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NIKON FM3A 35mm SLR Camera Body

The 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 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.

 

  • Type of Camera: Manual focus 35mm single-lens reflex
  • Picture Format: 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm film format)
  • Lens Mount: Nikon F mount; meter coupling lever provided; meter coupling lever release button not provided
  • Compatible Lenses: Ai, Ai-s, AF-D, AF-S, P -(except IX and G-type Nikkor lenses)
  • Exposure Modes: Aperture-Priority Auto; Manual
  • Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism type; 0.80x magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity; finder coverage approx. 93% of picture field
  • Focusing Screen: Split-image microprism type (Type K3) provided as standard; matte type (B3) and matte with horizontal and vertical line etchings (E3) also available
  • Eyepoint Magnification: 14mm at -1.0 m-1 (dpt.)
  • Viewfinder Information: Shutter speed exposure meter indication, ADR (aperture direct readout) f-number in use, exposure compensation mark, and flash ready-light
  • Reflex Mirror: Automatic quick-return type incorporating special control gear and wheel mechanism for reduced mirror bounce; non-lockable type
  • Metering System: Through-the-lens (TTL) 60/40 centre-weighted full aperture exposure metering system using a pair of SPDs (silicon photodiodes) and metering IC circuit
  • Metering Range: EV 1 to 20 at ISO 100 and with f/1.4 lens (i.e., from 1 sec. at f/1.4 to 1/4000 sec. at f/16)
  • Exposure Meter Coupling: AI type
  • Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensated in ±2 EV range, in 1/3 steps
  • Auto Exposure Lock: Auto Exposure Lock
  • Film Speed Setting: DX: ISO 25-5000 with DX-coded film; manual ISO 12-6400
  • Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal, focal plane shutter with aluminium alloy curtains
  • Shutter Release: Electronically controlled in A mode and mechanically controlled in M mode; center-threaded shutter release button accepts AR-3 Cable Release; button locked when film advance lever is flush with camera body
  • Shutter Speed Range: M Mode-1/4,000 sec. to 1 sec., B (Bulb), A Mode-1/4000 sec. to 8 sec. (stepless control) 14 discreet settings in all
  • Sync Contact: X-contact only; flash synchronization up to 1/250 seconds
  • Flash Synchronization: Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe; threaded sync cord terminal provided for off-camera or multi-flash photography; synchronisation with electronic flash units at speeds up to 1/250 seconds
  • Flash Ready-Light: LED provided; visible inside viewfinder; lights up when SB-28/28DX, SB-27, SB-22s, SB-16B or SB-29 Speedlight Unit used is fully charged; blinks to warn that the shutter speed set is beyond the electronic flash's sync range or for full output warning
  • Accessory Shoe: Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact (sync contact, ready-light contact, TTL auto flash contact, monitor contact, GND), safety lock hole provided
  • Self-Timer: Set/cancel mechanical type provided; approx. 4 to 10 sec. duration
  • Depth-Of-Field Preview Button: Stops down lens aperture when pressed
  • Film Advance: Single-stroke type; 30 degree stand-off angle and 135 degree winding angle
  • Film Rewind: Manual via rewind crank
  • Motor Drive Coupling: Electrical contact and coupler built in for operation with Motor Drive MD-12; the MD-12 is operable when film advance lever is flush with camera body
  • Multiple Exposure: Provided; disengages frame counter for correct count
  • Power Source: Choice of one 3V CR-1/3N lithium battery, two 1.55V SR44 silver-oxide batteries, or two 1.5V LR44 alkaline batteries; optional Anti-Cold Battery Holder DB-2 accepting two 1.5V LR6 (AA-type alkaline), 1.2V KR-AA (AA-type NiCd) or 1.5V R6 (AA-type manganese) batteries available
  • Exposure Meter Switch: Lightly pressing the shutter release button switches meter on; meter stays on for approx. 16 sec. after finger leaves button, then automatically switches off; meter automatically turned off when shutter speed dial is set to B
  • Camera Back: Pops open when the film rewind knob is pulled up; detachable and interchangeable with Data Back MF-16; film cartridge confirmation window provided
  • Body finish: Black or silver-color available
  • Dimensions (W X H X D): 142.5 x 90 x 58mm
  • Weight (Without Batteries): Approx 20.1 oz