The persistent rumor is geting more real now, Nikon might come out with an FM3A in digital or FM3D. For those who loves manual focus camera, how would a manual focus digital camera appeal to you? I still shoot film and I have a couple of Nikon MF cameras and a seizable inventory of prime manual lens the slowest of which is f/2.8 and the fastest is the 50 1.2 AI I am very excited to see this into reality.

http://i1.tinypic.com/25tj6g1.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/25tj6g1.jpg

better be a full frame sensor under the FM3D to be able to manually focus conveniently :D

FF will be a good idea but i guess it will be costly to increase the size of the sensors. I can settle for a 1.5 crop just like the D2x using MF lenses. In some instances sharpness corner to corner in a 1.5 crop produce better results. As in some reviews of Bjorn where he tested the MF lenses with a D2x and gets higher ratings than used in a film camera. An added advantage for me is to be able to meter in matrix mode if they can do it but not really improtant. Zeiss has just released their 50 1.4 and 85 1.4 MF F-mount lenses and just got some nice reviews in the web. Of course it's a Zeiss and not cheap ......

The persistent rumor is geting more real now, Nikon might come out with an FM3A in digital or FM3D. For those who loves manual focus camera, how would a manual focus digital camera appeal to you? I still shoot film and I have a couple of Nikon MF cameras and a seizable inventory of prime manual lens the slowest of which is f/2.8 and the fastest is the 50 1.2 AI I am very excited to see this into reality.

That's interesting, but what's the point when you can already use manual-focus lenses with the DSLRs on the market today? I mean, that's precisely the reason why the prices of manual-focus lenses are being driven to unreasonably high levels in the used markets around the world these days.

Oh, I see....Nikon :)

The persistent rumor is geting more real now, Nikon might come out with an FM3A in digital or FM3D. For those who loves manual focus camera, how would a manual focus digital camera appeal to you? I still shoot film and I have a couple of Nikon MF cameras and a seizable inventory of prime manual lens the slowest of which is f/2.8 and the fastest is the 50 1.2 AI I am very excited to see this into reality.

I still have a 28mm f2.8 and a 100 series E and some zooms that might work. If the price is right, maybe. Will they have those split prism screens to make it easier to focus?

It seems strange having a manually actuated shutter when the sensor itself needs electricity:Grin:. with film, even if you ran out of batts, you can still fire the shutter. With this one, its going to be strange if you can fire the shutter and not anything record in it because it had no batts! :Dum:

Also, there's the price. If it's going to be too expensive, maybe getting a d80 or d50 would still be better.

Also, with a new local Nikon mg't, if things change, I might consider getting a nikon again.

Too bad, that thread over there is TOO HOT:BlackEye: between Dave and Eric. I wanted to offer my services to Mr. Tan as I know TQM. I'm sure he could my skills in getting quality up with the new company, specially in the service sector. But I don't want to be caught in a crossfire.

Anyway, Gil, keep us posted.

That's interesting, but what's the point when you can already use manual-focus lenses with the DSLRs on the market today? I mean, that's precisely the reason why the prices of manual-focus lenses are being driven to unreasonably high levels in the used markets around the world these days.

Oh, I see....Nikon :)

I agree Paul that you can use MF on some DSLRs like D200 and D2x but with the D70/D80 you can't meter with MF lenses. The reason it's a possibility because all over the world there are still a lot of MF users who are quite adamant to go digital, these are people who uses MF 35mm and rangefinders. Nikon came out with a re-issue of the SP3000 rangefinder priced at $ 2.9K and it's gone as soon as it is out though there were reportedly only a few thousand manufactured. Zeiss Ikon has a new rangefinder model and some new MF lenses this year, Voigtlander continues to produce the Bessa R3a and R2a rangefinders, contax likewise. Some camera mfr. have tried to do this but at a very prohibitive price like the Epson RD-1 and MF look alike bodies like the Panasonic DMC LC1 has attracted MF enthusiasts. Panasonic in the coming Photokina will launch another rangefinder look alike DSLR basically to capture this market. Along this line, Nikon might be able to produce a lower cost one because they can use their MF platforms and digital slr experience and capitalize on this niche market which is estimated to still be in the millions worlwide.

