My parents bought me an FM2 and a 50mm f1.8 as a high school graduation gift almost 35 years ago. I can't remember the exact price but I want to say it was double that of the Pentax K1000 with comparable lens, one I borrowed and learned inside and out.. In the photo world, its a relatively cheap camera but that was a lot of money to my folks. But, boy back then if you were looking for a functional gift for someone to remember you by for at least one generation, that was great purchase. It still works great today. I had an F3HP but I sold because I strongly preferred the FM2. The shutter is titanium, and it's honeycombed so it's light and rigid. It also travels vertically rather than horizontal like most cameras. I think that's how they achieved the 1/200 sec flash sync. and the 1/4000th sec shutter. I remember the advertisement in magazines had it stopping a bullet with the 1/4000th sec shutter speed. The fact that this thing works without batteries is really impressive. For a while I thought the meter died, turned out I installed a dead battery. but I used it for a year like this.. (duh) guessing exposures.
Whilst a Canon man back in the 80s (still am), I played around with this for a few months in 87 (as well as a F3HP) and came very close to defecting to Nikon largely because of this camera. The FM2 was simply a work of art, form and function, to this date it remains one of my personal favs.
Found myself a ridiculously clean FM2 at an antique shop for a criminally low price. Super stoked to find the first video I find on it to be one of yours!
I bought one during my photography studies and I absolutely love it! The lightmeter is accurate and it feels like it is made to last forever and it is a pleasure to shoot it with! It is so simple and high quality it brings you back with joy to the basics of (film) photography. I pair it with the micro nikkor 55mm f2.8 wich is so sharp, it is a match made in heaven, this combo is just perfect!
My favorite camera of all time. I bought one in 1984 and I've taken the most beautiful photos. It's a treasure! I still have it and it will be passed to my son who adores it.
I've always wanted an FM2 camera due to its great reputation. I got mine from a professional photographer. Before handing it to me, he cocked the shutter and clicked it one last time. I was immensely happy to know as he was showing me the camera, that it was 100% mechanical. It is my favorite analog camera. The FM2 make up a trio of 100% mechanical SLR cameras with a Nikomat FTn and a Nikkormat FT3.
Love the FM2, it's a great workhorse, so much I have chrome, black and titanium versions. The FM2's big selling point for me is the combination of durablity, compactness, and it can handle super cold weather!
hi, love your reviews, respect the film area ! my favorite Nikon of all times as well. My work horse back in the days, shooting for the Airforce , back in 1993-95. Best film camera, used it without batteries, super reliable, could handle the sand of the desert, dust, rain, you name it. no problemo. Really made you into an intuitive photographer. your eyes as a light meter and "autofocus" ... love it !
By the way, I've been told that the honeycomb pattern and titanium alloy composition of the shutter allowed them to achieve a lighter weight, yet stronger shutter, and the lighter weight was what facilitated higher shutter speeds.
This was my first Nikon camera back in the 1970s.....I previously used to shoot with Canon gear but since I got my FM2 I've never used anything but Nikon because of the build-quality and their superb lenses.
Another cool feature - the self timer flips the mirror up after pressing the shutter to minimze vibrations, which is great for tripod use in low light. Btw. the later FM2(n) has a (rather boring looking) aluminium shutter, but also does 1/4000s.
I won't go anywhere without my FM2. It was my first film slr and I instantly fell in love with it. Unfortunately the first one I bought, only a week after, the shutter got stuck and was not fixable. So I had to return it and went without it for a while. A little while later I decided to splurge and get myself a barely used one off of ebay and it's been perfect and hopefully will continue to be perfect. I absolutely love this camera and I plan on sticking with it for as along as I can.
I only ever owned the original FM. I loved it. When I bought it it was beat to hell. I got it cleaned and a new shutter and it was practically brand new. They take a lot of abuse and keep going.
+Red River Scout I have a black FM, used an FM2 from a friend, had an FE2 (which was given to me for free and then I gave also away for free to a good friend) and borrowed an FM3a from my professor. But whatever the FM/FE camera, they're all sturdy and really the best, imho, SLR cameras for anyone. I love them all!
Hello Matt - I am late to this video but just discovered your Channel and I am loving it. I only have two 35mm film cameras now - an FM2 and an F801. Years ago I was lucky enough to have access to almost any Nikon camera I wanted and the FM2 was always my preferred choice. It looks fantastic, too.
