elliot_n Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 Hi I've recently acquired a couple of manual focus nikon lenses (35mm, 85mm). I'm looking for a small nikon body to attach them to. I'll be using the camera loaded with Neopan 1600 or Fuji Superia 800 for low light work. I normally use a handheld light meter, but an aperture priority mode would be useful. I guess the obvious contenders are the FE2 or the FM3, but I'm left-eyed and wear glasses. I would prefer a camera that didn't have the film advance lever sticking into my right eye when taking pictures. I'd also like something cheaper than the FM3. What are my options? And what features will I lose compared to the FM3? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Williams Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 AFAIR, the F3 doesn't have this 'feature', isn't that much bigger then the FM/E bodies, and you can pick one up secondhand for significantly less than a new FM3a (maybe even cheaper than some s/h FM3a bodies). The F3-HP version may be better for use with glasses, but usually costs more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 If you are looking for something small, light and cheap with aperture priority and manual, that works in all modes with the wind lever flush with the body, than maybe this is what you need.<p> <IMG SRC="http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/filmcamera/slr/1980-1984/fg/img/pic_001.jpg" ><br> Less than $100 on eBay. Doesn't have the ruggedness of the FM3A or other FE/FM series bodies, but the wind lever does NOT need to be pulled from the body to unlock the metering or shutter release. More info <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/emfgfg20/fg/index.htm">here</a> (the 3rd photo shows the wind lever in the flush to body position). You will lose features such as depth of field preview and AE lock.<p>Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_gifford Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 The FG is a fine suggestion. The EM is the same size as the FG, even cheaper (!!) to buy in great condition used, and offers ONLY aperture priority mode, no manual override to speak of. Same deal with the wind lever: the meter works without pulling it out to poke your right eye. Be well, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik_loza Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 If you're interested, Elliot, I am planning to sell my F3HP soon. The advance lever does not need be cocked on this machine in order to take a meter reading, the rest of its reputation speaks for itself. It won't win any beauty contests but is 100% mechanically, has some goodies with it, and I would sell it for probably close to the same price as those others you've mentioned. Please feel free to drop me a line privately if you're interested: erikloza@ "the microsoft network" dot-com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gib Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 n8008s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliot_n Posted October 13, 2004 Author Share Posted October 13, 2004 Many thanks for your replies - the Nikon FG sounds like just what I'm looking for (compact, manual/auto, traditional styling, cheap, and no eye-poke). The FA hasn't been mentioned - sounds like a nice camera (especially the 1/250 flash sync) - but is it an eye-poker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 I also have a FA. A fine camera, but like the FM/FA series, the wind lever needs to be pulled out to unlock the shutter (unless you are using a motor drive). One thing you need to be careful with on the FG, because it does NOT have a shutter lock (a blessing AND a curse), is to remember to always set the shutter speed dial to M90 or B when you stow it away in your camera bag. When set to M90 or B, the meter is deactivated, preventing accidental battery drain in the event the shutter release gets pressed in the bag. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael R Freeman Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 <i> ... fine camera, but like the FM/FA series ...</i><P>Of course, I meant the FM/F<b><u>E</u></b> series. Doh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 I recommend that you get a camera with a high-eyepoint viewfinder. Otherwise it's next to impossible to see the whole image properly with glasses on - at least in my experience. Manual body? F3HP. AF? F100 is nice. Lots of other options such as F90 series, F4, F5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShunCheung Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 If you are THAT concerned about the film advance lever sticking into your right eye, why don't you buy a body without that feature? The N8008/F801 and N90/F90 should all work fine with manual lenses. Of course, you can go one step further and get rid of the whole thing called film altogether .... :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliot_n Posted October 13, 2004 Author Share Posted October 13, 2004 I already have an F-301 (run into the ground) and an F70 (quite nice, when used with AF lenses). (These days 95% of my photography is medium format.) I'm just looking for a small Nikon body that will really complement the two old manual focus lenses that I recently acquired (they don't feel right on my F70). I don't need a motor-drive. I think a chrome-topped FG fits the bill. I'll seek one out and check that I can see through the viewfinder with my glasses on (I've managed with my other cameras, so I doubt this will be a problem). Thanks for the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 A digital Nikon won't be much good with manual focus lenses. Unless we're talking about a substantial investment in the 3k+ category. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShunCheung Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 This is off topic, but used D1X in decent condition are available at below $2000 now. I think that can be an attractive option, especially compared to some future D200 (as an updated version of the D100). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henricus Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 I've had the EM and loved it's size, but hated not having manual settings. I've recently bought an ME Super and absolutely love it. Some folks complain about the electronic buttons that control the shutter speed, but I like this feature. This camera is small and solid and only lacks a DOF button. There is a sloppy work-around for the lack of a DOF button, but I use use this camera as a street shooter and rarely need this feature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjacksonphoto Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 The FG-20 is slightly smaller than the FG and only sacrifices exposure compensation (except for a +2 button for backlit subjects), TTL flash metering, and the program mode. Both are excellent choices-- I've used both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_h._hartman Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 If you put your right thumb under the film advance and place it on the bridge of your nose the FM2 and FE2 will not poke you in the eye. Also turn the camera slightly to the left and your head slitghly to the right. A motor drive or motor driven camera cures the problem also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb_smith Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 EL2 (Nikkormat) - Aperture priority, mounts AI lenses, great fit & finish (among the last of the hand-built Nikons), tough, built to last, 125/sec flash sync, not an eye-poker. $80-110US for a nice one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy a. Posted October 14, 2004 Share Posted October 14, 2004 I should note that I'm left-eyed, and I use my FM3A with and without glasses, and I've never had any eye-poke problem. I've never even thought about the film advance lever until this thread. I guess I rest my right thumb on it when shooting, but it's sure never been a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted October 14, 2004 Share Posted October 14, 2004 F3. Or get an MD-12 for an FM3a or FM2N. That way you won't need to pull out the advance lever. If you go for the F3 get the HP finder. Nine out of 10 Lexes prefer it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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