Smallest Nikon SLR body ever?

The FM-10, aside from the earlier post about it being a piece of junk (an assessment I would not argue with) was not built by Nikon- it was made by Cosina. This is not a dig at Cosina – I am quite happy with the quality of my Cosina built Voigtlanders- but I wouldn't touch an FM-10. I think the EM was the smallest Nikon made; and its a good little camera; but I wouldn't want to give up full manual control. The FM2 is pretty darn small- especially for such a faultless camera. Just my two cents.
 
the FG-20 is a fantastic little camera, but battery-dependend (i hadn't realized this as i thought it was fully-mechanical when i bought it).

it's hilarious to shoot after a day with the D700 or F
 
Greyscale said:
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.
Click to expand...
Are you referring to NAI lenses?
 
Big fan of the EM here. Way more rugged than most people think! Ridiculously cheap, and every single one is black. One pet peeve: The warning beep for low shutter speeds can't be turned off. For a fix for that, as I recall, you have to to go the FG.
 
Well, it's looking like the FG or the FM, and I'm strongly attracted to the low price of the FG. I'll take a look around over the weekend to see what the local shops are offering.
 
The biggest failure on an EM is the rewinder knob/shaft. Too many people pull them right out of the body. I really like my FG, and you can go full manual on it (though still battery dependant). So if you get one, make sure you have spare cells. AI lens use only on the EM/FG/FG-20. Two drives can be used. The MD-E, which is more of a winder, and the MD-14, which has a nice handle, and more speed. Small, compact SB-E flash for the EM, and the larger SB-15 for the FG.

PF
 
farlymac said:
The biggest failure on an EM is the rewinder knob/shaft. Too many people pull them right out of the body. I really like my FG, and you can go full manual on it (though still battery dependant). So if you get one, make sure you have spare cells. AI lens use only on the EM/FG/FG-20. Two drives can be used. The MD-E, which is more of a winder, and the MD-14, which has a nice handle, and more speed. Small, compact SB-E flash for the EM, and the larger SB-15 for the FG.

PF
Click to expand...
OK, but are my aftermarket Ai jobs OK to mount?
 
Vics said:
OK, but are my aftermarket Ai jobs OK to mount?
Click to expand...

We can't know what aftermarket AI jobs you have - there have been hacks that seem to mount on nothing except for the F2A/AS. But if they mount on any other AI Nikon, they should be fine (except for a small list of incompatible lenses - usually of insufficient back focal length - explicitly mentioned in the manual).

The FG preceded AI-S, so there are no issues with needing extra features beyond AI - on the other hand, it can't utilize them either, and that causes its program mode to be a tad too inaccurate for slide film (some lenses, most frequently AI converted ones, render P mode absolutely useless even with CN film). Stick to M or A modes!
 
Harry Lime said:
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.
Click to expand...
Well, I went out and handled the FG and the EM. Just didn't feel like a Nikon to me. I think I'll save a while longer and go for the FM.
 
Vics said:
Well, I went out and handled the FG and the EM. Just didn't feel like a Nikon to me. I think I'll save a while longer and go for the FM.
Click to expand...

I'm surprised you didn't like the FG, it's pretty solid. The FM series is a bit more solid all around though.

I've used a FM2N for a very long time and I can tell you it's bullet proof. Can't recommend it enough.
 
The fm/fe line of cameras are really great and compact. They are my to go camera when I want something small. Would usually pair it with the 45mm f2.8.

Keh has a chrome fm going for $59 and black fm2n for $149.
 
I was gifted a new FM-10 about 14 years ago, until about 6 years ago it was my only camera. It looks well used but Ive ran 100's of rolls through it and its never had a problem. I bought a FG about a year ago and it also has given great service. Others may know more.
 
If I want small in controlled situations (i.e., the city, park, etc.) I usually grab the OM-1 or OM-2n. If I want small AND rugged (i.e., backpacking, trail riding, etc.) I grab the FM. It has never let me down. And the inexpensive E series lens are very good, too.
 
azzurri said:
The fm/fe line of cameras are really great and compact. They are my to go camera when I want something small. Would usually pair it with the 45mm f2.8.

Keh has a chrome fm going for $59 and black fm2n for $149.
Click to expand...
I grabbed the $59 one. BGN condition. I hope it's fully functional.
 
I have never had any issue with any KEH BGN condition. I would pretty much say that all the BGN items I've bought would be considered EX or EX+ by other dealers...
 
digitalintrigue said:
I have never had any issue with any KEH BGN condition. I would pretty much say that all the BGN items I've bought would be considered EX or EX+ by other dealers...
Click to expand...
My experience exactly. Now I'll find out which of my lenses have been AI'd. A local repair shop took some of them in to do that job, 15 years ago, but until I get the camera, I won't know which ones. The 105/2.5 is for sure, and the 200/4 is a real AI, but for the rest...?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom