Nikon FM3A User's Manual
Summary
Designed for serious photography enthusiasts who demand total creative control, this camera marries classic mechanical reliability with expert-level features. Featuring 35mm format compatibility and a robust metal alloy build, it offers manual focus and advanced exposure modes, including Aperture Priority Auto and Manual operation with slow sync fill-flash. The included manual provides comprehensive instruction on utilizing its sophisticated controls, vast shutter speed/ISO ranges (1/4000s to Bulb), interchangeable viewfinders, and accurate TTL metering system, making it essential reading for mastering analog capture techniques.
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Hybrid Shutter Control System: Hybrid shutter system providing exposure automation and the use of all shutter speeds even if the batteries fail. In Aperture Priority Auto mode shutter speeds are controlled electronically and in Manual mode all shutter speeds are mechanically timed and requires no battery power.
Personal Control: Manual mode for complete control of both aperture and shutter
35mm SLR
speed along with Aperture Priority Automatic when time is not a luxury.
Crafted for personal control
Light Metering: Classic 60/40 Center Weighted metering. Match needle exposure display makes it easy to gauge over and under exposure
Versatile Exposure Extras: Auto Exposure Lock (AE-L) lets you lock exposure and recompose the shot as you like. Exposure Compensation lets you vary exposure from the metered value from +/- 2EV in 1/3 EV Steps.
Body Construction: Rugged copper, silumin aluminum alloy construction chassis and metal outer body
TTL Flash Metering System: TTL (through-the-lens) flash exposure control with 1/250th sec. sync speed provided when used with compatible Nikon speedlights. Pressing the TTL Flash Compensation button reduces flash output for a balanced fill-flash effect or to avoid overexposure of subjects against a dark or distant background Slow Sync Fill-Flash possible in Manual Exposure Mode
New Brighter Viewfinder: Bright split image rangefinder and matte surface focusing screen for critical manual focus.
Shutter Speed and ISO Range: Super fast 1/4,000 sec. to 1 sec. plus Bulb, in Manual Mode, 1/4,000 sec. to 8 sec. (stepless control) in Aperture Priority Mode ISO 25 to 5000 with DX-coded film; manual: ISO 12 to 6400
Interchangeable Focusing Screens: Bright B3 matte / Fresnel screen for close-up
Also available in black
or long telephoto shooting and E3 grid-line screen for architecture and landscape photography.
Page Summary Contents For Nikon FM3A User's Manual
Manual Details
| Brand | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Pages | 2 |
| File Size | 79.41 KB |
| Published | June 01, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Manual and Aperture Priority Auto mode?
Aperture Priority in A mode controls shutter speeds electronically, while Manual mode mechanically times all shutter speeds and does not require battery power.
What compatible lenses can be used with this SLR?
The camera supports AI, AI-s, AF-D, AF-S, and P lenses, but cannot use IX or G-type Nikkor lenses.
What batteries are acceptable power sources for the FM3A?
You can use one 3V CR-1/3N lithium battery, or two 1.55V SR44 / two 1.5V LR44 alkaline batteries.
How is flash synchronization handled when using external lights?
It features a built-in ISO-type hot-shoe and provides a threaded sync cord terminal for off-camera or multi-flash photography, syncing up to 1/250 sec.