What's the main difference between the Nikon F and FM bodies?

Basically what sitemistic had to say. If you like bigger and heavier then the F series and if you like smaller and lighter the FM series. Be aware that if you need mirror lock up the Fs have it but you can also get it with the FMs using the selftimer which locks the mirror up at the start of the cycle. I have never used them professionally but the FM2n was my favorite film camera to take on trips. Of the cameras you listed the F3HP has the nicest viewfinder IMHO. All are very reliable cameras and well built enough for anyones use.

Bob
 
Slightly off-topic, I had two FE2's have the meters die in them, remember hearing from a tech that this was more common in the FE2 than FM2?

With a SLR 100% VF is a real plus for me.
 
The F series of Nikon cameras were the Pro bodies and the FM/FE series were the Prosumer line descended from the Nikkormat series (but that did not stop pros from using them when a smaller camera made more sense).

The F series up to the F3 came with interchangeable viewfinders and titanium shutters. The FM went with a vertical "copal" style shutter which meant you had a higher sync speed for flash. Actually "Photography in Malaysia" has the motherlode of information on all Nikon SLR's that mattered.

I have two F's, a F2 and F3HP. The F3HP is one hell of a camera.
 
If you wear glasses, you'll prefer the F3HP over the FE/FM-finders. The only advantage of the FM-series is the all-mechanical shutter (I had my F3HP die from battery failure on a trip to Cuba a few years ago. Finding suitable batteries there wasn't exactly easy!)

Uncle Bill: The F4/F5 also had interchangeable finders but IIRC, the F6 does not. That is one hell of a camera anyway...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom