Second-hand Equipment

Nikon F body, satin-chrome serial no. 6413975, engraved Nippon Kogaku Tokyo triangle logo, cross hatched self-timer, Nippon Kogaku body cap.

Complete in grey plush lined Nikon F gold box, scarce Nikon F hanging tag, first type original instruction manual (1959), several accompanying items of literature (Japanese language)

Nikon F High Speed camera no 7289894 + F-36 motor drive no 152308, optical finder for 135mm, 180mm & 300mm lenses + 50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C no 2211718 & battery pack VG £18,950.00

In 1971 there was an update to the Nikon/Nikkormat Handbook in which stated the announcement of a new motor drive for the Nikon F-series cameras. This motor drive permitted shooting up to seven frames per second (fps). It was a modified version of the Nikon F-36 motor drive, which, with its maximum rate of four fps, would remain in production. The announcement reads:

“The seven fps rate [on the motor-drive] is controlled by a button on the front switch unit; the reflex viewing mirror must be in the lock-up position and only shutter speeds 1/250 to 1/1000 sec. can be used. Shooting rates of two to four fps and single frame are governed by a second button at the rear with an optical zoom viewfinder which had a range of 135-300mm. You could select the zoom range by rotating the rear dial as well as being able to adjust the built-in dioptres. Parallax could be adjusted just below the eyepiece by moving a lever to the focused distance. There were two variations of the Nikon F High Speed camera, the 7 fps of the unit(shown here). At two fps, permissible shutter speeds are 1/8 to 1/1000 sec.. At three and four fps, speeds are 1/125 to 1/1000. A remote control socket is incorporated. Accessories include a battery pack, power cord and eye-level finder with an accessory shoe. Limited deliveries are expected in late 1971.”

The Nikon F High Speed 7 fps was supplied announced in 1971 and the 9 fps in 1976. The 7 fps version was Nikon’s first High Speed Camera and was used at the Winter XI Olympic Winter Games held from 3rd to 13th February 1972 in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. Among collectors it has become known as the Nikon F High Speed Sapporo. Only 54 examples of the 7 fps camera were made, making it one of the rarest and most desirable of all Nikon cameras.

Unboxed.

Key Features

• Cross-ranged, five area autofocus system
• Choice of Dynamic AF, Closest-subject-priority Dynamic AF and Single Area AF
• High-speed Focus Tracking up to 5 fps with Lock-On™ (with Multi-Power High Speed Battery Pack MB-15)
• 3D Matrix Metering (with D-/G-type Nikkor lens)
• Center-Weighted Metering and Spot Metering
• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash capability (with SB-800 / 600 / 27)
• Four exposure modes ([P] / [S] / [A] / [M])
• Durable and lightweight body
• Custom Settings of 22 functions
• Comprehensive system compatibility: two screens and one camera back (Data Back MF-29), and the whole range of Nikon Speedlights and Nikkor lenses

Specifications

Boxed. Comes with manual and strap.

Key Features

• Cross-ranged, five area autofocus system
• Choice of Dynamic AF, Closest-subject-priority Dynamic AF and Single Area AF
• High-speed Focus Tracking up to 5 fps with Lock-On™ (with Multi-Power High Speed Battery Pack MB-15)
• 3D Matrix Metering (with D-/G-type Nikkor lens)
• Center-Weighted Metering and Spot Metering
• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash capability (with SB-800 / 600 / 27)
• Four exposure modes ([P] / [S] / [A] / [M])
• Durable and lightweight body
• Custom Settings of 22 functions
• Comprehensive system compatibility: two screens and one camera back (Data Back MF-29), and the whole range of Nikon Speedlights and Nikkor lenses

Specifications

Nikon's most versatile film camera body. This high end professional camera, The F4s being equipped with MB21 high speed battery pack, was made available with no less than 4 battery packs (MB-20 standard, MB-21 High Power, MB-22 mains driven, and MB-23 heavy duty) and 4 finders (pentaprism, waist, action and 6X magnification) and a whole range of specialist screens. The body represents Nikon's great and successful attempt at dominance of the autofocus market.

Boxed.

Nikon's ultimate film body.

Produced in limited batches and the only top-quality 35mm film body produced by a major Japanese manufacturer.

