Nikon FM 35mm Camera Review by Ken Rockwell
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- Опубликовано: 22 апр 2024
- Written Nikon FM 35mm Camera Review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fef...
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A comprehensive review of a camera in the time that other channels waste over the intro. 👍
Good point! I'm all about getting to the point; none of us wants to sit through eight minutes of BS and promotions just to get to the meat. Thanks!
Much agreed.
Intros are fine for a channel's FIRST video. After that, just get down to business.
I had FE2 and FM2 for my work. They were wonderful cameras. Now, after 35 years, I am still keeping them.
They ought to last longer than we will! Thanks!
I had the Nikon FM2. Best mechanical camera ever. Had to sell it in the 1980s for college. I still mourn today.
Thanks!
I recently found at work a d200 that was going to the trash. All I had to change was the battery and now it works like a champ! Nikon's classics of every era are immortal. Cheers Ken!
YES!!!! Thanks!
I had bought my FM2 in 1988 and she really defined my life! - She was my very first Love at my Age of 11 and was a "real friend" and trustful companion for 15 years and since i'm a fully Pro Photographer and still in Love with my Nikons! I had many great Nikons, like the D2, D90, D700, D800 and Z6, Z8... but my FM2 AND F3 are still the very best and i have them! LOVE IT! - Thanks Ken from Munich, Tom
zeitlose Klassiker! Grußen, Ken.
Thanks for answering in german! 🥰@@KenRockwellTV
The black FM has been my principal camera for years and I couldn't be happier.
Thanks!
I got a FM2 from my father, recently I bought a FM2 Titanium. My first Nikon was a FE2 in the mid eighties and it still works.
All are excellent cameras with a huge system of lenses and accessories behind them.
The FM and FE are probably the best value for money.
Thanks!
Fantastic as always! Thanks for the concise review
Thank YOU!
Nice review! Back in the day, I used to detach the back on my FM and attached a Polaroid back to preview my lighting.
After all these years of reading your great reviews, I finally heard you speak!
Thank you!!!!
I have Nikon FM and FM2N and use them a lot, really enjoyable. Probably the best cameras I ever had.
Thanks!
You should do some more "retrospective" reviews, they're fun! I certainly love them on your site! I think I always liked when you spoke about older gear because you'd present a far greater amount of cool personal knowledge. Those cool tricks!!
In fact, along with your site reviews, it's often the case that if you pull out some odd camera or lens and speak about it you'd likely be creating the definitive record of _here is a working example, how to use it, and a bunch of first-hand knowledge about it!_
And it's certainly great on youtube because I love how it brings a bunch of people sharing their own personal anecdotes about it!
Great work Ken!!!
Thanks, but this is what I've been doing at KenRockwell.com ever since 1999 as a permanent archive. KenRockwell.TV here is just for fun.
Used this (and the FM2) from 81 to the 90s for most of my USAF photog work (Even though the F2 and later F3 were standard issue). Always used them with the MD11 and later MD12. I wore glasses and it wasn't optimal, so I just suffered through mild scratches on the glasses because I had so much familiarity with this camera. Always worked. Have a great day Ken and appreciate your work!
Thanks!
Had my Nikon FM2n for over a year now. LOVE the tactile/analog experience.
Thanks!
I've just finished scanning some Kodak Gold from my Nikon FE .
YES! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV It's a the Nikon FE I bought in 2016 thanks to reading your review. So thanks Ken.
@@Skidoo22 Very, very welcome.
Hi Ken, it's really nice to see those old classic Nikon cameras. It's easy to see how good Nikon cameras are. They have been around for 106 Years. Thanks Ken. 😊
Thanks!
Your welcome Ken 😊
man! that's so cool! all these features are done mostly mecanically or via simple electronics! now I understand why you love these cameras so much.
Thanks!
Thanks for posting this, it sure brings back a lot of fond memories for me.
I received a Canon AE1 as a Christmas gift in 1979 and sold it to buy my first Nikon FM less than a year later. That same year I bought a used Nikkormat FT3 as a second body. During my career I went on to use F3hp, F4 and F5 as primary cameras and I owned at least a half a dozen FM/FM2/FM2n cameras with MD12 motors as back ups. I had some MD 12 motor failures, but I never had any problems with any FM, FM2, FM2n cameras. I accidentally dropped my first FM when sprinting down a flight of fire escape stairs when the strap caught on the handrail and pulled the camera out of my hands. I retrieved the camera from the bottom of the stairwell and there was a bid dent in the prism, but the camera worked fine.
I went 100% digital in 2000 starting with the D1, then onto the D2X, D3, D3s, D4, D4s, Z6, Z7. Z7II, Z9, Z8, back up bodies included D70, D70s, D200, D300 and D850.