Hi! Titanium can be rolled to insane thin but stable sheets (=very very light), and the honeycomb-structure gives mechanical stability while using thin titanium sheets as a shutter-curtain material. THAT's the reason why this shutter is so fast: It is lighter and therefore faster. Nice vid! I shoot with the FM3A since it came out...very much like the FM2. Regards, Gereon
The Titanium shutter was made until the FM2n was introduced in the mid 1980s, when the flash sync speed went up to 1/250 of a second and switched to aluminium shutter blades. The reasoning behind the switch from Titanium shutter blades was when they did fail, the titanium shutter blades failied miserablly, not so with the aluminum shutter blades which are pretty bombproof. The Titanium or FM2T was a mid 1990s special edition, slightly lighter and way more expensive.
Very useful! Thank you very much! I want one couple of years but always hesitated, but now I am convinced about what you described because difficult to have description of the camera as yours. 👍
Been shooting an FM2n for around thirty years now. It's never missed a beat in all that time and is without a shadow of doubt my favourite camera of all time. If I had to dump everything except one body and lens I'd keep the FM2n and AiS 50mm f1.4 - do like shallow DoF sometimes.
Just picked up an all black one of these at a thrift store for $7.99! Had an aftermarket lens on it and the rewind knob lever was missing. Went to my local camera shop and traded a damaged Minolta XE-5, a Minolta X-370 that needed repair, a Minolta SRT-100 that had an issue with a lens, and an old Voitlander Bessamatic needed a clean and lube. That got me a replacement lever that I needed for the FM2, a factory 50mm 1:1.4 Nikon lens, and some film! Probably could’ve gotten more on eBay, but I don’t have to deal with it and I can get the FM2 up and going. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Mike! The new mic on my desk actually plugs directly into my MacBook via USB. It's a Rode Podcaster. The mic I used in this video is what I use in all of my videos, the Rode VideoMic Pro. I plug it directly into the camera, but for the close up shot, I was able to get the mic right in front of me. Much cleaner sound that way!
This is exactly the FE2 but the iso dial has been moved and the shutter is mechanical. The FE2 is extremely solid and the fact that this thing has the option to be used fully mechanically is amazing
***** the pattern on the shutter lightens it (in weight) and, when combined with the titanium material used, it can go very fast. This was pioneered on the FA, if I'm not mistaken, though the FA used electronics to throw the fast shutter and the FM2 is all mechanical.
It's definitely the best bang for the buck, if you like mechanical cameras. The FM3A is way overpriced these days. The viewfinder is not as good as some other Nikons, but it's still pretty nice.
I have an FM and a FE2. I prefer the FE2. It has an electronic shutter and a matchstick meter as opposed to the FM's lighted dot under over meter. It's easier to see how over or under you are exposing. Other differences, it works with TTL flashes (4 contacts on flash shoe) and has Aperture priority when needed. It needs a battery for any shutter speed other than M250 but the battery will last for a long long long time.
+Matt Day I have an FM2n and an FE. I hear what you're saying about the match needle meter and like the idea in principle but tbh I find it hugely frustrating in practice as the needles *always* seem to fall in a dark part of the frame where you can't read them! The FM's red LEDs aren't as informative but at least you can *always* read them.
I just bought a well loved Nikon fm2 on eBay it looks like it traveled the world but the seller says it still shoots and images shouldn’t be effected . I am glad to hear it’s durable and can do multiple exposure. Unfortunately it’s just the camera body so I am looking for a lens.
nice. Reminds me a lot of the single camera I used in the 70s and early 80s: a Nikkormat EL. Still have it stored, for sentimental reasons; so solid, still flawless,and feels so good in the hand anytime I pick it up.
I bought the Nikon FM-2n about twenty some years ago with three ai lenses, 28mm f/3.5 50mm f/1.4 and 105mm f/2.5, saying that it’s a great camera (and lenses) is an understatement, I never had any problems or issues with it, I recently semi-retired it because I came into the 21st century (LOL) and I got a Sony A7II with a 55mm f1.8 (my first digital camera), I’m also very happy with it.
Great review Matt. I picked up a Nikon F3 with 50mm 1.8 lens at my local camera shop for $150. I absolutely love it. It's built like a tank. I think it would be cool if in your camera reviews you also included footage of you shooting/behind the scenes of how you like to shoot with it. And then post some picture results. I realize the results are highly variable but I think it would add a lot to the review.
I've had one for a couple months now, it was my first SLR pick up. Have yet to shoot it :D, just finally got to studying photography, will be shooting my first roll in the next week.
I have the EM (my first 35 mm Camera) , the FM (my second 35 mm Camera and currently my back up) and the F3(my primary SLR) i love them all . Going thru this Cameras helped me to grow and upscale my skills .Along with my Nikon D5300 , i think my next step will be Probably D610 or D750 . Thanks for the Great Videos Matt .
1/4000th sec shutter speed for such an old camera is impressive. Faster shutter speed permits full open fast lenses under daylight without ND filters. Minolta had reached 1/12000th sec with its film SLR cameras. Something unprecedented even today.
