Nikon FM2n

[Pfreddee]

I just got a new (to me) Nikon FM2n; it looks like it hasn't been used much. I have read that the meter tends to overexpose slightly. What has been the collective experience with this camera? And are there any other quirks that I should be aware of?

So far, I'm having a really great time with it. I got it primarily for B&W, but I think I'll be using color negative film with it just about equally.

Thank you to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[Godfrey]

I just got a new (to me) Nikon FM2n; it looks like it hasn't been used much. I have read that the meter tends to overexpose slightly. What has been the collective experience with this camera? And are there any other quirks that I should be aware of?

So far, I'm having a really great time with it. I got it primarily for B&W, but I think I'll be using color negative film with it just about equally.

Nikon FM/FM2/FM2n cameras were my "standard camera" for almost twenty years. Everything about it is great. Meter overexpose? Not that I recall. But like with any other camera, learn how it responds and just use it appropriately. Remember it's a manual camera, so what the meter says is open to your interpretation.

They're tough and simple. Don't bother searching for quirks ... just use it.

Add an MD-12 motor drive for kicks.

Good luck with it!

G

 

[Timmyjoe]

FM2n is a great little camera. Have had one since 1996. It just works.

Congrats, and have fun with it.

Best,
-Tim

 

[newspaperguy]

Ditto - great camera... I still have mine, and I'm an Olympus guy.

 

[Pfreddee]

Thank you all for the replies so far! It reminds me in some ways of my Minolta X-700 or my Canon AE-1.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[John E Earley]

From www.mir.com

User's Tips: In most cases, it is quite difficult to obtain just the (o) correct exposure indication. Chances are higher that you may constantly seeing (+o) or (-o) glows inside the display which suggest the exposure may be out for about 1/5 to less than a stop which is not significant if you are using negative film. For exposure-latitude-tight slide film, it is still within safe tolerance for a correct exposure.

ALL FM2 models featured here, only takes in a minimum spec of AI-modified Nikkor lens and you should not attempt to use it with any non-AI lenses.

 

[Mablo]

My FM2n meter did overexpose very slightly, maybe half a stop while using relatively fresh SR44 cells. It's OK with me as I usually tend to overexpose print film. There is one smallish quirk. Keep an eye on the light seal on the back door hinge. It tends to press down and crumble with time and may leak light occasionally.

 

[robert blu]

It's an excellent camera, I have one since many years and I still regularly use it. In the only film days I bough as a back up to my F100 but it ended that I used more the FM2n than the F100!By the way I'm just back from a a week in the Alps where it was my only camera, with a 50/1,4 and 20/2,8, orange filter and xp2 as film.

Small and light, no special quirks apart being a loud camera, when you shoot it's a ...BANG! But I love it! And I'm sure you'll enjoy yours!
robert

 

[Skiff]

Congrats!
The FM / FM2 / FE / FE2 / FM3A are all excellent cameras.
I am using a FM for more than 30 years now.
The exposure meter is very good. It is a 60 / 40 center weight, and if you consider how it works you will get excellent results.
I am also using reversal film, both color and BW reversal, with mine.
No problem.

 

[daveleo]

Lovely camera! I had one for years. Only "upgraded" to the FM3a later on because "that was the thing to do" at the time.
Quirks? Probably, but not so that I remember any.

 

[yanchep_mike]

No Quirks as far as know, have mine for many years never had a problem, still use it regularly. Exposure meter is 60/40 a little towards the bottom, get used to it and it is perfect. Have Fun.

 

[Rob-F]

My pair of FE2s both overexpose 1/3 stop to 2/3 stop. When I had the dealer send them in to Nikon for a checkup and foam replacement, Nikon insists they are within spec. I started a thread on the nikon Forum at photo.net some time ago, and others confirmed their FE2s overexposed as well. So I think it's possible that the FM2n is similar.

They are great cameras. Just set the film speed 1/3 stop or so faster, or use exposure comp. And by the way, my FE2s, set to 50, are perfect with Velvia 50, which many feel is really more in the range of ISO 32 to 40.