Smallest Nikon SLR body ever?

V

Vics

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I've been thinking of getting a small Nikon body for travel, and looking at FM2, FE2 and FG. Small size is important here, as well as is small price. I have an F body and much glass. So what is the smallest one they made?
 
I think probably the EM. The FG is close, and may be a little more robust. But they are only a little smaller than the FM, and the FM might be a better choice for use with older lenses.
 
I think you're right, greyscale. I've just been reading the head bartender's comments on the EM, and he states it unequivocally. "...smallest and lightest Nikon SLR ever made." The aperture-priority might make it the best choice for me.
 
The EM is the smallest but I believe that the FM-10 may be the lightest (or very close to the EM) and certainly the most recently manufactured. I wouldn't trust a EM on a trip for reliability reasons.

In my experience weight tends to be more important in traveling then size - provided there isn't a large difference.
 
The EM and the FG are the same size. The EM is slightly lighter due to the material used. The FG is quite a complete little camera, I have one. hey are the smallest film SLRs Nikon has made, originally marketed as the "Woman's Nikon" (how funny does that sound today!).

The FG is more capable but I used to use the EM as a lunchtime walkaround camera at work, works just fine though a bit limited (1/1000, etc...).
 
I always wanted a small nikon SLR as well, I just got two FG's from eBay for $39 shipped (for both) they work perfectly. But who's to say about reliability. I guess if you want that, it's always best to go for something fully mechanical and new :)
 
FM-10 is truly a piece of junk. Virtually every one purchased by my students over the years has broken, usually before the warranty is up, but the point is they break. FG-20 is a much better choice.
 
I like the EM, I think that it is under-rated. But it is not as robust as the Nikon F that you are used to, and only has one available manual shutter speed (1/90). And it is not compatible with non-AI lenses, if that is a consideration. But, as Vics stated, they do sell for chump change, you can often buy them with a nice E series 50mm lens for less than $50.
 
I would get an FM. I have both the F and FM and the FM is noticeably lighter and smaller. The FM also happens to be one of the most reliable cameras Nikon ever made. It was the standard backup body for pro shooters, because it's reliable, compact and weighs very little.
 
Here is a quick and dirty photo of the size comparison of the FM and the EM:

SANY0739_zps98390ed8.jpg


As you can see, the size difference is not great. The FM2 or FM2N are great cameras as well, but will be more expensive than the FM, and will not be as friendly with the older glass.
 
Yes, the FM is simple and superbly reliable (especially the later FM2 since it's newer), but the FG and FG20 are significantly smaller / lighter. I guess it depends on priorities...
 
The EM is a cool streetshooter-small, light and auto exposure. I use it "AF" also on hyperfocal w/ my 20/f4 and 24/f.28.
 
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