1001 night 78, 48/2.8P

[F2F3F6]

The absolute really first hybrid shutter camera seems to be the Fujica 901 from the seventies (1975 or 76 !).

The LX was the first modern hybrid shutter "pro" camera of the 80's ( soon followed by the Canon New F1).

Both shared the mechanical shutter from X (1/75 s for the LX but 1/90 s for the New F1) to 1/2000 but electronically from 1/60 to a few seconds (125 s, more than 2 minutes, for the LX !)

The FM3A is unique in giving full range of shutter speeds in both, electronical or mechanical choice, so all the speeds are accessible with or without batteries !

Leica M7 has only two mechanical shutter speeds, 1/60 or 1/125 s...poor Leica ! But better one or to than nothing...

[chambeshi]

I keep the block version as the "lens cap" on my D850. It is ideal for snap shots, especially shut down to f5.6 or f8. This is the only copy of the black version I've seen, and it was a stiff price for what it is, but not in the stratosphere. If one is patient, a silver one can be found, which is my experience in the UK.

And they are in demand, probably why this dinky prime is still expensive!

"The AI Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P was introduced in 2001, the same year the FM3A was released, but was discontinued when FM3A production ended due to the rapid rise of digital cameras. It had a relatively short life. One of the reasons for this was likely that at roughly ¥50,000, the kit containing the lens, dedicated filters and hood, and pouch was relatively expensive. As a designer, I find this disappointing."

[chambeshi]

It is still a recommended prime on DSLRs
https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-articles/choosing-lenses/rationalizing-lenses.html

more links etc

Simon Stafford – New Nikon Compendium
"In an age when many photographers could be forgiven for thinking that most manufacturers have dispensed with the production of manual focus lenses for the 35mm film format, Nikon sprung a very pleasant surprise in 2001 when they announced the Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P lens. Introduced to compliment the then new Nikon FM3A camera the lens is similar in size to the much earlier GN-Nikkor 45mm f2.8. It has a simple 4-element 3-group Tessar-type design that gives a 50° angle-of-view. Ultra-compact it extends just 17mm in front of the camera, only weighs 120g, and takes 52mm filters. Although a manual taws optic it has a built-in CPU so that it is compatible with all exposure modes on modern Nikon cameras, including the F5, F I 00, FSO, F6S, and of course the FM3A. It has the advantage of Nikon's latest multi-coating technology and a nine-blade diaphragm to improve the appearance of out-of-focus highlights. The lens is incredibly sharp and produces images with full contrast and colour saturation. Initially released with an elegant chrome finish on the outer surface of its barrel an all black version is now available as well. The lens is supplied with a Nikon NC filter and the dedicated HN-35 hood, which match the finish of the lens."

https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/50mmnikkor/index9.htm

http://www.utopia-photography.ch/lenses/45mm/collectorlens.html

https://mostlyblackandwhite.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/ill-take-a-pancake-with-%E3%81%BC%E3%81%91-nikkor-45mm-f2-8-p-review/

[Colin Odenbach]

The absolute really first hybrid shutter camera seems to be the Fujica 901 from the seventies (1975 or 76 !).

The LX was the first modern hybrid shutter "pro" camera of the 80's ( soon followed by the Canon New F1).

Both shared the mechanical shutter from X (1/75 s for the LX but 1/90 s for the New F1) to 1/2000 but electronically from 1/60 to a few seconds (125 s, more than 2 minutes, for the LX !)

The FM3A is unique in giving full range of shutter speeds in both, electronical or mechanical choice, so all the speeds are accessible with or without batteries !

Leica M7 has only two mechanical shutter speeds, 1/60 or 1/125 s...poor Leica ! But better one or to than nothing...

Not trying to be pedantic, just wanted to share that the Canon EF (1973) used a Copal shutter that was mechanically-controlled from 1/2 - 1/1000 sec. and electronically-controlled from 1 - 30 sec. It seems like a few manufacturers were exploring the concept in the mid-'70s 

[F2F3F6]

OK Colin, didn't want to be pedantic myself, but really thought the Fuji was the first "hybrid shutter" camera (1974). But after a few research, I must admit I was wrong:
- Pentax Spotmatic ES, electro-spotmatic, 1972
- Canon EF, 1973

But one thing's right: the FM3A is the only one who can control mechanically and electronically all the shutter speeds!