|
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon FM3A 35mm (135) format manual-focus SLR camera, designed as the successor to our popular Nikon FM2.
The new FM3A inherits most of the FM2’s features, like durable metal body construction and a classic centre-weighted meter. And the Nikon’s first hybrid shutter control system enables mechanical shutter speed control to be operated without batteries at any shutter speed, while in A mode the shutter speed is electronically controlled for Aperture-Priority Auto operation. In addition, TTL (through-the-lens) flash control, DX-coded film speed settings and new bright view focusing screens are also available. These features provide an unprecedented degree of flexibility in a manual SLR with the added benefits of selected automation.
The FM3A offers photographers access to the Nikon System, which includes the professional AF-S Nikkor lens lineup and many other AF and manual Nikkor lenses, in addition to a range of accessories.
With its classic exterior, simple operation and compact body design, the FM3A is the ideal camera for gaining entry into the world of pure, personal SLR photography.
Feature Highlights
Automatic exposure control
The Nikon FM3A offers the flexibility of Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure control. Just set the shutter speed dial to A, which lets the user choose the desired aperture while the FM3A automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed. This mode is ideal for taking candid shots, or when the user wants to concentrate on composition and let the FM3A take care of exposure.
Hybrid shutter control system
The flexibility of the FM3A’s shutter design marks another Nikon first. In A mode, shutter speeds are controlled electronically. When any shutter speed is manually selected, the shutter's operation and control do not require battery power.* This means users can shoot in all types of conditions — like extremely cold weather — without having to worry about battery failure.
*The user can release the shutter without batteries, but the camera’s built-in exposure meter will not work.
Top shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.
The FM3A's high top speed of 1/4000 second provides opportunities for critical action-stopping speed. It also expands exposure control, which is particularly useful when shooting with high-speed film. Shutter speed can be selected from 1 sec. to 1/4000 sec. In A mode, shutter speed is controlled from 8 sec. to 1/4000 sec. Bulb exposure is also possible.
A fast flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
The FM3A’s fast flash sync speed provides a broad range of control to let you shoot from dim to bright scenes with fill-flash.
TTL flash control
The FM3A features automatic TTL flash exposure control. When used with Nikon TTL Speedlights like the SB-28 or SB-50DX, the FM3A’s TTL sensor monitors the degree of flash illumination exposed on the film surface during exposure. When the sensor determines that the necessary level of flash light has reached the film, it signals the Nikon Speedlight to turn off. The result is correct flash exposure — automatically.
Automatic flash output level compensation
A TTL flash-compensation button on the FM3A lets the user slightly reduce the Nikon Speedlight’s flash output. This feature can be used to achieve a balanced fill effect or to avoid over-exposure associated with shooting a subject in backlight or one standing against distant background.
Durable, die-cast body
Nikon chose durable metal for the FM3A to assure ruggedness and durability. The die-cast camera body is made of copper silumin aluminium, a metal alloy that significantly reduces the effects of extreme temperature and humidity. While remarkably light, the alloy is rigid and resistant to metal fatigue and corrosion. With this solid construction, the FM3A is designed to perform superbly in a wide variety of challenging conditions.
