Best Nikon for Leica fans (Nikon FM3a)

I think I’ve found the best Nikon camera for Leica fans. Today I introduce you to the Nikon FM3a 35mm film camera. Possibly the best Nikon SLR camera ever made and the Nikon equivalent to the Leica MP or Leica M-A. That being, everything Nikon had learnt from all previous cameras dating back to 1959 packed into a “grand finale” 35mm film camera.

When was the Nikon FM3a released?

The Nikon FM3a was released in July 2001 and was one of the last 35mm film cameras Nikon released before the digital era took over. This camera was a culmination of everything Nikon has learnt from all previous models and was deemed the ultimate Nikon SLR camera. Sadly the timing of the FM3a release was too late as photographers were starting to transition over to digital and the production run was short.

Why Leica fans love the Nikon FM3a

As a Leica enthusiast, I feel it is fair to say that Leica users appreciate cameras that are well made with an easy to use design and small form factor. I know multiple Leica users that also own the Nikon FM3a as it’s just such a good camera. Let’s cover some of the similarities and differences, Leica vs Nikon.

Nikon FM3a vs Leica MP similarities

When the Nikon FM3a was released, like the Leica the MP, it was aimed to be a culmination of everything great from previous iterations all jammed in one camera. The Leica MP is often thought of a “Mechanical Perfection” (although I prefer the very similar but even more stripped back and perfect Leica M-A) and with the Nikon FM3a, users wanted Nikon to make a film camera “like they used to” (with the Nikon FM/FE2 etc).

Comparing Nikon FM3a vs Leica MP

• Both are 35mm film cameras
• Brass made top & bottom (cover)
• Available in black or silver chrome
• Brassing patina effect from use (especially black cameras)
• Built-in light meter
• Batteries are only needed for the light meter
• Hotshoe to fire flash
• Operates in full manual mode without battery
• Nikon FM3a launch targeted Leica-level market
• Manual focusing only
• Manual film rewind
• Motor drive option (Not for all Leica M cameras*)
• TTL flash (Not on all Leica M cameras*)
• Viewfinder diopters available (fixed and variable)

Differences Nikon FM3a vs Leica MP

If we first compare some of the basic differences between the two cameras and then we can look at benefits of the Nikon FM3a –

• Black enamel paint vs black chrome finish for Leica
• Nikon SLR (single lens reflex) vs Leica rangefinder camera
• Nikon F mount lenses vs Leica M mount lenses
• Vertical metal shutter vs horizontal cloth Leica shutter

Benefits of Nikon FM3a over Leica film cameras

As much as I love my Leica film cameras, sometimes I want the additional features offered by the Nikon FM3a. Common features include a faster shutter speed when using fast aperture lenses at wider apertures in bright conditions. (The Leica 1/1000 max shutter speed often isn’t enough but you can use ND filters on your Leica lens in this instance).

For me, the biggest practical reason to use the Nikon FM3a over say my Leica M4-P is the very limited flash sync speed of 1/50 on all Leica M film cameras. Not helpful for off camera flash strobist work. Benefits of the Nikon FM3a are similar to those from other Nikon FE/FM models and include –

• 1/4000 maximum mechanical shutter (vs 1/1000)
• 1/250 maximum flash sync speed (vs 1/50)
• Aperture-priority auto (A) mode + manual (M) mode
• Fast film loading via “back door” design
• Film preview window (check what’s loaded) vs not
• Self-timer (not on all Leica M cameras)
• Double-exposure option (not on Leica M)
• Depth of field preview (vs not with rangefinder)
• PC sync port for flash cable (vs not on M)

More Nikon FM3a specs

If you are looking to buy a Nikon FM3a here are more features to consider –

• Fixed viewfinder (unlike Nikon F3 finder which can be changed)
• 93% viewfinder coverage
• 0.83x viewfinder magnification (diopters are also available)
• Nikon K3 focus screen (split prism + microprism)

When was the Nikon FM3a discontinued?

The Nikon FM3a had a short production run and was discontinued in January 2006 due to the pressures of digital photography. The Nikon F6 was the last Nikon 35mm film camera made but production finally ended in October 2020 after 16 years.

Does the Nikon FM3a require batteries?

Yes and no. The Nikon FM3a requires batteries for the light meter but the camera is still fully useable without batteries (even to the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000). The Nikon FM3a battery requirement is one 3V CR1/3N lithium battery or two of the small 1.5V LR44 alkaline coin batteries (similar to other Nikon SLR cameras and many film cameras).

Do Nikon FM3a cameras have autofocus?

