anita_to

<p>Thanks for everyone's help and input!</p>

<p>Especially out of the last few posts, I think I have decided on an FE2. My main reason behind getting a camera was so I could document my trip to Hong Kong/China this summer.</p>

<p>I chose the FE2 over just about everything else because of its aperture priority was one of the only differences between the FM2. The battery issue isn't really a problem for me since they last such a long while, it's only a problem when you have to switch batteries too much, then you're worried about it failing you in the middle of taking pictures. I will definitely keep in mind the F100 as a future purchase since it has so many features and its lens compatibility is good, and the reviews on that camera seem to be extremely favorable. Also, because my original intention was to find a manual SLR that would be an alternate option for the FM3a, I think the FE2 suits this since it's design is pretty much the same. I ended up ruling out the F3 because it's so bulky, even though most people have said they've taken some of their best work with it.</p>

<p>Either way, all the camera suggestions were great. Everyone had really great things to contribute to the discussion, so great in fact that I fell in love with more cameras that I needed. I think the FE2 should be a good choice, and I'll be excited to handle one soon!</p>

<p>P.S. That's interesting that they're selling an FM3a under $400 dollars at KEH, it's still over my budget, sad to say, but there's at least some hope out there that there are reasonable® prices outside of ebay. I happen to plan on purchasing most of my items through ebay because a lot of the packages I am looking at include flash and lenses (so there's no worry in the lens department).</p>

<p>Thanks very much again!!<br>

-Anita To</p>

<blockquote>

<p>

<p >Anita, this forum literally has tons of threads on FM vs. FE vs. F3 .... Essentially people will suggest their own favorite camera but that probably has very little to do with what you need. E.g.:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/009Jej">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/009Jej</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00F5aK">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00F5aK</a></p>

<p >I see very little value to have yet another thread in which everybody pushes for his/her own favorite camera. As the OP, I think Anita should tell us why you have rules out the FM2n and included the F3 and F100? What are you looking for in this camera and what are your preferences?</p>

<p >Personally, the fact that the F3 has 1/80 sec flash sync is sufficient reason to rule it out immediately, but that is just me.</p>

</p>

</blockquote>

<p >I'm sorry, I understand that this discussion is probably very frustrating. But I have already read those discussions, and all it did for me was that I walked away more confused. So I hoped for a discussion where someone could specifically state WHY one camera is the better choice than the other. I guess you probably think that's not working out too well. Everyone can tell me what they like, what they don't like, but I can't culminate all of those things into one big table because everyone uses their own style of describing it, or it is only mentioned for one type of the camera. Sites that hold descriptions for these models are also not much help because they are inconsistent as well, or the language used is too difficult for me to understand. I started this discussion because nothing else helped, so I thought maybe this could.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Thank you very much David. I felt that that has been the best information so far on one camera alone because you stated its pros AND cons, and some very helpful tips on purchasing a used model. </p>

<p > </p>

<p >I just really wish there was some option where I could line them up, feature-to-feature, and compare them. I really do appreciate everyone's input though, it is all extremely helpful nonetheless. I just end up liking all of the cameras from many of the experiences others have had.</p>

<p>I had heard from someone that Hong Kong has a good camera market, and I will be going there with the family in a week or so. So I was just wondering if anyone knew of any stores in MAINLY Hong Kong that sell used, and/or cheap SLRs, to be more specific, Nikon 35mm SLRs. I am especially interested in these models: FE2, F3, FM3a, F100, F5, F6. And it's hard to find dealers (for me at least) that sell used models or good deals besides ebay and other internet sellers.</p>

<p>I would rather stay away from the Mainland Chinese market based off of my own personal preference, unless they are very reputable dealers.</p>

<p>Other than that, any reccomendations are welcome (of course, reputable, cheap(er), good service etc. is always preferable). And for ease of locating the store, if you could tell me the metro station/directions to get to the store that would be really great! And if they have a website, please let me know (or link it!)</p>

