Nikon FM2n - The Perfect SLR? 

My first camera was a Nikon FM, purchased in 1978. One of the best decisions I have ever made.

Bought mine in 1988. Still going strong... The FM2 is the pinnacle in the development of fully mechanical SLR cameras.

Really enjoyed that review Molly! Well done! This is definitely one of those cameras on the bucket list and this video totally makes me wanna buy it yesterday.

The FM2 is a fantastic SLR. It's one of those classic workhorse cameras of the 80s. My parents always used Nikon, but my first SLR was a Minolta, and I use Canon gear professionally. Now I have an FG20 (among a few other SLRs that I hope to show off eventually), and I'm so glad I picked it up even though the great majority of my collection is Kodak. Nikon make really beautiful cameras, their film cameras were even more so. I wish that they would come back to film cameras. Maybe if Pentax finds success with their recent model....

I started with SLR's in 1972, but got my first Nikon in 1974, FTn. I worked at a camera store from 1976-early 80's. You have a great camera, although I got an F2 instead. From being an OLD film photographer and taking 1,000's of rolls from people to develop at the camera store, I'd like to warn you and others to never load film in direct sun! The little fuzzy light-trap can leak light, especially with 400 speed film being more sensitive. Love the video. Keep it up! ❤

I'm old enough to remember when the FM-3 came out in the 90s I guess. Always loved this series because they had a reputation of being indestructible, like, "I'm going down the amazon to contact a lost tribe" kind of gear.

I had a Nikon Fm2n long time ago and I love film photography. I recently sold it as it was getting harder to focus properly with poorer eyesight and bought the F5 for the auto-focus. We need to have more film orientated videos so we get people more into film photography and keep it alive. I encourage you to keep going.

I'm happy to watch the videos that you are happy to upload. I'm a nikon shooter and have been trying to decide between the FM2/n, FE2, and FA. On on hand the full mechanical of the FM2 appeals, but you can often get the FE2 for cheaper, and the FA has the matrix metering as well as shutter priority.

If you struggle with seeing the viewfinder information (I'm the same with my F2's), you might try the Olympus Om2n with it's bigger and brighter viewfinder. Also, you don't have to take your concentration away to change shutter speeds as everything is found the lens mount on the Om2n.

I am in total agreement with you, with all the film camera's I have collected over the years the Nikon FM2N is the one I always go to if I want to make sure I get the shots with no issues :)

Great review of the FM2n and great photos. Now I know why Nikon based their digital retro Nikon Zf on the FM2 series. Such a beautiful camera the FM2n.

I bought a Nikon F (OG, BP) this year with period 28/2 and 50/1.4 lenses, it's a great camera! Respectfully expressing that I appreciate your channel! 😀

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I found it very informative as I’m looking for an slr and I have my eyes on an FM2n or fm3a. Just thinking which one would suit my needs better. Thanks again!

Great video, I have a Nikon 45mm f2.8 pancake for my F3 and FE2. I love it, great character and super light and compact. A little expensive but totally worth it

I got an FM2n a month ago. It's my third film camera. Started with a Leica M6 (but switched that out for a Leica MP which is my main camera now), then added a Minolta CLE and now the FM2n. They all have something that I like. I love the quality of Nikkor lenses and they are so cheap. I started with the 35mm 1.4 AiS and added the 50mm 1.8 AiS. They are so reliable. I then got the bug to get the 85mm 1.4 AiS as a portrait lens. I've only had that for a week or so but wow the quality is amazing. I love the feel of the FM2n body. It's so mechanical in a good way. Dials are super clicky and that shutter just slaps so hard.

Great video! I shoot with an fm3a that I love. Nikon slr’s are always the best. Make more videos please! Just returned back to Maine after a long stint in Colorado. I didn’t realize how much I missed New England! Wish there were more photo meetups though!

I bought the FM3a in 2001. Had an FM in the late 80s and still have it. Bought used motor winders for both - which really were seldom used except for bike races. My favorite lenses are 35mm for normal shooting and the classic 105mm for portrait work. (Exploring a Canon AE-1 and a Canon AE-1 program - both given to me this year. Nice but the Nikons are simpler and more robust.)