No, Nikon FM3a cameras don’t offer autofocus option that is found on film cameras such as the Nikon F4 or Nikon F5 (+ Nikon F80, Nikon F100 (see video) and Nikon F6). The Nikon FM3a was a camera designed for professionals that didn’t want autofocus. The benefits of no autofocus means less batteries are required (4x AA in Nikon F4, 8x AA in Nikon F5) giving us a smaller lighter camera.

Why did I buy another Nikon SLR camera?

My favourite 35mm Nikon SLR film camera to date was the Nikon FE2. It’s the little things when it comes to cameras that are important to me and I much prefer the needle dial light meter display of the Nikon FE2 vs Nikon FM2 which uses red LED instead. The reason for buying the more expensive Nikon FM3a was to future proof my Nikon SLR film camera setup.

Electronics failing

You hear stories of the electronics failing the earlier Nikon FE2 and Nikon FE cameras. Both of these cameras are very similar to the Nikon FM3a at first glance (both in form and many of the functions) but the FM3a has the HUGE benefit of being able to work without batteries. You might say, why not buy the Nikon FM2 (or Nikon FM2n) (which I did) to avoid the potential issue of failing electronics. The problem for me was I much preferred the light meter display of the FE2 and FE cameras.

FM3a = Nikon FE2 + Nikon FM2 combined

If a Nikon FE2 and a Nikon FM2 had a baby together it would be the Nikon FM3a. The FM3a takes the “no batteries required” feature found in the Nikon FM series cameras and the “needle display light meter” from the FE series cameras. It then adds more refined features and voila we have the final iteration, the Nikon FM3a.

Nikon FM3a vs Nikon FE2 / FE

It was thanks to my brilliant Nikon FE2 that I finally bought the Nikon FM3a. I absolutely love the very functional light meter needle display of the Nikon FE2 (also found in the Nikon FE and Nikon FG-20 (see video) of cameras that I use). If we compare the Nikon FE2 vs Nikon FM3a –

• Both cameras look near identical at a glance
• Features on Nikon FM3a + FE2 are very similar
• Both cameras available in black or silver chrome

Differences between Nikon FM3a and Nikon FE2

• Nikon FE2 requires batteries (except 1/250 manual speed)
• FE2 gives slow shutter speeds 1sec-8sec (not on FM3a dial)
• FM3a has film preview window on back door (FE2 doesn’t)
• Nikon FE2 is slightly lighter – 570g vs 590g (19oz vs 20oz)
• FM3a has the brighter Nikon K3 focus screen
• Nikon FM3a meter works immediately (not only after frame 1)
• FM3a is much newer (FE2 made 1983-1987 vs 2006-2020)

Correction diopter for Nikon FM / FE

Does a Nikon FM3a have a built-in adjustable viewfinder diopter (say like the Leica R6?) No.

Out the box the Nikon FM3a has no viewfinder diopter for the eyepiece so if you wear glasses like me you’ll want to purchase a Nikon correction diopter. I’m short sighted so I rely on diopters to be able to focus on objects beyond 1m. Nikon makes a screw in +/- correction diopters for the Nikon FM3a which also fits the Nikon FA, FE, FM, FE2 (etc).

Nikon FM3a vs Nikon FM2 / FM

My first SLR film camera was a Nikon FM and it hasn’t missed a beat since I bought it. I later bought the Nikon FM2 also which has the benefit of a built-in light meter. As with the Nikon FM3a vs Nikon FE2, both cameras offer many similar features and look the same at a glance. Both cameras are functional without a battery which is nice (excluding the light meter operation).

Differences between the Nikon FM3a vs Nikon FM2

• Nikon FM2 is lighter (540g vs 590g) with FM2/T being the lightest at 515g
• FM2 has the red LED ( + 0 – ) display not the analogue style needle display
• For shooting at night the FM2 LED meter display is better to see
• Nikon FM3a offers aperture priority mode (auto)(like the FE2)

Best Nikon film camera? Nikon FM3a vs Nikon F3

When you ask Nikon film camera fans what is the best Nikon film camera ever, the answer is often split between either the Nikon F3 or the Nikon FM3a. As I own both cameras I can tell you why each probably has such a huge fan base.

