Nikon FM2 - is it ... simply the best analog SLR out there? 

Very nice that your FM2 served you so well and that you still own it!

Carrying the FM2N and FE2 with me on a daily base all over the world on a daily base they never let me down. Trampling through jungles, sailing at sea, off roading desserts, nasty city neighborhoods, climbing mountains, sliding on snowy slopes, they keep performing to the max. Even tougher than my beloved Rolleiflex.

Thanks for your feedback! Yes I am also a total addict to all-mechanical cameras. I totally get why someone would prefer the Nikon FE2 over the FM2 or an Olympus OM-2n over an OM-1 … but myself, I always will take the all-mechanical camera!

Thanks, and yes, there are some beautiful places over here! :)

Yes the Pentax MX is definitely on my wish list! I hope you'll have a lot of fun shooting your great Nikons again after all those years!

Yes, some of the Cosina Voigtländer SLR lenses are fantastic! And that’s another advantage when shooting a Nikon … as they were never made for most other analog SLR systems!

Thanks! You can't go wrong with one of these cameras!

Hallo Roland! Ja, die OM-1 sammeln sich auch bei mir an. Rein vom „Jeföhl“ her ist es meine liebste Analogkamera. Die FM2 überzeugt eben mit der 1/4000s und dem großen günstigeren Objektivangebot … vor ein paar Jahren waren die OM Zuikos noch deutlich bezahlbarer! Es freut mich dass Dir mein Video gefallen hat!

Yes I absolutely agree. The FM2 is a great everyday camera. And for those who want the convenience of auto exposure (like the F3 offers), there's also the FE2. But personally, I'm much more a fan of all-mechanical cameras.

Thanks Donald! Myself I have no clue whatsoever about manual-focus Canon cameras. A friend offered me to try out three of his Canon‘s this summer so hopefully that will change soon 😅

Thanks Bernt!

Thanks Kim for your feedback! Glad you like the pics as well! 🙂

Thanks a lot, glad you like it!

Thanks Naveen!

Oh yes, the lenses you mention are all terrific! 😍

Thanks! 🙏

Actually I was surprised how big eye relief is even with the non-HP viewfinder. But the downside is that the viewfinder image is clearly smaller compared to the FM/FE series.

I shot the Nikkormat FTN for many, many years. It was my first Nikon ever. A gorgeous camera body!

Hi Neville! Many thanks! 😀

Yes, thanks for pointing out!

Yes true, the FE2 not offers the aperture-priority automatic exposure, but also TTL flash over the FM2. I have to admit that back in the day, I always shot those "computer" flashes that did exposure with their own external light sensors. (Normally there were two settings on those flashes so you had to set both the flash and also the lens either to e.g. f/4 and/or f/8 ...) Thanks for pointing out that you can use the camera with pushed-in advance lever if you have the motor drive!

Oh yes! The Nikkor 28 AIs is gorgeous! And I’m happy you enjoy the OM-1 and Spotmatic as well! I am actually planning videos on two rangefinder brands but it might take a while :)

The OM's are terrific, so no reason to lust too much after the Nikon's! (But I know ... keeping G.A.S. under control is easier said than done!)

Yes it is!

Thanks Andreas! I think you'll find some of what you said here in the verdict section of this video!

Yes 😍

Yes, the F6 is the pinnacle of analog cameras! Doesn’t have a fully manual (non-electronically controlled) shutter though! 🙂

The Minolta Dynax 9 had a top shutter speed of 1/12,000 sec.

@@sputumtube yes, but it was no mechanical shutter that works without any battery! In that regard, the FM2 and Contax S2 were the fastest!

🤩

The FM3a screen is called Nikon K3 and yes it’s interchangeable with the FM2 and FE2 screens. Myself I am using my old 1950s Praktica too often so I already feel totally spoiled by the standard FM2 screen 😅

Yes, it's a typical classic Nikon: Gets the job done!

I totally love the Minolta Dynax 9xi. Never shot one so far. But funny enough, just recently I ran into a guy at a soccer match who had brought his 9xi to the soccer stadium! 🤩 And yes I should be more specific about my language: I was thinking about manual focus, all-mechanical cameras 😅

Thanks for your feedback. The FE2 already is kind of pure compared to many newer cameras. But these all-mechanical bodies like the FM2's have something very special about them, yes!

