Nikon FM3A
There is a stage in photography when you realise that it is not all about the gear and you know that it is not a better camera that will make you a better photographer. Then there is a stage when you realise that a camera is a tool for doing a job of work and there is a right tool for each kind of job and, in terms of photography, a right format, a right type of camera, or lens, whether specialist or workhorse. The Nikon FM3a is a well oiled machine, workhorse of a camera that, in the everyday run of things should never let you down. Impeccably smooth in operation with an accurate internal light meter, shutter and winding mechanism that work seamlessly together. Good for the hobbyist or professional, (call it semi-pro), it is useful for any assignment or project using 35mm film. For the purpose of this test, I used it for a mini photo essay on the Colin Cambell carpark at the bottom of town, which is soon to be redeveloped. Although the day changed from sunny conditions to dull, the metering system managed to give an accurate reading across the contrast range that I posed in my subject matter. I used a standard 50mm lens with the camera and together got the sort of results that I look for in a camera/lens combination in terms of contrast and relative sharpness. Originally, the camera came equipped with a non-descript 45mm lens, but combine it with a good 50 or 35mm and you will get a jewel of a camera.
The focus screen is great and sure, making focus acquisition positive and easy, and the only down side, as far as I can see is if you are a left eye shooter; the winder needs to be out for the meter to work and gets in the way slightly. Right eye shooters will find focusing and winding on both rapid and accurate.
The FM3a is a great photographic tool; so who, exactly, is it for? Definitely the discerning photographer who wants reliability and accuracy. It is a great walkabout 35mm film camera and perfect for documentary work and reportage. It will give you 39 frames for every roll of film, which is good and it is almost effortless to use. And, this is the thing about this camera, it allows you to use it and get what you want out of it, assuming that you know what you want. Any mistakes will, in all likelihood, be down to the user in terms of subject, framing or lighting. Not every photograph you take is good, let alone great, but the one thing you don’t want to do when aiming to be a better photographer, (aren’t we all), is to have to fiddle about with the technicalities of the camera we are using. This camera, while definitely not basic, is nevertheless, easy to use and, as such, can help in the process of becoming a better photographer. This is a camera for when it is not all about the gear, but when it is about getting the right gear.
By Richard de Bulat
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