Reasons to buy Nikon FM3a vs F3

• FM3a has simple needle display lightmeter vs Nikon F3 little LCD display
• Nikon FM3a offers 1/4000 max shutter speed vs 1/2000 for F3
• 1/250 max flash sync speed from FM3a vs only 1/80 for F3
• FM3a standard hotshoe vs Nikon F3 needs a special adapter for flash
• Smaller and lighter – Nikon FM3a: 590g vs Nikon F3: 715g
• FM3a has film preview window in back door (F3 not)

Reasons to buy Nikon F3 vs FM3a

• 100% viewfinder coverage (vs. 93% on FM3a)
• Interchangeable viewfinder options like DW-4 (vs. fixed)
• Better for glasses wearers (with HP finder)
• Cheaper price and widely available
• LCD lightmeter more visible in the dark vs needle display
• Nikon MD4 motor drive said to be better than MD12

Personally I love the Nikon F3 for the waist level viewfinder experience but I pick up the Nikon FM3a for a smaller lighter setup and for flash with models.

Nikon FM3a motor drive (MD-12)

If you want a motor drive for your Nikon FM3a you can fit the Nikon MD-12 motor drive. The MD-12 unit will auto advance your film after each shot but does not give you auto rewind at the end of your film. (Cameras like the Nikon F4 and Nikon F5 offer auto advance, auto rewind and autofocus). Motor drives are great if you like to work quickly such as in the studio for a photoshoot.

I use the MD12 motor drive on the Nikon FM3a if I want to shoot one-handed and say use a reflector or flash in my other hand. Drawbacks to a motor drive is added weight and size and you will need 8x AA batteries. Advantages to using a motor drive is the improved ergonomics as you get the added hand grip which I like. The Nikon MD-12 motor drive simply screws on and off your camera baseplate so it’s easy to remove when not required.

10 reasons to buy a Nikon SLR

1. Fantastic value and features for the money
2. Very well built and rarely need a service
3. 1/4000 maximum shutter speed
4. 1/250 flash sync speed
5. Access to all the amazing Nikon F lenses
6. Ability to focus closer easier with SLR camera
7. Quite compact for an SLR camera body
8. Self-timer and double-exposure modes
9. A very modern camera in film camera terms
10. The best Nikon SLR for build and features,

Comparison: Nikon FM FE FM2 FE2 FM3a

If you want to see the similarities and differences between the various Nikon FM FE FM2 FE2 FM3a see this article which includes a YouTube video.

Is the FM3a weather sealed?

No the Nikon FM3a is not weather sealed but these cameras feel very robust and I’ve used them in rain and snow without issue. (The Nikon F3 is said to be slightly more weather resilient as the FM3a like FE2 etc has the threaded shutter release button which might allow for water ingress but you can just use a shutter release button to cover it).

Nikon FM3a portraits

As a model photographer most of my sample photos are Nikon FM3a portraits. Here are some examples –

How to get into model photography

If you’d love to get into model photography or just take better portraits, check out my eBook for everything you need. Over a decade of learning laid out as a simple yet comprehensive step by step guide.

Developing film, scanning, printing

I currently develop my black and white film with Kodak Xtol 1:3 dilution and digitise the negatives using the Valoi Easy35 scanner attached to my Leica CL camera (this video). To invert the film negatives I use my MrLeica presets “Film Scan Preset Pack” and adjust as needed. I converted my only bathroom as a darkroom so I can print negatives but I struggle to make time (this video).

Leica SLR vs Nikon SLR

Have you ever wondered if Leica SLR cameras (Leica R cameras) are better than Nikon SLR cameras such as the Nikon FM3a? As a Leica fan I was keen to find out so I did a shoot out, Leica R6 vs Nikon FE2. Check out this video for the results!

Best lens for the Nikon FM3a?

The Nikon FM3a was often sold with the Nikkor 45mm f2.8P pancake lens. I appreciate the compact size of this lens but I chose to buy others instead. The beauty of owning a Nikon F mount camera is you have near endless Nikon F mount lenses available to use.

Nikkor lenses come in all focal lengths and speeds (+ zoom lenses) so something for everyone. If we look at Nikkor lenses, let me give a shout out to some of my favourites.

Top Nikkor lenses?

Nikon have made many high performing Nikkor lenses since the first Nikon F mount camera (the X) in X. Lenses include Pre-AI (Non-AI), AI, AIS, autofocus D series and then modern Nikkor G series lenses. You can enjoy all lenses fully except the G series lenses as these don’t have a manual aperture ring. Some of my favourites Nikkor lenses that I own include –

• Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS – See 28mm shootout results
• Nikkor 50mm f1.2 AIS
• Nikkor 55mm f2.8 Micro AIS – See shootout results
• Nikkor 60mm f2.8 Micro AF D
• Nikkor 135mm f2.8 Pre-AI
• Nikkor 180mm f2.8 AF D (ED) – Watch this video
• Nikkor 200mm f2 AIS

Most used lens on my Nikon F cameras?

Of all the Nikon F mount lenses that I own I find myself gravitating to the same lenses each time. Of the leases listed above my favourite is the Nikkor 180mm f2.8 ED prime lens as it offers me something very different to my Leica film cameras. With Leica M film cameras (and Leica III cameras) I tend to use mostly small 28mm to 50mm focal lengths.

(My second favourite is the Nikkor 55mm f2.8 Micro AIS – one of the sharpest lenses I own in any lens mount. (I use this lens currently to scan my film negatives). The other lenses I use the most with Nikon SLR cameras are all Voigtlander SL lenses)(below).

The Nikkor 180mm f2.8 AF D lens is bigger but it gives me fantastic compression in my images. Optically it must be up there with one of the best Nikkor lenses ever made and it’s sharp from wide open at f2.8. Here are a few examples photos using Nikon film cameras.

Does Voigtlander make lenses for Nikon?

Leica fans will likely know the brand Cosina Voigtlander for both their M mount lenses and the various Voigtlander Bessa cameras. Does Voigtlander make lenses for Nikon F mount cameras too? The answer is yes. When I first discovered this it made my week as Voigtlander make some of my favourite lenses for Leica cameras.

Voigtlander lenses for Nikon are called Voigtlander SL lenses. I believe they were first made in the early 2000s and then new lenses started to be released in the 2020s. Optically the older and new lenses are quite similar from my experience and some of these lenses are extremely compact.

Best Voigtlander lenses for Nikon

Voigtlander don’t really make bad lenses for Nikon cameras so let me list all the Voigtlander lenses I use with my Nikon FM3a –

• Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f3.5 pancake
• Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 pancake
• Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f2 pancake
• Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4
• Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 90mm f2.8

YouTube videos covering Voigtlander lenses for Nikon

I’ve not done individual reviews for each of the mentioned lenses but instead made this video covering the current line-up of Voigtlander lenses for Nikon. (They also make the Voigtlander Nokton 55mm f1.2 SL-IIS).

Best portrait lens for the Nikon F cameras?

As a model photographer and someone that teaches model photography workshops, my favourite portrait lens for the Nikon FM3a is my Voigtlander 90mm f2.8 APO. Optically, it is the same as the Leica M mount version of this lens which I also use (see this video).

Being an APO lens it is sharp wide open and when used on film you get the perfect balance of sharp yet soft. I enjoy using the Voigtlander 90mm APO lens on my various Nikon F film cameras.

Example photos using the Voigtlander 90mm f2.8 APO lens on other Nikon film cameras –

The Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 can also take fantastic portraits with film but I find the lens easier to miss focus. Here are a few film photos shot with various Nikon film cameras.

Leica R lenses on Nikon

Can you adapt Leica R lenses (SLR lenses for Leica R cameras) to Nikon F mount? There is no space to fit an adapter between the lens and the camera mount but you can change the plate on the back of R lenses. Watch this video to see how I converted my Leica Summicron lens to F mount. (This was my setup for my recent model photography trip in Lanzarote).

Camera bag for Nikon F cameras

What is the best camera bag for your Nikon FM3a? There are lots of options and unless you are using a huge lens. I prefer to use small camera bags such as the Wotancraft 3.5L Pilot bag or Wotancraft Canteener EDC 3.5L. Check out the bag article for more about camera bags.

Nikon FM3a landscape photography

Most of my photography is normally models but I do enjoy landscape photography if I’m in an interesting location. I will add more when I get a chance but here are a few Nikon FM3a landscapes/ cityscapes.

Is the FM3a a good camera for vacation?

When I’m planning a vacation, or more accurately in my case, a photo trip I try to select cameras that tick all my boxes. Does the Nikon FM3a meet my following requirements? Absolutely. Look –

• Reasonably compact? Yes
• Not overly heavy? Yes
• Rugged and can withstand bumps? Yes
• Range of great lenses available? Yes
• Option for slow shutter speeds? Yes
• Self-timer for possible location selfie? Yes
• Built-in lightmeter? Yes
• Camera works without batteries? Yes

Vacation with my Nikon FM3a

After buying the Nikon FM3a in 2024 I visited my parents while they were on holiday in the UK. Dad loved trains and I enjoy them too so we visited the preserved Norfolk poppy line steam railway in Swanage. Here are some sample photos from the trip and see this video for steam train footage. I went on to take the Nikon FM3a to New York when I was there teaching workshops (and other cities too).

Street photography with FM3a

I’ve not yet used the Nikon FM3a for street photography but I have used the Nikon FE2 in the past which is very similar. When I bought the Nikon F3 I really enjoyed the interchangeable waist level finder option for street photography. Here are some street photography images with various Nikon film cameras to show what is possible with the Nikon FM3a.