Ive gotten my dads old fm2n and its awesome. I dont see why i would want any other all mechanical slr. Ive even dropped it a couple times and still works like its brand new. As far as I know the difference from fm2 to fm2n is the flash sync speed is 1/250, the fm2n and it comes in all black, and the later ones have i think an aluminum shutter which does not have the honeycomb pattern on it.
Nikon FM2n wasn’t a Titanium top plate. The FM2T had Titanium top and bottom plates. The only change with the N was a change to the shutter material and the flash sync went to 1/250
The titanium shutter curtains are lighter than aluminum and can therefore travel faster. The honeycomb patter allows the titanium foil used for the curtains to be thinner yet maintain sufficient stiffness.
the reason for the fast top shutter speed is, the shutter runs vertically and made of titanium instead of cloth and running horizontal so has less distance to cover in fact a third less, this was one of the first cameras to do this.
I bought this camera for high altitude photography at very low temperatures (minus 10 to minus 20 degrees C). The FM2 continues to work when other battery driven cameras have stopped long time ago. It is a pleasure to own and use such a camera! Thanks for your excellent review!
I wished I would have bought this camera in the past. Perhaps I will in the future. I've used both Nikkormat FTNs and Nikon F2 as film cameras, the like the faster shutter of the titanium focal plane shutter of the Nikon FM2. I believe the honey-comb structure made the shutter stronger.
I have both the FM2n and the F3, I've owned both of them for 30+ years since high school overall the F3 is the best 35mm SLR ever made and a bargain these days compared to the FM2, although I have to say that I like I like the metering system on the FM2 better it is by far the most simple in camera meter ever. If you want a good SLR either one is a great choice the F3 seems to be cheaper probably because everyone recommends the FM2 as a good starter camera.
Thanks for posting such a great review! I bought this camera a few years ago and just absolutely love it. Just hoping nothing ever breaks on it, not sure how I'd get it serviced these days...
My first digital SLR is/was a Nikon D40 with 18-55mm kit lens. After a while, I wondered what was the digital equivalent of a Nikon FM/FM-2. The answer was "Nikon D7000," which is fine, but the menu jungle and complex options, I'm still looking.
I loved my FM2n black body. My fav. I have an F3 now.
8 лет назад
The reason why the curtain is made of titanium is titanium is roughly twice as strong as stainless steel and has twice its fatigue resistance (meaning twice the lifespan of steel when loaded alternatively). Moreover, it's roughly twice lighter than stainless steel for the same volume, meaning that the shockwave produced by the shutter will be less intense and will cause less damage to the mechanics parts around. Unfortunately, titanium costs between 2 and 3 times more than stainless steel… The honeycomb is probably a sort of reinforcement because this pattern is very efficient to spread the stress in the structure without adding too much weight. To me, it's very well engineered.
I've been using the rarer FA and it's results are fantastic, but hear this I still love using a Praktica better. They feel better. I'm talking about the BCX and BX20 for example. Maybe with this being an older style like Praktica, I'd like it in my hands better. The FA is more modern, less metal.
Nice review Matt! I own the black version, and it is lovely! But, sometimes the shutter, from the body that I own, stuck at the middle of the movement. I asked for maintenance and the answer for the problem was: "this type of shutter has the tradition to lock as being used for several years, but nothing that you can`t solve yourself by touching (with careful) and pushing it direct to the lens side". I hope you can make a review of some program that you use to edit your photos (like Lightroom, or another one). Cheers!
Thanks Matt for your videos. Very interesting stuff. I have a Nikon FM2 and I like the way it works: big viewfinder, the knobs, the click sound and of course how it looks. But I have an issue with it. It makes horizontal lines in my negatives. I Googled "nikon fm2 scanning lines" and I found more people with the same issue. Should I look for another copy?
The FM2N used an aluminum shutter (except for very early N serial numbers) vs the titanium one in the FM2. FM2N has a bit brighter viewfinder and bumped the flash sync to 1/250 from 1/200. The titanium top plate you're referring to was reserved for the FM2/T which stood for titanium. Those are still plentiful but collectable, they have a distinctive champagne finish and serial numbers starting with a T. They are very expensive. The pure FM2 such as the one you have are actually getting difficult to find in good condition, by good I mean working meters, accurate shutter speeds, intact light seals and good cosmetics. You might find one for $150 that meets that criteria but plan on spending closer to $200-250 or more. The N models all have an N in front of the serial number and usually sell for less. FM2 was the camera Steve McCurry used to take the iconic Nat Geo cover of the Afghan girl in 1984. I would hold on to that one and never let it go.
hi Matt. Thanks for the vid! I have a FM2 (only the body) which was gift from my friend. I am new to photography but definitely wanna start this hobby with this camera. What lens should I buy? Im interested in shooting street views and people usually. And what was the lens in the vid? Big thanks!
