I have shot an FM2n on and off since they were released back in '82. I own two day to day copies (always one colour and one B&W) and I am amazed how they have crept up in price. Build quality is superb and as you say, its a simple to use piece of kit. I recently was offered a new in sealed box silver FM2n as an acquaintance was helping to clear out old kit from a college darkroom. I am keeping this to hand down through the family and I am confident that, as long as there is film to put in it, you will always be able to find a working FM2n.
In the times when film used to be the only medium, I always traveled with two cameras; one for B&W, the other for color. Sometimes, I'd grab the FM2's with identical 28-80 (f/2.8) zooms and a fast 35 or 50 for low light. Other times I'd "travel light" with two Leicas and 4 lenses, spanning 21 to 75. It's amazing how small Leica lenses can be. Bodies, OTOH, are not exactly light. Being solid brass they weight quite a bit more than the FM2's. Last time was 2004, then I got a DSLR and one camera replaced 2. ISO 3200 replaced 400. I hope you did get that sealed silver FM2. By now you surely know film is here to stay.
I still have my FM2. Bought new in 83’ and I still love it! I own several older Nikons and currently use a Z6, which is the only other camera I enjoy as much as the FM2. I introduced my wife to SLR’s with that camera and she has a special love of it also. Unbelievable camera! Nice to see someone else shooting with one. Thank you sir!
I overhaul and restore analog cameras as a hobby. There are some great camera bodies out there from the past. One of the most unknown is the Konica T3n (a magnificent piece a mechanical engineering for the time), paired with the 57mm 1.2 is a pretty great experience. However, the camera that holds my heart in 35mm format is still my FM2n hands down.
You’re speaking my language here. I have an FM2n and a Leica M5 (among others). The Nikon is so easy to shoot with, whereas I sometimes find the M5 and rangefinders to be a little fiddly in terms of focusing. I love both cameras and don’t plan to get rid of either, but my Nikon is just such a great looking workhorse. And you’re right about the cost - I’m not nearly as nervous with the Nikon as I am with the Leica, although I tend to baby all my gear. Great video!
Having to pull out the advance lever to activate the camera has its benefits and annoyances but what I love about my Nikon FA is that when you mount it on its dedicated battery grip you no longer have to pull out that lever to take a shot, hence it lives permanently on its grip. Cool video Mac!
Not FM2a but FM3a. And the FM3a also has a mechanical shutter that works without a battery. And if you put a battery in, you will get the in my opinion most intuitive meter indicator imaginable (exactly the same indicator known from the FE and FE2, green flag pointing either at A or at the time preselected and a needle pointing at the time suggested; match them up and you are done). And if you set the time wheel to A, the mechanical shutter switches to electronic shutter, because it is a hybrid and the needle will indicate the time the camera will pick. This is of course the same meter used in the FE and FE2, so regarding operation the FM3a is actually the FE3, yet due to its hybrid shutter with the fully mechanical mode it also is the FM3. It‘s a crazy machine and I really love mine.
Agreed the FE2 and FM3a meter is by far superior. The FM3a is basically the FE2 with mechanical shutter (as you pointed out). But I don't really see myself on the Gaza strip doing intense journalism where I can't find LR22 batteries. The FE2 also can shoot at 1/250th without batteries, which is a pretty middle of the road shutter speed if you do happen to run out. The FM3a is also 800 dollars VS 150 dollars for the FE2. The FM3a also seems to be a Nikon vanity piece that was released in 2001 or something? It's a very nice camera. I'd just go with the FE2. The FM3a is like the Leica of manual SLR's. A showoff piece. If it had 1/8000th shutter, I'd give it props. But it's just an FE2 that doesn't need batteries.
@@urwholefamilydied I do agree. I bought mine when it was only a year or two old because I wanted a rather new camera at the time. If I had to buy a new used camera today, it would totally be the FE2. In day to day usage there is zero difference between the two.
I love the video, although this is one of those instances where it would’ve been better without music. Your voice and the way you carry yourself would’ve been awesome by itself. I’m picking up a FM2 tomorrow so thank you for confirming my understanding of this camera!
I need to go back & learn the differences between the FM/FM2 & FE/FE2, there was something keeping from buying an FM2 and now I and remember why. Great shots!
They were definitely flat. I think because there was no directional light and pretty thick cloud cover. I’m going to test out this combo again in better light very soon
My fav pair are my F3 and M3 - both just bring such joy advancing the film and their iconic shutter sounds, I smile every time. Both Leica and Nikon give you a wonderful selection of lenses to suit whatever cost and whatever character you want. Yes the F3 needs a battery but it’s a battery you get anywhere. Those ball bearings in the film advance though………….
The FM2n is definitely the SLR most used in my collection and also the one camera I will never sell. In combination with the 50mm e-series (almost pancake) lens it makes up for a really great travel kit.
I plan to take my FM2 with 50mm E series to the Philippines in July to partner / compliment the digital APSC camera + 28mm . Two cameras - two lenses - one digital - one film ... Should be fun!
Nikon made some spectacular F-Mount AiS lenses...like the 105mm f/2.5, for example. Every bit the equal of anything else on the market at the time. Yes, including Leica.
I used FM and FM2 over 30+ years. For a manual camera the in screen display cannot be beaten. Mostly I shot slide so exposure was critical. With the traffic light display on the right waht you don't mention is that... centre light you are spot on centre weighted, two lights up or down you are half a stop up or down, one lmight up or down and it is 1 stop or more. As for the FM2 speed, never neededf it, but it also has 1/250 flash sync speed THAT is useful..
Great video Mac, as always. Fascinating to hear your perspective on possibly swapping back to Nikon from Leica. I have a Nikon F2 with non metered head and love it. I also love the results I get with it and the Nikkor 35 f2 D and 85 f1.4 D lenses (I have some AF F bodies as well hence the AF lenses). Despite this, I still hanker after a Leica M but I always ask myself whether it would bring any meaningful differences to my photography. I just bought the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 ais 'pancake' lens to make the F2 a small carry around camera and am really interesting to see how it performs. It's supposed to be really good. Anyway, great videos, I always watch them and although it was nice to see the Western US, I'm now enjoying seeing your videos from Georgia. Keep up the great work.
Just one persons perspective here but having owned Leica and Nikon you are not getting anything special with a Leica. I want to keep this shot(er) so I’ll say the price of just the Leica body cost more than the 2 lenses you listed and any standard Nikon body other than the fm3a and f6. The 85 1.4d is an astounding lens and the Leica equivalent isn’t better IQ wise and focusing telephotos on a rangefinder is much more difficult. Plus if you go for the fm2 or fe2 the higher shutter speeds are so helpful. Leica glass is nice but not worth the cost compared to Nikon. My personal decision was to save tons of money selling my Leica and reinvesting it into a Nikon kit. When I sold my m2 I picked up an fm2n, 50mm 1.8 ais and d, 35mm 2d, 20mm 2.8d and 85mm 1.8d. (I have an F5 and f100 so the af lenses are pulling double duty) I think you’ll be pleased with the ais pancake on your f2. Don’t even bother getting a different body. The f2 is Nikon’s best camera and just about the best mechanical 35mm slr of all time especially with the non metered prism. Rangefinders are wonderful but for me an slr is just better. I hope this helps, I apologize for my word vomit.
I'll always hold onto one of my leicas and one of my Summicrons. The FM2 and M5/6 are all mechanical, but I really love the 1/4000s shutter when I want to shoot wide open portraits in daylight. I also like the display: aperture, shutter speed, and exposure all in one view. I also love the super close focusing capability of an SLR. Finally, being able to see the actual image being taken is important for me, esp if i'm using a circular polarizer. All that said, my Leica glass is dear to me. I've taken my favorite images ever with my Leica kit. Thanks for watching!
