Is the nikon FM2 a good camera?

Question

My mom bought it in the 1980s-90s and doesn't really use it too much so she is giving it to me for my 16th b-day. I'm just wondering...compared to other SLR cameras..how good is it?

Answer 1

The FM2 was/ is seriously good. This was one of Nikon's semi-professional models, and back then the Nikon badge was just as prestigious as it is today.



Considering the age of this camera, you do lack some features that are considered standard today, such as auto-focus, scene modes, etc, and to an extent these modern creature comforts do make life easier. The FM2 does have all the features that matter, however, and I personally find that using a beautifully constructed 100% mechanical camera vs. a plastic box of electronics brings its own kind of satisfaction. Actually, the businesslike simplicity and bullet-proof build quality of the FM2 still make it a favorite with college photography majors.



There's probably already a few lenses with that FM2, but you can always buy more. All but the newest Nikon lenses will work on the FM2 (Nikon's so called "G" lenses don't have an aperture ring), and every lens that you use on the FM2 will also work on all of Nikon's digital SLR cameras... although if you do decide to go digital, you'll probably prefer auto-focus lenses.



At any rate, it's a great camera. Hope you have fun with it!

Answer 2

I have one. Okay, more than one.



It's a great camera. Extremely well made. The film advance lever is smooth as butter.



Of course, it's "missing" today's features, but if you want to learn photography, this is the camera to do so. You will have to think of what you want to do, i.e. setting the apreture and the speed shutter, focusing and composition, before every single shot. The camera does not need a battery to work--but only to power its light meter.



This was taken with that camera. http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2338903923/



p.s. By the way, when you "move up" to a digital SLR, you will miss FM2's extremely bright (and large) viewfinder unless you get a full-frame one.

Answer 3

I see you can use any 35 film in this camera. Nikon cameras combine single-lens reflex camera technology, with modern digital camera techniques to give you the best of photography. These type of cameras also offer a wide array of features, including bigger, brighter views, faster operation and perhaps most importantly, support for various lenses.

Answer 4

It is a very good manual focus, manual exposure camera. It takes relatively inexpensive nikon ai, ais, or e-series lenses and can takes AF, and AF-D but not G-type because they lack an aperature ring. It is the perfect photography class camera. If the foam seals and mirror bumper is wearing out (sticky) you should replace the foam at some point. This is can be a do it yourself job if you are handy (like a model builder) or a camera repairman's.

Answer 5

it's one of Nikon's best, has a flash sync of 250 of a second, good for outdoor flash, all metal and some early ones had a titanium shutter, Nikon then switched to aluminum and they take a motor drive for action shots, 31/2 frames a second

Answer 6

pretty good. i guess. u should go to staples and a buy a camera for sale. staples have nice cameras. so does frys electronics