Kenneth Wajda Buying a Film SLR: NIKON FM Camera

Discussing the Nikon FM 35mm camera.
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Kenneth Wajda, a professional commercial photographer who still shoots film, walks you through the ins and outs of buying vintage film cameras, which ones to buy, which to avoid, how much to pay and other tricks for making sure you get a working camera and a good deal!
Tips on Leica, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, Yashica, Fuji, Mamiya, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, Praktica, Exakta, Zorki and more!

[@trondsi]

I have a couple of Minoltas and Nikons, including this Nikon FM (mine is completely black). The FM feels VERY solid. The construction is top notch.

[@thomasmoje5926]

I've had a Nikon FM since 1980 when I purchased it new along with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI lens. It was my first 35 mm film SLR after a long while of thoroughly reviewing magazine articles, test reviews, etc. and I've never regretted my decision. My Nikon film SLR collection has now grown to include an Ftn Photomic (circa 1971) and an FG. The FM continues to be my favorite: well made, precise easy to use exposure setting via the easy to see LED indicators and just a great dependable picture taker.

[@kennethwajda]

So dependable. I know what you mean. Love it.

[@michaelkemp6857]

I bought my FM in the late 70s. A real classic!

[@kennethwajda]

I started my photojournalism career with a couple of these.

[@dodahlberg]

I bought mine new in 1980 and it's still going strong. It's been many places in the world. I found a good one and a 50mm lens for my daughter for Christmas 17. If they're working well, they aren't $15 anymore.

[@lindawilson4634]

Great video! Not a totally rose garden presentation. Showed problems, it was real world. Am thinking of getting FM even tho a bit costly. Your video good prep. Not only informative but also helped shape better attitude/approach when buying. Thanks.

[@kennethwajda]

Thanks, Linda. If you get one that works, it will probably keep working. That's my experience. Good luck.

[@vincentgerard256]

First off, thank you for this video, very informative. I'm doubting about the fm or the nikon EL2. I can get the EL2 pretty cheap and I like the Aperture priority mode but the battery is holding me back. What I like about the FM is that I throw in the battery and don't have to think about it for a long time. What do you think about it? Or is the battery on the EL2 still pretty durable?

[@kennethwajda]

Vincent Gerard I'd go FM over the EL2.

[@user-nn7di1rl7q]

You should use the protruding crank on the bottom ring of rewind crank, turning it anticlockwise to lift up the rewind crank. So does closing the film back. That's the solution (the protruding crank is designed to prevent users from accidentally lifting up the rewind crank and opens up the film back)

[@johnfreda5345]

I am getting ready to take a photography course in college and need to get a new (old) film camera. During my senior year of high school (about 6 years ago) I used my dad's old Nikromat FTN and I loved it but, unfortunately, it stopped working. I then began using some Minolta which I no longer have. I did not like that one very much. It seems that this is quite similar to the FTN. I have been reading up on the FM, FM2, FE, and FE2 but I don't know which one to choose. I like the idea of all manual so I can properly learn the camera which is why I think I'm leaning towards the FM or FM2. Do you have any suggestions?

[@kennethwajda]

+John Freda The FM2 and FE2 would be newer. Try to find one that's a FM2n (latest version), and that or the FE2 are fine choices. The FE2 is battery dependent except for one shutter speed. I'd prefer the FM2. Shot one as a photojournalist for years and it's still going strong. Good luck.

[@shannonm.sutherland4064]

Thanks for the video, I just ordered mine! What film would you recommend (colored & monochrome)?

[@kennethwajda]

Kodak Tri-X and Kodak Portra 400.

[@shannonm.sutherland4064]

Thank you!

[@hannahilagan3818]

got my fm today body is in good condition however the lens mount is stuck.can't use it yet, can you give me some advice on how can I remove it? thanks

[@kennethwajda]

+Hannah Ilagan Nikons turn clockwise to remove them. Press the button at 3:00 and turn top of lens toward right.

[@boboboboyu]

Thanks for your video! Wondering where can I get one camera strap liked yours (maybe online), thks.

[@kennethwajda]

Look at thrift stores and antique stores, often you can find them on cameras for cheap, or sometimes I ask if they'll sell them separately and they have. Otherwise, ebay for 70s-era hippie camera strap.

[@boboboboyu]

@@kennethwajda thks you very much!

[@yttean98]

Hi, Is FM still a good buy when compared to the newer model FM2? It is much cheaper less than half the price of FM2. Any comments?

[@kennethwajda]

It is great if you don't need the higher shutter speeds. I'd recommend the FM, also. I used one professionally for many years.

