Nikon FM3A Instruction Manual
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Nikon FM3A Instruction Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Summary of Contents for Nikon FM3A

  • Page 1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Getting Started

    Thank you for purchasing this Nikon FM3 camera. Please read this instruction manual carefully for complete details on getting the most from your Nikon FM3 Your new Nikon FM3 features a Manual Exposure mode for total control of exposure, as well as a semi-automatic Aperture-Priority Exposure mode.

  • Page 3: Notice

    Take a few test shots before shooting important events like weddings or graduations. Have Nikon spot-check your camera regularly Nikon recommends that you have your camera serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Prior to Use Getting Started ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Symbols used in this manual ----------------------------------------------------- 2 Notice ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Camera Parts (Body, Viewfinder indications) --------------------------------- 6 Basic Operations for Shooting --------------------------------------- 9 Installing Batteries ----------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Checking the Battery Power ---------------------------------------------------- 11 Attaching/Detaching a Lens ----------------------------------------------------- 12 Loading Film ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 Setting the Film Speed (DX-Coded Film) ------------------------------------ 15...
  • Page 5 Controls in Detail ------------------------------------------------------- 23 Shutter-Speed Dial ---------------------------------------------------------------- 24 Film-Advance Lever --------------------------------------------------------------- 25 Manual Film-Speed Setting ----------------------------------------------------- 26 Exposure-Compensation Indicator -------------------------------------------- 27 Frame Counter --------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 Depth of Field Preview Lever --------------------------------------------------- 29 Film-Plane Indicator --------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Accessory Shoe and Sync-Cord Terminal ----------------------------------- 30 Steps of Advanced Photography ---------------------------------- 31 Flash Photography ---------------------------------------------------------------- 32 AE-Lock Photography ------------------------------------------------------------ 36...

  • Page 6: Camera Parts (Body, Viewfinder Indications)

    Camera Parts Body Meter-coupling lever Aperture index window Lens mounting index Depth of field preview lever TTL flash-compensation p.29 button p.33 Self-timer lever p.37 Lens-release button Shutter-release button p.12 p.16 Sync-cord terminal Frame counter p.30 p.29 Neckstrap eyelet Film-rewind crank p.22 Multiple-exposure Film-rewind knob...
  • Page 7 Film confirmation window Film anti-curl roller Film-takeup spool p.13 AE-lock button p.36 Film guide rails Shutter curtains p.13 Viewfinder Eyepiece Film-pressure plate Camera back Motor-drive coupling Motor-drive shutter coupling Film-rewind button p.22 Data Back contacts Film sprockets p.13 Socket for tripod/motor drive Battery chamber lid p.10 Film guide pin...

  • Page 8: Viewfinder Indications

    Camera Parts (Continued) Viewfinder indications 7 Exposure compensa- 6 Ready 5 Aperture 8 12mm-diameter tion indicator (red) light (red) indication reference circle 1 Overexposure alert zone (red) 2 Shutter-speed indicator (blue) 3 Exposure-meter indicator (black) Shutter speed display 4 Underexposure alert zone (red) 4 Overexposure/underexposure alert zone the needle will not move.

  • Page 9: Basic Operations For Shooting

    Basic Operations for Shooting • In aperture-priority auto exposure shooting, select the aper- ture setting appropriate to your desired result. ( p.18) Full aperture settings Intermediate aperture Narrow aperture settings settings For an out-of-focus For a distant view that For sharp focus of both background or requires precedence of foreground and...

  • Page 10: Installing Batteries

    Installing Batteries Tips Three types of batteries can be used with this camera. 1) One 3V lithium battery (CR-1/3N type) 2) Two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type) 3) Two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type) ... Use new batteries of the same type when you use two batteries. Remove the battery chamber lid.

  • Page 11: Checking The Battery Power

    Checking the Battery Power Check the battery power after installing a new battery (or new batteries) before starting shootings. Pull out the film-advance lever and lightly press the shutter- release button Check that the exposure-meter needle moves in the viewfinder..

  • Page 12: Attaching/Detaching A Lens

    Attaching/Detaching a Lens Attaching a lens Align the mounting index on the lens with the mounting index of the camera body. Insert and twist the lens counter- clockwise (as shown by the arrow)..Twist the lens slowly until it clicks into place. Detaching the lens ...

