Best Current MF Nikon Body Available Today?

[brad_herman1]

Well...I just gave my FM2n to my son for use in his photography

class. I primarily shoot with my Canon 20d Digital, (I know...Boo-

Hiss), but I also shoot film. I currently have an FM3a. I'm thinking

about back-filling the FM3a with another body. I can go with another

FM2n/FM2/FM, and get it 'on the cheap' (you know where), or 'go for

it' and buy a used F5 or F100. I like some the F5/F100 features, but

aside from the TTL flash, I would put it in the catagory of 'nice to

have', but not necessarily 'got to have'.

 

Again, I've got strictly MF Nikkors (5 of them) at this time. I also

have an SB-80 Flash (TTL).

 

What do you think??? Thx Brad

[brad_herman1]

Duh...I meant to say SB-28 Flash. Brad

[mal_yas]

Nikon FM3a absolutely. I just bought one.

[mal_yas]

F5 with manual lenses is not a bad idea.

[2yellowdogs]

I <i>loved</i> my FM3a. Ideally, you'd get a second one. But if you want to save a few shekels, why not get another FM2N? If you want to go with an auto-exposure option, then get an FE2. Either can be picked up in nice condition at KEH for $125 to $150. Pretty darn reasonable.

[ofey_kalakar]

FM3A or F3 HP

[richard_laepple]

Ever tried a F3?

[rustys pics]

I think an FE 2 would compliment your system nicely. It's cheaper than the FM3a, has a similar control layout to the FM2, and is cheap "you know where". I have an FM2 and FE2. It would be tough to say which I like better.

[david_h._hartman]

There is no one best. Much depends on your purpose and

preferences. My favorites are the F5, FE2, FM2n and F3. The FM3a

is very similar to the FE2 and an improved FE2 so its

implied.<br>

<br>

I do not care for the F4s/F4 because of metering problems for

macro setups slower than f/5.6 and even compatibility problems

with the 70~180/4.5~5.6D ED Zoom-Micro Nikkor. If these would not

bother you in your use of the camera the F4s/F4 is an excellent

manual focus SLR. I never found the matrix metering of the F4s

worth using but some buy the camera specifically for use with AI

and AIS lenses and matrix metering. <br>

<br>

The F2As is probably the most accurate metering system for any

ambient light setup but lacks any form of TTL flash exposure. The

F2 or F3 with non-Red Dot focus screens are a better choice for

super speed lenses.<br>

<br>

The F100s viewfinder doesnt have the bite of the F5

and F3 but its got a pretty fast motor drive and its

light. The F5 and F100 fit the hand very well and stick there.<br>

<br>

By them all, youll see what I mean ;)<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.<br>

<br>

PS: the Nikon D2H is an great camera for manual focus Nikkors.

Too bad you messed up and bought a 20D ;). You could correct this

error with a D2H of the soon to come D200. If you can swing it

buy a D2X. Yes even if you only have manual focus lenses. Youll

surely buy a mid range zoom like the 17~55/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX but

many of your current lenses will perform just fine.<br>

<br>

I see a mistake in your post: the F5 is a got to have

camera. Buy one of these no matter what else you buy.

[erik_h]

Well the F3 viewfinder is most outstanding anf for me that's what MF is all about... I love my F3 for that reason, though I admit it's heavy and flash performance is poor.

[huntrbll]

F3HP. Built to pro standards, wonderfully bright viewfinder, and quite reasonable used. Recently bought one in near-mint condition for less than $200.

[rwhillman]

Another vote for F3HP. Great design, tough, light weight. Close second would be an F4, which is built like a tank and handles manual lenses beautifully. Bob

[constance_cook]

FM3a

 

Conni

[erik_loza]

F3HP owns all others...

[steve_levine]

The best MF camera is an AF camera, the 8008s. IMHO, this camera with MF lenses is great.

[ian_white2]

NIKON, you have millions of believers lost in the wilderness. Some are even turning to Canon in their desparation.

 

Stop pissing about. Give us an F3HP with 12 megapixels or more, autoexposure, and modern flash capabilities. Make AF an upgrade.

 

You will not need to make any other camera body, ever.

 

Is this too hard??

[photo5]

F3HP. It's the "lite" F4/F5.

[photo5]

Ian White, thank you. You said it, I agree 100%!

[lee hamiel]

I suggest the F3 if all you are planning on shooting with are manual focus lenses - owned a few since the early 80's - don't have one now but miss it.

 

If you plan on getting any AF lenses then I suggest an F5.

[gaius1]

Another vote for the F3hp.

[jim_gifford]

An FM3A is better because it gives you 1/250 flash synch, a plain-jane hot shoe right over the prism and the option of simple TTL flash. The flash options on the F3 are prehistoric by comparison.

 

If you run out of battery juice, the FM3A does a nice imitation of a battery-less FM2N, which is to say you get a full range of shutter speeds even without battery power. The F3 shutter is pretty limited when battery power is gone. The batteries in either camera last a loooong time, so this is not exactly a daily or even monthly issue.

 

The F3 has the nicer viewfinder.

 

The FM3A is still in production, so you can get a new one (or two!).

 

They're both terrific cameras. I'd get the FM3A. In fact, I did get one.

 

Be well,

[al_tan]

Hi Brad

 

Get an FM3A. I use mine with the MD-12 and 50/1.2 and couldn't ask for more. Simply lovely.

 

Cheers

Al

[saikat.pathak]

F3, F3, F3, F3, F3, F3, F3,...... oops, hope these are being counted as multiple votes :-)

[rjm photo]

F3HP will be an outstanding choice...love mine.

[jeri leibovits]

Another vote for the Nikon F3