Nikon FM2n - 35mm SLR camera

A Brief Description
The Nikon FM2n was first introduced in 1984 as an upgrade to the FM2 (1980). The only major changes came in the form of a faster flash synchronisation (from 1/200 to 1/250sec) and the appearance of the letter 'N' in front of the serial number.

The FM2 is often referred to as the "quintessential" photographer's camera. It is purely mechanical in design and only requires a battery for the built-in exposure meter. It is compact, lightweight and because of its non-reliance on electronics for operation, it is the perfect back-up camera. The classic lines also make it one of the most beautiful cameras ever made. It continued to be produced right up until the release of the FM3a.

Basic Specs:
Shutter speeds: 1sec to 1/4000sec; Bulb
Synch speed: 1/250sec
Shutter type: Titanium vertically travelling shutter
Weight: 540g
Motor drive: optional MD-11 or MD-12
Interchangeable focussing screens

Variants:
FM2 Titan; FM2 Fundus; FM2 Lemix; FM2 Action
Available in black or chrome.

Editor's Comment:
This is the best manual focus Nikon that is not considered a part of the F series pro line. It's a classic camera that will just keep on working, and working, and working. I obtained a mint condition one last year and whenever possible I load it up with film and take it with me. I've gotten quite good at guesstimating exposure, so even when the battery fails, I can be pretty sure that I will get the shot just by using the sunny f/16 rule.

If you can find a good condition version on the used market, snap it up and keep it, because in my opinion this will become one of the more collectible Nikon cameras in the future.

Tell us what you think of the Nikon FM2n:

The Nikon FM2(n)

August 29, 2006, 01:09:08 PM by Dallas

What is your opinion of the Nikon FM2(n)? This topic will be indexed on our CAMERAS page.

Write Comment

:

[1] 2

The Nikon FM2(n)

1: September 04, 2006, 02:10:21 PM by henryp

When I was shooting full-time I started with a brace of Nikon FTn bodies and after a while discovered my style required faster x-sync. I traded all but one for three FM2n cameras and used them, each with an MD-12, daily for almost a decade. IMHO the perfect 35mm machine.

The Nikon FM2(n)

2: September 04, 2006, 04:58:44 PM by Wheat Generation

I was about to buy one of these when a nice FM3a appeared on my radar screen. I would have been happy with either but I had an interest in the 3a's needle meter. So analog.

The Nikon FM2(n)

3: September 04, 2006, 06:51:38 PM by darinb

I can't bring myself to sell mine, though I don't shoot 35mm film anymore. I give it a little pretend work-out every now and then to keep it tuned.

Funny that our gear has gotten bigger in the digital age...

The Nikon FM2(n)

4: September 04, 2006, 06:53:12 PM by darinb

Quote from: henryp

Welcome to the board, Henry.

For those who don't know, Henry is one more reason to shop at B&H.

--Darin

The Nikon FM2(n)

5: September 04, 2006, 08:40:18 PM by Seymore

I still own an FM2, FM2n and a FM2t! (sweeeeeet!) ...along with a boatload of MF lenses, from a 24/2.8 to a 200/4. I suspect I'll be buried with at least one of these rigs.

There is much that can be said, and has been said, for the FM2's. Myself, they are stellar workhorses of the analog era. And, IMPO, can be considered the PRO MF bodies of a bygone time.

I still luv that the old MF AI/AIS lenses can be used on todays digital bodies. I don't know of any other bodies that can still use lenses from 30 years ago...

Thanks for starting this thread Dallas! :cool:

The Nikon FM2(n)

6: September 04, 2006, 08:51:25 PM by Seymore

Quote from: henryp

And welcome to NEF Henry! I thought I remembered the name. I tossed a few emails with you about an Accura 12mm fisheye I was looking to buy back in Jan of this year. I did get it, and find it a fun toy to play with. Thanks again for your openness on that lens.

The Nikon FM2(n)

7: September 07, 2006, 05:58:16 PM by henryp

Quote from: Seymore

Thanks. I own an Accura 12mm and if you can find one in reasonable condition for a reasonable price it's a very nifty little item.

Re: The Nikon FM2(n)

8: March 25, 2008, 11:57:17 PM by dvg

What to say of a camera that can be soaked in sweat under the Greek sun in the summer and if circumstances ask for it to take severe "punishment" without even say "oh" Huh

A camera that seamlessly fits and works with the MD-12 Motor Drive, posses a LED display that you can still see under strong ambient light, accepts alternative focusing screens and fits almost everywhere (even in your pocket) Huh

I continuously used the FM2 from 1983 to 2002 as a second body and never, never let me down. I gave the camera to my son and I just could not do without one so I bought a black body, in pristine condition, last summer.

Although not in constant use any more, it often sees action usually coupled to the Nikkor 25-50/4 MF zoom.

FM2 is a milestone in SLR design and production. FM3A is also an excellent camera with more virtues but one serious drawback for me, the needle metering. I think that everyone who shoots in low light conditions will agree to that.

Re: The Nikon FM2(n)

9: March 28, 2008, 07:26:52 PM by billkoe

Quote from: darinb on September 04, 2006, 06:51:38 PM

I'm with you 100% on this. I got one as a back up for my 2 F4's. I sold the F4's but still have the FM2n. I trip the shutter to keep the lubricants from stiffening up but haven't used it for shooting in a very long time.

Re: The Nikon FM2(n)

10: July 31, 2008, 11:17:43 AM by beyond

Hi guys, I started off with a D80 two years ago. Along the way, I somehow stumbled upon a mint black FM2n with a 35 mm f2. That was when I really fell in love with mechanical cameras. Now, I have about 4 of them sitting in my drybox. And yes..I love shooting film more than digital. Tongue

[1] 2