  • Page 13: Loading Film

    Loading Film Tips When you use DX-coded film, the camera automatically detects the film speed and makes the appropriate setting. Open the camera back. Insert a roll of film and push the rewind knob back down..When you lift the film-rewind knob, the cam- era back will open.
  • Page 14 Loading Film (Continued) Advance the film on the film- takeup spool. Check the position of the film. 200001 ... To advance the film on the film-takeup spool, pull out the film-advance lever to the standoff ... Make sure that the film sprocket holes are per- position and wind it slowly.

  • Page 15: Setting The Film Speed (Dx-Coded Film)

    Setting the Film Speed (DX-Coded Film) Tips When using DX-coded film, set the film-speed index to . When using non-DX- coded film, set the film speed manually. See page 26..When the film-speed index is set to , the film speed is automatically set (ISO 25 to 5000).

  • Page 16: Holding The Camera (How To Press The Shutter-Release Button)

    Holding the Camera (How to press the shutter-release button) How to hold the camera Grip the camera in your right hand and look through the viewfinder. Keep your left elbow propped against your body to keep the camera steady. To hold horizontally To hold vertically How to press the shutter-release button The shutter-release button of this camera has a 2-step mechanism.

  • Page 17: Focusing

    Focusing Focusing ring Microprism collar 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 00 50 0 25 0 Split-image rangefinder Matte field Look through the viewfinder and put the subject in focus by rotating the focusing ring of the lens. Tips •...

  • Page 18: Shooting

    Shooting: Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode Tips • The aperture setting lets you adjust the exposure and control the depth of field..If the subject of your picture extends into the distance and/or you want the entire subject to be sharp, choose a narrow aperture setting. If you want an out-of- focus background and/or foreground, select a wide aperture i.
  • Page 19 Lightly press the shutter-release button. Slowly depress the shutter- release button all the way..Check the shutter speed, observing the ex- posure-meter indication in the viewfinder..If the exposure meter indication is between 1/60 and 1/4000 second, squeeze to press the shutter-release button all the way.

  • Page 20: Manual Exposure Mode

    Shooting: Manual Exposure Mode Tips • In this mode, you can manually select both the shutter speed and the aperture setting as desired. • By changing the combination of shutter speed and aperture setting, you can change the photo effect without changing the exposure. •...
  • Page 21 Align the shutter-speed indicator and the exposure-meter indicator. Slowly press the shutter-release button all the way. 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 10 00 50 0 25 0 2 5 0...

  • Page 22: Rewinding The Film

    Rewinding the Film When the end of the roll of film is reached, the film-advance lever will not advance further. Rewind the film. Return the film-advance lever to its folded position. Press the film-rewind button..Just press the button once. You don’t have to hold it pressed.

  • Page 23: Controls In Detail

    Controls in Detail To use the camera skillfully, you need to understand its functions and features. Shutter-Speed Dial ............. p. 24 Film-Advance Lever ............p. 25 Manual Film-Speed Setting ..........p. 26 Exposure-Compensation Indicator ........p. 27 Frame Counter ..............p. 29 Depth of Field Preview Lever ..........

  • Page 24: Shutter-Speed Dial

    Shutter-Speed Dial • Depending on the conditions and your intention of shooting, align the shutter- speed index to the figures or marks on the shutter-speed dial. You may choose from among the following shooting modes: A (Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure mode) Once you make the aperture setting, the camera automatically selects the appropriate shut- ter speed (stepless control).

  • Page 25: Film-Advance Lever

    Film-Advance Lever • The film-advance lever also provides a lock function for the shutter-release button. Standoff position Tips Power on/off: ... When you pull the film-advance lever to the standoff position and lightly press the shutter-release button, the exposure-meter turns on and the exposure in- dication appears in the viewfinder.

  • Page 26: Manual Film-Speed Setting

    Manual Film-Speed Setting Tips Set the film speed manually in the following cases: 1) When using non-DX-coded film. 2) To intentionally change the light sensitivity of DX-coded film in order to obtain special effects when developing..The film speed can be set manually in the range of ISO 12 to 6400. Setting the film speed •...