Yes absolutely! Of course there are (in theory) ND filters available today but then they also affect the viewfinder image with an SLR …

Thanks a lot for your kind comment. Yes the Contax S2 is maybe the single other SLR camera that has a fully mechanical shutter that offers 1/4000s and 1/250s flash sync speed. I haven’t tried one so far, I hope I will get the opportunity some day!

@@tomscameras Yes indeed both cameras have same idea ! But after i got some inside info on Contax S2 having to many plastic parts i took a step back.

It won’t show you if you’re +3 or -3 EV stops off. But then, I think no mechanical camera of the day would show that. But then you can always take your meter reading first (at correct exposure) and then just change your aperture or time setting by 3 stops!

To add to your confusion: did you already see my Nikon F3 video? 😃 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bXr_4iVLiaU.html I find it hard to give a definite answer to your question because both cameras are awesome. It depends a bit what you value more - an all-mechanical camera that basically (except light meter) works without any battery or the added comfort of the F3. Also: are you wearing glasses? Then you will love the F3 finder. If you don’t wear glasses: I do prefer the FM2 viewfinder cause the image is actually bigger. But maybe watch my F3 video to get an idea of how that camera is in practice!

I am always torn between my FM2 and OM-1 when taking pictures. I guess that today‘s prohibitive prices for all non-standard OM Zuiko lenses are really a strong reason that speaks for the Nikon.

mmh yes I know what you mean. But when I say "fully mechanical camera" I really mean a camera that doesn't have any electronic features or circuits in it, save for the light meter which is off course a very basic electric element. But maybe my definition is a bit harsh here!

Three gorgeous cameras then, you won't ever need any more to fully enjoy photography!

Haha yes! My doctor advised against drilling that hole which is why I learned to be able to use the right eye for shooting eventually 😛

The earlier version of Nikon FM can be fired with advanced winder lever closed.

@@garrisonliang678 Yes, I did a review of the Nikon FM as well. There is a collar around the shutter button that you can turn to lock / unlock. You only need to flip the advance lever for light metering. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kY4GgZmbFck.html

I found it annoying at first, but then I got used to it and fell in love with the camera. Now I've got 2 FM2n cameras paired with some beautiful carl zeiss lenses. Best film SLR ever

Nice collection! I don’t think you’re missing anything :)

I tend to shy away from those modern electronic-loaden analog cameras ... but yes, you are absolutely right, the FA was a milestone in its day!

@@tomscameras i can see why. Every article about the FA is followed by half the comments section saying theirs inexplicably just died suddenly & out of the blue at some point. I’ve got one, but an thinking maybe I should pick up an FM2 to travel to Athens with this winter just to be safe.

Regarding the winding lever: For example, Pentax found the perfect implementation of how to activate the meter and never forget about it with the Pentax MX. About the FM: Did you see that I also made a review about the FM? It's here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kY4GgZmbFck.html

Great, I'm going to watch that, thanks. I'm a photography student, so I'm always looking for 'other options'. I already have a Pentax Spotmatic (SPII, I think) and a KM that I've used for years. But, I was wondering if I should try an FM (it's cheaper than the FM2). And I've seen one at a very reasonable price too 😉 (unfortunately only with a 1:2, but why not)!

@@cardboardmusic The Spotmatic and KM are great cameras. If yours work well, I don't see a real reason why you want to get a Nikon - unless you've got some friends that shoot Nikon and have maybe interesting lenses you could borrow or swap with them! Normally what goes wrong first with these Pentaxes is the 1/1000 second. That's when the lubricants get old / sticky. And sometimes the light meters don't work because of corroded contacts (which can happen with any camera). That second problem normally can be easily repaired. I got a Pentax MX just a week ago and it also doesn't work perfectly, the more features in your Pentax the more can go wrong it seems 😆but I am shooting it right now nonetheness. I do like that certain K / M lenses seem to be easy to find today at lower prices even than Nikon glass. I think the Nikon FM is a better camera than the MX though. The FM2 is fantastic cause of the 1/4000 second but the question also is how often you really need it. (Now it's winter, I'm not gonna need the 1/4000 for 6 months! 😅)

@@tomscameras Yes, I totally agree on all points. Actually, I just (in between leaving comments) bought the FM, it was not expensive and in perfect condition - from a retired Canon rep. to be precise. It came with 2 lenses, a Nikkor 1:2 and a big Macro lens (Makinon 35-105 + Macro), all for under 200€. I couldn't a pass on that ... could I 😉? I love my Spotmatic II (with it's Takumar lens) and KM, but the downside is the metering through the camera doesn't give details of your settings. I was curious to be able to see what speeds and DOF I'm using without taking the camera away from my eye to check, especially in delicate situations where speed is of the essence. I use a handheld meter too, but that's for when I have some time to take the picture - ex: landscapes, or portraits. Lastly, since (as I said) the camera wasn't too expensive, I can always just sell it on if I find it's not getting used.

