Lens Help for FM2

[DFigueira]

Hi guys,

So I have my FM2 working now. I just need a lens for it. Good and cheap (they do combine 😛 )
I have found an Nikkor 50/2 H under 50e. Will it work for what I want?
I still can't understand all of the AI and AI-S etc lens...

Thanks!

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Your Nikon FM2 requires an AI or AIS Nikkor lens.
Older pre-AI Nikon F mount lenses wil not couple to exposure meter.
Some may damage AI meter coupling tab on camera lens mount.

Chris

 

[DFigueira]

Which ones would go into my needs?
I shoot street views, portraits and landscapes. Might do macro but I prefer leaving that to other lens i think..

 

[archive59]

A quick way to spot an AI or AIS lens (but not entirely foolproof if an earlier lens has been converted) is by the presence of secondary aperture scale markings closer to where the lens is mounted on the body.

 

[Paulbe]

An always great lens is the 50/2 AI or Ais Nikkor. Sharp and fast and an excellent field of view for street. If you like wide--the 28/2.8 AIS is superb, but much more money. Start with the 50/2 and go from there. I've bought them for as low as 40 bux...good luck!!
Paul

 

[Rob-F]

You could get the 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor. It's AIs. Good little lens, semi-pancake and the price is right.

Spending more? How about the tiny 45mm P lens. It's AIs. An f/2.8 lens based on the Tessar formula. I like mine!

 

[Huss]

You could get the 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor. It's AIs. Good little lens, semi-pancake and the price is right.

Spending more? How about the tiny 45mm P lens. It's AIs. An f/2.8 lens based on the Tessar formula. I like mine!

I like the deep nose version of the 50 1.8. It's easy to recognize as the front element is deeply recessed (so it doesn't really need a lens hood) and the focus ring has two rows of rubber.
I have the 45mmP, but that is a $350-$400 lens! I think way out of the OP's price range.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

There's an AI version of the 50/2 Nikkor, and AI and AIS versions of the 50/1.8 Nikkor.
They're all good - if you like the 50mm focal length. Even the Series E is pretty good.

Chris

 

[Tin]

More than 30 years ago, I bought a 50mm Series E for $60 brand new. So it can't be too expensive nowadays on the used market.

Tin

 

[Fraser]

cheapest 50s at the moment seem to be e series 1.8 without the silver ring.

 

[seany65]

I'm fairly sure that AIS lenses have minimum apeture numbers (16, 22 etc.) that are orange.

 

[Dwig]

I'm fairly sure that AIS lenses have minimum apeture numbers (16, 22 etc.) that are orange.

Correct, the Nikon brand "official" Ai-s lenses do have the burnt orange minimum f/stop that is color matched to the shutter priority and program mode marks on the various bodies of the day.

Ai lenses, and "official" Ai conversions have white minimum f/stop markings, though it may be possible that some custom or DIY conversions exist that used an f/stop ring from an Ai-s lens.

 

[Chubberino]

For my recently acquired FM2, opted for the 50mm 1.4 AI.

 

[Beemermark]

I'm fairly sure that AIS lenses have minimum apeture numbers (16, 22 etc.) that are orange.

Yup the smallest aperture is always orange, and very few Nikon bodies use the AIS function. 2 or maybe 3 bodies. The FA is the only one I can think of at the moment.

I love the 50mm, all the Nikon 50mm lenses are great. The little 50mm E series are great, cheap and very small and light.