I am a pronger myself and I still use my MFs a lot but I also use my D70 more for events, email sharing and fast shooting requirements. I did use D70 in a recent product shoot so "digital for business and film for the heart" But that is me and maybe does not apeal to a lot of people. Just my .02 cents idea.

http://i4.tinypic.com/26122xd.jpghttp://i4.tinypic.com/26126wk.jpghttp://i5.tinypic.com/26125qa.jpg

Those are my babies......some people are just that fanatic on Nikon MFs; FM2n, Chrome FM3a, Black FM3a, F3HP, SB30 speedlight and Sekonic L558C lightmeter. lenses are; 24 2.8 AIS, 28 2.8 AIS, 35 1.4 AIS, 35 2.0 AIS, 50 1.2 AI, 55 2.8 Micro, 135 2.8 AIS and 200 4.0 AIS

Soon to come a brand new F2 with meterless DE-1 finder from Columbia sale (old stock) and maybe the Nikor 28 2.8 PC lens. Yup think I'm a bit crazy ......

forgot the one on the chrome FM3a is a Nikkor 45 2.8P pancake lens

Those are my babies......some people are just that fanatic on Nikon MFs; FM2n, Chrome FM3a, Black FM3a, F3HP, SB30 speedlight and Sekonic L558C lightmeter. lenses are; 24 2.8 AIS, 28 2.8 AIS, 35 1.4 AIS, 35 2.0 AIS, 50 1.2 AI, 55 2.8 Micro, 135 2.8 AIS and 200 4.0 AIS

Soon to come a brand new F2 with meterless DE-1 finder from Columbia sale (old stock) and maybe the Nikor 28 2.8 PC lens. Yup think I'm a bit crazy ......

:) I don't care what other people may think or say... But hell you can give me that FM3a (Black or Chrome) with a 50mm or that sweet Pancake lens! Yeah Baby! I won't complain! :D

I agree Paul that you can use MF on some DSLRs like D200 and D2x but with the D70/D80 you can't meter with MF lenses. The reason it's a possibility because all over the world there are still a lot of MF users who are quite adamant to go digital, these are people who uses MF 35mm and rangefinders. Nikon came out with a re-issue of the SP3000 rangefinder priced at $ 2.9K and it's gone as soon as it is out though there were reportedly only a few thousand manufactured. Zeiss Ikon has a new rangefinder model and some new MF lenses this year, Voigtlander continues to produce the Bessa R3a and R2a rangefinders, contax likewise. Some camera mfr. have tried to do this but at a very prohibitive price like the Epson RD-1 and MF look alike bodies like the Panasonic DMC LC1 has attracted MF enthusiasts. Panasonic in the coming Photokina will launch another rangefinder look alike DSLR basically to capture this market. Along this line, Nikon might be able to produce a lower cost one because they can use their MF platforms and digital slr experience and capitalize on this niche market which is estimated to still be in the millions worlwide.

I am a pronger myself and I still use my MFs a lot but I also use my D70 more for events, email sharing and fast shooting requirements. I did use D70 in a recent product shoot so "digital for business and film for the heart" But that is me and maybe does not apeal to a lot of people. Just my .02 cents idea.

Hi Gil,

I believe I'm one of those MF (manual-focus) users :). Oh, and I absolutely love rangefinders. Unfortunately, I'm not a Nikon user. What I meant in my previous post is that other DSLRs like the entry level cameras from Canon, Pentax and Olympus can already use manual-focus lenses complete with metering. You can even use Nikkor lenses on a Canon 350D :Shock:. And coming from a manual-focus DSLR user, I find Nikon DSLRs are not that adaptable to manual-focus lenses other than Nikkors. Sure you can use adapters with an optical element to enable inifinity focus, but that would defeat the purpose of using for example, a Distagon, on your DSLR, don't you think? I regularly use lenses in M42 mount, Contax/Yashica mount, OM mount and even Pentacon Six mount (medium-format) and Leica thread mount (a rangefinder lens) on my 350D. I even have a Rollei QBM mount adapter waiting for a lens.

BTW, there is no Nikon SP3000. Nikon reproduced the Nikon S3 in 2000 and the Nikon SP last year in limited production runs. A tribute to the rangefinders they produced in the 50's. Unfortunately, Nikon rangefinder collectors have driven the prices of these cameras (both original and repros) to crazy levels so I don't think I'll be seeing one in my hands any time soon.

Cosina manufactures the new Zeiss Ikon, Epson RD-1 body and Zeiss ZF (F mount), ZS (M42 mount) and ZM (Leica M mount) lenses. The RD-1/RD-1s is a niche market product, hence the high price tag. The Zeiss Ikon lenses are, well, Zeiss, so it's normal for them to have a high price tag.

