo Conversations ghetto. :-)</p>

<p>Incidentally, is anyone working in Nikon's camera design test department left-eyed? It's a shame that the FM3a continues the tradition of using the film advance lever standoff position as an eye-poking 'on' switch.</p>

<p>Modern Retro Classics. Ok Josh? We need another forum!</p>

<p>Um. You guys, it's not a good idea to tease Josh. Like Mongo, it will only make him mad, and then you are in trouble. ;)</p>

<p>I had used, ( and still using them sometime, beside the Digital bodies) and own all of the Nikon film cameras, from the "F" to F3 & F90X. (Used to have the F5, sold, unfortunately.) But! . . . The Nikon FM3A is the most beautiful and sexy film camera ever made by Nikon. Small, even with the MD-12 motor drive, and reliable in all whether condition, hot or cold. I own 2 of them a blk and a silver. It is a joy to use them. Yes. It is an FM+FE with more IQ. It is an ever lasting beautiful camera. It is an engineering marvel. It is no comparison to anything else. It is a wonderful tool, not an expensive plastic "modern" DSLR, which, most of the younger generation, new photographers using as a P&S camera, ( always "A" priority and "AF", needed or not.) and it last for 3-4 years, the maximum.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The Nikon FM3A is the most beautiful and sexy film camera ever made by Nikon.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Ah, no. The Nikon SP is the most beautiful and sexy film camera ever made by Nikon.<br>

<img src="http://www.nicovandijk.net/NikonSP%2B1150mm.jpg" alt="" width="537" height="418" /></p>

 

<p>i just received my black FM3A yesterday but would give it up in a heartbeat for that SP with the 1.1 ... that is the sexiest Nikon.</p>