Longevity of Nikon FM2n

[Ljós]

I'd say they have beyond proven themselves.
One thing to keep in mind, if you like your cameras to close around your film like a vault: when dropped, the camera back CAN pop open and expose your film to the light. Don't ask how I know... ;-) There is a springloaded lock around the rewind-knob-collar, but the way it's designed, it CAN pop open when you drop the camera.
The F2 etc. takes a bit longer to open and close, but there is not much of a chance that the back door will open in such a scenario.

Still, very reliable cameras, and the high shutter speed can be very useful with 400 speed film in summer!

 

[Dwig]

I have had an FM2N for several years now. It is wonderful, and really nicely made. But compared next to my Nikon Fs and F2s, it is obviously made to a much more delicate/lighter standard. ...

True. the FM/FM2/et al are not has rugged as the F/F2/F3 clan but they are still very well built. They'll take heavy serious use for a considerable amount of time.

Unlike their "big brothers", they rely on a foam seal on the back for both dust and light sealing, where with the F/F2/F3 any such foam or rubber is for dust sealing only. At an average of roughly 1/4 century in age, many FM2s will need to have the foam seal on their backs replaced if it hasn't already been done.

 

[Huss]

Unlike their "big brothers", they rely on a foam seal on the back for both dust and light sealing, where with the F/F2/F3 any such foam or rubber is for dust sealing only. At an average of roughly 1/4 century in age, many FM2s will need to have the foam seal on their backs replaced if it hasn't already been done.

Got the kit from ebay for less than $10, spent maybe 30 minutes removing the old foam (dental pic!) and applying the new.

 

[Ade-oh]

Numerous Nikon camera's gave their lives in VietNam taking bullets meant for the PhotoJournalist using them on the battlefield. Olympus did get a contract for using OM series bodies on the battlefield, but most of the photographers threw away the Oly's and went to the PX to buy Nikon's like they had before.

The Oly's wouldn't stop a bullet...in the front and out the back, just like the photo journalist carrying the camera.

The Nikons would stop bullets from AK47's. I don't know about the Nikon FM2n, but the story attests to the build quality of Nikon.

Don McCullin's Nikon F got hit by a spent round in Vietnam but that's the only one I ever heard of. Personally I wouldn't be reliant on any camera as an addition to my body armour!

Having said that, the Nikon FM2 is a well made and relatively simple mechanical camera and they seem to go on for ever if properly looked after. Having said that, I've got a couple of OM-1's which are still going strong and must be pushing 40 by now.

 

[Dralowid]

Wasn't there an urban myth about a Leicaflex SL falling out of a Phantom and still working?

 

[leicapixie]

Regarding planes and bullets.
David Hume Kennerly in his bio. "The Shooter" mentions a photojournalist, who was saved by his Nikon-F.
The Phantom Leicaflex did require a major re-build.
It sort of survived the miles of descent, then about 7 months on a desert floor.
A AK-47 bullet will rip thru a Nikon as well as bullet proof vests, of that time..
My bother in law had a special vest, with some sort of ceramic extra, within.
It weighed over 50 lbs, !
I stopped using my Nikon-F's and Leica-M3 as attacks for one's equipment, was a constant hazard, in South Africa.
I lost my 35mm Summicron and 90mm Tele-Elmarit in an attack on my car..
I used mostly my old and battered Pentax Spotmatics..
Reliable and expendable.