But what rangefinder users are waiting for is the Leica M8, which is scheduled to be announced this coming Photokina 2006. It's the digital rangefinder they've all been waiting for. Of course, it will come with a Leica price, which is a lot worse than Zeiss :Thinking:. So it won't be for everybody. Me, I think I'll just wait for the Zeiss Ikon Digital to come out, or better yet, a Bessa R2d/R3d. Until then, I'm happy shooting with my 350D and my Flektogons, Sonnars, Takumars, Yashinons, OMs, Pentacons, Yashica ML lenses, etc. And with my (film) rangefinders, too, of course :).

P.S. If I were to get a Nikon SLR, I'd get the FM3A...chrome, of course.

That's nice to hear Paul....yes the FM3a is really a joy to use, that's why i have 2 of them. I really love the rhytmn of using manual cameras; load, expose, focus then shoot. I also tend to be very careful in composing and exposing as you don't have an LCD readout to check. I normally use my lightmeter in spot mode to eliminate guessing in landscape and sunset/sunrise shots. Normally on a day out shooting I would bring the F3HP loaded with fuji reala 100 and the FM3a with B&W Ildford Delta 100 or 400 (very fine grained film). I don't process myself, I just bring it to studio 58 or Wells and give instructions to the developer. Btw, studio 58 has a good technician and very experienced. For blowups I have my selecton drum scanned and printed by them also a bit expensive though. That's 400 per scan but it's worth the price. When I'm lazy I use Kodak CN400 a B&W film that can be developed by any photolab using color chemicals. Another thing the obsolency issue is not applicable in MF cameras as there no new technologies that you need in a manual gear like bigger LCD, higher resolution, etc. There is no pressure for you to upgrade or shall I say tempatation........

:) I don't care what other people may think or say... But hell you can give me that FM3a (Black or Chrome) with a 50mm or that sweet Pancake lens! Yeah Baby! I won't complain! :D

Earl you have to pry my fingers off to take it off from my dead body ........ "I'll use film until the last roll and lab has gone" from our friends in the nikonians.

Btw, why don't you get one FM3a chrome with the 45 2.8P it's a nice toy easy to lug around when you don't want to carry your D2x and zooms, I think you can still get them in Japan used when you go there. It's now becoming a collectors item as the last MF camera Nikon ever made.......they also have black version of the 45 2.8 which is more rare than the chrome.... just like your white 70-200 and 28-70, I'll get the white 70-200 when i go to US next year.....

It's a surprise what you can do with one lens if you only have one .........

Btw an R-D1 with a Nikkor lens 50 mm f/1.1

http://i2.tinypic.com/261gay1.jpg

that's not mine .....

good jesus gil.. is that the digital rangefinder? Where do you think I can score one of those? Thats gorgeous.

Ive been reading about rangefinders and 35mm cameras and what I really really want is a Hasselblad XpanII or the japanese equivalent Fujifilm TX2 (Please confirm)

Actually, my first SLR was a Nikon. A Nikon F801s to be exact. But I guess I was still young and didn't really know anything about photography then to really make good use of the camera and really get into photography. I even bought three Nikkor lenses and a SB-28 but only managed to use it for taking travel and family snapshots. I eventually sold it to a friend who used it to take pictures of his patients' eyes (he's an opthalmologist). Two of the lenses found their way to my sister in the US and now her F3 is waiting there for me to pick up :).

I like mechanical shutters. I never liked the idea of a camera suddenly stopping from taking pictures because of a dead battery. That's why the new Bessas (R2M and R3M) appeal to me more than the new Zeiss Ikon. And also the reason why I prefer the FM3A. I also like how I can use my 50-year old camera without batteries and still produce pictures that are better than what I can capture with my DSLR.

I use Provia most of the time (mainly because I get them cheap and still have a lot stocked in my ref) and T-max/Tri-X/Neopan for B&W. I develop B&W at home and have the reversals lab-processed. I dread going home to the Philippines because of the difficulties film users are experiencing in sourcing film and having them processed.

BTW, you can still get a used FM3A here in Japan and maybe even find a dead stock body (if you know where to look and have the money to pay for it). Their numbers are dwindling and their prices are rising, though. The FM10 (the last mechanical shutter model) can still be bought brand new but some Nikon users don't consider it a Nikon since it was actually manufactured by Cosina. They're very cheap compared to the FM3A, though.