Major Features
- Manual-focus 35mm SLR
- Durable, die-cast body
- Hybrid shutter speed control system -- when shutter speed is selected manually, the FM3A works without batteries at all speeds
- Aperture-Priority Auto exposure control possible with Ai-type Nikkor and AF Nikkor lenses
- Top shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. and peak flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
- Exposure compensation (-2 to +2 EV)
- Standard TTL flash control possible
- TTL flash-compensation button for balanced fill-flash effect
- Compatible with DX-coded film cartridges
- Three types of new, bright clear matte interchangeable focusing screens allow pinpoint-focus, even in dim light
- Sequential shooting of up to 3.2 frames per second with Motor Drive MD-12
- Black or silver-colour body available
FM3A Specifications |
| Type of camera |
35mm single-lens reflex with electronically and mechanically controlled focal-plane shutter |
| Applicable film |
35mm film in a cartridge |
| Frame size |
24 x 36mm |
| Lens mount |
Nikon F mount |
| Shutter |
Vertical-travel, metal focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter-speed settings |
A (aperture-priority auto): 8 to 1/4000 sec., electronic stepless control (indications are 1 to 1/4000)
Manual: Bulb, 1 to 1/4000 sec., mechanical controlr |
| Viewfinder |
Eye-level pentaprism |
| Eyepoint |
14mm (at -1.0m-1) |
| Focusing screen |
K3 type (splitprism-image microprism type, Clear Matte Screen II) standard, B3 type and E3 type optional |
| Viewfinder frame coverage |
Approx. 93% (objective screen) |
| Viewfinder magnification |
Approx. 0.80x with 50mm lens set to infinity |
| Viewfinder information |
Shutter speed, exposure meter indication, shutter indication, direct aperture value, exposure compensation mark, ready light |
| Reflex mirror |
Quick-return type |
| Exposure meter sync |
Ai type (automatic compensation at full-aperture f-stop) |
| Metering system |
TTL centre-weighted, full-aperture exposure metering system, approx. 60% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on a 12mm diameter circle |
| Metering range |
EV 1 to EV 20 at ISO100 (with a 50mm f/1.4 lens) |
| Film-sensitivity settings |
DX system or manual. With DX: ISO 25 to 5000 Manual: ISO 12 to 6400r |
| Exposure compensation |
Exposure compensated to ±2 EV in units of 1/3 EV (compensation to the + side not possible with ISO 12, and that to the - side not possible with ISO 6400) |
| Auto Exposure Lock |
Enabled by pressing the AE lock button |
| Film advance |
Lever provided, 30-degree standoff angle and 135-degree winding angle, automatic film advance enabled with MD-12 Motor Drive (sold separately) |
| Frame counter |
Additive type (S, 1 to 36), automatic reset |
| Film rewinding |
Film reset button and rewind crank provided |
| Self-timer |
Mechanically controlled, countdown time of approx. 4 to 10 seconds, cancellation possible |
| Lens aperture |
Instant-return system, with aperture lever |
| Multiple exposure |
Activated with multiple exposure lever |
| Sync contact |
X-contact only; synchronised with the flash at a low speed of less than 1/250 sec. |
| Flash control |
TTL flash: Enabled by using SB-28, SB-50DX, etc. in combination
TTL flash compensation: Compensation to -1 EV activated with the TTL flash compensation button on the camera
Film speed synchronization in TTL flash: ISO 12 to 1000 |
| Sync terminal |
JIS sync terminal provided as standard, with lock screws |
| Accessory shoe |
Hot-shoe contact (sync contact, ready-light contact, monitor contact, stop-signal contact for TTL flash) with a lock hole to prevent accidental dropping |
| Ready light |
Lights when the flash is fully charged with SB-28, SB-50DX, etc.; blinks for full-output warning or shutter-speed settings from 1/500 to 1/4000 sec. |
| Camera back |
Detachable hinged back; MF-16 Data Back can be attached in place. |
| Camera-back opening |
Achieved with the film-rewind lever |
| Power source |
One 3V lithium battery (CR-1/3N type), two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), or two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type) |
| Meter-on timer |
To turn the camera on when the shutter-release button is pressed lightly, turning it off 16 seconds after your finger leaves the button. With the MD-12 Motor Drive, the camera is turned on when the shutter release button of the MD-12 is pressed lightly, and it turns off approx. 66 seconds after your finger leaves the button. |
| Battery power check |
Displayed for 16 seconds with the meter-on timer. The exposure meter does not work if the batteries are exhausted. |
| Number of film rolls that can be shot |
When repeating the procedure of holding the shutter-release button in the lightly pressed position for 10 seconds, pressing it all the way, and waiting until the timer activates, with 36-frame film rolls, a shutter speed of 1/250 second in Aperture-Priority Auto mode
|
At normal temperature (20°C) |
At low temperature (-10°C) |
| One 3V lithium battery |
approx. 110 rolls |
approx. 60 rolls |
| Two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries |
approx. 120 rolls |
approx. 65 rolls |
| Two 1.5V alkaline batteries |
approx. 50 rolls |
approx. 10 rolls |
|
| Optional exclusive or common accessories |
MD-12 Motor Drive
SB-28 Speedlight and equivalents
MF-16 Data Back
CF-27S / CF-28S / CF-29S Camera Case
AR-3 Cable release, etc. |
| Tripod socket |
1/4 (ISO 1222) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Approx. 142.5 x 90 x 58mm (camera body only) |
| Weight |
Approx. 570g (camera body only, including battery) |
All specifications apply when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature (20°C).
Specifications and designs are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
|
|
Back to News