Digital Nikon FM2 ?

[Frank Petronio]

I'm really skeptical that Nikon "gets" simplicity. But hopefully my low expectations will lead to a nice surprise.

It may not be a sexy feature but it's interesting to note that there hasn't been a significant improvement in practical auto-focusing speed or tracking since 2007. That would be a real persuasive selling point to a crusty like me.

 

[jschrader]

this is then a DSLR

this is then a DSLR

Can someone tell what the difference between a DSLR and a "not really mirrorless" mirrorless camera with pentaprism, F-mount and mirrorbox is?

I mean, it would be great to have a DSLR with the size of an FM2. But it is a DSLR, even more compact than a, say, D800.

 

[jschrader]

No reason why FF DSLRs have to be so large.

The reason FF DSLRs are so large because they are full of things most do not need most of the time. Flash and fast motor drive and autofocus and processors recognizing the face in the scene to know which of the 51 focus points to select for autofocus.

If this thing will have 5.5 fps motor speed and autofocus I do not believe it will be possible in the housing of the size of an FE. Leica are the only ones who fitted the digital electronics into the place of the film cartridge.

But this is because the offers next to nothing in terms of "features".

Not that I would not like this, but I don't believe it.

 

[Keith]

I think Fuji are poised perfectly to steal the limelight away from Sony here. They already have the mirrorless market's full attention and a full frame Xe-1 would be the icing on the cake and would prevent many Fuji users from jumping ship.

In fact all Fuji would have to do is say "yes we'll have a full frame camera in six months" and Sony lust will be history!

 

[GaryLH]

April already ?

😛

Lol.

Gary

 

[Vobluda]

Motorhead have a song on this camera for many years: Too Late Too Late 😀

 

[jarski]

too good to be true IMO. after recent big news from Sony, someone is fishing clicks on rumors enthusiasm.

 

[Addy101]

So, this is a smaller full frame DSLR, how can I use my Minolta MC and MD lenses or your Leica M lenses on this one? How could it be "Nikon's answer to the Sony A7" if it uses F-mount?

Strange timing, in two to three months means it will be released just after the holiday season. And why now this rumor as we knew the A7 was coming for a long time?

Brace for an disappointment, if true, i think it is APS-C, but to be honest, I believe it when they announce it. I think this one is made up by a Nikon fanboy that feels threatened by the Sony releases.....

 

[Black]

So, this is a smaller full frame DSLR, how can I use my Minolta MC and MD lenses or your Leica M lenses on this one? How could it be "Nikon's answer to the Sony A7" if it uses F-mount?

Well, it's hardly going to be an E mount, is it? And I'm not sure that Nikon cares how you're going to use your M mount lenses with it. The world doesn't revolve around M mount. Besides, I'm sure you could use some 3rd party adaptor. Or just pay the requied and really very reasonable £5 1/2k for the M 240 [/sarcasm off]

 

[gavinlg]

If nikon makes a digital fm2 they have my money. I would use it along side my fuji x system. A large part of me is skeptical though - I still have nightmares about nikon menu systems and control layout issues from my d300/d3 days. The camera would need to be simple. I would give up small size to have a decent optical viewfinder and fm2 style control layout.

 

[robert blu]

Digital FM2 ?

Digital FM2 ?

I just read this. Any comment or idea ?
robert

 

[OddE]

Hi,

While I'd love a compact, full-frame F-mount camera, there are a couple of things which makes me wonder:

a) This camera wouldn't be cheap. Why ship it with a 50/1.8, and not the 50/1.4 while they're at it?

b) Why ship something FM2-like with a gelded lens? You'd need some means of aperture control, then - while the absence of AF would encourage the use of older lenses - which do have an aperture ring.

Fingers crossed - a small-ish FF body for all my F lenses would be a god-send for the times when lugging a D3 about simply doesn't tempt me too much - which, for the time being, is pretty much all of the time... 🙂

 

[Highway 61]

Only if it has an F mount allowing the use of manual focus Ai-S and Ai lenses.

If only...

 

[gilpen123]

Full frame F mount. I'll grab it if it is at the D700 pricing level.

 

[Keith]

Full frame F mount. I'll grab it if it is at the D700 pricing level.

When the D700 first became available in Oz it was listed at around three and a half grand!

How much would you actually be prepared to pay out of curiosity?

 

[doolittle]

Digital FM2 - I'm watching this one 🙂
Hybrid it says, maybe doing without rear LCD, but switchable between pentaprism and evf viewfinder. Else takes film or digital 😉

 

[gilpen123]

US$ 3K even if a bit higher will be fine with me. It should be able to meter AI/AIS lenses and good manual focus interface. AF is a given of course.

 

[Keith]

If they did bring out something like this I'd personally hope it didn't look like an FM2. I've never regarded that series as being particularly attractive cameras. To me they've always looked busy and cheap.

Yes ... burn the heretic! 😀

 

[gilpen123]

I love all Nikon manual SLR, these are the cameras I have used for many many years before I was converted to RF.

Maybe an OM-D for you Keith.

 

[robert blu]

When I shoot film if not RF I use my FM2 with a 50/1,4 r the 20/2,8D main reason is small size, weight and simplicity. Ideal would it be the option to buy body only, I believe many photographers already have many Nikon lenses, and eventually add a desired lens according to personal habits. Let's see...
robert
PS: it's an interesting moment for photographers looking for a small digital kit with HQ, but decisions, decisions, decisions...