Nikon FM2 - is it ... simply the best analog SLR out there?

[@albertsmith9315]

I bought my FM2 in 1985. It has been to 10 countries and carried by me in two wars. It has never been serviced and to this day operates flawlessly. If I divide the initial cost by the number of years of use, this was a terrific value.

[@tomscameras]

Very nice that your FM2 served you so well and that you still own it!

[@rucksackrules2266]

Carrying the FM2N and FE2 with me on a daily base all over the world on a daily base they never let me down. Trampling through jungles, sailing at sea, off roading desserts, nasty city neighborhoods, climbing mountains, sliding on snowy slopes, they keep performing to the max. Even tougher than my beloved Rolleiflex.

[@dinodemopoulos3336]

I love this camera to death. My favourite film SLR. So durable and dependable. And for me the biggest plus is that you can operate it entirely mechanically, no need for a battery. Which means you won't get stuck, ever! Great video pal!

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes I am also a total addict to all-mechanical cameras. I totally get why someone would prefer the Nikon FE2 over the FM2 or an Olympus OM-2n over an OM-1 … but myself, I always will take the all-mechanical camera!

[@Pogey_Bait]

In my opinion it's unquestionably the best film SLR out there. It does everything you need to do and it does it very well. There's no need for aperture priority or auto focus on a film camera. Take your time and do it yourself. It's built like a tank too. Put a Voigtlander 40mm F2 on it and you have magic.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, some of the Cosina Voigtländer SLR lenses are fantastic! And that’s another advantage when shooting a Nikon … as they were never made for most other analog SLR systems!

[@dingo3718]

Germany looks beautiful,,plenty of lovely places to get images, as shown in your video, beautiful.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks, and yes, there are some beautiful places over here! :)

[@smitbar11]

I have an F3 bought in probably 1983, followed by a black FM2, still have both and recently brought them out of retirement. The F3 is my baby and 'go to' camera of these two, both camera's rock solid. I have a Pentax MX which I am fond of, also. That is a mechanical camera well worth reviewing

[@tomscameras]

Yes the Pentax MX is definitely on my wish list! I hope you'll have a lot of fun shooting your great Nikons again after all those years!

[@Jayysam95]

Great video, I have a fm2n one and It's my favorite slr so far,. The shutter speeds make it a versatile camera and the light meter is excellent. I had a F3 but I much prefer the lighter size, mechanical operation and red led readout of the fm2.

[@tomscameras]

Yes I absolutely agree. The FM2 is a great everyday camera. And for those who want the convenience of auto exposure (like the F3 offers), there's also the FE2. But personally, I'm much more a fan of all-mechanical cameras.

[@marksphotoperry356]

Best camera i ever have ! Love some primes 50 F1.4, Macro 55 F2.8 , 105 F2.5 , 200 F4

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes, the lenses you mention are all terrific! 😍

[@moustachio334]

If my FM3a had an LED viewfinder like the FM2, it would be a perfect camera . The needle is lovely, but so hard to see sometimes. I don't think anyone can wrong with an FA, FM, or FE. I even bought a pristine FG (avoid the FG 20) and even loved that camera a lot especially paired with the E series 50mm made for it. I sold the FG ,though and regret it. An FM2n is on my wish list. I love the FM3a,because it's fully compatible with a speedlight SB-800. I love all these cameras. I can't say the same for their competition. Canon A-1 still remains a favorite. The AE-1 and later AE-1 Program were garbage. I don't know about the Minolta X series but have held one. It felt a bit rubbish like the AE-1. The Nikons were best at this price point followed by Olympus and Pentax.

[@tomscameras]

The Nikons often don’t feel as refined or „designed with care“ in specific details but in the end, using them for many years, they’re just utterly reliable and kind of grow on you. I don’t dislike all Minolta bodies, there are some great ones out there like the XD-7 and the mighty XM! And of course the SRT series but that was sadly stopped very early.

[@RolandCVogtra]

Großartiges Video! Ich habe bereits zwei Olympus Kameras (OM-1 und OM-2n) und daher werde sicher keine FM2 kaufen, aber es macht einfach Spaß deine Videos anzusehen und die alte Technik in Aktion zu sehen. Danke!

[@tomscameras]

Hallo Roland! Ja, die OM-1 sammeln sich auch bei mir an. Rein vom „Jeföhl“ her ist es meine liebste Analogkamera. Die FM2 überzeugt eben mit der 1/4000s und dem großen günstigeren Objektivangebot … vor ein paar Jahren waren die OM Zuikos noch deutlich bezahlbarer! Es freut mich dass Dir mein Video gefallen hat!

[@richardsimms251]

Great video

[@tomscameras]

Thanks! 🙏

[@smkunder1]

Makes me want one. Great video!

[@tomscameras]

Thanks! You can't go wrong with one of these cameras!

[@bngr_bngr]

I love the Nikon F3HP especially for glasses wears.

[@tomscameras]

Actually I was surprised how big eye relief is even with the non-HP viewfinder. But the downside is that the viewfinder image is clearly smaller compared to the FM/FE series.

[@kimc5750]

Excellent review, and a beautiful copy of the FM2. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. