Just got a Nikon FM3a

[PKM-25]

By the way, does anyone know how the shutter works?

You have a fully mechanical shutter that will do step less aperture priority, how did they do that?

[johnnywalker]

I believe it has two shutters: a mechanical and an electronic. Somebody will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong.

[budrichard]

One shutter, two control systems. http://imaging.nikon.com/products/im...3a/index.htm#6 -Dick

[nyoung]

Basic kit - 28/2.8, 105/2.5, and 180/2.8 - if you can afford it. If you can't swing the 180 (they are still the most highly prized Nikon teles other than the 300/2.8) the 200/4 is cheap and very good - the old Nikkor Q models AI converted often trade for under $100.

BTW All of these lenses can be found in AI converted Pre-AI versions. IMHO you lose nothing and sometimes gain in build quality with the older lenses. Plus, they tend to be very cheap

[fatmoon]

Awesome! Enjoy! I have a black one myself and shoot with it regularly. I have an MD-12 mounted to the bottom of it and use it for fast stuff. This is truly one of the best Nikon ever produced. I like it so much more than the FM2ns I have owned over the years. It actually seems more robust IMO. The shutter speed dial is now all metal instead of plastic. Maybe this is why I feel that. For daylight I LOVE the match needle. Its very accurate and although not great in low light, I can use aperture priority or the LED of my F2AS for low light stuff.
All in all the FM3a is a winner! Its such a shame Nikon discontinued this fine camera. Truly the end of an era being the last mechanical shutter film camera Nikon ever made.

[Tom Stanworth]

I love my Ms but hate long lenses on them. I am seriously tempted by a Fm3a or Fm2n for use with an 85mm. They look like wonderfully solid cameras. nice and agricultural just just as I like them!

[kivis]

I love my Ms but hate long lenses on them. I am seriously tempted by a Fm3a or Fm2n for use with an 85mm. They look like wonderfully solid cameras. nice and agricultural just just as I like them!

Came over from Rangefinders because of the FM3a. Just had all that great Nikkor glass.

[rthomas]

All the lens suggestions here are great choices, but I must put in a vote for the 24/2.8 Nikkor.

[S.F. Sorrow]

I received a FM3a new for a birthday present back in '04 (best present ever!) without much prior experience in photography. It is fantastic, I can not imagine a better 35mm camera! If I want automation, I might as well just shoot digital.
I've been mostly shooting an early 70's 50/f1.8 my mother purchased new for college and used little since then and I have more recently gotten a new 24/f2.8 and an early 60's 105/f2.5, both great lenses!

[nicefor88]

50 f1.4 is just great.
Try the 35 f2; Great lens, sharp, little distortion, does everything except coffee (I'm not even sure about that!).