@@cardboardmusic *_You probably got yourself a camera by now but for anyone reading this and in the same conundrum as you, read this:_* I've got an SP2, no match for the FM, much less the FM2. The way to differentiate the SP1 from the SP2 is the hotshoe atop the prism housing. In the Spotmatics you had to close the diaphragm to measure light (Pentax argued that it allowed to check DOF in the same maneuver). AFAIK, Nikon didn't manufacture f/2 fifties after the 50/2 Nikkor-H from the 70's that used to be standard on the Nikkormat and that's a dog! The FM has a top speed of 1/1000, flash sync at 1/125, no interchangeable screens and no double exposures. It was a replacement for the aging Nikkormat. If you can go for the FM2 even if it's a beater. The FM2 syncs at 1/250 even if the early one is labeled at 1/200. Everybody knows that, save for the very earliest #s. They replaced the sutter curtains in 1982 and you won't find one. They're highly sought out by collectors. The FM2(n) will give you 1/250 flash sync. Great for outdoors portraits with fill flash. It allows double exposures and has a self timer that doubles as mirror-up to avoid vibrations. It accomodates a number of motors by Nikon and other manufacturers. Has replaceable screens (check Beatty). The FM2 startes selling at $365 or whereabouts and reached $760 when it was discontinued. There's one on ebay going for $260 as I write this (body only, black). Get a Pancake 50/1.8 (or the long nose version) that's undeniably the best Nikon ever produced. Right now there's one the fabled Pancake 50/1.8 close focusing one (1.45m) offered at $180 obo.

Many thanks for your detailed feedback. Yes the FM3a is of course a great camera as well, but as you say: They are very pricey. And if one likes the aperture-priority mode, there's also the FE2 which is today still a bit cheaper than the FM2. The thing with the FM3a is that yes it does work also fully mechanical, but still it has all the electronics in it to enable aperture-priority mode. So, basically, it can break like any other electronic camera body. So, you can still use it very well in case of an emergency. But if you own one, you still would like it to work fully as intended ... so you're gonna have it fixed. In that regard, a true fully-mechanical body like the FM2 is easier to maintain.

@@tomscameras I agree with your points. Even I would have gone the FM2 route if I did not find my FM3a, and I would strongly recommend anyone to also buy the FM2 instead of the FM3a, which I relegate as a camera for collectors. And for those who would like to use the old Nikkor (non AI) glass, the FM is a strong recommendation as well, as it is more compact than the Nikkormats (or Nikomats). I did use an FM for quite some time too.

@@studiosnch Yes, actually I also made a review of the Nikon FM and love that it can still use the NON-AI lenses!

I just got an offer a few days ago to try out a few Canon models: The old F-1, FTb and an EF. I am super curious cause actually I never shot any manual-focus Canon so far!

Yes, I guess I have a very controversial opinion here ... in my eyes, the FM3a is an electronic camera that adds a fully mechanical mode as well. My reasoning is that in case that the electronics fail, yes you can still shoot the FM3a with no problem, but still you'll eventually want to fix it ... whereas the FM2 just has a simple light meter circuit. I see the FM3a more as a successor of the FE2. They're all awesome, sadly the FM3a's are rare and expensive today!

Yes I do agree … the information you get in the viewfinder is great but how it is arranged is not …

☺

The FM2 is a really tough camera, yes. Even though it's got some external plastic bits that were still made from metal in the original FM. For a user, that doesn't make a difference at all, sure!

Not to my knowledge. They are really totally different cameras!

The FM3a is a marvel yes. For me it doesn’t count as purely mechanical though cause it offers an additional electronic shutter control. So while it does work in a mechanical mode, there’s more than just a light meter failing in case your battery is empty :)

@@tomscameras The light meter will fail in any case if the battery is exhausted or not installed, including the FM, FM2, right? Then the camera will still operate by setting the aperture and shutter manually, or use an external light meter to determine the correct exposure.