Nikon FM3a macro photography

The beauty of SLR cameras compared to rangefinders cameras (such as Leica M cameras) is they can do almost anything. If you want to focus closer to your subject you can buy a dedicated macro lens. I highly recommend the affordable Nikkor 55mm f2.8 Micro lens that I use. If you want to then get even closer you can stack extension tubes between your lens and the camera body.

Here is an example photo photographing a 1919 Hamilton railroad pocket watch with the Nikon FM3a on a tripod. It will be nice to get out in nature in the summer with this setup.

Nikon F mount is dying

Since Nikon digital cameras started moving away from the classic Nikon DSLR cameras (Like my old Nikon D800 and D700) less new lenses are being produced in F mount (Nikon DSLR and Nikon SLR all use the same Nikon F mount lenses).

Nikon switched to their new Nikon Z mount lenses for their mirrorless cameras so you now have to use an adapter to mount legacy F mount lenses on your Nikon Zf (for example).

This is bad news for Nikon FM3a users as very few companies are now designing new optics in Nikon F mount. (I guess there are hundreds of legacy lenses to choose from).

Leica M mount vs Nikon F mount

Nikon fans probably think that the Nikon F mount is impressive with lenses dating back to 1959 and the release of the original Nikon F cameras. Most Nikon F mount lenses made since 1959 to the 2000s can be used on a Nikon FM3a without issue.

Leica M lenses date back even earlier than the Nikon F and started in 1954 with the release of the Leica M3. (Actually, Leica M users can also enjoy Leica screw mount lenses (LTM) dating back to the 1930s on their camera via an adaptor, as I do).

In addition to this impressive back catalogue of lenses, new Leica M lenses are still being created today. (You can buy new Nikon F mount lenses too but these are mostly Nikkor G lenses that are less suited to the Nikon FM3a as mentioned). Sadly it’s impossible to adapter Leica M lenses to Nikon F cameras like the FM3a so this gives you a great excuse to own both a Leica and a Nikon!

Nikon FM3a worth it? (the high price)

Firstly, how much does a Nikon FM3a cost? I checked eBay here in the UK and the average price at the time of writing is around £500-600. If you look at the Nikon FE2 which is very similar in many regards, you can pick those up for £200-£300 (average).

So is the Nikon FM3a worth around twice the cost of Nikon FE2 or FM2? For most people I think no. You’d be better getting the older FM2 or FE2 (depending on your light meter preference) and putting the spare cash towards film or a lens.

If you love the idea of a Nikon FE2 but worry like me that it might one day suddenly die, and you want the needle display light meter, and you want a future proof camera (meaning a relatively modern film camera that shouldn’t need servicing any time soon), then yes I think the Nikon FM3a is worth it.

I never expected to buy the FM3a as I can take identical photos with my Nikon FE2, F3 etc but I thought it was worth the investment (and I found one at a good price).

Used prices of Nikon FM3a cameras are around half the cost of a used Leica M3 but if you’ve already got the FM3a and now have your eyes on Leica which model might suit you the best?

What Leica camera should Nikon owners try first?

If you’ve never tried a Leica film camera you will love them assuming you are happy with rangefinder focusing. (If not, look at Leica R cameras but you may as well stay with Nikon SLR cameras).

I prefer the compact size of Leica rangefinder cameras paired with compact lenses to bigger SLR cameras. Leica iii cameras are the smallest and the most affordable. The advantage of Leica M cameras is they give you access to all the latest and greatest Leica M mount lenses.

Best Leica M cameras?

Some of the best made cameras are the Leica M3, Leica M2 and Leica M4. The M3 is my top pick for 50mm fans that don’t wear spectacles. If you enjoy having a built in light meter consider a Leica M6 or the Leica MP. Perhaps you prefer a full analogue experience and shoot “Sunny 16” most of the time? Consider the Leica M-A (no light meter, no battery). The Leica M-A is my current film camera of choice to pair with my Nikon FM3a.

(See my Leica M film camera buyer’s guide article for full info on all M cameras).

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a rugged do-everything compact-ish light-ish SLR camera then I think the Nikon FM3a is worth the investment for the serious enthusiast. If you prefer LED light meters then save lots of money and get the Nikon FM2, FM2/T etc instead.

I’m a sucker for that needle light meter display and it’s my favourite meter from any camera I can think of. My Nikon FM3a doubles as a backup for my Nikon FE2, if it ever dies, and now I carry the FM3a as my main SLR camera.

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Watch on YouTube!

Check out the YouTube video for lots of FM3a example photos not included here –

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