  • Page 27: Exposure-Compensation Indicator

    Exposure-Compensation Indicator If there is an extreme difference in brightness between the main subject and the background (e.g., a person surrounded by heavy shadows), it may be difficult to get the correct exposure. In this case, or when you want to achieve a certain effect, exposure compensation is recommended.
  • Page 28 Exposure-Compensation Indicator (Continued) Exposure compensation using the exposure-compensation indicator It is possible to adjust ±2 EV in units of 1/3 EV. While holding down the expo- sure-compensation lock release button , rotate the film-speed setting ring Set the compensation index to the desired compensation value.

  • Page 29: Frame Counter

    Frame Counter When opening/closing the camera back Second blank exposure First shot 20th shot ... The frame counter has indications of S, 1, 2, 4, 6, etc., up to 36 in even numbers. Frames of odd numbers are indicated by dots between the even numbers..

  • Page 30: Film-Plane Indicator

    ... The exact distance from the lens-mounting flange to the film plane is 46.5mm. Accessory Shoe and Sync-Cord Terminal Accessory Shoe • A Nikon cordless-type speedlight can only be connected by attaching it to the accessory shoe. • This accessory shoe is equipped with a safety lock mechanism (a lock hole) to prevent slippage.

  • Page 31: Steps Of Advanced Photography

    However, we hope you will also learn more ad- vanced photographic techniques to take full advan- tage of the wonderful capabilities of your Nikon camera. Flash Photography ............. p. 32 AE-Lock Photography ............

  • Page 32: Flash Photography

    Flash Photography Flash photography is not only useful when shooting in a dark place. Even in daylight shooting, it is sometimes useful to use the flash for supplementary lighting to increase the shooting range, such as when the subject is too dark because of rear lighting or a bright background.
  • Page 33 TTL flash With the TTL flash system, the camera measures the flash of a speedlight reflected from the subject to obtain the proper level of flash illumination. TTL flash-exposure compensation Example: After compensation Example: Before compensation In flash photography when the main subject is far away or near the edge of the viewfinder frame, overexposure may occur, as the reflected light may be insufficient.
  • Page 34 1/250 second..When you use a Medical lens, set it to 1/125 second or lower. The following example shows the Nikon SB-27 Speedlight attached to the camera. For details, refer to the manual for your speedlight.
  • Page 35 • NEVER use a flash attachment from another manufacturer. The full performance of this camera can only be obtained with Nikon brand accessories. Other brands may apply a voltage of ISO 24V or higher to the camera’s “X” contacts, or otherwise short-circuit the accessory-shoe contacts, resulting in damage to the circuits in the camera.

  • Page 36: Ae-Lock Photography

    AE-Lock Photography Tips • AE-lock photography is possible in Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure mode. You cannot use it in Manual Exposure mode. • Since the composition of a shot can be changed with the EV temporarily stored in memory, AE-lock photography of a subject of normal (intermediate) brightness proves to be highly effective when back lighting is present that makes it difficult to specify the exposure, or when subjects of high and low reflectance are intermingled in the viewfinder.

  • Page 37: Self-Timer Photography

    Self-Timer Photography Tips The self-timer is useful when you want to include yourself in a group shot or to prevent camera shake..The maximum count-down time of the self-timer is approx. 10 seconds. Pull the self-timer lever in the direction of the arrow.

  • Page 38: Multiple-Exposure Photography

    Multiple-Exposure Photography Tips • Exposing a single frame more than once to overlap multiple images is called mul- tiple-exposure photography. • If images are to be overlapped in the background, exposure compensation is re- quired, depending on the number of exposures in multiple-exposure photography. (When images do not overlap, no compensation is necessary.) Number of exposures 8 or 9...

  • Page 39: Additional Information

    Additional Information Keeping this information in mind may help you avoid problems. In particular, do not forget to read “Tips on Han- dling the Camera and Batteries” on page 48.

  • Page 40: Shutter Speed And Aperture Setting

    Shutter Speed and Aperture Setting The shutter-speed setting specifies the length of time the film will be exposed by opening and closing of the shutter curtains, while the aperture setting determines the amount of light that passes through the lens. The combined value of these settings is called EV (Exposure Value).

  • Page 41: Depth Of Field

    Depth of Field 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.