Incorporating all the advances of the F5 and fitted with a multi-control back as standard.

Superb technical excellence.

Unboxed.

NEAR NEW OUTFIT! Fitted with a 50mm f/1.4 Ai lens. Exceptionally rare and almost unheard of in this condition. The body, lens, data back, motor drive and aperture control unit appear unused and only the charger (for the battery of the aperture control unit) shows signs of handling. See reference http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/f2/variants/f2data/index.htm The back, coupled to a special (F2 Data body) contains a mechanical clock/watch and calendar unit which are illuminated by a built-in flash system with this data recorded onto the side of the film. Additionally, data could be recorded by hand onto a special insert and this writing too would be photographed onto the film.

Unboxed.

The F2SB bodies were produced in a small run spanning only 8 months and are the most sought after of all F2 "standard" bodies. The F2SB accepts pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses which feature a coupling fork. The body comes with a plastic spacer (to be removed prior to first use with a film).

Unboxed.

The F2SB bodies were produced in a small run spanning only 8 months and are the most sought after of all F2 "standard" bodies. The F2SB accepts pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses which feature a coupling fork. The body comes with a plastic spacer (to be removed prior to first use with a film).

BRAND NEW AND UNUSED! A COLLECTOR HAS RELEASED THIS ULTRA-RARE CAMERA HE BOUGHT IN 1977 AND NEVER USED. THE CAMERA COMES IN ITS ORIGINAL NIKON BOX WITH INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SHUTTER GUARD WHICH MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST ROLL OF FILM BEING PUT IN. ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE AS THIS IS THE RAREST VARIANT OF THE "STANDARD" F2. WE BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST BRAND NEW F2SB LEFT IN THIS WORLD AND WILL BE A TREASURE IN ANY NIKON COLLECTOR'S CABINET. Serial Number 7707687. The F2SB bodies were produced in a small run spanning only 8 months and are the most sought after of all F2 "standard" bodies. The F2SB accepts pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses which feature a coupling fork. The body comes with a plastic spacer (to be removed prior to first use with a film).

[Lens not included.]

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - POSSIBLY THE LAST BRAND NEW F3H IN THE WORLD! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH OUTER SHIPPING CARTON, REAR SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST ROLL OF FILM INSERTION), AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL. In June 1996, Nikon released the Nikon F3H (the "H" stands for "high speed"), a single-lens reflex film camera intended for press photographers. Based on the Nikon F3 and its MD-4 motor drive, both of which Nikon had released in 1980, the F3H was capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 13 fps. Like the earlier F2H it uses a fixed pellicle reflex mirror that transmits 70% of the light through it to the film and reflects the remaining 30% into the viewfinder. The camera has the familiar HP (High Eyepoint) finder with accessory shoe and a type B focusing screen is supplied as standard. When the MD-4H motor drive is powered by an MN-2 NiCd battery, the camera is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at 13 fps at shutter speeds of 1/1000 second and above. When the motor drive is powered by eight AA alkaline batteries, the camera is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at 7.5 fps at shutter speeds of 1/250 second and above.

[Lens not included.]

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories.Weight (without lens) about 700g.

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accept twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories. Weight (without lens) about 700g.

Unboxed.

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accepts twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories. Weight (without lens) about 700g.

Unboxed.

Nikon's finest manual focus 35mm flagship body. These bodies have a quartz controlled mechanical shutter and interchangeable finders and could be mounted with standard, HP (high eyepoint), action, waist level and magnification finders. Aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure control from 1/2000 sec. to 8 seconds. ASA/ISO 12 to 6400. With a larger viewfinder eyepiece, you can see the entire frame, including all exposure information, at a glance...with your eye up to 25mm (approx, one inch) away Depth-of-field preview. The body could also accepts twenty two different focusing screens and was the most versatile Nikon with the widest range of accessories. Weight (without lens) about 700g.

Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

BRAND NEW AND RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH SPECIAL TRANSPARENT DISPLAY CASE THAT WAS NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE JAPAN. Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL MANUAL AND PAPERS, ALSO COMES WITH BASE PROTECTOR AND SHUTTER GUARD (TO BE REMOVE PRIOR TO FIRST TIME SHOOTING.) Nikon introduced a titanium version of the F3, the F3/T, in 1982 to emphasize its professional status. All the usually vulnerable parts are made of titanium and it was supplied with the titanium DE-4 HP (High Eyepoint) type finder. Initially the camera was available in a champagne coloured finish, although a black version was offered later. The camera can be identified by the addition of a 'T' after the F3 logo and its serial number is prefixed with a 'T' otherwise all specifications were identical to the standard F3HP, except for its weight which was reduced by 20g.

RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - BRAND NEW!

To celebrate the new Millennium Year 2000 (The Chinese Year of the Dragon), Nikon released the Nikon FM2 Millennium Edition. The camera has special markings: a Chinese-style golden Dragon sits above the self-timer and has matching serial numbers for the camera body and 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AIS lens. The Dragon is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and the only animal that is legendary. The Year 2000 is a Chinese Golden Dragon Year. It is presented in a rich gold maker’s box with a red satin lining, a white outer shipping carton, warranty card, instruction manual and certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Michio Kariya, President Nikon Imaging Company, Japan.

The Dragon is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and the only animal that is legendary. The Year 2000 is a Chinese Golden Dragon Year.

ULTRA RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE! BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH INSTRUCTION MANUAL (JAPANESE TEXT), SPECIAL EDITION LAPITA STRAP, NIKON WORLDWIDE SERVICE WARRANTY CARD AND A CERTIFICATION PAPER OF AUTHENTICITY ALONG WITH OTHER ORIGINAL PAPERWORK. (COMES WITH SHUTTER GUARD INTACT TO BE REMOVED BEFORE FIRST USE.) Nikon FM2 LAPITA Limited Edition, only 100 units made. Rarer than the Nikon Year of the Dog, Year of the Dragon or any Titanium limited edition.

The LAPITA was a special order made under the request by a Japanese magazine (小学館) in the year 1999. Sales began in the year 2000. Only 100 units available before Nikon discontinued the FM2 model.

Comes with genuine cow leather in orange colour and with a strap with LAPITA wording on it. INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN PERHAPS THE LAST BRAND NEW LAPITA IN THE WORLD.

Unboxed.

This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for 'new'). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second.

This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for 'new'). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second. Complete with instruction manual (Japanese text).

Unboxed.

Picture format: 24 mm × 36 mm

Lens mount: Nikon F bayonet mount

Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal focal plane shutter with titanium curtains

Shutter speed settings: 1 sec.~ 1/4000 sec., X200 (1/200

sec.), B (bulb); 15 fixed settings in all

Self-timer: Set/cancel type provided; approx.10-sec. shutter release delay

Viewfinder: Eye-level type, with 93% frame coverage

Viewfinder display: Shutter speed, f/number, and LED exposure display for overexposure +, correct exposure • and under-exposure -

Focusing screen: Split-image microprism type (Type K) provided as standard; matte type (B) and matte with horizontal and vertical line etchings (E) optionally available.

Mirror: Quick-return type

Film advance: Lever provided; 30° standoff angle and 135° winding angle

Automatic film advance: Possible with optional Motor Drive

MD-12

Multiple exposure lever: Provided, disengages frame counter for correct count

Frame counter: Additive type (S, O~36); automatically resets to S when camera back is opened

Film rewind: By crank provided after film rewind button is pressed

Flash synchronization: Built-in hot shoe for mounting flash

unit; sync cord terminal also provided; X200 setting for 1/200 sec. sync

Ready-light: Provided inside the viewfinder

Exposure meter: TTL centre-weighted full aperture exposure measuring system using a pair of SPD's (silicon photodiodes) as photoelectric element; measures from EV 1 to EV 18 at ASA/ISO 100 and with f/1.4 lens (i.e., from 1 sec. at f/1.4 to 1/1000 sec. at f/16)

Film sensitivity range: ASA/ISO 12~6400

Power source: Choice of one 3V lithium battery, two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries, or two 1.5V alkaline-manganese batteries

Exposure meter switch: Light pressure on shutter release

button switches meter on; meter stays on for approx. 30 sec. after finger leaves button, then automatically switches off

Battery power check: LED exposure display inside viewfinder lights up when the exposure meter is switched on if there is sufficient power (i.e., the shutter speed dial should be set anywhere except X200 and B)

Camera back: Pops open when the film rewind knob as the camera back lock is pushed; detachable; memo holder provided.

