Nikon FM, FM2, FM2n detailed review and demonstration
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- Опубліковано 4 січ 2025
- A detailed look at Nikon double-digit F series cameras Nikon FM and FM2 with a particular focus on FM2n. We also briefly mention the differences with FM3a.
I hope you didn’t miss our blockbuster series on the single digit Nikon F series on this channel. They are in the must-see category, like Star Wars 4, 5, 6, to set the foundation for the rest of the Nikon camera series.
This Nikon FM2n is an upgrade to Nikon FM and FM2 cameras and the most popular model of this series. FM2n is a full metal, fully mechanical camera. It has a battery only for the light meter and the LED that shows up in the viewfinder. Without the battery it will still work at all shutter speeds.
This camera was intended for advanced user or as a backup camera body for the professionals using either Nikon F2 or F3. The F3 in particular had an electronically controlled shutter (apart from one mechanical speed using a separate rather awkward button. So, FM cameras as a second fully mechanical camera body, using the same lenses made a lot of sense. As such it had to be just as reliable as the professional cameras and by now it is well acknowledged that it was, and still is to this day.
FM2 is as generic as SLR cameras can be, combining almost all the successful and enduring features in one reliable and foolproof package. No more and No less. Almost perfect for its purpose.
Nikon FM series of cameras came after F2 and replaced the line of Nikkormat cameras. They followed the trend of smaller and lighter SLR cameras, which was championed by Olympus and Pentax. But it is not as small or as light as those but smaller than the Nikon single digit F series. It still feels substantial, strong and very serious in the hand.
I spend a lot of time in fact checking. If you find anything that is factually inaccurate, I would greatly appreciate if you would mention it in the comments. Your personal opinions and experience of using Nikon FM2 cameras or even the close competitors will also be very helpful.
This is not a Nikon Fan channel. All 300 film cameras here are my babies. I use and review all of them without a tribal preference. But if you have a very strong preference, why not make your point in the comments, to generate interesting and respectful debates.
Why not reward hard work with a subscription. It will help promote the video on UA-cam so the videos are offered to others who may also appreciate them.
A very good, detailed review of the FM series. The FM was my introduction to the world of Nikon ha ha ha. I bought an original FM, a black one as a student and I still have that camera today over 45 years later. It has accompanied me on various trips throughout Europe and still works hundred percent.
Thanks for watching. I think it will probably outlast you. So, don't forget to pass it onto the next generation. Let them enjoy the experience of photography that requires care, attention and thinking.
@@TechHeritage Yes, my nephew is studying film making at Bristol and he is a keen photographer both with film and digital. He will inherit my Nikon collection!
I truly believe the FM2n is the best travel 35mm camera ever made, very compact and light, I've hiked 270km (170 miles) through the alps with the camera banging around my chest for two weeks, it works just like a charm, no question asked, it just delivers with that sweat 1/4000sec shutter.
Totally agree!...and it works in all temperature conditions, right?
@@TechHeritage unless it's really cold and some moisture has frozen blocking the shutter, yeah it's almost indestructible
Excellent introduction and review of the FM2! I sold cameras for years, and this just how a camera should be demonstrated and explained to give an owner the confidence to truly enjoy using their camera. I also enjoyed your artistic license during the Nikon F cameras series of videos. Extraordinary insight to the product development and evolution! Bravo!
Thanks for the positive comments. It made my day. You must have been the first or second person to watch this video, within a few minutes of upload.
Amazing video. I thought I knew a lot about my camera but you taught me so much more. Thanks!
You are so welcome!
One of the best videos of a camera review/demonstration I have seen. Just perfect! I own the FM2n and wanted to see how this review goes. Well done with the graphics and the pace. Subscribed for more reviews.
The only thing I miss in this camera is an Exposure Lock (AEL). But then, even the coveted Pentax LX doesn't have it.
Thanks for the great feedback. If you prefer Auto-Exposure Lock, it means you need Auto-Exposure rather than a fully manual camera. Have you looked at Nikon FE with Exposure Lock?
Most detailed video on Nikon FM2N out there in youtube. Appreciate this tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
What a great review! Thank you! I am happy UA-cam recommended your channel! I looked what other reviews you have already made and immediatelly subscribed! I own about 50 vintage cameras, and many are already reviewed! On my wish list, unless I missed it, is Olympus Om-4Ti. That is a great camera, although someone already noted in the comments that Olympus cameras are indeed more fragile than Nikons. But they are beautiful. My favourite camera is Nikon F3.
Thank you for the positive feedback. I hope you have watched the Nikon F3 episode of the Nikon F mini-series on this channel. We have so far covered the most important Olympus of all time, the OM-1 and contrasted against OM-10. There is a long way to go in the Olympus world of excellent cameras. I have to choose from more than 350 historic cameras here and try to cover 100 years of evolution. Time is short and I suspect at the current rate the last one will be past my retirement age. Each video is getting slower as I get fussier with detail and presentation. Hopefully I will get to OM-4Ti before long. FYI the next 3 videos are: Canon EOS-1 (the first one), Pentax LX and Combined Contax G1 and G2.
I loved the FM2, I owned 4 of them during 25 years. Certainly the reason why I bought a dF which is my best friend now.
Thanks for sharing. WIth 25 years of experience on 4 of them you should be the true expert on FM2. I hope you did not find any errors or omissions in this video.