  • Page 42: Lens Compatibility

    Lens Compatibility Any of the following lenses can be used with this camera. Exposure mode Aperture-priority Manual Remarks auto Lens CPU lens • D-type AF yes* yes* • Non-D-type AF • Ai-P • PC Micro 85mm f/2.8D Non CPU lens •...
  • Page 43 Note that the following lenses and accessories cannot be attached to this camera. (If you try to forcibly attach them, the camera and/or lens may be damaged.) • Non-Ai-type lenses • TC-16A Teleconverter • Lenses used with the AU-1 Focusing Unit (400mm f/4.5, 600mm f/5.6, 800mm f/8, and 1200mm f/11) •...

  • Page 44: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories Lenses 45mm f/2.8P Lens • Top quality and unique design with metallic silver or black appear- ance is an ideal combination with the FM3 camera. • Lightweight and superthin lens of 17mm (0.7 in.) total length, opti- mum as a regular-use lens. •...
  • Page 45 Filters • Nikon filters are divided into three types: screw-on, drop-in and rear-interchange. With the FM3 , the filter factor need not be considered except with the R60 filter. Compen- sate exposure +1 EV when using the R60. • For a filter to protect the lens, use of an L37C or NC filter is recommended.

  • Page 46: Changing The Focusing Screen

    Changing the Focusing Screen Tips • Different types of focusing screens can be used with this camera. The K3-type Clear Matte screen IIa comes with the camera as a standard accessory. • Two types of screen are available for replacement as options: B3 type and E3 type. Select the one that matches your particular requirements.
  • Page 47 Tips How to distinguish the applicable types. K3 type, B3 type, E3 type K2 type, B2 type, E2 type (for New FM2 and FE2) Type Name/style Features Split-image rangefinder/ Suitable for general photography. It has a microprism microprism system collar around the central split-image rangefinder spot. With a PC lenses or lenses having a maximum aperture less than f/4.5, the split-image rangefinder or microprism collar is dim.

  • Page 48: Tips On Handling The Camera And Batteries

    Tips on Handling the Camera and Batteries Camera Care Do NOT use thinner, benzene or other or- ganic solvents to clean the camera. WARNING 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.
  • Page 49 • Remove the battery (batteries) and store the camera with a desiccant. If you do not intend to use the camera for a long time, store it after removing the battery (batteries) to protect the camera from battery leakage. When storing the camera, it is recommended to store it with a desiccant in a plastic •...

  • Page 50: Glossary

    Glossary AE lock A function to temporarily store the exposure setting determined by the camera in memory. After measuring the light on a specific portion of the subject (face, etc.) or another object, you can change the angle as desired, maintaining the exposure setting (AE lock is activated with the AE button).
  • Page 51 EV stands for Exposure Value, which indicates the exposure settings, For example: using ISO 100 film with a shutter speed of one second and an aperture setting of f/1.0, the EV is defined as 0 (EV 0). This value increases by one each time the aperture is stopped down or the shutter speed is increased by one unit.
  • Page 52 Glossary (Continued) Full-aperture metering One of the light-metering systems of a camera with a built-in TTL exposure meter. After you make the aperture setting, the camera determines the correct shutter speed by meas- uring the light with full aperture. As the aperture is kept fully open, the view in the view- finder is bright, enabling easy focusing.
  • Page 53 An abbreviation of “Through the Lens,” which represents a system to determine the brightness of the subject by metering the light through the lens with the built-in expo- sure meter of the camera. TTL flash A function to obtain the correct exposure for the main subject by firing the flash regardless of the ambient light.

  • Page 54: Specifications

    12, and that to the – side not possible with ISO 6400) 36mm Auto exposure lock Lens mount Enabled by pressing the AE lock button Nikon F mount Film advance Shutter Lever provided, 30-degree standoff angle and 135- Vertical-travel, metal focal-plane shutter...
  • Page 55 Ready light Optional exclusive or common accesso- ries Lights when the flash is fully charged with SB-28, SB-27, etc.; blinks for full-output warning or shut- MD-12 Motor Drive ter-speed settings from 1/500 to 1/4000 sec. SB-27 Speedlight and equivalents MF-16 Data Back Camera back CF-27S / CF-28S / CF-29S Camera Case Detachable hinged back;...
  • Page 56 No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. NIKON CORPORATION FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN...

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