Dimensions: (camera body only) Approx. 142.5mm (W) × 90mm (H) × 60mm (D)

(camera body only)

Weight: Approx. 540 g

The Nikon FM2/FM2n's reputation as a tough, rugged and reliable camera was further enhanced when, during late 1993 Nikon introduced the FM2/T.

It is identical to the standard FM2n, including its aluminium alloy chassis, except that the titanium is used for the top and base plates and the camera back.

No other specifications were changed and the FM2/T accepts all the same accessories.

Boxed with manual.

The Nikon FM2/FM2n's reputation as a tough, rugged and reliable camera was further enhanced when, during late 1993 Nikon introduced the FM2/T.

It is identical to the standard FM2n, including its aluminium alloy chassis, except that the titanium is used for the top and base plates and the camera back.

No other specifications were changed and the FM2/T accepts all the same accessories.

ULTRA RARE - COLLECTOR'S GRADE - NUMBER 62 OF 300 EVER MADE! PERHAPS THE LAST BRAND NEW ONE REMAINING IN THE WORLD. BOXED AND COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL PAPERWORK, CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AND WARRANTY CARD. (STILL HAS IT'S SHUTTER GUARD INTACT TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO FIRST USE.) The Nikon FM2/FM2n's reputation as a tough, rugged and reliable camera was further enhanced when, during the late 1993 Nikon introduced the FM2/T.

It is identical to the standard FM2n, including its aluminium alloy chassis, except that the titanium is used for the top and base plates and the camera back.

No other specifications were changed and the FM2/T accepts all the same accessories. There's also been a couple of special limited editions of the camera; the Year of the Dog version of which only 300 units were produced, was released in 1994 and has a picture of a dog’s head engraved on the front place next to the FM2/T badge.

The Dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year-cycle. Years of the Dog: …1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030…
The FM2/T Year of the Dog was never exported to the UK. This brand new example is the 62nd example made and is a real collector's treasure!

Unboxed.

This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for ‘new’). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second.

Specifications

Type of camera: 35mm single lens reflex (SLR)

Usable film: Any cartridge-type 35mm film

Picture format: 24mm × 36mm

Lens mount

Nikon bayonet mount; meter coupling lever provided

Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal, focal plane, mechanical shutter with aluminium alloy curtains

Shutter release: Mechanical; centre-threaded shutter release button accepts AR-3 Cable Release; button locked when film advance lever is flush with camera body

Shutter speed settings: 1/4000 sec. - 1 sec., B (Bulb), 14 discreet settings in all

Film advance lever: Single-stroke type; 30° stand-off angle and 135° winding angle

Self-timer: Set/cancel mechanical type provided; approx. 10 - sec. shutter release delay

Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism type; 0.86X magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity; finder coverage approx. 93% of picture field

Viewfinder display: Shutter speed, ADR (aperture direct readout) f/number in use, and five different LED exposure displays using +, o and - signs

Focusing screen: Split-image microprism type (Type K2) provided as standard; matte type (B2) and matte with horizontal and vertical line etchings (E2) also available

Reflex mirror: Automatic quick-return type incorporating special control gear and wheel-and-brake mechanism for reduced vibration and noise; non-lockable type

Depth-of-field preview lever: provided

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 lever: Provided; disengages frame counter for correct count

Frame counter: Additive type (S.1-36); automatically resets to S when camera back is opened

Film rewind: By crank provided after film rewind button is pressed

Accessory shoe

Provided: standard ISO type; ready-light contact provided

Flash synchronization: Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe; threaded sync cord terminal provided for off-camera or multi-flash photography; synchronization with electronic flash units at speeds up to 1/250 sec.

