Howard_Creech's Full Review: Nikon FM2N Film Camera
People are fond of saying, "They don't make them like they used to" and when this phrase is applied to cameras it is generally true. From the very first 35mm camera (built by Leica and available in the early 1920's) mechanical cameras were engineering marvels. They offered an almost hand built sturdiness and dependability that "old timers" speak of in hushed tones. With the introduction of the earliest battery powered auto exposure camera systems in the 1970's, it appeared that mechanical cameras were on the road to extinction.
OVERVIEW
Mechanical cameras are still with us, they have not joined the dinosaur and the Dodo, rather these retro-tech marvels have carved out a "niche market" among pro photographers, serious amateurs, lovers of mechanical masterpieces, explorers and adventurers (who can't risk battery or component failure in extreme climates), and student/beginner photographers who want a camera that they can learn and grow with.
The most popular of the all mechanical cameras is the venerable Nikon FM2N, a modern day classic with a clear and distinctive connection to classic Nikon rangefinders and early SLR's. The FM2N provides maximum utilization of Nikon's famous "F" mount and will accept all past and current Nikkor lenses...both manual and auto focus. The only power in the camera is the battery which operates the simple (maybe even old fashioned) center weighted metering system. The original FM was introduced (along with the classic FE) in 1977 and has changed very little since. The body is lightweight, well constructed, and well sealed against dirt and moisture. The FM2N provides traditional features (missing on many current consumer level auto focus cameras) like depth of field preview, manual rewind, user set ISO speeds, and the ability to use mechanical cable releases. Total control is in the hands of the photographer, the camera makes no decisions, which will appeal to purists.
SUMMARY
The FM2N is not for everyone....many photographers like and need the convenience of automation. The flash options available with the FM2N are very limited. The user has to set shutter speed, f/stop, ISO speed, calculate flash ratios and distances, and manually focus each and every shot. But for those who insist on absolute control over every facet of their image making, and those who love classic cameras, the FM2N may be camera they are seeking. Be warned that this sort of old fashioned "classic" primitiveness doesn't come cheap....the Nikon FM2N runs about $500 bucks. Used examples can be purchased (in excellent condition) for $250-$300.
Technical Specifications
Focusing: Manual
Exposure: Metered Manual (user sets shutter speed and aperture)
Flash System: Manual (ready light in finder eyepiece with Nikon SB speedlights)
Metering: Centerwieghted (60/40)covers EV 1 to EV 18
Shutter Speeds: 1 second to 1/4000th of a second
Options: MD11 or MD12 Motor Drive, user changeable focusing screens (camera is supplied with type K2 screen)
DOF Preview: Yes
Multiple Exposure Capability: Yes
Cable Release: Manual
Construction: All Metal
Battery (Meter operation only) 2 LR44. 2 SR44, or or 1 CR-1/3N Lithium
Conclusion
The FM2N is a professional level 35mm camera. The durable and incredibly accurate shutter (the same shutter used in the Nikon N8008 and N90 series cameras), the center-weighted meter, the simple but adequate feature set, and the uncluttered viewfinder make the FM2N a unique solution for many photographers. If you've used older Nikon SLR's ("F", F2, or F3) or Nikkormat's in the past then the FM2N is a lead pipe cinch to operate. If most of your experience is with auto focus/auto exposure cameras then a short back to basics "get acquainted" period will be required.
If you use the camera with Nikkor prime (manual focus) lenses like the 35/1.4, 85/1.8, or 105/2.8 the simplicity of operation and the superiority of your images will quickly convince you that total control over exposure and focusing and superb optics can make almost anyone a better photographer.
If you would like to read more about 35mm cameras, please see my reviews:
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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