Nikon FM3A Instruction Manual page 47

Tips
How to distinguish the applicable types.
K3 type, B3 type, E3 type
Type Name/style
Split-image rangefinder/
microprism system
K3
Matte system
B3
Etched system with horizontal
and vertical lines
E3
... K2, B2 and E2 types for the FE2 or New FM2 can be used with this camera without exposure
compensation. K3, B3, and E3 type for this camera can be used with an FE2 or New FM2 camera,
no compensation is required.
K2 type, B2 type, E2 type
(for New FM2 and FE2)
Suitable for general photography. It has a microprism
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. In this case, focus on the surrounding matte
area.
Works well for general photography, close-up photog-
raphy, and duplication work. Especially useful for
people who prefer to focus on the matte focusing spot
at the center of the screen, or when it is inconvenient to
use the split-image rangefinder for focusing, as is the
case with telephoto lenses.
Extremely useful in pictorial composition. It consists of
a B3-type matte field with etched horizontal and verti-
cal lines. Also useful with PC lenses.
Features
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