Flash Ready-light: LED provided; visible inside viewfinder; lights up when an appropriate Nikon Speedlight Unit used is fully charged; blinks to warn that the shutter speed set is beyond the electronic flash's sync range

Exposure metering: Through-the-lens centre-weighted full aperture exposure measuring system using a pair of SPDs (silicon photodiodes) and metering monolithic IC circuit

Metering range

EV 1 to EV 18 at ISO 100 and with f/1.4 lens (i.e., from 1 sec. at f/1.4 to 1/4000 sec. at f/8)

Film sensitivity range

ISO 12-ISO 6400

Power source: Choice of one 3V lithium battery (CR-1/3 type), two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), or two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type); optional Anti-Cold Battery Holder

DB-2 accepting two AA-type batteries

Exposure meter switch: Light pressure on shutter release button switches meter on; meter stays on for approx. 30 sec. after finger leaves button, then automatically switches off; meter automatically turned off when shutter speed dial is set at B Battery power checker: LED exposure display inside viewfinder lights up when exposure meter is switched on if there is sufficient power (i.e., shutter speed dial is set anywhere except B)

Camera back: Pops open when the film rewind knob is pulled up as the camera back lock is pushed; detachable and interchangeable with Data Back MF-16; memo holder provided

Body finish: Chrome and black available

Dimensions (camera body only)

Approx. 142.5mm (W) X90mm (H) X 60mm (D)

Weight (camera body only)

Approx. 540g

Unboxed.

This later version of the FM2 is commonly referred to as the FM2n (for ‘new’). The FM2N used an advanced Nikon-design, metal-bladed, bearing-mounted, vertical-travel focal plane shutter with a (then unheard-of) speed range of 1 to 1/4000th second plus Bulb, plus a fast flash X-sync of 1/250th second.

Specifications

Type of camera: 35mm single lens reflex (SLR)

Usable film: Any cartridge-type 35mm film

Picture format: 24mm × 36mm

Lens mount

Nikon bayonet mount; meter coupling lever provided

Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal, focal plane, mechanical shutter with aluminium alloy curtains

Shutter release: Mechanical; centre-threaded shutter release button accepts AR-3 Cable Release; button locked when film advance lever is flush with camera body

Shutter speed settings: 1/4000 sec. - 1 sec., B (Bulb), 14 discreet settings in all

Film advance lever: Single-stroke type; 30° stand-off angle and 135° winding angle

Self-timer: Set/cancel mechanical type provided; approx. 10 - sec. shutter release delay

Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism type; 0.86X magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity; finder coverage approx. 93% of picture field

Viewfinder display: Shutter speed, ADR (aperture direct readout) f/number in use, and five different LED exposure displays using +, o and - signs

Focusing screen: Split-image microprism type (Type K2) provided as standard; matte type (B2) and matte with horizontal and vertical line etchings (E2) also available

Reflex mirror: Automatic quick-return type incorporating special control gear and wheel-and-brake mechanism for reduced vibration and noise; non-lockable type

Depth-of-field preview lever: provided

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 lever: Provided; disengages frame counter for correct count

Frame counter: Additive type (S.1-36); automatically resets to S when camera back is opened

Film rewind: By crank provided after film rewind button is pressed

Accessory shoe

Provided: standard ISO type; ready-light contact provided

Flash synchronization: Built-in ISO-type hot-shoe; threaded sync cord terminal provided for off-camera or multi-flash photography; synchronization with electronic flash units at speeds up to 1/250 sec.

Flash Ready-light: LED provided; visible inside viewfinder; lights up when an appropriate Nikon Speedlight Unit used is fully charged; blinks to warn that the shutter speed set is beyond the electronic flash's sync range

Exposure metering: Through-the-lens centre-weighted full aperture exposure measuring system using a pair of SPDs (silicon photodiodes) and metering monolithic IC circuit

Metering range

EV 1 to EV 18 at ISO 100 and with f/1.4 lens (i.e., from 1 sec. at f/1.4 to 1/4000 sec. at f/8)

Film sensitivity range

ISO 12-ISO 6400

Power source: Choice of one 3V lithium battery (CR-1/3 type), two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), or two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type); optional Anti-Cold Battery Holder

DB-2 accepting two AA-type batteries

Exposure meter switch: Light pressure on shutter release button switches meter on; meter stays on for approx. 30 sec. after finger leaves button, then automatically switches off; meter automatically turned off when shutter speed dial is set at B Battery power checker: LED exposure display inside viewfinder lights up when exposure meter is switched on if there is sufficient power (i.e., shutter speed dial is set anywhere except B)

Camera back: Pops open when the film rewind knob is pulled up as the camera back lock is pushed; detachable and interchangeable with Data Back MF-16; memo holder provided

Body finish: Chrome and black available

Dimensions (camera body only)

Approx. 142.5mm (W) X90mm (H) X 60mm (D)

Weight (camera body only)

Approx. 540g

Boxed. Comes with manual.

