Nikon FM3A SLR Camera - Instruction Manual

Modern Classic SLR Series
Nikon FM3A SLR Camera - Instruction Manual - Part VII

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Depth of Field (More information is available in the PIM site on this specific topic)

When you focus on your subject, you will find that not only is the subject itself in focus but objects in a certain distance range both in front of and behind the subject appear reasonably sharp. This in-focus zone is known as "depth of field." Control of depth of field enables selective blurring of the background elements of a picture or letting the major subject stand out. You can check the background image as the result by pressing the depth-of-field preview lever. The depth of field changes depending on three factors; aperture, focal length lens, and shooting distance. 1)The wider the aperture opening, the shallower the depth of field, and the smaller the aperture opening, the deeper the depth of field.

1) The wider the aperture opening, the shallower the depth of field, and the smaller the aperture opening, the deeper the depth of field.
2) The longer the focal length (such as with a telephoto lens), the shallower the depth of field, and the shorter the focal length (as with a wide-angle lens), the greater the depth of field.
3) The closer the subject is to the lens, the shallower the depth of field, and the farther away the subject is from the lens, the greater the depth of field.

Note: Controlling the depth of field gives your picture its own character.

Light-Metering Methods

Full-Aperture Metering*: This camera employs TTL full-aperture metering to determine the exposure by measuring the brightness of subjects through the lens, using a built-in sensor. With an Ai-type lens attached, full-aperture metering is performed, and you can set the exposure while maintaining full brightness in the viewfinder.

* Full-aperture metering is a light-metering system of a camera with a built-in TTL exposure meter. With this system, the exposure meter of the camera always measures the light with full aperture. With the lens aperture set at full opening, the specified aperture value is mechanically or electrically transferred to the light-metering mechanism to control the light entering through the lens when shooting. On the contrary, metering the light with the actual aperture setting for shooting is called "stop-down metering." This may darken the viewfinder disturbing easy focusing. With a special lens or a certain accessory (such as a bellows attachment), only stop-down metering is valid.

Stop-down metering: This method is used when the meter coupling lever does not operate in synchronization with the lens aperture. In this method, the light is measured after making the aperture setting for actual shooting when a Non-Ai-type lens or close-up ring is used. To use Stop Down Metering, keep depressing the depth of field preview lever while turning the aperture on the lens to get the meter reading. WARNING: DO NOT use this method to meter if your Nikkor lens is an Ai-type and directly mounted on a FM3A as the metering provided will not be accurate.

Optional Accessories

Nikon has, over the years built a mini system around the mid-range FM/FE series SLR models while on the other hand, the cameras can also tab into and take advantage of the huge Nikon 35mm photographic system components. There are quite a few dedicated system accessories which are tailored designed for the FM and FE bodies which you can use them to enhance capabilities of these Nikons. Some of the more prominent ones are listed below:

Interchangeable Focusing Screens

The Nikon FM3A has a very bright focusing screen called Spliprism-image Rangefinder Microprism screen which comes as a standard. There are two optional screen types with equal brightness which you can consider when situations demands for a change.

Each of them has its own strength to enhance a different degree of photographic experience and to facilitate a more comfortable viewing and/or picture composing with the camera/lenses combination.

A | separate section is provided | to guide you how to handle screen changing and some clues on their respective applications and/or how to differentiate them with earlier screen types (K2/B2/E2) which were originally designed for the Nikon FM2(n), FE and Nikon FA.

MD-12 Motor Drive

With the MD-12 motor drive attached to the bottom of the camera body, automatic film advance and continuous shooting at a maximum rate of approx., 3.2 frames per second are enabled. This proves very convenient when shooting fast-moving subjects. Further, many of Nikon 's more sophisticated remote control accessories are also required to work with a Motor Drive. So, it is not just an device solely for the purpose of providing rapid film advance but it has its other widen photographic application. Some of those handy accessory(ies) has been featured on another section with a readily available instruction manual for the MD as well, you may click here to find out more information.

* Alternate 3rd party products: Soligor Power Winder (Please check if usable or not) | Y.I.C Power Winder

SB-27 Speedlight

• A compact, lightweight flash attachment that enables TTL light metering, external automatic light metering, and manual flash firing.

• The mounting position of the light-emission block can be changed to horizontal at the right, vertical, or horizontal at the left, so that you can easily control the shadow of the subject.
•The built-in reflective plate enables you to bounce flash upward or downward.

• The catch-light effect to reflect part of flash on eyes and the diffuser to soften the characteristics of the light allow additional effects for close-up photography.
• The AF SB-28, SB-23, SB-22 and many older manual focus units are also available. Note: Many different types of MF/AF Nikon Flash Units have been introduced over the years, compatibility, performance and functionality may vary when with the Nikon FM3A and it will be address in a separate issue.

MF-16 Data Back

Attaching the MF-16 to this camera, you can superimpose either of year/month/day, day/hour/minute, or the frame number on pictures. The alarm function can be set to sound a buzzer at a specified time. It also operates in synchronization with the MD-12 motor drive when attached.

Camera Case

The CF-27S, CF-28S, and CF-29S semi soft cases are available. The CF-27S case accommodates the camera with a lens smaller than 50 mm f1.4 mounted. The CF-28S is for the camera when mounted with a lens smaller than 50 mm f/1.2 to 105 mm f/2.5. When the MD-12 motor drive is attached to the camera, use the CF-29S. In addition, the CF-28A front cover for a 35-70mm zoom lens is provided.

Filters for B&W and Color Film Since B&W film does not register colors but only different gradations on a "gray" scale, filters are used to improve contrast or to create special effects. When color film is used under conditions different from those specified, strong color casts are likely to result. Photos taken with this type of film in the morning or late afternoon will have a yellow or red tinge. For slide films, filters are usually used to correct such imbalances with both daylight and tungsten film and restore natural color rendition. Other filters can also be used for creative purposes.

Nikon filters are divided into three types: screw-on, drop-in and rear-interchange. With the FM3A, the filter factor need not be considered except with the R60 filter. Compensate exposure + 1 EV when using the R60. For a filter to protect the lens, use of an L37C or NC filter is recommended. You can also sue ND (Neutral Density filter)* to control the light level. Note: Moire may occur when shooting a subject against bright light or if a bright light source is in the frame. In this case, remove the filter before shooting.

* ND filters can flatly decrease the light level without masking out any specific wavelength (color).

Lenses

45 mm F/2.8P Lens (I don't have any information, any original image nor experience pertaining to this new lens, you may feed me if you can). The information provided is very sketchy.

• Lightweight and super-thin lens of 17-mm (0.7 in.) total length, optimum as a regular-use lens.
• Minimum shooting distance of 45 cm (17.7 in.).
• Choice-quality unique design of metallic silver appearance which provides an ideal combination with the FM3A camera.
• CPU-incorporated manual-only operations that can provide all exposure modes (P/ S/A/M) of popular cameras currently on the market.

A wide variety of lenses - 14 mm to 1000 mm wideangle, telephoto, zoom, Micro or DC (Defocus image Control) - is available for the FM3A.

Neck Straps: The leather AN-1(black), the mesh-type AN-4Y (yellow) and AN-4B (black), and the wide AN-6Y (yellow) and AN-6W (wine red) are available.

0thers

AR-3 Cable Release: A screw-in type cable release is available so that you can eliminate camera shake caused by pressing the shutter-release button. This also enables you to lock the shutter-release button in Bulb mode without holding the button pressed with your finger.

DK-3 Eyepiece Attachment: When attached to the camera's eyepiece, it makes the field of vision in the viewfinder clearer, and may reduce eye strain. The DK-3 is made of rubber.

Eyepiece Correction Lens (for Dioptric adjustment):

For nearsighted or farsighted photographers. It can be easily attached just by screwing it onto the camera. Nine models (-5, -4, -3, -2, 0, +0.5, +1, +2, or +3) are available. It is recommended to try them before purchasing, as proper Dioptric greatly differs among individuals.

DB-2 Anti-Cold Battery pack: When you use the DB-2 external power supply for the camera body carried in your pocket, power is stably supplied even when the ambient temperature is low. AA-type NiCd, NiMH and Lithium batteries Cannot be Used for this battery pack. When the DB battery pack is mounted to the camera, tripod cannot be used.

DG-2 Eyepiece Magnifier: Attached to the viewfinder eyepiece, this accessory enlarges the image at the center of the viewfinder to assure ever precise focusing in close-up photography, duplication work and telephotography.

DR-4 Right-Angle Viewing Attachment: Screws onto the viewfinder eyepiece to provide a viewfinder image at a 90 degrees angle to the camera's optical axis, An Adapter Ring DK-13 (optional) is required. I believe the older DR-3 can also be used with the FM3A.

CF27S: FM-3A Ever ready case. Use with wide-angle and standard lenses. Model: imitation leather, black
CF27SA FM-3A Ever ready case. Use with wide-angle and standard lenses. Front part only. Model: imitation leather, black
CF27SH FM-3A Ever ready case. Rear part only. Model: imitation leather, black
CF28SA FM-3A Ever ready case. Front part medium size. Model: imitation leather, black
CF29SA FM-3A Ever ready case. Front part large size. Model: imitation leather, black
CF29SH FM-3A Ever ready case. Rear part only, with motor. Model: imitation leather, black
CS7 Use with FM series with lenses up to 70mm length. Model: imitation leather, black
CS8 Use with F3/FM series with lenses up to 70mm length. Model: imitation leather, black
CS9 Use with F3/FM series with lenses up to 90mm length. Model: imitation leather, black
CS10 Use with F3/FM series with lenses up to 165mm length. Model: imitation leather, black
CS15 Use with F3/FM series with lenses up to 70mm length. Model: imitation leather, black
CS13 Soundproof case for all Nikon cameras Useable with all lenses and all motors. Model: imitation leather, black

Camera Care and Maintenance:

