In January 2022 I picked up a FM2/T and paired it with a 40mm f2 Voigtlander lens. It is a perfect combination for me. Weight, balance, experience. Keep up the good work!
No, I haven't picked up the FM2 or FM2T. I do have 2 Nikon film cameras however and won't part with them anytime soon. I have the Nikon S3 2000 Limited Edition and the Nikon Nikomat. For 35mm film, these are enough for me.
The FM 2 is a great camera. However, a number of users see it as having a serious design flaw. If you are a left-eye shooter,, the film advance lever will protrude into your forhead when the meter is turned on and the shutter is unlocked. Although the original FM had a shutter lock collar around the shutter release, the engineers at Nikon decided at some point to eliminate it. The shutter lock mechanism on later FMs and FM2s was moved to the film advance lever. Unless the film advance lever was pulled away from the body the shutter remained locked (and the meter was off). This created the problem described above. I have asked numerous camera technicians if this could be changed. The answer was always 'no'.
I use a FM2n since it is light, small and has a simple exposure meter that works very well. Such an improvement over the large, heavy complicated digital cameras of today.
Great video and great to see these cameras are still appreciated and being used. My lovely silver Nikon FE is looking at me from my desk right now and I can hear it shouting- use me! and now I will finish that roll that's been sitting in it for months. Thanks for the push Bernie!
I've been shooting an original FM2 with the titanium shutter and 1/200 flash sync speed for over 26 years, a good portion of that as a photojournalist. It's never failed. It's never been serviced. It's brassed and beaten and keeps on shooting.
If you are back in Japan, you might find it interesting to check out the Nikon museum at their corporate headquarters in Shinigawa - fascinating place.
Hi Bernie, I have an FM2 and have used one for years, I now have added to this camera with a Leica MA so film is still in my DNA, I mostly use it with Black and White film and process at home in my kitchen sink. Good thing I have a stainless steel sink. The FM2 is a great workhorse of a camera you will enjoy that one. Michael
They certainly are great, so happy to pick the second one up last year. Oh I love processing also, need to get my tanks sent over from Australia. The Leica must be fun! Glad you’re enjoying your film also 👌
Since I have quite a few pre-AI lenses, I'd go for the FM if I were to get a camera in this range. My first entrance to the Nikon system was a Nikkormat FTn which I bought in 1969 or 1970 along with a 50mm f/2 lens and a 200mm f/4 lens. All of these still work just fine. I liked your comments about shooting without auto. I shoot my Nikon Z7 almost always in manual shutter, manual aperature, manual ISO, back button auto focus. I enjoy the experience and it works for me. Great video. Thank you.
I shoot the FM2n in black with the 40mm Voigtlander F2 SLIIs. Couldn't be happier. Don't even have a desire for any other set up. Honestly, I'd use it even if I had a Leica.
Good video mate, 9/10 and a new subscribe (audio a bit low but made up for it as you didn't have any trashy music over the top of you commentary). Good choice of Nikon body, I have a few too but strangely not an FM2. I love them all though (and I'm this close to getting an Fz to see how all the old glass goes on it). As an ex Adelaide boy I'm familiar with the Advertiser. Cool shirt too 🙂
Back in the early 80’s Nikon launched 2 great SLRs, the F3 in 1980, and the FM2n in 1983; it’s virtually impossible to decide between the two, I love the F3 for it’s large 100% eye-level viewfinder, and it’s waist-level viewfinder. I love the FM2n for it’s mechanical shutter-curtain, and the size of the FM2n; if the FM2n had a larger 100% eye-level viewfinder, and a waist-level viewfinder the FM2n would have been even better; nevertheless the FM2n is a joy to use.
Well, i couldn’t agree more! I own the F2, F3, FA, the original FM and a FM2n (which I bought new back in 1989). The FM2 is by far my most used camera body and it never let me down during the 35 years (and at least 1000 rolls of film) I’ve owned it. It was CLA’d twice in its lifetime.
Hi Bernie. I caught the bug when I was 10 and my granddad gave me old pentax Screw mount. travel 50 year into the future I am leave the Digital world and going back to film. I just ordered a FM2n and built a Bronica SQ-B setup have always wanted to get into Medium format, now its the waiting for them to arrive.