@@jasonqian yes, sure. The same goes for the FM3a. Still it’s a fully electronic camera that adds auto exposure and electronic shutter control and a purely mechanical camera doesn’t have that. It’s a bit philosophical maybe!

@@tomscamerasthe fm3a is a purely mechanical shutter. Not sure why you’re saying it’s not. It’s only electronic in aperture priority mode. Fully mechanical at all speed if the battery dies.

Yes, exactly!

I would say Nikon was cheapskating! And later we photographers were even lucky that they kept the AI mechanism at all, at least in their higher-end autofocus and digital cameras… otherwise you wouldn’t have metering at all with the manual lenses! Pentax btw went so cheap that they completely removed that mechanical aperture link from their new cameras. So they save a few penny’s per camera and annoy anyone using their own old lenses …

Yea the FM3a is debatable. While it does work with no batteries it still has a „hybrid“ shutter. In a way it sits between the mechanical and the electronic world. A fascinating camera. But it’s also a low volume model compared to the FM2 and FE2.

@sputumtube the fm3a is definitely a better camera as it has mechanical 1/4000, aperture priority, is tiny, great built and is the last mechanical camera Nikon made.

I know that feeling … 😅

No, I didn't! :)

@@tomscameras OK, you said a few words that caught the attention of my Swedish ears. Danke

You mean, I should better place my left hand UNDER the lens, right? Yes we all have our bad habits :)

Sorry, I can't point you to any specific offering of a good FM2. But I think it shouldn't be too hard to find a nice one.

@@tomscameras hi i found one already mayb curca ‘87-‘89 based on serial no

@@shadowboxer2747 Sounds a great find, I wish you a lot of fun with it!

@@tomscameras thank u sir

I do love the F2 as well! A tank of a camera!

One of my best friends in high school got a Nikon F4 and always loved it. So I’m not arguing with F4 fans anymore 😂😂 … seriously, it’s a cool camera like every single digit F !!! Though for AF I’d personally prefer the F100 … 😅

@tomscameras yes that's fine. I juat love the handling of the F4E , which I would put over an F5 . But there's nothing wrong with tbe FM2. For what it is, a simple manual camera there's few cameras that'll rival it let alkme beat it.

Hi Tony, no worries! I'm happy about more critical comments as well :) ... I am aware of the Nikon FM3a but in my personal opinion it's not a true successor to the FM2. And yes I do know my opinion is very controversial! Maybe I should have touched the topic in my video a bit more! (1) Yes, the FM3a does have a mechanical mode in its shutter that works without battery, but in essence it's an aperture priority automatic camera. Its normal way of operation is like the FE2. And yes, if the electronics fail, you can still shoot it similar to an FM2 (and you can't do that with a "dead" FE2). But still, no one would really enjoy an FM3a with broken electronics, knowing that a vast part of functionality is just ... gone! The FM2 only has a tiny circuit for its metering, but all the rest is truly all-mechanical. (2) FM3a's are, because they're rare, much more expensive today as FM2's or also FE2's or even F3's. I personally would always take two FM2 or FE2 over one FM3a. So in the end the FM2 is a much more simple camera than the FM3a. This and there are much more of them around today, so it's also easier to have it serviced, repaired or replaced, if ever necessary. That's why I prefer the FM2. But again, I do know not everyone's gonna agree!

@@tomscameras everyone is entitled to their opinion but does that opinion override facts? This is known as a rhetorical question (ie no answer required). You know what they say about opinions? The quote is “opinions are like ass-holes, everyone has one and they usually stink!” I think the fact that the FM3a has FM in its name indicates that Nikon thought it was an update. The fact that it was able to incorporate an Aperture priority mode and a better metering system makes it, in my opinion, a better camera than the FM2. I think I have more facts backing up that opinion. But hey, it’s your channel so knock yourself out!

@@TonyHedges ​ Okay, "facts" then: (1) Naming: The Nikon F6 was also not a real successor to the Nikon F5, despite the name: For example, no interchangeable finder anymore ... on the other hand, the FM3a is a successor to the FE2 as much as to the FM2, and no the name doesn't reflect that. So much for naming. (2) If "more features" (like aperture-priority mode) to you means that it makes a camera automatically better, then both the FM2 and FM3a fail miserably: No autofocus, not even spot metering! No built-in automatic winding ... there are so many cameras that offer more features than both of these! I mean, it should be obvious that if we appreciate the sort of cameras like the Nikon FM or FE series today, that we're not looking just for more features or "bigger is better" alone! But to each his own!