Do NOT use thinner, benzene or other organic solvents to clean the camera. They may damage the camera, cause it to catch fire, or harm your health.
Cleaning the camera First lightly blow off dirt and dust with a blower, then gently wipe the body with a-clean soft cloth. After using the camera near sea water, wipe the body with a soft cloth slightly moistened with tap water to remove salt, then lightly wipe it with a dry cloth.
Cleaning the mirror and lens The mirror and lens are very sensitive. Clean them only by lightly blowing off dust with a blower. If the lens is smeared, such as with fingerprints, gently wipe it with a clean, soft cloth moistened with commercially available lens cleaner.
Do NOT subject the camera or lens to strong shock such as drop the camera and lens or hit them against a hard surface. Such strong shock may damage the camera or badly affect the precisely adjusted parts.
Do NOT touch the shutter curtains. The shutter curtains are made of a very thin material. NEVER hold, push, or strongly blow with a blower. Such actions can crack, deform, or damage the curtains.
Avoid locations where strong radio waves or strong electromagnetic fields are generated. The camera may not operate correctly in a location where a strong radio wave or strong electromagnetic field is generated, such as near a television tower.
Store the camera in a well-ventilated place. To eliminate mold and damage, store the camera in a dry place with sufficient ventilation.
Do NOT leave the camera in a place exposed to chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene, near equipment generating a strong magnetic emission, in an excessively hot place, such as inside a car, or in front of a stove in operation.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. Extreme temperature changes can cause condensation outside and inside the camera. When taking the camera to very hot place from a cold place or vice versa, place it inside an airtight container such as a plastic bag and leave it inside awhile to expose the camera gradually to the temperature change.

| Previous | Back | 8/8 Index Page of Instruction Manual Section of Nikon FM3A

| Other Issues relate to Nikon FM3A |< Index Page >
| Instruction Manual for Nikon FM3A |
Update: found an External link in 2005 - Instruction Manual in PDF Format (2.4MB)
| Technical Specification | Main Reference Map |

Standard production Nikon FM Series models:- Nikon FM | Nikon FM2 | Nikon FM2n | Nikon FM10 | Nikon FM3a |
Known variants:- Nikon FM Gold | Nikon FM2/T | Nikon FM2N Tropical Set | Nikon FM2/T Limited Edition | Nikon FM2N LAPITA | Nion FM2n Millennium 2000

| Message Board | for your favourite Nikon FM Series SLR models
| Message Board | for your Nikon Optics in a shared environment
| Message Board | Specifically for Dispose or Looking for Nikon/Nikkor Photographic Equipment

| Back | Main Index Page of Nikon FM series Bodies

Shared Resources: MD-11 | MD-12 | Focusing Screens | Titanium Shutter | ORIGINAL dedicated Flash Units -SB-16 | SB-15 | SB-10 or other Options | Databack | Nikkor lens mount (related info)

Others:- Nikon AF-TTL Speedlights | SB-20 (1986) | SB-22 (1987) | SB-23 | SB-24 (1988) | SB-25 (1991/2) | SB-26 (1994) | SB-27(1997) | SB-28 (1997) | Nikon SB-29(s) (2000) | Nikon SB-30 (2003) | Nikon SB-600 (2004) | Nikon SB-800 (2003) (updated)
Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight DX-Series: Nikon SB-28DX (1999) | SB-50DX (2001) | SB-80DX (2002) (updated)

Nikon BC-flash Series | Original Nikon Speedlight
SB-2 | SB-3 | SB-4 | SB-5 | SB-6 | SB-7E | SB-8E | SB-9 | SB-E | SB-10
SB-11 | SB-12 | SB-14 | SB-140 UV-IR| SB-15 | SB16A | SB-17 | SB-18, SB-19 | SB-21A (SB-29) Macro flash | Flash Accesories | SF-1 Pilot Lamp

Instruction Manual: Nikon FM (HTML | PDF) | Nikon FM-10 (HTML) | Nikon FM2n's User's Manual available only in HTML format (6 parts) | Nikon FM3A (HTML)
Specifications: Nikon FM, FM-10, FM2, FM2n and FM3A
Main Reference Map: (HTML) Nikon FM, FM2, FM-10, FM2n (Applicable to FM2T, FM2 "Year of the Dog"; Millennium 2000") and FM3A

Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models

Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm 28mm 35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm 105mm 135mm 180mm & 200mm | Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |

Index Page Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm 75~150mm 70~210mm

MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

W A R N I N G: The New G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring on the lens, they CANNOT ADJUST APERTURES with any of these manual focus Nikon FE series SLR camera models; please ignore some portion of the content contained herein this site where it relates.

| Back | Main Index Page of Nikkor Resources
| Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

| Message Board | for your Nikkor optics ("shared" because I do wish some of you to expose to other's perspective as well. Isn't it a sad sate to see photography has to be segmented into different camps from the use of various labels)

about this photographic web site

Home - Photography in Malaysia

Credit: To all the good people who has contributed their own experience, resources or those who are kind enough granting us permission to use their images appeared in this site. Mr. MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites;LarsHolst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; TedWengelaar,Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; HiuraShinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. t is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures, sales manuals or publications published by Nikon over the years and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.