First! :) Though not a fan of canon I agree that Minolta glass is terrific. Good to see you again! -mike ((I have nothing against canon glass I just am not a fan of the things that the lenses fit on))

Thanks for the video! My Nikon is a Nikkomat EL, one of the first automatic shutter Nikon models from around 1973. It has both a microprism ring and split circle for focusing and the viewfinder is really big and bright. Luckily the special battery (that is hidden under the mirror) is not difficult to get hold of. Have a nice trip to Croatia. I look forward to your travel photos :)

I have one and bought it as my eyesight was weakening and I won’t sale it because it is one of the most attractive cameras ever made . My F2 died ; my other gear was sold or stolen long ago and after giving my Pentax to a nephew to explore if he wanted to take up photography , I settled on an Olympus EM 10 Mkii . Lovely camera and digital ; hence I can use with my failing eyesight . Loved the video . Thanks !

I have a Nikon F301...some say it's noisy.....but I guess it's the microphone....on the studio one.... Love this video x

I had a similar FE, it might still be in my mum's loft...if you ever need a portrait lens; the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 is one of the best lenses of all time (any version) - and they aren't too expensive because they were very popular. Better than any Canon or Minolta portrait lens! Sharp as hell wide open and gorgeous bokeh. My 1973 copy (pre-AI, converted) is still going strong!

Hi, this is a camera which was kind of newspaper reportage ikon in 80s and 90s. Great choice. If you are tempted to tune it up, buy FM3A dedicated K3 screen, which is amazingly bright. Fits all FEs, FMs and FA with exception of FM OG, which does not have interghangable screens option.

Nice review! You gave a lot of great information about why someone might like this camera without getting bogged-down in technical details. These are very reliable cameras with a really good design and no unnecessary features. I've had/have all the FE and FM series cameras (as well as most Nikkormats and all the F-series cameras) and the FM2 is a great blend of features and price. It's comfortable to hold and not too heavy, but it is still durable. I had an older FM that fell about 4 feet onto concrete landing straight on it's prism. Big dent in the top but the camera was 100% OK otherwise. Also, you can use AF lenses if they have an aperture ring. If you're still looking for a 35mm lens, I can recommend the Nikkor 35/2.0 AI or AIS lens. Great performance, not too expensive and not too big. I had a 35/2.8 AIS and it was not good. Also, if you're going to shoot Nikon you have to try a Nikkor 105/2.5 AI or AIS. Great portrait lens and versatile as a short telephoto. Very sharp. Happy shooting!

Hey, hey! It's reat to see you again, Molly! I have and *love* my FM2n. It feels like a grown up version of the camera I learned on, waaaay back in the day, the Pentax K1000. They have a very similar feel and layout, but the Nikon just takes it up to the next level. As for glass, I would love to find something affordable at 42mm. I have an Olympus SP rangefinder that has a fixed 42 on it and I just love that length. Happy shooting ~

Hi congrats to your Nikon these are great.Have several and the older FM.They just go very reliable.😊

Molly, a pair of FM2s replaced my stolen Nikkormat FTn's shortly after the model was introduced. Most of my work then was photojournalism, but I used them subsequently for my ballet work for 14 years, along with a range-finder, and later for everything from jewelry to portraiture. At the time I got them, I had a choice between one new F3 and two FM2s. The former had alluring features, but I really didn't need them for my work. The FM2s were absolutely solid, light (even with Nikkor non-E primes), and handled beautifully for more than 20 years. I would have them today if circumstances hadn't obliged me to sell them and their lenses for a painfully low price, in order to purchase an HD camcorder for other work. I am only a little bit surprised that you entirely overlooked one feature, at least in this video. Only a little, because few seem to think about it or use it on cameras that do include it. It was one of the features that won me to the FTn over another at the time, and ito recommend it over the K1000 later on. It's the depth-of-field preview lever. It closes the aperture to let you see DoF at the aperture set. I used mine constantly, and if, as you say, you're not going to be using yours for hip-shooting, I can only encourage you to start using it.

FM2 is my favorite but I got a Nikon FM for less than half the price and it is basically the same except for the two fastest shutter speeds (which can be replaced in those rare instances with an ND filter :) Great video!