All of the film Nikons were bulletproof and issues with the digital Nikons were very rare except for the Z9 which was one of the first to arrive in the US. I contacted NPS and they shipped me a replacement Z9 and sent mine to their techs to study.
Thanks!
Nikon is way behind in Mirrorless. I much prefer Canon.
Love my FM3a, had the FE2 when I was a kid.Masterpieces of photographic equipment.
Thanks!
I still have my FM2. Had the FM. Also still have the MD-12 motor drive. Great camera and motor drive. The multi exposure was cool.
Thanks!
Thank you Ken ... I bought the SUMMICRON DR 50mm F2 ; and a very lovely copy in original box with Warranty Card , then I purchased the clam shell case in immaculate condition. I love that lens , other than my Summicron 90mm APO / ASPH and my L39 Canons , oh ... and Rillie's I guess you know my favorite lenses. Again thank you for all of your help Ken 🇺🇸🙏🏻
Thank YOU! Detailed LEICA reviews are at www.kenrockwell.com/leica/
Amazing to see the classic on the review table.
I think I prefer the FM2 for the faster top shutter and maybe more refined build, but the FM is a great little tank.
Exactly, thanks!
I bought a Silver FM brand new from the local camera store (now out of business) in 1980. I still have it today. It's brand new looking.
Thanks!
Still have my Silver FM I bought in 1980. Traveled with it all over the world in the film era, love it.
Thanks!
My current primary film camera.
Thanks!
Recently I bought myself an FM in near mint condition. I use it with 35 mm f/2 AF-D and 50 f/1.4 s.c. FM became my favourite film camera, even though I shot with my father's F2, F3, F4, Nikkormat FtN... I also owned F-301, F-801 an F90x. Despite being nice cameras, they don't even come close to FM for me. In terms of pure joy I get when I shoot with it
Sometimes after a week of shooting news with Z6 II and D800 I just want to relax and to shoot some Tri-X or Portra with an good old FM.
Thanks for the video, Ken! Greetings from Ukraine
Thanks!
I have a black FM2N. Very ergonomic, lightweight, easy to use and has worked reliably in extreme cold.
Thanks!
Loved those...Had a couple Nikkormat FT , FTN's and then the Nikon F2 Photomic...great cameras...!!
Thanks!
As a kid I learned to shoot on my Dad's F2 Photomic. Love all the F bodies!
YES! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV another funny note Ken, years ago I found a little web page talking about the e39 540M. Shortly after purchased one. Thanks for that!
Oh nice film stuff!
THANKS!!
Great video, Ken! The Golden Age of photography - and, of course, it's still open to anyone who can find their way to either ebay or a 2nd Hand camera store😄
Thanks!
I was a Pentax user in that era, but looking at this reminds me of the wonderful cameras make then.
Ah, the Nikon was the pro dream camera compared to Pentax. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I bought my Pentax Spotmatic II in 1970, and the Nikon F2 was quite a bit more expensive and the FM didn't come out until 1977 or so. If I was smarter I would have saved up money and bought the Nikon, but when you are young you want things right now. I had the Pentax for over 30 years.
I love the eye Af in this ones. ❤❤❤
Thanks!
I knew a man, worked all over the World 🌎 as a Photographer and Journalist, and only carried 2 of these FM bodies and 4 lenses his ENTIRE 22 year career!
Said they NEVER FAILED .
YES!! Thanks!
Nice review Ken! Do you ever shoot film these days even if it's just for fun?
Oh goodness no! I stopped shotgun 35mm back in 2013 when DSLRs gave much better results than film. Thanks!
Excellent manual freeze-frame, Ken 🤪
Thanks!
My last Nikon i bought was the FM 2, 1982, beautiful camera, I've just replaced it with a Nikon Zf.
FM2, timeless classic. Thanks!
This was my dream camera in 1981 when I was 17. Couldn't quite afford one then so got a Canon AE-1P instead and loved it. Decades later I have a FM amonst my collection of Nikon Cameras and I will never sell it!
Exactly! I was in high school when this pro camera came out and no way could I afford even used Nikon. Thanks!
Awesome 👏
Thanks!
Fun review. Now please do a review of the lens? I assume its the 28mm f2 ais?
It's the AI NIKKOR 35mm f/2s, whose full review is at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35f20ais.htm Thanks!
I was working in the photographic retail when it was introduced. I remember it billed as the new compact Nikon camera! Yes it was certainly smaller than the F2 and the Nikkormat FT3, it was far larger than a Pentax MX my personal choice.
Thanks!
Amazing Camera, I'd like to add one to my collection, it would pair well with my Nikon F.
I'd get it at eBay, and there's a link right to it in my description. Enjoy and thanks!
Everyone goes for the FM2 because of it's higher top speed and flash sync, but the FM has one big advantage.
It can also use pre-Ai lenses whereas the FM2 cannot, meaning cheaper Nikkor lenses if you're on a budget.
Thanks!
