If you’ve read my blogs before, it’s no secret that I am a huge Nikon fan and have recently started collecting their film cameras. Today, I’ll review my yet another favorite Nikon film SLR – the Nikon FM2/FM2n. The Nikon FM2 is Nikon’s 2nd camera in the well-loved FM series (Nikon FM, FM2 and FM3). The biggest difference between the Nikon FM and the Nikon FM2 is the faster shutter speed at 1/4000th of a second, it was somewhat unheard of during its time especially since the Nikon FM2 is a fully mechanical camera (no batteries needed to operate). In production from 1982-2001, this camera is one the most reliable film cameras you can buy on the second-hand market today.
On the surface, the Nikon FM2 is one beautiful compact camera with its classic look and sleek design. I have mine in black but it’s also available in silver. My specific model is the Nikon FM2n which has a 1/250th flash sync speed compared to the 1/200th sync speed on the original FM2. The construction of the camera is second to none made out of mostly metal with the top, bottom and back plate made out of brass. Aside from being built like a tank, the internals are also reliable and can serve you a very long time. Depending on how it was stored, a CLA (clean, lube and adjust) is still something you might need to consider, these cameras are decades old anyway.
As mentioned, the Nikon FM2n has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second. The shutter speed dial also houses the ISO which you can adjust by lifting the side of the dial and rotating. On the other side is the film rewind crank and a pull knob which opens the film back. A small tab needs to be triggered for you to pull the knob, this acts as a precaution for accidentally opening the back.
Looking at the back, we have the viewfinder window, serial number and a “tray” in which you can insert a cut portion of a film box so that you would know what film you are currently using. Doing this can save you a lot of headaches since there is no way you can tell if a film is loaded visually. The viewfinder is the Nikon FM2n is large and clear with displays for shutter speed, aperture and metering.
At the bottom of the camera are the film rewind button, tripod mount, electronic contacts for the optional grip and the batteries. Since the camera is fully mechanical, the battery is only used for the lightmeter which you can opt to use or not use. After all, you have to manually set the shutter speed and aperture to get the proper exposure.
Here, I have it paired with the compact wide-angle prime lens, the Nikkor 28mm F2.8 E.
I’ve only shot 2 rolls of film with my Nikon FM2n and I can already tell that this will be one of my go-to cameras.
And here are some photos during my commute to work. Since life has been busy lately, one of my favorite times to shoot is during commutes.
And of course, what’s a camera if not used for family and friends 🙂
So there you have it, the Nikon FM2n. A beautiful, reliable, compact film SLR. If you want to see my growing film camera collections, you can watch it here. Salamat!
King 