Just got myself a used nikon fm2 body a day ago (for usd 231) even the film and film processing is very expensive plus the processing lab is very very limited in my city/country.. i really want to experience/try film camera
The most stupid thing I did was sold my Nikon FM2n, because I purchased an F5 (also new in those day's)... within 6 months I bought a new one back ;) They are really really reliable and fun to shoot and nice and compact.
I always liked the fm2, but since I shoot with my left eye it was a no go...having to pop out the advance to use it meant getting the advance lever in my right eye every time. I ended up with an F3, which I loved loved loved, but eventually sold it after I shifted to a pentax 67 as my primary camera. Now I use an olympus OM-2n as well, which IMO is basically perfect
Ive been repairing my old Minolta 600 Si bodies only to have the, fail again. Perhaps it's time to find a good FM2 camera or F3 to replace,my 600 Si bodies and lenses...
I must have a newer model - bought new in '86 or '87. It's flash synch is 1/250 sec and has interchangeable view screens. I believe it was the FM3 that was made of titanium (or the top plate was) with a 1/8000 sec top shutter speed. The shutter was if carbon-fiber and aluminum.
I picked up a very recent model of the FM2n which has the newer aluminum shutter and a flash sync speed of 1/250 The on off switch is one of my favourite design features and the short eye relief is my least favourite
If you have a change to shoot one or buy one i would! The hp viewfinder is absolutely amazing, especially if you have classes you don't have to put your eye right up to it, you can have it far off and see everything. don't get me started on the sports finder
sadly the shutter just goes up to 1/2000, a bummer if you, like me, prefer higher ISOs for low-light shooting but still don't want the limited aperture in the daytime
If Nikon brought this camera back, exactly as it is but with a digital sensor, all manual and mechanical in every way, including manual focus AIS lenses, it would be the perfect camera. I would buy it for sure. Please Nikon just do it!🙏👍
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My parents bought me an FM2 and a 50mm f1.8 as a high school graduation gift almost 35 years ago. I can't remember the exact price but I want to say it was double that of the Pentax K1000 with comparable lens, one I borrowed and learned inside and out.. In the photo world, its a relatively cheap camera but that was a lot of money to my folks. But, boy back then if you were looking for a functional gift for someone to remember you by for at least one generation, that was great purchase. It still works great today. I had an F3HP but I sold because I strongly preferred the FM2. The shutter is titanium, and it's honeycombed so it's light and rigid. It also travels vertically rather than horizontal like most cameras. I think that's how they achieved the 1/200 sec flash sync. and the 1/4000th sec shutter. I remember the advertisement in magazines had it stopping a bullet with the 1/4000th sec shutter speed. The fact that this thing works without batteries is really impressive. For a while I thought the meter died, turned out I installed a dead battery. but I used it for a year like this.. (duh) guessing exposures.
Whilst a Canon man back in the 80s (still am), I played around with this for a few months in 87 (as well as a F3HP) and came very close to defecting to Nikon largely because of this camera. The FM2 was simply a work of art, form and function, to this date it remains one of my personal favs.
I got one too w/motor attachment. Love it!
Found myself a ridiculously clean FM2 at an antique shop for a criminally low price. Super stoked to find the first video I find on it to be one of yours!
GG !
Just picked one of these up, a black one. Very excited to shoot film for the first time in like 20 years or so.
I bought one during my photography studies and I absolutely love it! The lightmeter is accurate and it feels like it is made to last forever and it is a pleasure to shoot it with! It is so simple and high quality it brings you back with joy to the basics of (film) photography.
I pair it with the micro nikkor 55mm f2.8 wich is so sharp, it is a match made in heaven, this combo is just perfect!
My favorite camera of all time. I bought one in 1984 and I've taken the most beautiful photos. It's a treasure! I still have it and it will be passed to my son who adores it.
titanium is lighter and more rigid than most metals and the honey comb adds structural rigidity.
The honeycomb reduces weight over using a solid, it doesn’t increase rigidity. From an engineer.
I've always wanted an FM2 camera due to its great reputation. I got mine from a professional photographer. Before handing it to me, he cocked the shutter and clicked it one last time. I was immensely happy to know as he was showing me the camera, that it was 100% mechanical. It is my favorite analog camera. The FM2 make up a trio of 100% mechanical SLR cameras with a Nikomat FTn and a Nikkormat FT3.
Started shooting B&W in the mid 70's. Currently have a Nikon f2 SB. Love the sound and feel of the Nikon shutter.
Thank you! I apparently have the N version at home. It's my mother's, and I've been too hesitant to use it until now.