Nikon's final manual camera. Built incorporating Nikon's 50 years of manual camera manufacture and thus the ultimate all-manual reflex camera. The Nikon FM3A is an interchangeable lens, focal plane shutter, 35 mm film, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was manufactured by Nikon Corporation in Japan, on small-volume assembly lines, from 2001 to 2006. The camera was available in two colours: all black, and satin chrome. The FM3A was the successor to the renowned Nikon FM2N camera of 1984 and was the last member of the successful, semi-professional line of Nikon compact 35 mm SLRs. The other members were the Nikon FM (released 1977), FE (1978), FM2 (1982) and FE2 (1983). They (and the Nikon FA) all used the superficially similar (but not identical) rugged copper aluminium alloy chassis and high-quality Nikon vertical bearing-mounted metal shutter and ball-bearing mounted film advance, but with improved feature levels, minor external controls and cosmetic differences. The major improvements in the FM3A compared to the FM2n are the hybrid electro-mechanically controlled aluminium-bladed focal plane shutter, the aperture priority auto-exposure mode, the match-needle exposure control system and provision for through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) electronic flash automation. In other words, the FM3A merged the robust mechanical systems of the FM2n with the proven, reliable electronic exposure controls of the FE2. The FM3A is built to a high level of workmanship and material quality. It shares the advantages of the FM and the FM2n, both generally regarded as two of the most reliable cameras ever built (both in terms of operation under extreme conditions and in day-to-day reliability reports from repair shops and magazine surveys). It has an extremely strong body of copper silumin alloy. The electronics are well protected within the body and of extremely high quality, including the flexible circuits. The FM3A's film transport consists of high-strength hardened metal gears and moving parts, mounted on clusters of ball bearings. The vertical metal shutter utilises precision tapered high-strength aluminium alloy blades and oil-less self-lubricating bearings. The guide rails are made of stainless steel. The mirror is made of titanium. It is large to reduce chances of vignetting with super-telephotos of up to 800 mm, and uses the same mechanism found on Nikon's pro F2, with some improvements designed to further reduce effects of vibration and mirror bounce.

The FM3A accepts all of the Nikkor lenses with the Nikon F bayonet mount that support the Automatic Indexing (AI) feature (AI, AIS), first introduced in 1977.[2] The chrome FM3A was often sold in a kit that includes a colour coordinated chrome finished Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P lens. This special flat "pancake" lens was manually focused on the FM3A, but contained a CPU which could communicate focal distance to Nikon's later autofocus (AF) camera bodies. Other accessories for the FM3A include the Nikon MD-12 motor drive (automatic film advance up to 3.2 frames per second), as well as the Nikon MF-16 databack (sequential numbering, time or date stamping on the film), and the various compatible Nikon TTL flashes (SB-15, SB-16B, SB-20, etc.)

In manual mode, the camera is completely mechanical in operation, and only requires batteries for the light metering information system. In aperture priority mode, the batteries continue to power the meter, but are also utilized for shutter timing and the exposure control electronics. The FM3A's metering information system consists of a match-needle system using two needles pointing along a vertical shutter speed scale on the left side of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in 60/40% centre-weighted silicon photo diode light meter versus the actual camera settings. This system can be traced back to the Nikkormat EL (Nikomat EL in Japan) of 1972. The viewfinder also has Nikon's fully-interchangeable bright focus screen with various options for focus. During the mid-1990s, a demand arose among some photographers for a quality manual-focus alternative to the 35mm autofocus SLR camera. These cameras required complex computer and processing mechanisms, and especially in their amateur and consumer versions, were known for neither their ruggedness nor a long service life. Nikon owners began to demand a durable, precision-made camera with the AE electronic features and prized construction of the discontinued Nikon FE2, which had begun to skyrocket in value on the second-hand market. Nikon responded to this phenomenon with a revival of their classic FM/FE series design.