[@mrsbeautyosauruslex]

Just picked up my FM today for super cheap, my mirror is getting stuck closed with each press of the shutter. It happens with and without a lens on and is only reopened when I go internally and pull the lever down (the depth of field lever actually) but pulling it from the exterior does not work. I can see that the foam has completely worn off from the inside where the mirror rests closed. Any idea what is causing this and if a new foam kit for the inside will fix this. I should also note that the advance film lever still works though. Thanks in advance!

[@mrsbeautyosauruslex]

+Alex Good I just looked a bit further and in the back it doesn't appear that the blades are moving/resetting at all. This may be due to the shutter not firing. Just thought any info would help.

[@kennethwajda]

+Alex Good If the shutter's not firing, and the mirror's getting stuck in the up position, that sounds like a camera with a lot of problems. Good thing it was cheap. When you fire the shutter, does it just do nothing? Shoot it with the back open to see what it's doing. Try different shutter speeds. It's all mechanical. Should be working. Sorry, it may be cheaper to find another one than fix it. Good luck.

[@traceyharris3213]

Is a Nikkormat camera longer than an FM? Say like a half inch longer? I'm looking for something specific for my FM, and found one that fits a Nikkormat, but from sellers description and my measurements, the piece is too long to fit my camera. I thank you in advance.

[@kennethwajda]

Yep, about a half-inch longer. Online I found this for the Nikkormat. Dimensions: 148mm x 96mm x 54mm. And for the FM: Dimensions: 142mm (W) x 60.5mm (D) x 89.5mm (H)

[@traceyharris3213]

Thank you for your response. I did look online for an answer, but couldn't find one. I didn't type in dimensions, maybe that was my problem.

[@mohammadvarzideh780]

Does your FM camera has ISO 3200? Regards. Mohammad

[@kennethwajda]

Yep!

[@geradebowden2692]

Mine does. My serial number begins with a 3.

[@The78bluedevils]

the only failure is the focusing screen. mircoprism speeds up focusing. too bad the whole field doesn't use it. frame the scene and focus without moving the camera 📷 ✨️

[@pers4855]

Does it meter with AF-D lenses?

[@kennethwajda]

Yes.

[@pers4855]

Kenneth Wajda thanks 🙏🏽

[@traceyharris3213]

Kenneth? I need your, or someones HELP. In a nutshell, I live in the Cherokee National Forest. (my house borders it) and the nearest town to buy "anything" is Johnson City, TN. There is NO camera store, and I can't find film anywhere. The nearest camera stores, that I know of, are in either Knoxville TN or Asheville NC. If I can't find it on-line, then I won't get it. I need some names of places like ebay, where I can buy accessories for my Nikon FM camera. I'm needing a half case, and the eye piece for the viewfinder. I'm finding out that parts are hard to find with this camera, so can you help me with any advice? I like used parts or accessories with most stuff, (exception is anything glass on the camera) I just need places to look for things. Can you advise? Tracey

[@kennethwajda]

Ebay!

[@Kodachrome40]

The foam stripping on that camera are not on the door they are above and below the shutter on the camera body where the door closes into. PS The black and chrome versions of Nikon cameras aged better than the complete black cameras. The black bodies are all brassing.

[@kennethwajda]

Thanks. And I like that brassing!

[@traceyharris3213]

I've just purchased this camera, and I want to know exactly what brand name lenses I can use with it. I know about Nikon and Nikkor, but assume there are others? I was told about Schneider lenses? Any others? I also know that there are some that can damage my camera? Any help would be appreciated, and regards.

[@kennethwajda]

Nikon or Nikkor, just make sure it's AI or AIS, otherwise there won't be an indexing tab, so your meter won't work with the lens. Lots of off-brand lenses, but I'd stick with the Nikons as they're cheap enough these days. If you had to buy off-brand, Tamron, Tokina, Sigma and Vivitar are your best bet. Schneider lenses will cost you a lot, and I doubt they're worth the difference for you. You'd be better off with more Nikons for that money. Good luck! Have fun!

[@traceyharris3213]

...you're a god-send. Thank you. I've been a nervous wreck thinking that I'd never find another lense for this dinosaure. Any good place to look?

[@kennethwajda]

Craigslist, Ebay, Flea Markets, Yard Sales, Antique Shops, KEH.com, Local Camera Stores. Search for AI or AIS lenses, that'll get you to the ones you want.

[@traceyharris3213]

TY

[@traceyharris3213]

NIKON 50mm F;1.8 NIKKOR SLR LENS I'm sorry to be a bother, but will this lense fit my Nikon FM? Thank you so much.