Love the FM2, it's a great workhorse, so much I have chrome, black and titanium versions. The FM2's big selling point for me is the combination of durablity, compactness, and it can handle super cold weather!
hi, love your reviews, respect the film area !
my favorite Nikon of all times as well. My work horse back in the days, shooting for the Airforce , back in 1993-95.
Best film camera, used it without batteries, super reliable, could handle the sand of the desert, dust, rain, you name it. no problemo.
Really made you into an intuitive photographer. your eyes as a light meter and "autofocus" ...
love it !
By the way, I've been told that the honeycomb pattern and titanium alloy composition of the shutter allowed them to achieve a lighter weight, yet stronger shutter, and the lighter weight was what facilitated higher shutter speeds.
I started photography in 2003 with digital and my GF bought me a FE for xmas. I discover film photo with this thing since then and really enjoy it.
The FE is a great camera!
Thanks Matt! Just bought the FM2 a couple days ago and love it!
This was my first Nikon camera back in the 1970s.....I previously used to shoot with Canon gear but since I got my FM2 I've never used anything but Nikon because of the build-quality and their superb lenses.
fm2/t is made of titanium
fm2n is a later version or updated version of the fm2
Another cool feature - the self timer flips the mirror up after pressing the shutter to minimze vibrations, which is great for tripod use in low light.
Btw. the later FM2(n) has a (rather boring looking) aluminium shutter, but also does 1/4000s.
I won't go anywhere without my FM2. It was my first film slr and I instantly fell in love with it. Unfortunately the first one I bought, only a week after, the shutter got stuck and was not fixable. So I had to return it and went without it for a while. A little while later I decided to splurge and get myself a barely used one off of ebay and it's been perfect and hopefully will continue to be perfect. I absolutely love this camera and I plan on sticking with it for as along as I can.
I only ever owned the original FM. I loved it. When I bought it it was beat to hell. I got it cleaned and a new shutter and it was practically brand new. They take a lot of abuse and keep going.
+Red River Scout I have a black FM, used an FM2 from a friend, had an FE2 (which was given to me for free and then I gave also away for free to a good friend) and borrowed an FM3a from my professor. But whatever the FM/FE camera, they're all sturdy and really the best, imho, SLR cameras for anyone. I love them all!
Thanks for this video Matt, it helped persuade me to purchase an FM2n with a 50mm 1.8 lens as my first ever SLR. Useful video!
Flash sync speed is 1/250 of a sec with FM2n. Timer gives you the equivalent of mirror lock up as the mirror flips up in the beginning of the cycle.
Hey dude! I also have a Nikon F camera and I love it. This was a great video and you are a great host.
Hello Matt - I am late to this video but just discovered your Channel and I am loving it. I only have two 35mm film cameras now - an FM2 and an F801. Years ago I was lucky enough to have access to almost any Nikon camera I wanted and the FM2 was always my preferred choice. It looks fantastic, too.
Love my FM2n, which at this time I consider sufficient for a small camera as I'm primarily interested in large and medium format.
Hi! Titanium can be rolled to insane thin but stable sheets (=very very light), and the honeycomb-structure gives mechanical stability while using thin titanium sheets as a shutter-curtain material. THAT's the reason why this shutter is so fast: It is lighter and therefore faster. Nice vid! I shoot with the FM3A since it came out...very much like the FM2. Regards, Gereon
The Titanium shutter was made until the FM2n was introduced in the mid 1980s, when the flash sync speed went up to 1/250 of a second and switched to aluminium shutter blades. The reasoning behind the switch from Titanium shutter blades was when they did fail, the titanium shutter blades failied miserablly, not so with the aluminum shutter blades which are pretty bombproof. The Titanium or FM2T was a mid 1990s special edition, slightly lighter and way more expensive.
Thanks for this, I was wondering why my FM2 didn’t have the honeycomb pattern.
Very useful! Thank you very much! I want one couple of years but always hesitated, but now I am convinced about what you described because difficult to have description of the camera as yours. 👍
I really love my FM2n and FA. In my collection in durabilty can only keep up my Minolta XE-1 and XD11 with the Nikons.
Been shooting an FM2n for around thirty years now. It's never missed a beat in all that time and is without a shadow of doubt my favourite camera of all time. If I had to dump everything except one body and lens I'd keep the FM2n and AiS 50mm f1.4 - do like shallow DoF sometimes.
Just picked up an all black one of these at a thrift store for $7.99! Had an aftermarket lens on it and the rewind knob lever was missing. Went to my local camera shop and traded a damaged Minolta XE-5, a Minolta X-370 that needed repair, a Minolta SRT-100 that had an issue with a lens, and an old Voitlander Bessamatic needed a clean and lube. That got me a replacement lever that I needed for the FM2, a factory 50mm 1:1.4 Nikon lens, and some film! Probably could’ve gotten more on eBay, but I don’t have to deal with it and I can get the FM2 up and going. Can’t wait to try it!
thanks mane.. i ordered one yesterday after watching this!