Aloha Molly! Wow, your review of the Nikon FM2N brought back memories! I am old enough that I shot film during my early Photojournalism career and loved both the FM and FM2/FM2N for it's purely mechanical (no batteries required!) shutter. I always had less issues with the "original" FM, which I preferred in black than either the FM2/FM2N, which I thought looked better in the chrome version, although maybe not as professional looking? The change in shutter material/design I believe was to make it more reliable/longer lasting? The viewfinder is darker in the FM and max shutter speed of only 1/1000, but it will take Non-AI lenses as you can fold back the tap that engages the aperture dial on the lens. If you had a F3 with the HP viewfinder, than with glasses on, it would be easier to see the full viewfinder (one of the issues with Leica rangefinders, at least for me!) Don't know how much portraiture work you do, but any of the 105mm F/2.5 lenses are a must as well as the 180mm F/2.8. Don't know about the cost of old manual focus lenses these days, but I am guessing the 105mm since there's a few of those out there, shouldn't be too expensive? Anyway, I had much more to say, but not sure how much you and your followers care to read! Love the review and your photos! Keep up the great work and I will fore sure watch you past videos. Mahalo from Kauai, Hawaii. Thomas

Good to see film reviving. Use a Nikkormat and FA. Film cameras rock.

Molly, fyi the 'wear' you describe at 3:17 is NORMAL for the finish the camera was made with, the 'worn' parts are called brassing, or in some antique circles patina and is quite desirable for some, as this feature shows age well, so you know what you are in for.

Please keep going. Don’t stress about it and keep it fun for yourself. My favorite Nikons are the f and f2. They have everything I need with no excess features.

Welcome back to RU-vid! I don't know if you remember me as I was the random guy at analogue spotlight last year who thought you were Canadian and had an FE2, which coincidentally finally came back from it's CLA today!

AF and AF-D lenses will work. Newer lens which don't have aperture rings will be useless because there's no way to adjust the aperture. I have a Nikon 70-210mm f4 AF lens which works and I love. My 35mm f2 AF-D works quite nicely too. Nice work. Good to see you back.

I adore my FA which is fairly similar to the fm2 but comes with the matrix meter and Aperture priority mode. The 105mm F2.5 compliments the camera so well, It might be my fav 35mm lens for nikon!

So nice to see you again! I have this camera and I love it, I agree totally it's a 'slower' camera. I used it for a wedding and realised quickly it wasn't great for run and gun stuff, but I love it. Hopefully we'll meet again at some point 🙂 shout if you're ever in London! Would be interested to see a video on the Canon L3 if you haven't done one already, I'd never heard of it and I'm still looking for my perfect small 'quick' camera!

Well, it isn't a Minolta X-700 but it's kind of ok 🤣 But seriously, another great video Molly and do please keep promoting film photography. Nothing beats the tactile experience of using old manual SLRs and the fun of negs and prints at the end. 👏

I have my silver FM that got me back into photography, and I just picked up an FM2N with the titanium shutter this spring. I think I like the shutter sound a little more on the FM, but I just love the usability of the FM2.

Hi Molly. 1st comment. Been enjoying your content for a while. Talk me through (or put a vid up) about your filter use. I saw a polariser, also a sunny CS/Cross Star filter. I think the CS filter softened some of the images, I expect that was deliberate. I've only used mine when I want the point light source star, hence my interest in how you used it here, seems to work really well producing a dreamy look. I'm very, very fortunate, I've been with Nikon cameras for 40 years. I currently have my Uncle's FE, my Dad's old EM, his Nikkormat FT2, and my own FM3a, all bought new back when. I still love shooting film, but mostly I'm a heritic and shoot digital!

First time viewer. Love the video and the photos. I have way too many film and digital cameras; it’s a problem. 😊 What do you think of your camera strap? I want a more “permanent” one than the peak design I use on my digital bodies. Film cameras lend themselves to dedicated straps. Also, is that a UV filter you’re using?

Another great video !!!

Haha…Molly Proof, I love it. I also love my Fm2. Great video, thanks for sharing.

Brassing is beautiful! The FM2 is a nice little SLR but I haven't really put it through its paces the way I have my several F2s. I think the F2 just feels more solid, probably because it's heavier. I've thought of making a writeup of one vs. the other. Functionally, I really have a problem with having to pull the thumb winder out before you can take a picture, the only time I've ever encountered that in a camera and not intuitive for me at all. According to Johnny Martyr who has shot the FM2 professionally for years, it's best to stay away from the honeycomb titanium shutters, so good choice there.

