I�ve used an FM3A for about a year, now, and still use an FE2, as well. I�ve not used any FMs. What I can tell you is that I haven�t noticed the problem with 1.4 lenses, either, but maybe I�ve not been paying close enough attention. I tend to use XP2 a lot of the time, which is very forgiving of minor exposure errors. Thanks for the heads-up on that, Al, I�ll check mine out. I�m estimating I�ve put about 150 rolls through the FM3A. Still on the first battery and no mechanical or other defects.
I used to have an OM2000, which had an LED type of meter display, also. I never really got along with it. Much prefer the needle type � even if the perception of accuracy is subjective and it is a little trickier in dim light.. I simply find that I make fewer error, turning the aperture or meter controls the wrong way, with a needle, when I�m in a hurry.
On other FM3A features:
I thought I�d use the exposure lock feature more than I do. It was a selling point when I first got the camera, but in practice I find I use the camera in manual mode most of the time and judge exposure adjustments more by eye and experience. Maybe if it was built into the shutter release I�d use it more.
The film window is a wonderful feature and I wish the FE2 had one. Anyone know of any replacement/aftermarket backs with a window?
The FM3A viewfinder is definitely brighter (maybe about a stop?) than the FE2, so I assume that the difference is about the same compoared to the FM2. I replaced the screen with a plain matt one � much nicer to focus with fast, wide-angle lenses without the distracting prism-split-image-thingumy. I agree that the viewfinder is a little flarey (is that a word? �it is now). Only really noticable if there�s a lot of contrast � like shooting partially out of a window in a dim daylit room, for example. I don�t find it distracting though � only notice it if I consciously look for it. Maybe it�s just a trade-off for Nikon engineers trying to make the finder brighter?
The only thing that bugs me about most Nikon manual camera bodies is the need to turn the darn things on by pulling out the wind-lever. I�m always bumping my forehead on it when using them in �vertical� format. Maybe my forehead just doesn�t slope enough. I much prefered Olympuses in this regard � about all I prefered them for. The F3 was the exception amongst Nikons for that, but despite everyone raving about its finder, I thought its LCD display was dreadful. Anyhow, avoiding this quirk is good enough reason to pop on the MD-12 winder � with which the FM3A seems to cooperate very happily.
Anyway, I suspect the FM2 and the FM3A diffences come down to whether you need AE and whether you prefer needles to blinky LEDs. Only you can answer that.
My, that all turned into a steam of consciousness. I�ll stop now�
FM3A vs FM2(n)
in Nikon
Posted
I�ve used an FM3A for about a year, now, and still use an FE2, as well. I�ve not used any FMs. What I can tell you is that I haven�t noticed the problem with 1.4 lenses, either, but maybe I�ve not been paying close enough attention. I tend to use XP2 a lot of the time, which is very forgiving of minor exposure errors. Thanks for the heads-up on that, Al, I�ll check mine out. I�m estimating I�ve put about 150 rolls through the FM3A. Still on the first battery and no mechanical or other defects.
I used to have an OM2000, which had an LED type of meter display, also. I never really got along with it. Much prefer the needle type � even if the perception of accuracy is subjective and it is a little trickier in dim light.. I simply find that I make fewer error, turning the aperture or meter controls the wrong way, with a needle, when I�m in a hurry.
On other FM3A features:
I thought I�d use the exposure lock feature more than I do. It was a selling point when I first got the camera, but in practice I find I use the camera in manual mode most of the time and judge exposure adjustments more by eye and experience. Maybe if it was built into the shutter release I�d use it more.
The film window is a wonderful feature and I wish the FE2 had one. Anyone know of any replacement/aftermarket backs with a window?
The FM3A viewfinder is definitely brighter (maybe about a stop?) than the FE2, so I assume that the difference is about the same compoared to the FM2. I replaced the screen with a plain matt one � much nicer to focus with fast, wide-angle lenses without the distracting prism-split-image-thingumy. I agree that the viewfinder is a little flarey (is that a word? �it is now). Only really noticable if there�s a lot of contrast � like shooting partially out of a window in a dim daylit room, for example. I don�t find it distracting though � only notice it if I consciously look for it. Maybe it�s just a trade-off for Nikon engineers trying to make the finder brighter?
The only thing that bugs me about most Nikon manual camera bodies is the need to turn the darn things on by pulling out the wind-lever. I�m always bumping my forehead on it when using them in �vertical� format. Maybe my forehead just doesn�t slope enough. I much prefered Olympuses in this regard � about all I prefered them for. The F3 was the exception amongst Nikons for that, but despite everyone raving about its finder, I thought its LCD display was dreadful. Anyhow, avoiding this quirk is good enough reason to pop on the MD-12 winder � with which the FM3A seems to cooperate very happily.
Anyway, I suspect the FM2 and the FM3A diffences come down to whether you need AE and whether you prefer needles to blinky LEDs. Only you can answer that.
My, that all turned into a steam of consciousness. I�ll stop now