Awesome video Matt, btw the audio sounds amazing with the new Mic.
Thanks, Mike! The new mic on my desk actually plugs directly into my MacBook via USB. It's a Rode Podcaster. The mic I used in this video is what I use in all of my videos, the Rode VideoMic Pro. I plug it directly into the camera, but for the close up shot, I was able to get the mic right in front of me. Much cleaner sound that way!
This is exactly the FE2 but the iso dial has been moved and the shutter is mechanical. The FE2 is extremely solid and the fact that this thing has the option to be used fully mechanically is amazing
I love my FM2n, I carry it along with my FujiFilm XT-3 and Leica's
I have an FM2N (newer version of the FM2) and I really like it. I enjoy owning cameras that are made with metal alloys and are built to last.
I have a FM 2 and a FA. Both great cameras. FM 2 the best of both. Informative clip.
I agree in all what you said.
Just got one of these for my birthday, trying to get a better understanding of how it works!
***** the pattern on the shutter lightens it (in weight) and, when combined with the titanium material used, it can go very fast. This was pioneered on the FA, if I'm not mistaken, though the FA used electronics to throw the fast shutter and the FM2 is all mechanical.
Ahhh, that makes sense! Thanks for sharing that with me!
I believe it could have been on the FE, as both my FE and FE2 have titanium honeycomb shutters but not my FA
It's definitely the best bang for the buck, if you like mechanical cameras. The FM3A is way overpriced these days.
The viewfinder is not as good as some other Nikons, but it's still pretty nice.
I've never shot the FM3A, but I've heard great things about it.
I've dropped my Fm2 about 4 times already (i need a proper camera bag) and it still works like a charm. Oh and these were some serious drops. Haha
Damn, I'll bet that it can take a lot more drops too, nikons are built like tanks
Love the FM2. It's what I'd want with me to shoot the apocalypse. Great camera.
I have an FM and a FE2. I prefer the FE2. It has an electronic shutter and a matchstick meter as opposed to the FM's lighted dot under over meter. It's easier to see how over or under you are exposing. Other differences, it works with TTL flashes (4 contacts on flash shoe) and has Aperture priority when needed.
It needs a battery for any shutter speed other than M250 but the battery will last for a long long long time.
I do really enjoy matchstick meters for the same reason.
+Matt Day I have an FM2n and an FE. I hear what you're saying about the match needle meter and like the idea in principle but tbh I find it hugely frustrating in practice as the needles *always* seem to fall in a dark part of the frame where you can't read them! The FM's red LEDs aren't as informative but at least you can *always* read them.
I just bought a well loved Nikon fm2 on eBay it looks like it traveled the world but the seller says it still shoots and images shouldn’t be effected . I am glad to hear it’s durable and can do multiple exposure. Unfortunately it’s just the camera body so I am looking for a lens.
I'd like to see you doing a Nikon F3 Review!!
nice. Reminds me a lot of the single camera I used in the 70s and early 80s: a Nikkormat EL. Still have it stored, for sentimental reasons; so solid, still flawless,and feels so good in the hand anytime I pick it up.
I bought the Nikon FM-2n about twenty some years ago with three ai lenses, 28mm f/3.5 50mm f/1.4 and 105mm f/2.5, saying that it’s a great camera (and lenses) is an understatement, I never had any problems or issues with it, I recently semi-retired it because I came into the 21st century (LOL) and I got a Sony A7II with a 55mm f1.8 (my first digital camera), I’m also very happy with it.
Great review Matt. I picked up a Nikon F3 with 50mm 1.8 lens at my local camera shop for $150. I absolutely love it. It's built like a tank. I think it would be cool if in your camera reviews you also included footage of you shooting/behind the scenes of how you like to shoot with it. And then post some picture results. I realize the results are highly variable but I think it would add a lot to the review.
Thanks a lot, David! That's a good thought, for sure. Might have to do a follow up video with some of that!
I've had one for a couple months now, it was my first SLR pick up. Have yet to shoot it :D, just finally got to studying photography, will be shooting my first roll in the next week.
I have the FM2T; fabulous workhorse.
I have the EM (my first 35 mm Camera) , the FM (my second 35 mm Camera and currently my back up) and the F3(my primary SLR) i love them all . Going thru this Cameras helped me to grow and upscale my skills .Along with my Nikon D5300 , i think my next step will be Probably D610 or D750 . Thanks for the Great Videos Matt .