@@MacShootsFilm I thought the same thing at one point, but I switched over to all Nikon this year. The last to go was my M4-P and v5 50 Summicron. I'm currently shooting an F3, an FE and a Z6II. There's something special about Leica glass for sure, but with prices skyrocketing I just couldn't justify it as appreciably better than the results I get with the Nikon kit. Part of the draw is that I can get 5 - 10 Nikon kits for the current price of Leica, but the big revelation came for me (as a glasses wearer) when I could see everything in the F3 viewfinder without struggling or looking around the edges. I like rangefinder focusing and form factor, but I'll take practical advantages all day long, and for me Nikon just offers that. Thanks for your hard work in making these!
@@jimmyrocket02 I really like my f3! I'm loving this Zeiss glass on Nikon bodies as well. Might hold these Leicas for another year, letting the price continue to rise, then sell and buy a dozen Nikon SLRs and use the leftover cash for a road trip around the US. LOL
I have a whole bunch of Nikon film cameras that I love. They all serve different use cases. That said, I agree that shooting my FM2n is a joy. When lugging heavy full frame digital gear is not sitting well with my bad back, or whether I just want to immerse myself in the actual shooting experience, the FM2 is a great camera, which is very enjoyable to use. Paired with the pancake 50, 35, 20, its a super light kit great for street shooting.
I had the FM2 back in the day, bought a brand new one, and I used it for years, so it rips my heart out that I was the idiot who sold it. Yes, I needed the money, but still... To add insult to the injury, the last guy who shot it died in the plan crash while wearing it. I couldn't recommend that camera high enough; it was indeed the best / biggest value for the buck, purely mechanical camera I ever owned. Now, all do I love it so much, these days it would be unreasonable for me to invest quite a bit of money into yet another analogue system , course let's be honest, all do Nikon in general is much cheaper than the Leica, it's still not cheap. So I'll happily continue to use my Olympus OM and M42 gear...
Adding “Zeiss 35mm” in the subject box might increase your hits. I stayed for that. I’m weighing keeping an EM or an FE at the moment. Interesting review.
I had suggested this camera to you! Its my favorite camera to use where I don't care as much about the environment the camera is in. Example: camping and hiking. supposedly Steve Mccurry shot afghan girl on an fm2 and the 105mm. the f2as and f2sb have similar viewfinder read outsmwith led. The fm3a has aperture priority and a fully mechanical shutter btw. its the only camera that I know of that has A mode and if the battery dies you still have a full range of shutter speeds.
Afghan Girl was shot on an FM2, you are right. The FM3a has a unique hybrid shutter, mechanically controlled in manual and electronically controlled in A. Kind of a cross between FM2 & FE2. There is no other SLR like it.
very interesting video. UK snapper here. like the local area, the kind, we over here have of old buildings, USA is a young country by comparison, guess it may be a sleepy town. Very clean and serene. Like the gear.
I really like shooting with my SLR cameras. They're not Nikons, but very nice and easy to shoot with - in fact some of them were pro level cameras in their day. But, I love my Leica M5 and my Leica IIIb. Both of them have build quality, that is second to none in my experience, and their different properties mean they compliment each other well. The M5 is quick to work with, while the IIIb forces me to slow down and take my time with each shot. It's great to have both options. Dead camera batteries in Death Valley sounds like a result of the extreme temperature shifts from day to night. Perhaps storing the batteries in a cooler until use could help with that specific issue?
The M5 truly is a gem. If I jumped ship on Leica I'd sell my chrome M5 and M6 and Leica glass. I'd keep my black M5 and 50mm Summicron just to be able to have that "feel" every now and then. As for the dead batteries in my Leica M6, I think I got a bad batch of batteries. Thankfully my M6 is mechanical so I just metered with my phone and kept on shooting. Thanks so much for watching!
The FM2 is a masterpiece of Japanese engineering but nothing sucks more than looking through a defocused SLR viewfinder to check the framing. In that case I find a rangefinder much more pleasant to work with even if the Leica might not have all the “features” of the FM2. Still the Nikon is a wonderful piece of kit. Why not just have best of both worlds? Nothing wrong with Nikon glass btw…
Actually nothing sucks more than using a rangefinder, for a start the ONLY lenses that are easy to use on a rangefinder are the 35mm and 50mm; using the 28mm is possible but as it’s a wide angle makes it difficult to focus accurately. Plus you can’t use lenses wider than a 28mm unless you use a wide angle finder, even then focusing is difficult thus slow. Lastly you can’t use a 75mm focal length or longer as the lens barrel diameter is too big thus fouls your view of your subject when looking through the viewfinder. Therefore rangefinder camera’s are about as practical as a coffee pot made of 0.1mm thin chocolate. You’d be better off using a fart to take photos than a film rangefinder. The only rangefinders that are useful are those with a Live View LCD
I think they're all great cameras, but out of the 3 i'd go with the FM2. Best value out of them all. I love the f3, but the meter is prone to LCD bleed and it is an electronic shutter. The FM3A is just too expensive these days and the only difference between it and the FM2 is aperture priority. As for lenses, I'm a prime guy. The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS is a stunner!
I have an FM2 Black as well. The light meter is not accurate so I bought a Sekonic meter that mounts to the flash shoe mount. I'm strictly B&W film with all my mechanical cameras. If you depend on the internal light meter then you need to be wary of battery life because your light meter uses a battery!
Love both my m6 and fm3a. M6 for the rangefinder focusing and quieter shutter and fm3a because I have the 50mm 1.2 which i love! Interested to know more of your thoughts why you get rid of the Leica and make a complete switch. Both are mechanical tanks to me and I can’t see myself letting go of any 😅
Couldn't agree more! I'll def. hold onto one of my Leicas and one of my Summicrons. Will be a nice change of pace shooting an SLR for a bit. I won the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 and love it! Thanks for watching!
Idk with these pics did you just get lab scans back because it seems like the flat kinda style that labs like to send back to you. Since I know you wanted contrasty images they seemed pretty low contrast. Just wondering 🤔
I acquired one some years ago. Its a great camera, I love mine and I have a collection of lenses spanning from 24mm f2, 35mm 1.4, 50mm f1,2, 85mm f2, 135mm f2 and 180mm f2.8, + a 80-200mm f4 zoom. The glass is outstanding and the camera too. I would not sell a Leica M6, keep both, a rangefinder is for different kind of shooting and no problem to shoot that old Nikon glass on a digital Leica ...
I don't know about selling your Leica, but definitely invest in some more Zeiss ZF.2 glass. I have the 20/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 85/1.4 (Milvus) & the 100/2. I love them to bits but they will definitely add some weight to your camera bag!!!
Interesting video, but I didn't find the "cool architecture", only ordinary abandoned ruins 😉 A general advantage of a SLR over a rangefinder camera is that you have a much broader range of lenses, starting with 6mm and ending somewhere at 1000mm or beyond, whereas the rangefinder lenses go from 10mm to 135mm. Furthermore, with a rangefinder you cannot get really close, no problem with a SLR - 0,2 meters are not problem (Nikkor 28mm f/2.8). For (street) photography with a 35mm or 50mm the rangefinder is for sure the more compact solution, but besides that it's more a camera for dentists who travel the third world rather than for the rest of us.
Oh, meant to ask as well, since you have a great eye for spotting good colour contrast, could you shoot some stuff without overexposing, I would love to see some (dare I say it) tastefully saturated stuff and really making the film emulsion work! I know its not en vogue with the influencers (and Joe Greer would probably jump up and down on his Fedora) but there is too much thermonuclear level overexposed Portra 400 stuff out there on RUclips! Trust your photographers eye Mac!
Fully agree. Tried Portra 400 at 200, nothing great. Accidentally shot P160 at 400 and did standard dev time and it was ok, I was mostly just happy the roll wasn’t completely ruined. I appreciate the general trend for overexposure but variety is always welcome.