I'm lucky enough to have both an FM and (recently acquired) an F2, both in great condition.
Thanks!
I have two FMs since 15 years, neither let me down a second. Went to DSLR, went back to FM. Went RX100, went back to FM. Now a year with the X100V, I am again missing the feel of the camera and the depth of field from my 50/1.4 and the 105... Might sell the x100 like I sold all the digis. The FM munches them for breakfast at daylight.
Thanks.
I think the later models have a screw inside the mirror box for screen switch. I won't mess with it on mine, as I like it the way it is. This camera needs more press. Thanks for covering it!
FM2 and most of the newer models like even the FE have interchangeable screens. Details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fefm.htm
The focusing screens are interchangeable on all fm, fe, fm2, fe2, etc.
User-interchangable on most of this series, but not on this original FM unless you want to do surgery and recalibrate the meter. Thanks!
This was my first SLR and I got as a high school graduation present in ‘82! I still kick myself for selling it.
Thanks!
own it love it
Excellent! Thanks!
i had an f801 and an fm2. the fm2 is the only one i miss. i am on track this year to get the zf. :)
FM2 also a timeless classic. Thanks!
nice throw back, i like my FA though
Agreed, the FA is much newer and far more advanced and useful. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fa.htm Thanks!
It is really hard to beat the film Nikons! I have every version of the Nikon professional film Nikon Love bodies. I have a F2 or F3 with autofocus (attached) and an F that actually flew with NASA. Bought my first Nikon in 1973. 😍
Thanks!
My first Nikon was a Nikon FE that I bought in 1978. My 2nd Nikon was an FE2. You could change the focusing screen on them, and I changed them both to a plain ground glass screen instead of the stock one with the little split prism focusing circle in the middle. Are you sure they can't be changed in the FM? I loved those cameras and swore I'd never sell them, but finally after they sat unused for a decade I took them to the local shop so that someone else could use and love them. I wish I still had the FE2 in a way, but I do not miss the film processing with its stinky chemicals, or sending film off through the mail for processing only to have rolls get lost or ruined in the processor. I'm glad that others are keeping film photography alive and well.
Thank you!!
"Are you sure they can't be changed in the FM?" - That's affirmative. The FM had a permanent 'K' screen.
The FE, later FM2, FE2 and FM3a all had user (DIY) interchangeable screens...
Hi there Ken! What are the differences between FM and an FE2? Thanks in advance, your website has saved me numerous times!
I'll answer this for you, though, I'm not Ken.
The FM is a basic 35mm film camera, all manual, with a mechanical shutter
The FE is a manual 35mm film camera with an electronic shutter, which means you must have a battery installed for it to function.
Both cameras use a battery, though the FM only uses it for the light meter. If the battery fails or you choose not to install one, the camera will still function mechanically as before but the light meter will be inoperative. On the FE, the battery powers everything (except the manual advance lever, obviously, hence the moniker "manual"). Both the shutter and the light meter are powered by the battery and the camera will not function without a battery installed.
Hope this helps.
@@ZommBleed so besides that they are basicly the same camera? thanks for the reply!
FM is fully mechanical and manual. Except for the meter, it runs forever without batteries! FE2 is newer and has an automatic (and manual) electronic shutter. FE2 also has a much brighter screen. I explain all that at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fe/fe-fm-comparisons.htmwww.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fefm.htm and each of the individual camera reviews linked from each of these. Thanks!
@@ZommBleed - "On the FE, - the camera will not function without a battery" - Not true Both the FE and the FE2 have 'Limp-Home' modes.
Without batteries you can still fire off at their 'Bulb' and Electronic-flash shutter setting (90th for the FE and 250th for the FE2).
How do you keep loving cameras and sharing it after all these years despite changes in platforms and algorithms 😮
Simple: I came from broadcasting where we always ensure that whatever we do is visible on EVERY receiver. Thanks!
yes!!!!
Oh yesssss! THANKS!!!!
Nikon Df review please!
Everything is reviewed at KenRockwell.com Nikon Df review: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/df.htm
Those were the days
Thanks!
My father gifted me his Canon equivalent of this camera and era: the AE-1 - wonderful machine to shoot with !
Wouldn’t that be equivalent to the FE?
No; the AE-1 was a much lower cost composite plastic camera for consumers, nowhere near the professional level of the Nikon FM. It only had shutter-preferred auto, not aperture-preferred like most cameras. AE-1 review at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/fd/ae-1-program.htm
Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV exactly as you wrote: the foam rubber turned into goo in 2004 😭
Do you have a favourite camera that you love, either new or old? But keep coming back to 😮what are you using these days ❤
iPhone 15 Pro Max www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-15-pro-max.htm
I have a FM3a with a 50mm f1.2. I don’t use it anymore but I really should. Using Canon mirrorless these days.