1/4000th sec shutter speed for such an old camera is impressive. Faster shutter speed permits full open fast lenses under daylight without ND filters. Minolta had reached 1/12000th sec with its film SLR cameras. Something unprecedented even today.
Ive gotten my dads old fm2n and its awesome. I dont see why i would want any other all mechanical slr. Ive even dropped it a couple times and still works like its brand new. As far as I know the difference from fm2 to fm2n is the flash sync speed is 1/250, the fm2n and it comes in all black, and the later ones have i think an aluminum shutter which does not have the honeycomb pattern on it.
Nikon FM2n wasn’t a Titanium top plate. The FM2T had Titanium top and bottom plates. The only change with the N was a change to the shutter material and the flash sync went to 1/250
Just one question do you still have this FM2?
The titanium shutter curtains are lighter than aluminum and can therefore travel faster. The honeycomb patter allows the titanium foil used for the curtains to be thinner yet maintain sufficient stiffness.
I had an FM2n black body that I just adored.
my fav SLR and nice cub and co hat, Matt! nice review...
the reason for the fast top shutter speed is, the shutter runs vertically and made of titanium instead of cloth and running horizontal so has less distance to cover in fact a third less, this was one of the first cameras to do this.
Was that a "hot spot" on the bottom for an auto-winder?
I bought this camera for high altitude photography at very low temperatures (minus 10 to minus 20 degrees C). The FM2 continues to work when other battery driven cameras have stopped long time ago. It is a pleasure to own and use such a camera! Thanks for your excellent review!
That’s a lovely camera! I love my Nikkormat ftn, I’m missing the double exposure and the shutter lock tho 🤔
I've been using an FM2 for 3 years and never new there was a double exposure lever, haha. Glad I watched this.
Bought mine in ‘84. Still using it.
Fist series Nikkon FM2 has
x = 1/150 sec and second series has 1/250 sec. Isn't it?
Best regards from Germany.
Jürgen
+Jürgen aus dem Vogtland die erste FM2 hat 1/200 als Blitzsyncro (in Verschlussrad "X" genannt), die neue hat 1/250.
I wished I would have bought this camera in the past. Perhaps I will in the future. I've used both Nikkormat FTNs and Nikon F2 as film cameras, the like the faster shutter of the titanium focal plane shutter of the Nikon FM2. I believe the honey-comb structure made the shutter stronger.
I have both the FM2n and the F3, I've owned both of them for 30+ years since high school overall the F3 is the best 35mm SLR ever made and a bargain these days compared to the FM2, although I have to say that I like I like the metering system on the FM2 better it is by far the most simple in camera meter ever. If you want a good SLR either one is a great choice the F3 seems to be cheaper probably because everyone recommends the FM2 as a good starter camera.
Thanks for posting such a great review! I bought this camera a few years ago and just absolutely love it. Just hoping nothing ever breaks on it, not sure how I'd get it serviced these days...
My first digital SLR is/was a Nikon D40 with 18-55mm kit lens. After a while, I wondered what was the digital equivalent of a Nikon FM/FM-2. The answer was "Nikon D7000," which is fine, but the menu jungle and complex options, I'm still looking.
I have a Nikon FM. Ever tried it? I wish I had the higher shutter speed, but otherwise it seems similar and super sturdy.
The honeycomb pattern helps to reduce the weight of the shutter, making it faster and more reliable.
I loved my FM2n black body. My fav. I have an F3 now.
The reason why the curtain is made of titanium is titanium is roughly twice as strong as stainless steel and has twice its fatigue resistance (meaning twice the lifespan of steel when loaded alternatively). Moreover, it's roughly twice lighter than stainless steel for the same volume, meaning that the shockwave produced by the shutter will be less intense and will cause less damage to the mechanics parts around. Unfortunately, titanium costs between 2 and 3 times more than stainless steel…
The honeycomb is probably a sort of reinforcement because this pattern is very efficient to spread the stress in the structure without adding too much weight. To me, it's very well engineered.
I recently got one of these or free and it looks new. Seems like a great SLR in the compact and light category !
FM2 had a 1/200 flash sync shutter speed, FM2n was 1/250. The "n" also had a brighter focusing screen
I've been using the rarer FA and it's results are fantastic, but hear this I still love using a Praktica better. They feel better. I'm talking about the BCX and BX20 for example. Maybe with this being an older style like Praktica, I'd like it in my hands better. The FA is more modern, less metal.
Nice review Matt! I own the black version, and it is lovely! But, sometimes the shutter, from the body that I own, stuck at the middle of the movement. I asked for maintenance and the answer for the problem was: "this type of shutter has the tradition to lock as being used for several years, but nothing that you can`t solve yourself by touching (with careful) and pushing it direct to the lens side". I hope you can make a review of some program that you use to edit your photos (like Lightroom, or another one). Cheers!
whats the differences o nikon f2 and fm2n? and fm2 vs fm2n?