Yes Paul, the FM10 is the cheapest Nikon MF camera and could produce spectacular results in good hands. The target market of this cam are photography students where you can learn to manually perform exposure and focus. Learning the realtionship of ISO, Aperture and Shutter are very important to newbies. An F3 and FM10 with the same film and glass will produce the same results, the basic difference is the built. It has lots of plastic on it and not like the Fs and FMs which are built like tank. There is an F3 special model that came out with a Kevlar shutter. Nikon only sells 2 film camera now the venerable F6 and the FM10.

It's nice to know that there are members here who share the same passion. Maybe those who still use film should come out also and let's share our experiences.

I love slides but printing is better for film negative. Slides like Provia and Velvia are unbelievable in terms of color saturation and shrpness the nearest film counterpart IMO is the Fuji Reala which is still available. I've used Neopan also but I prefer Ilford due to it's low grain and sharpness, if I like grain in B&W, Tri-X for me is better.

Long live film ........

good jesus gil.. is that the digital rangefinder? Where do you think I can score one of those? Thats gorgeous.

Ive been reading about rangefinders and 35mm cameras and what I really really want is a Hasselblad XpanII or the japanese equivalent Fujifilm TX2 (Please confirm)

Sonny, yes the Epson R-D1 is a digital rangefinder but quite expensive at about $ 2.9K. It's still available and can be bought online. I only use BH Photo and Adorama for ordering online. They are very reliable and honest.

Earl you have to pry my fingers off to take it off from my dead body ........ "I'll use film until the last roll and lab has gone" from our friends in the nikonians.

Btw, why don't you get one FM3a chrome with the 45 2.8P it's a nice toy easy to lug around when you don't want to carry your D2x and zooms, I think you can still get them in Japan used when you go there. It's now becoming a collectors item as the last MF camera Nikon ever made.......they also have black version of the 45 2.8 which is more rare than the chrome.... just like your white 70-200 and 28-70, I'll get the white 70-200 when i go to US next year.....

It's a surprise what you can do with one lens if you only have one .........

:) I'll borrow a bolt cutter from my friend who owns a hardware store... :D

... Actually still thinking if I'd invest again on film stuff though I love the nostalgia of it... Maybe I'll just go dig for a used Leica M7 or if not an Epson RD1 when I return there. :)

Wow I like the leica M7 but too expensive for me.....hey I saw a Leica M3 in R. Hidalgo a few weeks ago around 45K neg. pa with a 50 1.4. I must think it's gone, Ogie has some Japanese regular customers who eats up all the Leicas whenever he has one.

I'll stand up even when I'm dead if someone try to snap it away from me ........

This would be nice the Nikon SP, Leica in Japan is very expensive ......

http://i1.tinypic.com/262oa6x

Film users EB? :) Im looking for another Yashica GSN or GTN if anyone is willing to let go. By the way Gil, you mentioned a shop in hidalgo that sold rangefinders? Which shop were you talking about? :) And since im rather new to film, could you direct me to shops that have film readily available? The shops in malls only carry kodak 100. I got some packs of T-Max 400 the other day cause someone got all the T-Max 100 35mm a few minutes before me :(

This would be nice the Nikon SP, Leica in Japan is very expensive ......

http://i1.tinypic.com/262oa6x

Gil the SP (new one) is an expensive camera too... About the Leica, I'll try to get one from a friend's friend... :D

Film users EB? :) Im looking for another Yashica GSN or GTN if anyone is willing to let go. By the way Gil, you mentioned a shop in hidalgo that sold rangefinders? Which shop were you talking about? :) And since im rather new to film, could you direct me to shops that have film readily available? The shops in malls only carry kodak 100. I got some packs of T-Max 400 the other day cause someone got all the T-Max 100 35mm a few minutes before me :(

Sonny, you can check it out at ACEL Photgraphy and look for Ogie (owner). he's a nice guy and always willing to help. rangefinders though are snapped up as soon as displayed so you can ask him to call you when he has one. Regarding film and slide, you can get at Fujifilm Quiapo in front of SM, also there is one in Mega Mall basement building A. if you need Tri-x or Tri-Max you can go to Studio 58 or call them at 843-0770 below are the latest price of some of the popular films:

Slides

135mm 120mm

Provia 100 275 175
Velvia 50 300
velvia 100 320 200

Negatives color

Portra 160 Kodak 175 165
NPH 400 210 155
Supra 400 155

B&W Negatives

TMax 100 180 135
T400CN (chromogenic) 240 150
Tri-X 400 195
TMax 400 195 150

Thanks Gil!

Question po,

if someone would ofer you a mint condition FM2 T with battery grip at P45K, would you buy it? or would you prefer a brand new FM2 at P24K?

tnx.