Why shoot 35mm film? I stopped back in 2013. The R10 is far, far superior. Thanks!
Ive got at least six of these now, keep picking mintish ones on ebay, cant help it!
They are eternal classics. Thanks!
It’s missing the piece that pops onto the viewfinder collar
Eh? This sample was found abandoned in the gutter, it's lucky to be here at all! Thanks!
I have the Nikon FM, but I like the Nikon FE more because of the light meter which also is better than that in the F3, so I had one FM which I nearly never used, two FE and two F3, back in the days when new, the Nikon FE was more expensive than the Nikon FM ! Yes you can operate the FM without batteries, but then you cannot use the light meter anyway, so the FE will say is a better and more reliable Camera !
Agreed! Thanks!
Great camera!
But what's wrong with dusting it off before making a video of it?
I did! I shoot so close and at such high resolution and especially with a black camera you're always gouge to see things. This camera came out of the gutter, literally, so I didn't want to spend hours with Q-tips. Thanks!
What do you eat in a day
Food!
kinda funny but oh my, these cameras are gold. I have Nikomat FT that is older than me.
Thanks!
Unlike the FM2 this camera allows to mount pre-AI lenses. That means a big advantage for me. Almost no one mentions this feature.
I will never understand why Nikon did that with the FM2 series. It would have probably outpaced the FM by far, leaving it in the dust and relegating it as only a budget Nikon for those who couldn't afford the premium, inflated (presumably) FM2 models.
I often wondered if the older FM aperture meter ring assembly would retrofit onto the FM2. I had found one on ebay as New Old Stock and considered buying it, then sending it off with my FM2n to have it service and replaced. I never did either, though. Maybe that's something Ken would know offhand whether that would be s possible option. I'm sure if it was, someone else would have thought of it before me and performed the service upgrade decades ago.
Non-AI lenses should have been updated back in the 1980s so this feature is less interesting - and why Nikon stopped it by 1983. The FE and Df also allow direct mounting of non-AI lenses. More at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm#mid Thanks!
While the mechanical shutter is truly impressing, i cant use an FM without an external exposure meter or if i dont have one i rather guess. +- indication is totally unergonomic. FE ftw, it also has longer times.
Gee, tough grader. I love those little red LEDs. Not much is more obvious to me. Thanks!
Ken,
I know you're quite busy. If you happen to read this comment, would you care to elaborate about finding this sample in the gutter? I truly am interested in hearing this story, however brief or long you make it. I just can't imaging someone literally tossing a camera into the gutter, and much more, someone finding it...especially a camera pro. How coincidental that is. The odds must be astronomical.
Thanks!
It’s an old camera for 35mm film. Who cares? It was hot in 1977, but film 35mm has been obsolete for over a decade. No idea how it made it tot RJ gutter without a lens in a paper bag with a USB cord, but since it said Nikon on it my friend who could it knew I could put it to some use.
I learned how to be a photographer with a Nikon FM.
Exactly, thanks!
Can you do a 10 things I can’t live without please ❤ similar to the stye GQ does 😊
What?
@@KenRockwellTV what are the 10 things in your life you absolutely can not live with out. it's a list kind of video. would love to know your perspective. it can be camera wise it could be family it could be anything. 10 things.
theres a series on RUclips call GQ, the 10 things I can't live without. for example Jason momoa can't live without his 50mm on his Leica and 24mm and 35mm on his red cameras
Is there any bad camera or bad value or just bad photography 😢
There's all of that and more! Thanks!
Great camera. Makes me nostalgic for film photography. But not that nostalgic - Digital has come in to its own. And look at all that money we save by not having to buy film, chemicals. Of course we end up spending even more on ever evolving technology…
Thanks!
Can you recommend a Nikon 35mm film camera for street photography?
I think he just did.
No, manual cameras are way too slow!
NO!!! I can't recommend any 35mm camera for actual use because 35mm film was surpassed by digital around 2013. Use a 35mm camera if you're a nut who also likes rotary-dial phones and acoustical couplers for telephone modems like what we had back when this camera came out. Today iPhone is the best camera for street photography, if not a light mirrorless like the EOS R10 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm. If you really want an easy-to-shoot 35mm camera, I'd go with the CONTAX G2, which is one of the few cameras still shot today for 35mm www.kenrockwell.com/contax/g-system.htm. Thanks!
When I went digital I put my F4, F3, FE2, FG, and EM into a Pelican case and put it in the corner of my bedroom. They will survive me.
Hi Mike, be sure to check the foam every so often. Some kinds of foam turn into goo after several decades and destroy whatever was cased in it.
why bother reviewing this when you can get the FM2 or the FE2?? "Hey, get this worse camera!"
People ask. Thanks!
Or more properly, this camera fell into my lap while I was shooting other things for RUclips so I couldn't resist! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Ya, might as well. It's a review on a camera that people own and can still buy.