First real camera. 1970 Zeiss Ikon 6x6cm folding camera w soft 2.8 tessar lens $25,00. eh okay but fun learner at 16 sold in 90s for $99. 1973 Pensacola A school US Navy got a Nikkormat w 28 3.5, 50 1.4, and 105mm 2,5 all for about $200. Dec 1973 Nikon F2 w 50mm 1.4, direct from Taiwan via brother about $250 .... yrs later unloaded all and got a like new FM2 what a tight & lighter dream better than all the past. Time to let it go now age 70 have not shot 2 full rolls ever. but so sweet. Still have many AI lenses 24- 28 50, 105, and 55/105 micro nikkors to let go as well as best breed immac. Mamiya TLR Best 6x6 w 3 lenses and porroflex Life is short all is replaceable except health and hair. i
Well -- if 25gram is a big difference to you, then the difference between the FM2n ( 540g ) and the titanium version FM2/T ( 515g ) indeed makes the latter one "a lot lighter" 🤣
Have you picked up a Nikon FM2T? If not what’s your current favourite? If you could buy any film camera what you buying?
In January 2022 I picked up a FM2/T and paired it with a 40mm f2 Voigtlander lens. It is a perfect combination for me. Weight, balance, experience. Keep up the good work!
No, I haven't picked up the FM2 or FM2T.
I do have 2 Nikon film cameras however and won't part with them anytime soon. I have the Nikon S3 2000 Limited Edition and the Nikon Nikomat.
For 35mm film, these are enough for me.
The FM 2 is a great camera. However, a number of users see it as having a serious design flaw. If you are a left-eye shooter,, the film advance lever will protrude into your forhead when the meter is turned on and the shutter is unlocked. Although the original FM had a shutter lock collar around the shutter release, the engineers at Nikon decided at some point to eliminate it. The shutter lock mechanism on later FMs and FM2s was moved to the film advance lever. Unless the film advance lever was pulled away from the body the shutter remained locked (and the meter was off). This created the problem described above. I have asked numerous camera technicians if this could be changed. The answer was always 'no'.
I use a FM2n since it is light, small and has a simple exposure meter that works very well. Such an improvement over the large, heavy complicated digital cameras of today.
Awesome, and totally agree. It’s great to go back to a light tight box, good glass and a light meter. Thanks for connecting and enjoy your FM2n 👌
Great camera, I just purchased an FM2N about 3 weeks ago. So far, it's a great camera. Happy shooting!
Great video and great to see these cameras are still appreciated and being used. My lovely silver Nikon FE is looking at me from my desk right now and I can hear it shouting- use me! and now I will finish that roll that's been sitting in it for months. Thanks for the push Bernie!
Great to hear mate, the FE is a fantastic camera. Hope the end of the role goes well 😊
I've been shooting an original FM2 with the titanium shutter and 1/200 flash sync speed for over 26 years, a good portion of that as a photojournalist. It's never failed. It's never been serviced. It's brassed and beaten and keeps on shooting.
If you are back in Japan, you might find it interesting to check out the Nikon museum at their corporate headquarters in Shinigawa - fascinating place.
Thanks for the tip! I was going there but it was closed the day I had planned to go. Must go back for that.
Lovely work
Thank you! Cheers! have a great week :)
Hi Bernie, I have an FM2 and have used one for years, I now have added to this camera with a Leica MA so film is still in my DNA, I mostly use it with Black and White film and process at home in my kitchen sink. Good thing I have a stainless steel sink. The FM2 is a great workhorse of a camera you will enjoy that one. Michael
They certainly are great, so happy to pick the second one up last year. Oh I love processing also, need to get my tanks sent over from Australia. The Leica must be fun! Glad you’re enjoying your film also 👌
I had FM 3a marvelous to because you had together FM2 and FE2.
My eldest daughter is possibly the only girl who got an FM2T for her 18th birthday present 😀 She still uses it today, eight years on.
Since I have quite a few pre-AI lenses, I'd go for the FM if I were to get a camera in this range. My first entrance to the Nikon system was a Nikkormat FTn which I bought in 1969 or 1970 along with a 50mm f/2 lens and a 200mm f/4 lens. All of these still work just fine. I liked your comments about shooting without auto. I shoot my Nikon Z7 almost always in manual shutter, manual aperature, manual ISO, back button auto focus. I enjoy the experience and it works for me. Great video. Thank you.
I shoot the FM2n in black with the 40mm Voigtlander F2 SLIIs. Couldn't be happier. Don't even have a desire for any other set up. Honestly, I'd use it even if I had a Leica.
The FM2n is considerably more practical than any analog Leica M which are about as practical as a tea-pot made of 1mm thin chocolate.
Good video mate, 9/10 and a new subscribe (audio a bit low but made up for it as you didn't have any trashy music over the top of you commentary). Good choice of Nikon body, I have a few too but strangely not an FM2. I love them all though (and I'm this close to getting an Fz to see how all the old glass goes on it). As an ex Adelaide boy I'm familiar with the Advertiser. Cool shirt too 🙂
Thanks for the feedback mate 👌
Great to hear you are enjoying your gear!
Nice!! Great place, first 27 years were spent there.
Great to connect 👍
I had the original back in the day, but the FM2/T was always stratospherically expensive.
The original FM2 is all you need, the titanium version is just a nice to have….if you’re into that. Thanks for connecting
Back in the early 80’s Nikon launched 2 great SLRs, the F3 in 1980, and the FM2n in 1983; it’s virtually impossible to decide between the two, I love the F3 for it’s large 100% eye-level viewfinder, and it’s waist-level viewfinder. I love the FM2n for it’s mechanical shutter-curtain, and the size of the FM2n; if the FM2n had a larger 100% eye-level viewfinder, and a waist-level viewfinder the FM2n would have been even better; nevertheless the FM2n is a joy to use.
Well, i couldn’t agree more! I own the F2, F3, FA, the original FM and a FM2n (which I bought new back in 1989). The FM2 is by far my most used camera body and it never let me down during the 35 years (and at least 1000 rolls of film) I’ve owned it. It was CLA’d twice in its lifetime.
I have and shoot with a FM2. It is one of the original 1982 models with the titanium shutter. Still works perfectly. Will most likely outlast me.
I’ve read somewhere online that the Contax S2 actually uses the same shutter assembly as the FM2/T.
what does this have to do with the ZF
Hi Bernie. I caught the bug when I was 10 and my granddad gave me old pentax Screw mount. travel 50 year into the future I am leave the Digital world and going back to film. I just ordered a FM2n and built a Bronica SQ-B setup have always wanted to get into Medium format, now its the waiting for them to arrive.
Thank you for not mentioning my favourite used camera store in Tokyo 🙏🏻
You’re welcome 😊 gotta keep some of them secret haha.
Try the Z fc. It resembles the FM2 more than the Zf.
The FM2/T is 25g lighter than the FM2 😉
First real camera. 1970 Zeiss Ikon 6x6cm folding camera w soft 2.8 tessar lens $25,00. eh okay but fun learner at 16 sold in 90s for $99. 1973 Pensacola A school US Navy got a Nikkormat w 28 3.5, 50 1.4, and 105mm 2,5 all for about $200. Dec 1973 Nikon F2 w 50mm 1.4, direct from Taiwan via brother about $250 .... yrs later unloaded all and got a like new FM2 what a tight & lighter dream better than all the past. Time to let it go now age 70 have not shot 2 full rolls ever. but so sweet. Still have many AI lenses 24- 28 50, 105, and 55/105 micro nikkors to let go as well as best breed immac. Mamiya TLR Best 6x6 w 3 lenses and porroflex Life is short all is replaceable except health and hair.
i
no volume
Well -- if 25gram is a big difference to you, then the difference between the FM2n ( 540g ) and the titanium version FM2/T ( 515g ) indeed makes the latter one "a lot lighter" 🤣
Hahaha yeah mate, every gram counts. Just ask the ultralight hiking crew
I think your volume is too low
Thanks mate