@ very exhaustive video indeed, in fact I watched all your nikon videos which I liked very much, they made me dive into a certain nostalgia…. I still use a F4 and a F4s for film photography and I think now I’m ready for a F3HP which was my dream camera in the ‘90 (with the F4) and to match more with the dF spirit. Greetings from France
One of the best reviews I've seen. Very clear, to the point, with a lot of information, but at the same time very informative, with many practical information and all this without wasting time. Thank you very much and hope to see more reviews, hope Hasselblad cameras.
Wow, thanks!
Thanks a lot. As for Hasselblad, did you miss this one on 500C ? ua-cam.com/video/J1173CtgSus/v-deo.html
Loved the old FM/FE series Nikons - I wish i'd had a Nikon coloured soft case ... 🦘
The best!
great video dude. Thank you.
Thank you for the positive comment. Please consider watching our series on Nikon F series.
Ah man, I bought an F4 because I wanted it. Now I’m going to have to get one of these as my back up. Nice video.
It will be a good match. No regrets!
excellent review/demonstration! Cheers!
Glad you liked it!
I very much appreciate this well done walk through of the Nikon FM2, looking to pick up a sliver one as my fully mechanical camera. Currently have an F3 and I know they are bulletproof but just want to be safe for if that day comes when it gives out. Again I appreciate this video!
A perfect choice, especially if you go for the FM2n. These appear to be the top choice of mechanical cameras right now and the prices are increasing by the day. So, I suggest you hurry.
This is an excellent all around camera. Functionally, its the best mechanical SLR from any brand.
That being said, i prefer the tank like qualities of the F2.
Also, the shutter / mirror slap of the Pentax K1000 and Olympus Pen F are much more satisfying.
Still, spec for spec, it beats them all and at a very convenient, compact size.
Thanks for your insight and experience. Interestingly both Pentax K1000 and Olympus Pen are on my list. They are on the shelf, waiting for their turn. But I am so fussy with these videos, they are taking me almost a month per video. I don't know when I get to those favourites. The next one on the shelf is Canon AE-1.
@TechHeritage You're doing a great job. My only issue with the Olympus is that it's a bit fragile. Every single one that I've had have needed things fixing, whereas Nikon and Pentax are pretty bulletproof.
Very enjoyable and great info. Is it possible to get a link to the “tech heritage film camera chronology chart “ that you used in the video please. I would like a copy if that’s achievable
Thanks for your positive comments. The Camera Chronology Chart can be provided. If you wish to use it online, it would be good to give some credit to Techheritage. Please check here in the comments tomorrow and by then you will see the download link.
Thank you. Currently playing catch up with your previous videos that so far are all superb.
@@TechHeritage any news on the tech heritage film camera chronology chart please
That is odd! I immediately posted the download link for you but apparently Google blocked it, but I did not notice until you reminded me. Here is the download link again. Please message back if you receive it: www.qdox.net/downloadtransfer/65f9c6e5eb4c8y67iyb
@@TechHeritage Received. Many thanks.
It would be an interesting video, to compare the FM2n with the OM1n. Only the shutter is significantly different. Other differences are very 'discussable'.
Olympus OM1n was hugely influential for a decade. Competent, Small, Relatively light but offering almost everything you want and need. Is a comparison between a 1972 camera and a 1983 camera fair? I don't know. I hope you have seen our separate video on Olympus OM-1 and OM-10.
Very informative!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent review. You definitely know what you are talking about.
I appreciate that!
I was in japan for pokemon worlds as well and my 3 week vacation also was a giant shopping spree but man i wish i could tour the creatures headquarters
I hope there was enough time to visit Akihabara and check out the numerous 10-story camera stores.
@@TechHeritage omg this comment was ment for a different video I don't know how it ended up on this one but I did visit camera stores and picked up a Yashica Electro AX for ¥3000
Congratulations 🎉
Thanks. I take it that this video was useful for you. Please consider watching the entire Nikon F series from 1 to 5.
Best camera NIKON,
not "Najkon", ever made.
Steve McCurry shot
"Afghan Girl" with a FM2,
the 105mm 2.5 Nikkor lens,
on Kodachrome 64.
Clearly, if you can't get great photos with this 40 year old setup..
The camera isn't the problem!
We also need the return of the Kodachrome 64. Nothing like it has emerged.
@@TechHeritage You know that isn't going to happen, right?
We can almost live the good old days with cameras that outlast us, but without one important element. We just have to do our best with film emulation on the scanner.
obviously you are a nikon fanboy but no need to be sloopy mainly since most of your videos are very well informed, never the less the counter in Nikon F the original, Nikon F2, Nikon F3, Nikon Fm the original start with number CERO there is no number one in any of those mentioned cameras, it's not a canon thing and above all it's not big deal neither is a mistake or a problem
Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback.
I am indeed a Nikon fan. I am also a fan of Canon, Contax, Olympus, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, Leica, Pentax and Minolta. I am a fan of technology heritage. I am not tribal as in a fan of sports team X vs Y or Dog person vs Cat person. My most popular videos by a factor of 3 are on Rollei.
These cameras are all my babies and I love them all, after using them for 40 years and repairing them for 20 years.
In the interest of forensic accuracy please consider the following:
Nikon F starts the first shot with number 1- manual page 8 or 9 depending on the version of manual
Nikon F2 starts the first shot with number 1- manual page 9
Nikon F3 starts the first shot with number 1- manual page 10 item 14
Nikon FM2n start the first shot with number 1- manual page 10
This does not mean number 1 is actually printed. It means the notch representing number 1 is supposed to be the first real shot.
Nikon F4, F5 and F6 and Canon EOS series auto-load the film and leave it at number 1 to start
Starting the first shot with "0" in some Canon cameras is not really a problem but a curiosity.