I bought my first film Nikon

[River Dog]

In my quest to try all kinds of cameras before selecting the best and selling the rest, and after some research, I got a CLA'd FM and f1.8 50mm Series E. It is up against my Pentax MX and Olympus OM4.

This is the first time I have owned a Nikon, but I like the FM a lot. Very simple, solid and elegant. Still working the meter, but the lens looks very good for the money. I ran a test roll this afternoon. What do you think?

Fuji Acros Neopan 100 pushed to 200 in Rodinal

 

[Riverman]

I really like the second shot. The E series 50mm looks great value. If you're working your way through different systems, don't overlook Minolta if you haven't shot any before. My main system is Nikon but I will never get rid of my Minoltas. There is something about the 'look' of Minolta lenses that I've never seen in any other system. The Minolta 50mm f1.4 MD is - to my eye - the best 50mm lens I have ever shot.

 

[segedi]

Great shots, keep it going!

 

[River Dog]

I really like the second shot. The E series 50mm looks great value. If you're working your way through different systems, don't overlook Minolta if you haven't shot any before. My main system is Nikon but I will never get rid of my Minoltas. There is something about the 'look' of Minolta lenses that I've never seen in any other system. The Minolta 50mm f1.4 MD is - to my eye - the best 50mm lens I have ever shot.

I haven't got around to Minolta and wasn't planning to soon, but which body would you recommend?

 

[Riverman]

I haven't got around to Minolta and wasn't planning to soon, but which body would you recommend?

I have an SRT 201 and an XD7. The first is completely mechanical and manual only while the XD7 has aperture and shutter priority. I also used to own an X700 which has aperture priority and a full program mode that I never used to use.

If you just want to try out some Minolta lenses I'd probably go for an SRT. Not the prettiest looking thing but tough, reliable and inexpenseive.

On the whole, I prefer Nikon bodies to any Minolta. Lens wise it's the other way round! I just wish I could mount my Minolta lenses on my Nikon bodies. That would be camera nirvana for me!

 

[Paulbe]

The FM is an excellent camera and the Series E lens are, in many cases, very underrated.
I think you'll enjoy both!
Great pix, too. For some reason, I like the second one the best--something about the sign..
Thanks!
Paul

 

[Leigh Youdale]

In my quest to try all kinds of cameras before selecting the best and selling the rest, and after some research, I got a CLA'd FM and f1.8 50mm Series E. It is up against my Pentax MX and Olympus OM4.

This is the first time I have owned a Nikon, but I like the FM a lot. Very simple, solid and elegant. Still working the meter, but the lens looks very good for the money. I ran a test roll this afternoon. What do you think?


Nice work. I've got an E-series lens I was given by my cousin - 2.8/28 if you're interested. It's an orphan for me as I have FTn bodies and use the earlier "rabbit ears" lenses. Send me a PM if interested.

 

[KoNickon]

The FM is as far as I'm concerned one of the best SLRs ever. The Series E lenses are underrated.

I agree with one of the earlier postings: if you are looking into Minoltas, get an SRT 101. A great camera. Get one of the earlier ones with the mirror lockup -- Minolta sort of "de-contented" them as production went along. The Rokkors are terrific lenses, and especially good for bokeh.

Then what? Canon? Don't overlook Konicas -- Autoreflex T3 would be my recommendation.

 

[jsrockit]

How does it compare to your MX? I just recently bought a Nikon F2...my first Nikon film camera purchase in 20 years. Been thinking about the MX since I have a Pentax 50mm laying around and I like their pancake lenses.

 

[River Dog]

How does it compare to your MX? I just recently bought a Nikon F2...my first Nikon film camera purchase in 20 years. Been thinking about the MX since I have a Pentax 50mm laying around and I like their pancake lenses.

The MX is a beautiful looking camera but doesn't feel as tough or as well laid out as the FM. I have a mint, black MX and the 50mm 1.7 SMC is very sharp. It is smaller and lighter but I really need to take it out again to make a better comparison. Right now, I think I prefer the Nikon for handling.