Thanks Matt for your videos. Very interesting stuff. I have a Nikon FM2 and I like the way it works: big viewfinder, the knobs, the click sound and of course how it looks. But I have an issue with it. It makes horizontal lines in my negatives. I Googled "nikon fm2 scanning lines" and I found more people with the same issue. Should I look for another copy?
i've bought nikon fm2 but the view finder circle not square like that. I've used nikon afd 50mm f1.8. Is it normal ?
I bought one FM2n, and really needed of this amazing tips
Thank's mate
I'm still not over you not liking chocolate.
Light-skinned chocolate is great.
The FM2N used an aluminum shutter (except for very early N serial numbers) vs the titanium one in the FM2. FM2N has a bit brighter viewfinder and bumped the flash sync to 1/250 from 1/200. The titanium top plate you're referring to was reserved for the FM2/T which stood for titanium. Those are still plentiful but collectable, they have a distinctive champagne finish and serial numbers starting with a T. They are very expensive. The pure FM2 such as the one you have are actually getting difficult to find in good condition, by good I mean working meters, accurate shutter speeds, intact light seals and good cosmetics. You might find one for $150 that meets that criteria but plan on spending closer to $200-250 or more. The N models all have an N in front of the serial number and usually sell for less. FM2 was the camera Steve McCurry used to take the iconic Nat Geo cover of the Afghan girl in 1984. I would hold on to that one and never let it go.
I have a Nikon F with all the different metering heads. I’ll,have to pick up an FM2 to try
hi Matt. Thanks for the vid! I have a FM2 (only the body) which was gift from my friend. I am new to photography but definitely wanna start this hobby with this camera. What lens should I buy? Im interested in shooting street views and people usually. And what was the lens in the vid? Big thanks!
Just got myself a used nikon fm2 body a day ago (for usd 231) even the film and film processing is very expensive plus the processing lab is very very limited in my city/country.. i really want to experience/try film camera
The most stupid thing I did was sold my Nikon FM2n, because I purchased an F5 (also new in those day's)... within 6 months I bought a new one back ;) They are really really reliable and fun to shoot and nice and compact.
Does your little screw holding the advance lever ever come loose? Mine on my fe2 does all the time and drives me crazy lol.
I always liked the fm2, but since I shoot with my left eye it was a no go...having to pop out the advance to use it meant getting the advance lever in my right eye every time. I ended up with an F3, which I loved loved loved, but eventually sold it after I shifted to a pentax 67 as my primary camera. Now I use an olympus OM-2n as well, which IMO is basically perfect
I never thought about that, but I could see that being a real pain if you shoot with the left eye. That's good to know for future reference!
Ive been repairing my old Minolta 600 Si bodies only to have the, fail again. Perhaps it's time to find a good FM2 camera or F3 to replace,my 600 Si bodies and lenses...
I must have a newer model - bought new in '86 or '87. It's flash synch is 1/250 sec and has interchangeable view screens. I believe it was the FM3 that was made of titanium (or the top plate was) with a 1/8000 sec top shutter speed. The shutter was if carbon-fiber and aluminum.
I picked up a very recent model of the FM2n which has the newer aluminum shutter and a flash sync speed of 1/250
The on off switch is one of my favourite design features and the short eye relief is my least favourite
You forgot this camera is motor drive compatible. The MD12 motor drive was made for this and the FE camera.
Would the FM2 accept non-ai lenses from my nikkormat ftn? Thanks
Good looking camera. I love my nikon f3hp. It's my everyday shooter. Camera is beautiful and reliable and durable. Great review brothah
I've heard great things about the F3. Always wanted to shoot with one. I've heard that viewfinder is gorgeous.
If you have a change to shoot one or buy one i would! The hp viewfinder is absolutely amazing, especially if you have classes you don't have to put your eye right up to it, you can have it far off and see everything. don't get me started on the sports finder
sadly the shutter just goes up to 1/2000, a bummer if you, like me, prefer higher ISOs for low-light shooting but still don't want the limited aperture in the daytime
never had that issue pushing film
The titanium is much lighter then steel so that might be a factor and the pattern might be to reduce the weight even further.
I bought one Nikon FM2 in 1998 and stil I've that in running condition. Well, I use one Nikon D810 DSLR with a few lenses but I love to keep my FM2.
There are 4 models of the FM2. Hello?
On this camera,Mirror lock-up feature is part of the self timer mode.
If Nikon brought this camera back, exactly as it is but with a digital sensor, all manual and mechanical in every way, including manual focus AIS lenses, it would be the perfect camera. I would buy it for sure. Please Nikon just do it!🙏👍