11:59 af lenses totally work (depending on the type). AF-D are probably the most compatible, but I have an af-s G lens that works great, so long as you don’t want to stop down! 😹 lenses with aperture rings and longer focus throws will probably be the most satisfying to use.

yes, Molly, Nikon is an extensive system, but once you get your head around the abbreviations, its a wonderful system to use, I went in straight to the digital offerings though, but used the 50 f1.8 AFD, and the 105 F2.8D {macro, with the PN-11 extension tube on} on my D700/D610 rigs, fantastic lenses, great ergonomics, esp. the detents on the iris rings.

I thought the FM was the best mechanical SLR till I picked up the FM2n. Love it with the 85mm 1.8D (af lens). The 28mm 2.8 hasn’t grown on me though. Cool review!

I bought one of these earlier this year (chrome) in great shape however it had the wrong focus screen (the focus screen was for a different Nikon camera and everything in the viewfinder was blurry). Once I ordered and replaced the focus screen (very easy to do) the photos have been perfect. Another good Series E lens is the 100mm f2.8. They are very small and light, and pretty sharp, even wide open, and they can be found for less than $100.

Love your content, always down to earth and honest. The closing remarks are especially important, just do your own thing and most importantly, enjoy things and have fun! I don't have experience with Nikons (I mostly shoot Contax, both in the Zeiss Ikon and Kyocera era), but the FM2 series has always seemed quite compelling as an alternative to the Contax S2, which I love and adore for its simplicity. The only thing that kinda bothers me with the Nikon is as you were demonstrating the shutter sound, you need to have the winding lever in the armed position in order to fire the shutter, whereas I always prefer to keep the winding lever stowed away. It's a small thing, but like you mentioned about your preference of the winding lever of this FM2, sometimes the small things matter! If you get the chance, you should compare and contrast the Contax S2 and the FM2, I think that would be an interesting comparison for cameras that were designed with a similar intention.

Love the FM2N which is exactly why I bought a minty FM3A. Its gets paired and shares lenses with my Zf when walking around. Those FM2N's were just Nikon at its best.

Hey Molly, great choice! I came pretty close to getting an FM2 last year. I ultimately went for the F4 instead, but I wound up regretting that decision, lol. As it happens, I'm switching to Pentax nowadays (long story), but if I was to stick with Nikon, I think the FM2 could be the camera I settled on. One nice thing about Nikon is that multi-exp. feature. Almost all the Nikons from the 80's onward had that. It's easier on the older ones, though. I'm glad you decided to stay on RU-vid. I enjoy your videos, and I'd hate to see another photography channel disappear (I'm still sad that Azriel Knight left, for example). I can definitely see why it would cut in on your enjoyment of shooting if it becomes the dominant focus, but I think you'll find a nice little groove where youtube serves you, rather than you serving it. Everybody goes through slumps, and it sounds like maybe that's what you were dealing with. At any rate, I'm glad you got through it. Looking forward to your video on the doubleshot. That seems to have been pretty popular. Yvonne Hanson did a video on it recently, and she gave it pretty positive remarks. Curious to see your results with it. I'm still on the fence with half-frame, lol. Cheers!

The FM2n is an excellent camera. I had one and gifted it to another photographer, who, after a few months, turned around and sold it. :( I miss having one and always keep an eye out for a deal on a body. Great images btw!

Hi, because of this video, I also bought a Nikon FM2n from ebay. :-) with a 50mm lens. I am now also thinking about getting a 28mm lens. I am an analog film beginner, but otherwise a hobbyist mainly street photographer. Greets from Switzerland

Got mine from my father (I bought a new FE2 in the 80s, which I like more) - much better than any rangefinder camera like M6, because you have a much better ecosystem with lenses from 6mm up to 2000mm, some can focus up to 0,2m. 🙂

I like your videos .... :) and your pictures!!!

I love the F2 and F3, but I've been able to use a friend's FE2 and the shutter speeds and quietness are great on that one. The added functionality is a plus, but not enough to move me to selling the F3 to get one. I just got the F2 so really I need to use it more ... hard camera to turn down for $60. :) I haven't. use the FM2n but since the FE2 is closer to it, I at least have an idea of its quality. Definitely a keeper!

Nice review! My mind went to the shutter sounds being 'subtle'... Then you said elegant, which describes it perfectly 😁 Why do we care about these things so much? Haha I can't help it, love a good shutter sound.

Growing up during the golden years of SLRs, I toyed around with most of the makes when I was stationed in Japan. I owned a Pentax Spotmatic F, excellent camera with a damn m42 screw mount. I had a Canon FTB, nice camera with a breach lock lens mount, long forgotten. Then I got my 1979 Nikon F2 and a 1980s FE2. I got it because I wanted an automatic camera since the F2 was totally manual. But I have to agree the FM and FE cameras are the best if not in the top 5. I still think the best two cameras are the early Pentax Spotmatics and the Nikon F2 and the FM/FE line. Nothing like them has been made since. Also have to give credit where credit is due, and that is the Canon F1- a brick, a lethal weapon if swung at a person.

FM2n is arguably one of the most beautiful camera ever made.

Definitely one of the better film advance levers there are. Very satisfying. Not M6 smooth, but better than other mechanical SLR's.

I had the FM2n for a bit and loved it that it made me want to get the FM3a - but I ended up getting a stellar F3 instead. You are right it's a perfect SLR to have in your kit.

Always great to watch your videos -- but definitely make videos when you feel motivated and comfortable doing them. Would love an FM2(n) -- but yeah, I haven't spent that much on any film cameras (yet) -- and that is probably reflected in the reliability/performance of the cameras that I have! Though I do have thrift-priced Nikon SLRs (do like the Nikkormats though they can be finicky), lenses and compatible lenses -- so maybe one of these days I'll *splurge*!!! My first SLR was a Nikon F (no meter prism -- just the standard prism) -- it was made in 1965 and I was born in 1963, so it was only a few years younger than me. Shot yearbook photos with it in high school and it was built like a tank (weighed close to one also!) -- darn, now I am missing it!

I enjoyed this video. You took some really great shots. Do you process your own film? I personally preferred the colour of the first film stock. New subscriber. Kind Regards from Australia.

I do like your style of presentation. I am fortunate enough to own an FM, FM2n, F3 & F4 - all wonderful cameras in their own right; the FE & EM bodies were not my preference - I like to exercise complete control over my Nikon manual cameras - often using the 'sunny 16' rule, or winging it with a guesstimated shutter speed/aperture combination; more often than not, the results are both surprising & unusual. Nikon manual cameras are built like armoured trucks, combined with their earlier glass, infinitely better than some of their later optical counterparts (but that's a subjective perspective). Admittedly, it does irritate when YT dictate algorithmic pressures upon contributors workloads - & you are correct to assert control as to when & how you offer new material. I look forward to seeing your reportage from Croatia - & do be very careful, Kindest regards, Andrew 🙂

A great, and classic camera for sure. You're correct about the finder, it's a bit less than 100% of the exposure area, and more significantly, has a shorter eyepoint as compared to the F3, F4 bodies. That challenges eyeglasses wearers like you and me (but not a big problem, IMHO).

Try the Voightlander Nokton 58mm F1.4 on your FM2.

Yes.

Hi the electronic controlled FE.FE2.EM.FG.F3.FA are old now and they are no longer reliable and nearly impossible to repair.The FM.FM2. are mecanikal exept light meter.Great video 😊

I literally watching this with the OM -2n in my hands

For the same quality built body at half the price the aperture priority Nikon FE is worth looking into...it does need a battery to operate but is very reliable and battery last forever, almost.

If your concern is only manual focus, then I think the perfect SLR is FM2's successor: FM3a. With battery: apperture priority Without battery: well no problem. all shutter speeds are accessible I don't think there's another 35mm manual focus SLR that can do that.

My favorite is Nikon FM3a it's fully mechanical and fully automatic

FM2n is just amazing, I’ve been using it all year and have put at least 200 rolls through it and I haven’t changed the battery once… built to last these cameras

This camera is from 1983 and Leica's M6 is from 1984. I somehow thought both cameras would be way older until I heard the actual years of production. I never had either but for the Leica everyone says you can do Double Exposure by turining the rewind lever before pulling the shutter lever again. But I am not sure, if this will truly align the film or if it'll still move a little. Double Exposure ability is cool and I think it's cool that Lomography always implements it.

Enjoy your experience

The FM2n is also my favorite mechanical SLR. AF-D lenses should work just fine, since they have focus and aperture rings. I use the AF Nikkor 50mm F1.8D with the FM2.

L😍VE my Nikon FM2n...going on almost 2 years now. Slap my Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Spokar on and it's GO-TIME for some run & gun street photog.

I love the Nikon camera I always bought the camera but that Nikon fm2n is one camera I don't have. Do you print your own color negative the time you go to chemist to send to get developed. It's a great way to understand light in a camera and what photography is all about. Another photography process is wet plat collodion it's fastnation Brendan

I own several mechanical SLRs, also a Nikon, similar to yours, but I am not such a big fan of this type of camera. I think, they are all hard to focus. If it needs to be an SLR, I prefer the more modern AF ones meanwhile … of otherwise, rangefinders are easier to focus for me.

Nice camera and video! For that size and weight I've always preferred the needle light meter in the FE or FE2. I want the instant feedback of the needle, and can tell which way you are going. With the fm's plus minus, I'm always hunting for the correct exposure not sure which way to turn the shutter or aperture. I suppose if you got really good at intuitively knowing which way to turn. I never could. And I don't just want to know that its over or under, I want to know HOW MUCH over or under I am. AND you can watch the meter fluctuate as you scan darker lighter areas etc . That's me anyway. And nikon glass of that era are amazing. I've owned them all at some point but the F3 is my goto. little heavier than the above ones though.

Yes, the early AF lenses will work with the FM2N as long as the lens has a manual aperture ring.

Try an AI Converted 35mm f/2! Sharp and cheap! The 100 f/2.8 Series E is a really sharp and light lens for portraits.

I have nothing against Nikon and i think the F3 is one of the best designed SLR's, but just I somehow started with Canon FD and Pentax. Pentax lenses and cameras are really compact by the way. I have a Pentax LX and it is very small, the Canon cameras and lenses are quite a bit bigger. Two 35mm systems (or actually 3, I also have an EOS 3 to use my digital lenses with) is already overkill for someone that prefers medium format. I think it was noticeable you didn't really like the videos before, I watched this video to the end but as far as I remember the previous videos didn't catch me.

F4S , look at stats on shutter, and the dampener, hand hold 30th with a 50mm. Only camera than can beat that us a rangefinder with no mirror.

What makes the FM2 (and FM, FE and FE2) less than perfect for me is the fact that you need to push the film advance lever out to shoot and meter. Kind of hate that design because of the way it changes the handling, and as someone who is left eye dominant I almost get my eye poked. For that reason I prefer the F3 if I want to shoot Nikon.

The lens is the source,but the film is very important.Don't cheap out on either one..........................................................

I have a Nikon FM2 as well, it was loaned to me by my daughter. She used to shoot plays for the drama club in college in Germany. It is a great camera. However it seems with your images, there's a lot of haze, I'm thinking maybe your lens was not very clean? Or quite possibly your lens has fungus; hold it up to the light (lens only), and look through the elements. You quite probably will see lots of little specs, which will diffuse the sharpness. The only resolution for that is to take it apart and clean it, or buy another (clean) lens.

How often to you use the 1/4000 speed (assuming wide open use)? Your pics do not look like they have much depth separation. Like the ME setting.

Best SLR ever #nikongang

An amazing camera, I just don't like the meter. The FE2/FM3A/EL2 or even the FT3 win for me because of the meter. I flat-out dislike the meter on the FM2 series.

love the camera but who makes that strap

I think the FE2 is better :) But the best camera of the era that isn't that big and heavy is the Olympus OM-4 and the OM-4. The multizone light metering and the meter acccuracy is fantastic, even better than on the Canon T90 but in a very high quality lighter format

I don't think you 'change the ISO' on a film camera, the ISO is whatever film speed you're using. The setting on the camera is so the auto-exposure knows how to properly expose the film, and as a reminder in manual mode. Beautiful camera though, the pinnacle of a good sixty years of mechanical SLR evolution.

Nice video, I watched it at 0.75x speed. That makes it sound like you're talking at normal speed.🙂

Yes! 35mm take that digital fakers! : )

Sexy Smooth Shutter Sounds and Silky Smooth hair. Whhyyy can't "hair" also start with an S? Glad you're back on the RU-vids, Mol!