The Nikon FM3A is a single lens reflex camera. It was produced from 2001 to 2006. The model was built in a small series and was only officially sold in Japan.
The lens of the Nikon FM3A is exchangeable. The camera can be used with Nikon F lens mount lenses. This lens connector was first introduced in 1959. Over the years, the connection has been revised time and again.
Lenses are not just made by Nikon itself but also other brands. But be careful, not all modern camera lenses can be used with the old film cameras. The Nikon FM3A has no autofocus. It is manually focused.
Photography is made easier by the built-in exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 12 to 6400. The camera reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge. The exposure measurement is performed through the lens. Exposure settings are set automatically by the camera, if you want this option. Here you set the aperture and the camera sets the correct shutter speed. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer.
If you want to take long time pictures, there is the bulb-setting. A external flash can be connected via the PC flash port or Hot Shoe. The Nikon FM3A has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer.
The camera weighs 570 grams and the dimensions are 14,2 x 9 x 5,8 cm. The power supply comes from two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikon FM3A
Without 35mm films, the Nikon FM3A does not work. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. The Kodak Portra 160* is a possible color film for the Nikon FM3A. Black and white images are with the AgfaPhoto APX 100* possible.
The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The negatives of Nikon FM3A have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. With this exposure area, normally, a 35mm film (135-36) will fit at least 36 photos. The film must be winded manually by the photographer.
The camera is only available as a used one. The prices for a used copy depend on the condition. Because of the small number of pieces available the prices are quite high. Usually, one has to spend at least a middle three-digit Euro-range for one copy.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 8 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 6400 |
| Auto DX | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,3EV steps) |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/250 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 14,2 x 9 x 5,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.59 x 3.54 x 2.28 inches |
| Weight | 570 Grams |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 763,57 Euro 1244,521126,63746,105933,46657,57127993,848929,81823,50 Estimate based on used prices of 51 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 13.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 839,40 Euro (908.13 US-Dollar) |