<p>I really appreciate the kind help.<br>

Thanks very much!<br>

- Anita</p>

<p>(A side note - When I say cheap, I mean under the $300 US mark or around $200, except for such models as the F6, because I am only a high school student, but will also be with other adults who have larger budgets than I do)</p>

<p>Thank you for everyone's EXTREMELEY helpful advice. <br>

I think I am going to rule out the FM2n, just... because.</p>

<p>But my options have now increased to include the FE2, F3, and F100?<br>

Depending on my ebay/other cheap options, I might opt to get both the FE2, and F3. If anyone has specific "selling points" or pro cons on these models (such as what uses these cameras are better used for i.e. action, b&w, etc.), I would greatly appreciate it (still).</p>

<p>Otherwise, when buying these used models, what should I be looking for to make sure I'm getting the most out of my money? I know someone mentioned serial number.</p>

<p>Thanks again! Everyone here has been extremely kind, and all the information has been very productive to my decision(s) (even if it sometimes makes me more confused, I'm still getting a sense of direction).</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The FE2 and FM3a are fully compatible with AI, AI-S, AI-P (uncommon, manual lenses with a CPU chip) and all Nikon autofocus lenses that have an aperture ring, i.e. AF, AF-D, AF-I (uncommon) and <strong >some</strong> AF-S lenses.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>^ Very helpful, thank you. </p>

<p>So based off of everyone's wonderful help:<br>

FM2n: to get better at handling a "manual" camera, and if I am prone to not using/forgetting batteries. It's technology will also have more longevity since it doesn't rely on modern technology (i.e. batteries). Not better for using flash. Better for taking pictures in dim/dark light.<br>

FE2: for all of it's features, and similarity to FM3a. But I'm screwed if I have no batteries on hand. Better for using flash. Not as good to take pictures in dim/dark light.</p>

<p>Does the FE2 eat batteries up extremely quickly? I'm kind of leaning towards the FE2, despite what everyone is mentioning about the batteries. But it seems as if everyone here is suggesting the FM2n because it is may be more "rugged" as Ross and Kent said.</p>

<p>I think I'm just more confused. Yipes.</p>

<p>Thank you very much for everyone's suggestions/help!!</p>

<p>I'm sorry. I was misinformed about the lenses, they were stolen/lost as well.</p>

<p>So an FE2 sounds like the winner here? And the FE2 and FM3a are only compatible with AI-S lenses? Is that correct? What about for fish-eye then?</p>

<p>Could someone just tell me what I'd be getting myself into if I bought an FM2n or an FE2? I'm slightly confused, besides the fact that FM2n is completely manual.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I have been researching Nikon manual SLRs, and have heard good things about the FM3a. But I am still a high school student, and the $600, $800+ price tag isn't so appealing to me. I haven't heard too many other things about Nikon's other manual SLRs except for the fact that if I'm looking for quality, I should avoid the FM10 and FE10 cameras. </p>

<p>So I would like to know two things:<br /> Which of Nikon's 35mm SLRs is the runner-up to the FM3a model?<br /> And which of Nikon's 35mm SLRs will give me the most for my money? ( Or what's the best I can get "used" for around $200) I want this camera to last, and I guess price doesn't really matter if it's going to last a lifetime.<br>

Regarding the FM3a:<br>

Where is the cheapest FM3a I can find, most likely used, on the internet besides eBay?<br>

Is it worth it?</p>

<p>I understand that these are probably a very opinion-based questions, but I would really appreciate anyone's kind help.</p>

<p>P.S. I have to stay in the Nikon brand, because all of my (mother's) lenses are all for Nikon cameras. But sadly, someone in the check-in process at an airport seems to have "lost" or "stolen" her original Nikon.</p>

<p>P.P.S. Just as a side question, Nikon's lenses are made to be used with just about ALL of their camera models? Or am I mixed up?</p>

<p>Thank you very much for the kind help!</p>