 

[Griffin]

I adore my MX. It feels like a brick and the metering is more than adequate. I have the 50/1.4 glued to it permanently. Also, it's a very small body with cloth curtain shutters. How big is the FM in comparison?

 

[dave lackey]

Very nice, River Dog... My first Nikon was an FM. Many cameras have come and gone since then but I am looking for an FM2N.

The Series E is a great lens. I am looking for one to go on my Nikkormat FTn.

Keep posting...you have some really nice images there.🙂

 

[River Dog]

I adore my MX. It feels like a brick and the metering is more than adequate. I have the 50/1.4 glued to it permanently. Also, it's a very small body with cloth curtain shutters. How big is the FM in comparison?

The FM is more of a brick, about 1/2" taller. The SMC 50/1.4 is too soft as a carry around for me, compared to the 1.7 but it is creamy smooth in low light.

First impressions tell me the FM meter is a bit too general and can overexpose, but I need to get used to it. The MX meter has two more LEDs.

Nikon for looks, build, simplicity, door lock and integrated shutter lock. MX for size, weight, perhaps a better meter and for doubling the DOF up with the self-timer lever.

Whatever, I can afford to keep both 😉

 

[steelydam]

I have a beater FM with 50mm f1.8 Series E as the camera that I take everywhere with me. For an SLR it's pretty small and stealthy with a wrist strap. I too was underwhelmed by the meter but maybe mine is just old and dying, so I let the batteries die and I just don't use it.

 

[rbsinto]

Riverdog,
I was given two FMs by different people who just didn't want them. They are wonderful cameras, which remind me of Fs with rear doors and tiny metered prisms.
I had one custom-fitted with an FE series grid focusing screen, and an MD-12 drive I found at a swap meets literally for next to nothing, and I now carry it when I schlepping a trio of SLR film cameras around the streets.
The FM is simple, rugged and equipped with all the necessary features for basic photography.
They are what I refer to as basic transportation. Everything you need to get there and back.
I think you'll really enjoy the FM and the wide range of Nikkor and Series E lenses that you'll be able to use with it.

 

[bigeye]

I recommend that you try a 105/2.5 or 1.8 on your new FM to fully appreciate the capabilities. I prefer slrs for tele use and the 105s are pretty special. Images will delight.

Chipped a 2.5 this weekend and it now passes AE and EXIF info to digital bodies, if smooth function with the late models is something you're considering. AIS lenses are slightly preferred as they work a tad better on later bodies (linear stop down) and have a built in hood. The earlier AI are the same glass at under $100, if cost is a priority.

-Charlie

 

[rumbliegeos]

The photos look very good. The FM is one of my favorite cameras, and I have owned a lot of different Nikon SLRs. From my perspecitve, the main limitation of the FM series compared with the F series is that the viewfinder does not give a 100% view, but that is no big deal. On the other hand, the LED meter readout can be quite handy for low-light shooting. The film advance is not as durable as in the F cameras, but they are still long-lasting cameras. The 50mm E lens is an incredible value.

 

[JonR]

Very good shots!
I grew up with this camera. Started with a Nikkormat FT but soon switched to a FM2 and have since then used the FM2 and other FM-models a lot. Still use my old FM2 from time to time. Very robust, good build quality, good for manual use.... Enjoy it!
Jon

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I recommend that you try a 105/2.5 or 1.8 on your new FM to fully appreciate the capabilities. I prefer slrs for tele use and the 105s are pretty special. Images will delight.

Chipped a 2.5 this weekend and it now passes AE and EXIF info to digital bodies, if smooth function with the late models is something you're considering.

Which chip did you use? I'm curious how/where to buy, and does it come with a jig to get things aligned properly?

 

[KoNickon]

The Series E lenses won't couple to the meter of the Nikkormat FTn. You'll need a Nikkor with the external coupling shoe.

Very nice, River Dog... My first Nikon was an FM. Many cameras have come and gone since then but I am looking for an FM2N.

The Series E is a great lens. I am looking for one to go on my Nikkormat FTn.

Keep posting...you have some really nice images there.🙂