When I got my first paying Gig in photography shooting Youth Sports, we photographers used the Pentax K1000. Why, because it was easy to fix and almost indestructable, perfect for a Youth Sport environment. Our Lead use to come by our stations with a brick of Kodak Color II film. On a single day we averaged from about 600-800 individual pictures + Team shots !! The K1000's rarely failed. Mostly it was photographer error, such as forgetting to put film inside the camera or wrong aperture/shutter speed combination. When we switched to the Nikon FM2, it was like night and day. The FM2 was not only easier to load, the shutter and film-wind mechanism was buttery smooth.The camera just felt more esqusite in your hands. Sorry Pentax fans ! For some reason you felt less tired at the end of the day using this camera...
Had both the Leica M6 with 50 cron and an Fm2n with 50 ais. Whilst the Leica was a beautiful camera to use, I sold it and kept the Fm2. Using all my old ais lenses with my Z mirrorless now.
Nikon FM2n's are workhorses that deliver and yes are worth servicing because they aint' getting any cheaper either, in fact my FM2/T is out for a good overhaul, my other two FM2n's one chrome and the other black, don't quit in the summer heat or in the cold of winter when temperatures hit -25 celcius, the camera keeps working.
When I shot weddings I ran two Nikon D750s with G glass. When making the switch to film it was a Nikon f100 and F3. I'm a long time fanboy. I have a tough decision coming up, but it feels like going home! :) Thanks so much for watching, Bill! Hope you're doing well.
@@MacShootsFilm It's been a weird 18 months but doing ok. Bear in mind I also own an M3 that was my dad's and an M4-2 that I bought off my brother 10 years ago, I can say with first hand experience, Nikon overhauls are a lot cheaper than Leica overhauls.
Great camera, but not a fan of the meter. Much prefer the matched needle in my other Nikons. Oh, and welcome to NC, I intimately know the places you’ve been shooting.
no it's not, i was in the same situation and i picked the FE2 when i finally understood that it can do everything a FM3a would, which is the holy grail :)) batteries last for months, year even, and one lr44 battery is smaller than your pinky fingernail. problem solved, enjoy your FE2 :) think about it, you would still use batteries in your FM2n, it just gives you that peace of mind in case they go out, its all in your head:)))
@@hannadryad Thats a good price for mint condition these days. I was also considering the FA which is packed with features but it kind of lacks that retro look and i heard the top plate is plastic.
The FM2 is such a great, pure camera. I almost prefer it to the FM3a as I’m not bothered about aperture priority. That’s a camera that should last a lifetime if it’s seen little use to this point. And the 50mm 1.8 AI-S pancake (Japanese version, serial #2******) is a miracle little lens. I use it more than the 1.2.
I think I prefer the FM2 to the FM3A as well! Less to go wrong. My FM3A sits on a shelf right now due to mechanical issues. The FM2 is my backup that goes with me everywhere I carry my F3s now.
For me it is easy. I'd go Nikon with no doubt. I've had some rangefinder cameras and I liked them. But an SLR is a lot comfortable option for me. I usually shot both Pentax K mount and Canon (when using EF EOS glass) reflex cameras. But that Nikon of yours is gold, mate
The FM is a better buy than the FM2 IMO (I own both). Why?... FM downside compared to FM2 - Highest shutter speed is 2 stops slower (1/1000 sec compared to 1/4000 sec) FM upsides: 1. 30-50% cheaper than FM2 2. Can also use pre-Ai lenses which are cheaper (using stop-down metering) by pressing a button to flip the aperture tab out of the way. 3. Earlier models (serial no. starting with 2) will fire with wind on lever closed ( instead there is a locking collar around the shutter release to stop accidental firing)
All true but, the early FMs don’t work well with the motor drives (MD-11, MD-12) to the point that the constant lockups and and frustrations really make the motor drives unusable.
@@AllenMcPherson I'm presuming you're correct, because I don't use MD's on these cameras. However the beauty of the FM and FM2 are that they are compact and work independent of batteries so by attaching an MD you're losing these advantages making them bigger, heavier, and battery dependent? If you want a camera that has an MD and are not so concerned about size and battery dependence why not go for an F90x (F90n) instead? They're not regarded as "cool" like the FM/FM2 but... They're a well built pro spec camera Half the price of an FM, 1/3rd the price of an FM2 Vastly superior metering system Much broader range of shutter speeds Use AA batteries (like the MD11/MD12) Superior viewfinder At the end of the day all film cameras are just a light tight box with a built in lightmeter (usually) and after that it's a matter of ergonomics and reliability. Personally I can't see the point in attaching a MD to the FM's because it negates their benefits IMO but it's all a matter of personal taste isn't it?
And I forgot another obvious advantage of the F90x....it has AF if required, and an electronic rangefinder if you prefer using Ai lenses and manual focus.
Again, all true. I only mentioned the motor drive issue as a tidbit for others looking at early FMs. I have one and have experience problems like this. I actually bought two FAs from Japan. Great camera with Nikon’s first Matrix metering system-full PASM with AI manual focus lenses. And, it’s MD-15 motor drive works flawlessly. Of course, the original video was all about going battery free-I suspect the FA would be dead without batteries (haven’t tried). As to the auto winder vs. motor drive point-I just like the bigger grip and heft of the MD (personally).
@@AllenMcPherson I currently have 16 Nikons and have owned some others but I've never had an FA (or F4, 5 or 6) but they're supposed to be a really nice camera. I think the AF Nikons are regarded as unfashionable and lots of younger shooters are going for the more retro FM's and FE's but they'd get much better value going for the likes of the F90x, F801, F100 or F80. People talk about the FE/FE2 as great cameras but if the electronics fail they're basically a paperweight, and they do fail. I've personally had an FE and an F3 (??) electrics fail. I wear specs and you cannot see the full screen of any of the FE/FM with specs on (yes I could get a diopter eyepiece but that's a pain taking off glasses, taking picture, putting on glasses etc.) That's why my fav cameras to use are the F100 and F90x because everything is viewable wearing specs. The F90x in particular is a great semi pro camera that's built like a tank, feature packed and can be had for peanuts. For the same price as an FE2 you could get an F90x and a 50 f1.4, a 28 f2.8 and a 135mm. Yes the electrics could fail on an F90x (rare compared to other cameras) but they can also fail on an FE2 which is older. All electronic cameras can and do fail including the Hasselblad xPan but I'd sooner write off the €70 cost of the 90x than the €3,500 loss of an xPan. It's all a matter of personal taste I suppose and everything goes in and out of fashion, but IMO the best buy 35mm camera right now for durability, build and cost would have to be the Nikon F90x.
I was looking for a M6 a couple of years back but stumbled on a mint F3HP with a 50mm a while back, so went for that instead. In that time the price of the M6 has doubled so I might missed the boat, however, love the lens options on the Nikon and it’s built so well.
I love my FE2 but probably because my FM2n low shutter speeds below 1/125sec needs recalibration and I've 2 FA's and a FG and of course a F100 but I really like the FE2and FM2n. As for good glass last week I got a Nikkor 24mm N C auto f2.8 the lens that the boffins at Nikon say was their best ever optical formula along with a legendary Nikkor 105mm PC auto f2.5 both from Japan and both with factory ai conversions, in mint condition not even one spec of dust best of all total price under $300 for both. I really wish kodak would reinvent kodacrome 64.
That's what I was saying. I learned the importance of mechanical on a 9-day trip to Death Valley. with my Leica M6, where my batteries died day 1 and I was able to keep shooting. i.e. The M6 let me keep shooting sans batteries.
A 1/4000sec? Watching your video I was wondering when you need to use a 1/4000. In bright sunlight a Tri-X can be exposed 1/500 and f/11. Going for a 1/4000 with the Tri-X you switch to f/4. And the Schwarzschild effect forces you to a wider aperture and a different developing time ! How do you solve that problem with a mixed exposed film? You will loose a lot of depth of field in your architecture shots. For sport photography put a 3200 ISO in the FM and do your shots in bright daylight and indoor.
Personal preference. I won quite a bit of Nikon glass, but am always on the search for the best glass for my style of shooting. There is no wrong answer on glass. Just what meets each photographers unique needs.
As you said camera body is just a box to put film in it and a good lens in front of it... I think Leica are way over hyped and over priced, like a lot of cameras youtubers are reviewing (mju, canon ae1, contax G yashica T , Pentax 67, rz67 etc.) As an advice for beginners I would say buy the cheapest body you can with fully mecanical built and spend your hard earned cash on lenses, films and travels...
I agree with you for sure! When you boil it down to the essentials, the body is just a light tight box that has a shutter. Like you said. But, the camera body design, ergonomics, and features can motivate you to shoot more. Humans have emotional connections to inanimate objects, so the body attributes are part of the equation to being inspired to continue shooting. All that said, if I were on a limited budget i'd only focus on film stock and lens. The body can be the last "upgrade" as it matters the least out of the 3 key components (body, lens, film stock). A nikon fg-20 is like $50, is pretty feature packed (aperture priority!), and has a Nikon F-mount so lens options are seemingly endless!
I was saying I learned how valuable a mechanical camera not requiring a battery is. On a 9-day road trip the batteries in my M6 died and I was able to continue shooting film because, yup...it's mechanical, just like the FM2.
That's why my Leica M3 is tried and true not battery dependant. I don't remember M6 shutter rely on battery either. Well Nikon FM and FM2 have always been Nikon true Flag Ship mechanical work horse
@@MacShootsFilm the film is the same, so key are the lenses. Key are the low element lenses, to improve micro-contrast and still have a good lens design handling all other optical issues. The Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 is a 5 out 5 lens, like also its bigger brother the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, the Zeiss 100 f/2, Zeiss 135mm f/2 (All 5 out 5 lenses) Other Zeiss Distagon are good but have issue, which could impact your use case. The new Zeiss Otus Distagon lenses, are excellent, but expensive and heavy. But Nikon made several hidden gems like for example the Nikon AIS 55mm f/2.8 micro. succes with your choice and succes with your channel.
Why use Zeiss glass? Nikkors are on par and in most cases better. Leica is great but Nikkor manual AIS better still. In the late 60 and the entire next two decades Nikkor lenses and cameras like the F1 and F2 pretty well bankrupted Leica and Zeiss. In fact my F2a body 1976 vintage is still going strong on an MD2 drive. Never had to CLA it, my Leicas all had to be CLA’d rangefinder adjusted frequently as any serous knock will through it off alignment. I sold my film Leica's. My film cameras are Nikon F2a with a MD 2 drive an F5 and F3Hp on a MD4 drive.An FM2 body loaded with Tri X is always buried in my messenger bag. The FM2doesn’t need batteries only for the meter and the camera is indestructible. It was built for daily pro use. It’s not the camera but the person behind it. The FM2 you don’t have to worry about it, it frees you to focus on the subject and the composition. It’s reliability and ease of use make it a true extension of your eye. Even if you treat it bad.
@@EM-km8em F5, F3hp, FM2, F2a, FA . The F5 is technically the best Nikon film camera ever made, yes better than the F6 . The F5 Autofocus is fast, almost instant, Metering full 3d matrix, shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000 and shoots 8 frames per second. It is also weather sealed. All mechanical gem is the FM2 or FM2n. though the F2 is pro rated mechanical body, the max shutter speed is 1/2000 sync speed is only 1/60 and is heavy with the MD2 and batteries. Cool feature of the F2 is that all shutter speed settings from 1/125 all the way to 1/2000 (green) are variable meaning you can set the shutter between speeds to get 1/200 of a second if need be. Only the F and F2 shutters do this. The FM2 or FM2n with an MD12 is a rock solid set up, and super reliable. My Fav mechanical camera.
@@EM-km8em F2a(DP-11) and F2AS (DP-12) differences DP-12 has better exposure range especially in low light, it also uses LED's rather than a needle the DP-11 uses. Both however become inaccurate and jumpy due to the circular resistor design. The Photomic prism achilles heel. F and F2 bodies were used overwhelmingly buy professionals for their mechanical reliability. in those days the hand held incident meter was the standard to evaluate light. Thats why the FM and FM2 are stellar mechanical bodies, extremely reliable, durable build and very accurate meters that stay accurate. Add an MD12 motor drive and you are set.
@@gregoryvarano8002 sweet! Some people say the newer ai lenses are better in quality than the older ones. Have you noticed this? I think i heard the quality is better so the photo looks better.
I have shot an FM2n on and off since they were released back in '82. I own two day to day copies (always one colour and one B&W) and I am amazed how they have crept up in price. Build quality is superb and as you say, its a simple to use piece of kit. I recently was offered a new in sealed box silver FM2n as an acquaintance was helping to clear out old kit from a college darkroom. I am keeping this to hand down through the family and I am confident that, as long as there is film to put in it, you will always be able to find a working FM2n.
In the times when film used to be the only medium, I always traveled with two cameras; one for B&W, the other for color. Sometimes, I'd grab the FM2's with identical 28-80 (f/2.8) zooms and a fast 35 or 50 for low light. Other times I'd "travel light" with two Leicas and 4 lenses, spanning 21 to 75. It's amazing how small Leica lenses can be. Bodies, OTOH, are not exactly light. Being solid brass they weight quite a bit more than the FM2's. Last time was 2004, then I got a DSLR and one camera replaced 2. ISO 3200 replaced 400.
I hope you did get that sealed silver FM2. By now you surely know film is here to stay.
I still have my FM2. Bought new in 83’ and I still love it! I own several older Nikons and currently use a Z6, which is the only other camera I enjoy as much as the FM2. I introduced my wife to SLR’s with that camera and she has a special love of it also. Unbelievable camera! Nice to see someone else shooting with one. Thank you sir!
I overhaul and restore analog cameras as a hobby. There are some great camera bodies out there from the past. One of the most unknown is the Konica T3n (a magnificent piece a mechanical engineering for the time), paired with the 57mm 1.2 is a pretty great experience. However, the camera that holds my heart in 35mm format is still my FM2n hands down.
Ever work on an FM3A? :) The shutter sticks when in Aperture priority. Until I fix that, it's a shelf queen. Thanks for watching!
You’re speaking my language here. I have an FM2n and a Leica M5 (among others). The Nikon is so easy to shoot with, whereas I sometimes find the M5 and rangefinders to be a little fiddly in terms of focusing. I love both cameras and don’t plan to get rid of either, but my Nikon is just such a great looking workhorse. And you’re right about the cost - I’m not nearly as nervous with the Nikon as I am with the Leica, although I tend to baby all my gear. Great video!
Having to pull out the advance lever to activate the camera has its benefits and annoyances but what I love about my Nikon FA is that when you mount it on its dedicated battery grip you no longer have to pull out that lever to take a shot, hence it lives permanently on its grip. Cool video Mac!
I did not know that about the FA! Thanks so much for watching!
Not FM2a but FM3a. And the FM3a also has a mechanical shutter that works without a battery. And if you put a battery in, you will get the in my opinion most intuitive meter indicator imaginable (exactly the same indicator known from the FE and FE2, green flag pointing either at A or at the time preselected and a needle pointing at the time suggested; match them up and you are done). And if you set the time wheel to A, the mechanical shutter switches to electronic shutter, because it is a hybrid and the needle will indicate the time the camera will pick.
This is of course the same meter used in the FE and FE2, so regarding operation the FM3a is actually the FE3, yet due to its hybrid shutter with the fully mechanical mode it also is the FM3. It‘s a crazy machine and I really love mine.
Agreed the FE2 and FM3a meter is by far superior. The FM3a is basically the FE2 with mechanical shutter (as you pointed out). But I don't really see myself on the Gaza strip doing intense journalism where I can't find LR22 batteries. The FE2 also can shoot at 1/250th without batteries, which is a pretty middle of the road shutter speed if you do happen to run out. The FM3a is also 800 dollars VS 150 dollars for the FE2. The FM3a also seems to be a Nikon vanity piece that was released in 2001 or something? It's a very nice camera. I'd just go with the FE2. The FM3a is like the Leica of manual SLR's. A showoff piece. If it had 1/8000th shutter, I'd give it props. But it's just an FE2 that doesn't need batteries.
@@urwholefamilydied I do agree. I bought mine when it was only a year or two old because I wanted a rather new camera at the time. If I had to buy a new used camera today, it would totally be the FE2. In day to day usage there is zero difference between the two.
I love the video, although this is one of those instances where it would’ve been better without music. Your voice and the way you carry yourself would’ve been awesome by itself. I’m picking up a FM2 tomorrow so thank you for confirming my understanding of this camera!
I need to go back & learn the differences between the FM/FM2 & FE/FE2, there was something keeping from buying an FM2 and now I and remember why. Great shots!
The best film camera from Nikon in my opinion. It just works beautifully.
Always enjoy your videos Mac, I thought the shots looked a little flat for that lens? Maybe my screen 🤔
They were definitely flat. I think because there was no directional light and pretty thick cloud cover. I’m going to test out this combo again in better light very soon
I don't think the over exposing helped in that regard.
My fav pair are my F3 and M3 - both just bring such joy advancing the film and their iconic shutter sounds, I smile every time. Both Leica and Nikon give you a wonderful selection of lenses to suit whatever cost and whatever character you want. Yes the F3 needs a battery but it’s a battery you get anywhere. Those ball bearings in the film advance though………….
From a joy of shooting perspective, my Nikon F3 is by far my fave SLR! It just exudes joy racking the film lever!
My F3 advance had no ball bearing sound, unlike my FE which is a treat just to wind on.
It should! Straight forward and simple. FM(1) is formidable as well!!!
So many pros of a capable and mechanical SLR! Tough decision ahead! Thanks so much for watching!
Although I love the FM2, I do find aperture priority on the FE2 is so much quicker and less hassle for walk around street photography
I'm so used to not having aperture priority that I don't think about it. It is fast though!
@@MacShootsFilm Try the Fm3a :)
Yeah but he wants mechanical so that it still works when his battery dies
Yes, but some aperture priority Nikons can shoot at 1/90th in emergencies and will also shoot at 1/1000th in auto mode without batteries.
FM or FM2 are better than Leica. I’ve had them both. Also, don’t be snobby with the lenses. NIKKORs are as good as Zeiss or Leitz, these days.
The FM2n is definitely the SLR most used in my collection and also the one camera I will never sell. In combination with the 50mm e-series (almost pancake) lens it makes up for a really great travel kit.
Totally agree
I plan to take my FM2 with 50mm E series to the Philippines in July to partner / compliment the digital APSC camera + 28mm . Two cameras - two lenses - one digital - one film ... Should be fun!
Great video, thank you! My favourite 35mm SLR is the FM2. Probably the only film camera I would keep if I could only have one.
Nikon made some spectacular F-Mount AiS lenses...like the 105mm f/2.5, for example. Every bit the equal of anything else on the market at the time. Yes, including Leica.
I used FM and FM2 over 30+ years. For a manual camera the in screen display cannot be beaten. Mostly I shot slide so exposure was critical. With the traffic light display on the right waht you don't mention is that... centre light you are spot on centre weighted, two lights up or down you are half a stop up or down, one lmight up or down and it is 1 stop or more. As for the FM2 speed, never neededf it, but it also has 1/250 flash sync speed THAT is useful..
Great video Mac, as always. Fascinating to hear your perspective on possibly swapping back to Nikon from Leica. I have a Nikon F2 with non metered head and love it. I also love the results I get with it and the Nikkor 35 f2 D and 85 f1.4 D lenses (I have some AF F bodies as well hence the AF lenses). Despite this, I still hanker after a Leica M but I always ask myself whether it would bring any meaningful differences to my photography.
I just bought the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 ais 'pancake' lens to make the F2 a small carry around camera and am really interesting to see how it performs. It's supposed to be really good.
Anyway, great videos, I always watch them and although it was nice to see the Western US, I'm now enjoying seeing your videos from Georgia. Keep up the great work.
THose are some great lenses! Definitely lusting after that 85mm f1.4D. Thanks so much for watching!
Just one persons perspective here but having owned Leica and Nikon you are not getting anything special with a Leica. I want to keep this shot(er) so I’ll say the price of just the Leica body cost more than the 2 lenses you listed and any standard Nikon body other than the fm3a and f6. The 85 1.4d is an astounding lens and the Leica equivalent isn’t better IQ wise and focusing telephotos on a rangefinder is much more difficult. Plus if you go for the fm2 or fe2 the higher shutter speeds are so helpful. Leica glass is nice but not worth the cost compared to Nikon.
My personal decision was to save tons of money selling my Leica and reinvesting it into a Nikon kit. When I sold my m2 I picked up an fm2n, 50mm 1.8 ais and d, 35mm 2d, 20mm 2.8d and 85mm 1.8d. (I have an F5 and f100 so the af lenses are pulling double duty)
I think you’ll be pleased with the ais pancake on your f2. Don’t even bother getting a different body. The f2 is Nikon’s best camera and just about the best mechanical 35mm slr of all time especially with the non metered prism.
Rangefinders are wonderful but for me an slr is just better. I hope this helps, I apologize for my word vomit.
The Leica M6 is all mechanical and only needs a battery for the meter - just like the FM2. Why the change?
One of the best answers to that question is at 8:10
I'll always hold onto one of my leicas and one of my Summicrons. The FM2 and M5/6 are all mechanical, but I really love the 1/4000s shutter when I want to shoot wide open portraits in daylight. I also like the display: aperture, shutter speed, and exposure all in one view. I also love the super close focusing capability of an SLR. Finally, being able to see the actual image being taken is important for me, esp if i'm using a circular polarizer. All that said, my Leica glass is dear to me. I've taken my favorite images ever with my Leica kit. Thanks for watching!
@@MacShootsFilm I thought the same thing at one point, but I switched over to all Nikon this year. The last to go was my M4-P and v5 50 Summicron. I'm currently shooting an F3, an FE and a Z6II. There's something special about Leica glass for sure, but with prices skyrocketing I just couldn't justify it as appreciably better than the results I get with the Nikon kit. Part of the draw is that I can get 5 - 10 Nikon kits for the current price of Leica, but the big revelation came for me (as a glasses wearer) when I could see everything in the F3 viewfinder without struggling or looking around the edges.
I like rangefinder focusing and form factor, but I'll take practical advantages all day long, and for me Nikon just offers that.
Thanks for your hard work in making these!
@@jimmyrocket02 I really like my f3! I'm loving this Zeiss glass on Nikon bodies as well. Might hold these Leicas for another year, letting the price continue to rise, then sell and buy a dozen Nikon SLRs and use the leftover cash for a road trip around the US. LOL
I have a whole bunch of Nikon film cameras that I love. They all serve different use cases. That said, I agree that shooting my FM2n is a joy. When lugging heavy full frame digital gear is not sitting well with my bad back, or whether I just want to immerse myself in the actual shooting experience, the FM2 is a great camera, which is very enjoyable to use. Paired with the pancake 50, 35, 20, its a super light kit great for street shooting.
I gotta get a pancake lens for this thing! :) Thanks for watching!
I had the FM2 back in the day, bought a brand new one, and I used it for years, so it rips my heart out that I was the idiot who sold it. Yes, I needed the money, but still... To add insult to the injury, the last guy who shot it died in the plan crash while wearing it.
I couldn't recommend that camera high enough; it was indeed the best / biggest value for the buck, purely mechanical camera I ever owned.
Now, all do I love it so much, these days it would be unreasonable for me to invest quite a bit of money into yet another analogue system , course let's be honest, all do Nikon in general is much cheaper than the Leica, it's still not cheap.
So I'll happily continue to use my Olympus OM and M42 gear...
That's an insane story about your FM2! Can't go wrong with the Olympus OM! Thanks so much for watching!
Adding “Zeiss 35mm” in the subject box might increase your hits. I stayed for that. I’m weighing keeping an EM or an FE at the moment. Interesting review.
I had suggested this camera to you! Its my favorite camera to use where I don't care as much about the environment the camera is in. Example: camping and hiking. supposedly Steve Mccurry shot afghan girl on an fm2 and the 105mm. the f2as and f2sb have similar viewfinder read outsmwith led. The fm3a has aperture priority and a fully mechanical shutter btw. its the only camera that I know of that has A mode and if the battery dies you still have a full range of shutter speeds.
I love my fm3a!
Afghan Girl was shot on an FM2, you are right. The FM3a has a unique hybrid shutter, mechanically controlled in manual and electronically controlled in A. Kind of a cross between FM2 & FE2. There is no other SLR like it.
Is there a eyepiece shield for the Nikon fm2 ? (For long exposure shots) you know like the Nikon Dk-8 is for the Nikon F100
very interesting video. UK snapper here. like the local area, the kind, we over here have of old buildings, USA is a young country by comparison, guess it may be a sleepy town. Very clean and serene. Like the gear.
The battery of the M6 died? So what? Keep on shooting it, it has also a mechanical shutter.
You only get two shutter speeds when the battery dies on an m6.
@@lonerangefinder3974 Nope, just no meter. You're thinking of the M7
@@dustinroderick I stand corrected
It is mechanical. I was just saying how important it was that the M6 was mechanical. I was able to keep shooting.
@@lonerangefinder3974 That’s entirely wrong. The M6 has a fully mechanical shutter assembly.
I really like shooting with my SLR cameras. They're not Nikons, but very nice and easy to shoot with - in fact some of them were pro level cameras in their day. But, I love my Leica M5 and my Leica IIIb. Both of them have build quality, that is second to none in my experience, and their different properties mean they compliment each other well. The M5 is quick to work with, while the IIIb forces me to slow down and take my time with each shot. It's great to have both options.
Dead camera batteries in Death Valley sounds like a result of the extreme temperature shifts from day to night. Perhaps storing the batteries in a cooler until use could help with that specific issue?
The M5 truly is a gem. If I jumped ship on Leica I'd sell my chrome M5 and M6 and Leica glass. I'd keep my black M5 and 50mm Summicron just to be able to have that "feel" every now and then. As for the dead batteries in my Leica M6, I think I got a bad batch of batteries. Thankfully my M6 is mechanical so I just metered with my phone and kept on shooting. Thanks so much for watching!
The FM2 is a masterpiece of Japanese engineering but nothing sucks more than looking through a defocused SLR viewfinder to check the framing. In that case I find a rangefinder much more pleasant to work with even if the Leica might not have all the “features” of the FM2. Still the Nikon is a wonderful piece of kit. Why not just have best of both worlds? Nothing wrong with Nikon glass btw…
Actually nothing sucks more than using a rangefinder, for a start the ONLY lenses that are easy to use on a rangefinder are the 35mm and 50mm; using the 28mm is possible but as it’s a wide angle makes it difficult to focus accurately. Plus you can’t use lenses wider than a 28mm unless you use a wide angle finder, even then focusing is difficult thus slow. Lastly you can’t use a 75mm focal length or longer as the lens barrel diameter is too big thus fouls your view of your subject when looking through the viewfinder. Therefore rangefinder camera’s are about as practical as a coffee pot made of 0.1mm thin chocolate. You’d be better off using a fart to take photos than a film rangefinder. The only rangefinders that are useful are those with a Live View LCD
I bought Nikon FM2 in 1999 and I've it in running condition. I use a Nikon D810 with 6 lenses but still I feel my FM2 is a fantastic camera.
What's your thoughts on the FM2, FM3a and the F3? And what lenses do you think are best for the system?
I think they're all great cameras, but out of the 3 i'd go with the FM2. Best value out of them all. I love the f3, but the meter is prone to LCD bleed and it is an electronic shutter. The FM3A is just too expensive these days and the only difference between it and the FM2 is aperture priority. As for lenses, I'm a prime guy. The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS is a stunner!
I have an FM2 Black as well. The light meter is not accurate so I bought a Sekonic meter that mounts to the flash shoe mount. I'm strictly B&W film with all my mechanical cameras.
If you depend on the internal light meter then you need to be wary of battery life because your light meter uses a battery!
I have an FM2 with grid focus rather than split image and have no luck in focusing it. Please advise. Many thanks Perry
Switch out the focus screen
The Leica M6 is a mechanical camera too, so if the batteries went you only loose the meter. Same for the FM2?
Love both my m6 and fm3a. M6 for the rangefinder focusing and quieter shutter and fm3a because I have the 50mm 1.2 which i love! Interested to know more of your thoughts why you get rid of the Leica and make a complete switch. Both are mechanical tanks to me and I can’t see myself letting go of any 😅
Couldn't agree more! I'll def. hold onto one of my Leicas and one of my Summicrons. Will be a nice change of pace shooting an SLR for a bit. I won the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 and love it! Thanks for watching!
That Distagon 35 is a stellar lens
I really love the way it renders! It's a heavy, long, beast!
Idk with these pics did you just get lab scans back because it seems like the flat kinda style that labs like to send back to you. Since I know you wanted contrasty images they seemed pretty low contrast. Just wondering 🤔
I acquired one some years ago. Its a great camera, I love mine and I have a collection of lenses spanning from 24mm f2, 35mm 1.4, 50mm f1,2, 85mm f2, 135mm f2 and 180mm f2.8, + a 80-200mm f4 zoom. The glass is outstanding and the camera too. I would not sell a Leica M6, keep both, a rangefinder is for different kind of shooting and no problem to shoot that old Nikon glass on a digital Leica ...
Good point on not selling. That M6 is constantly going up in value and is a classic. I might just CLA it and put it in the safe.
I love my FM2N and my F3hp my favourite lens with it is my 105 2.5 ais sharp as hell
I gotta try the 105 one day!
@@MacShootsFilm definitely it what I call my Steve McCurry lenses it’s awesome solid sharp get one as soon as you can you won’t regret it
I don't know about selling your Leica, but definitely invest in some more Zeiss ZF.2 glass. I have the 20/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 85/1.4 (Milvus) & the 100/2. I love them to bits but they will definitely add some weight to your camera bag!!!
I'll hold onto to one of my M5s 🙂 . You have an amazing line-up of Zeiss glass! Thanks so much for watching!
Interesting video, but I didn't find the "cool architecture", only ordinary abandoned ruins 😉
A general advantage of a SLR over a rangefinder camera is that you have a much broader range of lenses, starting with 6mm and ending somewhere at 1000mm or beyond, whereas the rangefinder lenses go from 10mm to 135mm. Furthermore, with a rangefinder you cannot get really close, no problem with a SLR - 0,2 meters are not problem (Nikkor 28mm f/2.8).
For (street) photography with a 35mm or 50mm the rangefinder is for sure the more compact solution, but besides that it's more a camera for dentists who travel the third world rather than for the rest of us.
Oh, meant to ask as well, since you have a great eye for spotting good colour contrast, could you shoot some stuff without overexposing, I would love to see some (dare I say it) tastefully saturated stuff and really making the film emulsion work! I know its not en vogue with the influencers (and Joe Greer would probably jump up and down on his Fedora) but there is too much thermonuclear level overexposed Portra 400 stuff out there on RUclips! Trust your photographers eye Mac!
Fully agree. Tried Portra 400 at 200, nothing great. Accidentally shot P160 at 400 and did standard dev time and it was ok, I was mostly just happy the roll wasn’t completely ruined. I appreciate the general trend for overexposure but variety is always welcome.
When I got my first paying Gig in photography shooting Youth Sports, we photographers used the Pentax K1000. Why, because it was easy to fix and almost indestructable, perfect for a Youth Sport environment. Our Lead use to come by our stations with a brick of Kodak Color II film. On a single day we averaged from about 600-800 individual pictures + Team shots !! The K1000's rarely failed. Mostly it was photographer error, such as forgetting to put film inside the camera or wrong aperture/shutter speed combination. When we switched to the Nikon FM2, it was like night and day. The FM2 was not only easier to load, the shutter and film-wind mechanism was buttery smooth.The camera just felt more esqusite in your hands. Sorry Pentax fans ! For some reason you felt less tired at the end of the day using this camera...
What Leica to NIKON adapter are you using may I ask
Had both the Leica M6 with 50 cron and an Fm2n with 50 ais. Whilst the Leica was a beautiful camera to use, I sold it and kept the Fm2. Using all my old ais lenses with my Z mirrorless now.
Such such a good camera!!
Nikon FM2n's are workhorses that deliver and yes are worth servicing because they aint' getting any cheaper either, in fact my FM2/T is out for a good overhaul, my other two FM2n's one chrome and the other black, don't quit in the summer heat or in the cold of winter when temperatures hit -25 celcius, the camera keeps working.
When I shot weddings I ran two Nikon D750s with G glass. When making the switch to film it was a Nikon f100 and F3. I'm a long time fanboy. I have a tough decision coming up, but it feels like going home! :) Thanks so much for watching, Bill! Hope you're doing well.
@@MacShootsFilm It's been a weird 18 months but doing ok. Bear in mind I also own an M3 that was my dad's and an M4-2 that I bought off my brother 10 years ago, I can say with first hand experience, Nikon overhauls are a lot cheaper than Leica overhauls.
Great camera, but not a fan of the meter. Much prefer the matched needle in my other Nikons. Oh, and welcome to NC, I intimately know the places you’ve been shooting.
FM2n or FE2 though? Batteries dying *in Death Valley* is a fairly specific problem. 😉
no it's not, i was in the same situation and i picked the FE2 when i finally understood that it can do everything a FM3a would, which is the holy grail :)) batteries last for months, year even, and one lr44 battery is smaller than your pinky fingernail. problem solved, enjoy your FE2 :) think about it, you would still use batteries in your FM2n, it just gives you that peace of mind in case they go out, its all in your head:)))
@@AndreiMin Funnily enough I've just bought an FE2. Perfect little machine.
@@hannadryad thats great, you couldn't go wrong with any of them tho, how much did you pay for it
@@AndreiMin 200 GBP for a near mint one in chrome. Massively pleased with it.
@@hannadryad Thats a good price for mint condition these days. I was also considering the FA which is packed with features but it kind of lacks that retro look and i heard the top plate is plastic.
The ghost of Ernst Leitz will be tormenting you at night... :-D
Hahahahahaha
Got that same lens (Zeiss 35mm F2) on my F2AS, seems very similar if less sleek and slightly slower top speed
Nice!
The FM2 is such a great, pure camera. I almost prefer it to the FM3a as I’m not bothered about aperture priority. That’s a camera that should last a lifetime if it’s seen little use to this point. And the 50mm 1.8 AI-S pancake (Japanese version, serial #2******) is a miracle little lens. I use it more than the 1.2.
I think I prefer the FM2 to the FM3A as well! Less to go wrong. My FM3A sits on a shelf right now due to mechanical issues. The FM2 is my backup that goes with me everywhere I carry my F3s now.
@@MacShootsFilm Yeah, it’s so utilitarian and dependable. The F3 does feel more premium though. Like a sports car that might break down on you.
do you scan to digital your own film, or send it off to a shop? (great video btw)
I scan my own on a Plustek 8200. Rarely, if I'm traveling for a long amount of time, I will send it to the lab.
@@MacShootsFilm thanks!
For me it is easy. I'd go Nikon with no doubt.
I've had some rangefinder cameras and I liked them. But an SLR is a lot comfortable option for me.
I usually shot both Pentax K mount and Canon (when using EF EOS glass) reflex cameras. But that Nikon of yours is gold, mate
I really love being able to focus so close with SLRs! Thanks so much for watching!
The FM is a better buy than the FM2 IMO (I own both). Why?...
FM downside compared to FM2 - Highest shutter speed is 2 stops slower (1/1000 sec compared to 1/4000 sec)
FM upsides:
1. 30-50% cheaper than FM2
2. Can also use pre-Ai lenses which are cheaper (using stop-down metering) by pressing a button to flip the aperture tab out of the way.
3. Earlier models (serial no. starting with 2) will fire with wind on lever closed ( instead there is a locking collar around the shutter release to stop accidental firing)
All true but, the early FMs don’t work well with the motor drives (MD-11, MD-12) to the point that the constant lockups and and frustrations really make the motor drives unusable.
@@AllenMcPherson I'm presuming you're correct, because I don't use MD's on these cameras. However the beauty of the FM and FM2 are that they are compact and work independent of batteries so by attaching an MD you're losing these advantages making them bigger, heavier, and battery dependent?
If you want a camera that has an MD and are not so concerned about size and battery dependence why not go for an F90x (F90n) instead? They're not regarded as "cool" like the FM/FM2 but...
They're a well built pro spec camera
Half the price of an FM, 1/3rd the price of an FM2
Vastly superior metering system
Much broader range of shutter speeds
Use AA batteries (like the MD11/MD12)
Superior viewfinder
At the end of the day all film cameras are just a light tight box with a built in lightmeter (usually) and after that it's a matter of ergonomics and reliability. Personally I can't see the point in attaching a MD to the FM's because it negates their benefits IMO but it's all a matter of personal taste isn't it?
And I forgot another obvious advantage of the F90x....it has AF if required, and an electronic rangefinder if you prefer using Ai lenses and manual focus.
Again, all true. I only mentioned the motor drive issue as a tidbit for others looking at early FMs. I have one and have experience problems like this. I actually bought two FAs from Japan. Great camera with Nikon’s first Matrix metering system-full PASM with AI manual focus lenses. And, it’s MD-15 motor drive works flawlessly. Of course, the original video was all about going battery free-I suspect the FA would be dead without batteries (haven’t tried). As to the auto winder vs. motor drive point-I just like the bigger grip and heft of the MD (personally).
@@AllenMcPherson I currently have 16 Nikons and have owned some others but I've never had an FA (or F4, 5 or 6) but they're supposed to be a really nice camera. I think the AF Nikons are regarded as unfashionable and lots of younger shooters are going for the more retro FM's and FE's but they'd get much better value going for the likes of the F90x, F801, F100 or F80. People talk about the FE/FE2 as great cameras but if the electronics fail they're basically a paperweight, and they do fail. I've personally had an FE and an F3 (??) electrics fail.
I wear specs and you cannot see the full screen of any of the FE/FM with specs on (yes I could get a diopter eyepiece but that's a pain taking off glasses, taking picture, putting on glasses etc.)
That's why my fav cameras to use are the F100 and F90x because everything is viewable wearing specs. The F90x in particular is a great semi pro camera that's built like a tank, feature packed and can be had for peanuts. For the same price as an FE2 you could get an F90x and a 50 f1.4, a 28 f2.8 and a 135mm.
Yes the electrics could fail on an F90x (rare compared to other cameras) but they can also fail on an FE2 which is older. All electronic cameras can and do fail including the Hasselblad xPan but I'd sooner write off the €70 cost of the 90x than the €3,500 loss of an xPan.
It's all a matter of personal taste I suppose and everything goes in and out of fashion, but IMO the best buy 35mm camera right now for durability, build and cost would have to be the Nikon F90x.
I was looking for a M6 a couple of years back but stumbled on a mint F3HP with a 50mm a while back, so went for that instead.
In that time the price of the M6 has doubled so I might missed the boat, however, love the lens options on the Nikon and it’s built so well.
You haven't been missing out on much, take my word for it
@@painovoimaton that is what I thought, preferred the nikon as I could afford glass for it easier.
Great video
👍👏👏👏👏 nice slr is it cheap for a mint dondition fm2 in USA? I want one since i really want to experience film camera
I love the FM2 and FM3A
UP主所在的国家，FM2要多少钱？ 一手还是二手？
I love my FE2 but probably because my FM2n low shutter speeds below 1/125sec needs recalibration and I've 2 FA's and a FG and of course a F100 but I really like the FE2and FM2n. As for good glass last week I got a Nikkor 24mm N C auto f2.8 the lens that the boffins at Nikon say was their best ever optical formula along with a legendary Nikkor 105mm PC auto f2.5 both from Japan and both with factory ai conversions, in mint condition not even one spec of dust best of all total price under $300 for both. I really wish kodak would reinvent kodacrome 64.
The titanium shutter is actually more prone to failure than the aluminum shutter in the FM.
I’m confused. The battery’s in the m6 just powers the light meter.
That's what I was saying. I learned the importance of mechanical on a 9-day trip to Death Valley. with my Leica M6, where my batteries died day 1 and I was able to keep shooting. i.e. The M6 let me keep shooting sans batteries.
@@MacShootsFilm ah ok, I thought that was a reason to look at the FM2 to replace it, hence my confusion
A 1/4000sec?
Watching your video I was wondering when you need to use a 1/4000.
In bright sunlight a Tri-X can be exposed 1/500 and f/11.
Going for a 1/4000 with the Tri-X you switch to f/4.
And the Schwarzschild effect forces you to a wider aperture
and a different developing time !
How do you solve that problem with a mixed exposed film?
You will loose a lot of depth of field in your architecture shots.
For sport photography put a 3200 ISO in the FM and do
your shots in bright daylight and indoor.
1/4000 is super handy when it's bright outside but you want to open up the aperture to get bokeh..
So why not just use Nikon glass? It’s inexpensive, readily available on the used market, and exceptional quality.
Personal preference. I won quite a bit of Nikon glass, but am always on the search for the best glass for my style of shooting. There is no wrong answer on glass. Just what meets each photographers unique needs.
As you said camera body is just a box to put film in it and a good lens in front of it... I think Leica are way over hyped and over priced, like a lot of cameras youtubers are reviewing (mju, canon ae1, contax G yashica T , Pentax 67, rz67 etc.) As an advice for beginners I would say buy the cheapest body you can with fully mecanical built and spend your hard earned cash on lenses, films and travels...
I agree with you for sure! When you boil it down to the essentials, the body is just a light tight box that has a shutter. Like you said. But, the camera body design, ergonomics, and features can motivate you to shoot more. Humans have emotional connections to inanimate objects, so the body attributes are part of the equation to being inspired to continue shooting.
All that said, if I were on a limited budget i'd only focus on film stock and lens. The body can be the last "upgrade" as it matters the least out of the 3 key components (body, lens, film stock). A nikon fg-20 is like $50, is pretty feature packed (aperture priority!), and has a Nikon F-mount so lens options are seemingly endless!
FM2A??
Shutter shake is very high for FM2
I find the idea of not being able to use an M6 because the batteries died far funnier than I should.
I was saying I learned how valuable a mechanical camera not requiring a battery is. On a 9-day road trip the batteries in my M6 died and I was able to continue shooting film because, yup...it's mechanical, just like the FM2.
I shot with an M6 for 3 years. 6 months never even put a battery in and metered with my phone.
Happy Birthday to your mom ... :)
Thank you so much 😀
@@MacShootsFilm :D
That's why my Leica M3 is tried and true not battery dependant. I don't remember M6 shutter rely on battery either. Well Nikon FM and FM2 have always been Nikon true Flag Ship mechanical work horse
No battery required for the M6. When my battery died in my M6, and it kept working, that reminded me how important an all mechanical camera is.
Nikon Fm2 replace a Leica? Easy ….!
If I can get close to the look I get with my Leica glass I'm probably going all in on Nikon...again! hahahaha
@@MacShootsFilm the film is the same, so key are the lenses. Key are the low element lenses, to improve micro-contrast and still have a good lens design handling all other optical issues. The Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 is a 5 out 5 lens, like also its bigger brother the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, the Zeiss 100 f/2, Zeiss 135mm f/2 (All 5 out 5 lenses) Other Zeiss Distagon are good but have issue, which could impact your use case. The new Zeiss Otus Distagon lenses, are excellent, but expensive and heavy. But Nikon made several hidden gems like for example the Nikon AIS 55mm f/2.8 micro.
succes with your choice and succes with your channel.
Love your buns Mac
😆😆😆
Why use Zeiss glass? Nikkors are on par and in most cases better. Leica is great but Nikkor manual AIS better still. In the late 60 and the entire next two decades Nikkor lenses and cameras like the F1 and F2 pretty well bankrupted Leica and Zeiss. In fact my F2a body 1976 vintage is still going strong on an MD2 drive. Never had to CLA it, my Leicas all had to be CLA’d rangefinder adjusted frequently as any serous knock will through it off alignment. I sold my film Leica's. My film cameras are Nikon F2a with a MD 2 drive an F5 and F3Hp on a MD4 drive.An FM2 body loaded with Tri X is always buried in my messenger bag. The FM2doesn’t need batteries only for the meter and the camera is indestructible. It was built for daily pro use. It’s not the camera but the person behind it. The FM2 you don’t have to worry about it, it frees you to focus on the subject and the composition. It’s reliability and ease of use make it a true extension of your eye. Even if you treat it bad.
What are your favorite F2 models in order ?
@@EM-km8em F5, F3hp, FM2, F2a, FA . The F5 is technically the best Nikon film camera ever made, yes better than the F6 . The F5 Autofocus is fast, almost instant, Metering full 3d matrix, shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000 and shoots 8 frames per second. It is also weather sealed. All mechanical gem is the FM2 or FM2n. though the F2 is pro rated mechanical body, the max shutter speed is 1/2000 sync speed is only 1/60 and is heavy with the MD2 and batteries. Cool feature of the F2 is that all shutter speed settings from 1/125 all the way to 1/2000 (green) are variable meaning you can set the shutter between speeds to get 1/200 of a second if need be. Only the F and F2 shutters do this. The FM2 or FM2n with an MD12 is a rock solid set up, and super reliable. My Fav mechanical camera.
@@gregoryvarano8002 whats your take on the F2a v F2as ?
@@EM-km8em F2a(DP-11) and F2AS (DP-12) differences DP-12 has better exposure range especially in low light, it also uses LED's rather than a needle the DP-11 uses. Both however become inaccurate and jumpy due to the circular resistor design. The Photomic prism achilles heel. F and F2 bodies were used overwhelmingly buy professionals for their mechanical reliability. in those days the hand held incident meter was the standard to evaluate light. Thats why the FM and FM2 are stellar mechanical bodies, extremely reliable, durable build and very accurate meters that stay accurate. Add an MD12 motor drive and you are set.
@@gregoryvarano8002 sweet! Some people say the newer ai lenses are better in quality than the older ones. Have you noticed this? I think i heard the quality is better so the photo looks better.
Leica M6 Battery died!?!?!
firsties
Kinda pointless that you’re reviewing the cameras value without it’s native lenses
Intuitive display? Your bragging rights are permanently revoked.
Leica schmeica over priced over rated fetichists muses nikon fm is the film king
never giving up my FM2N with 35 1.4 :)
I have that lens and love it! Thanks for watching!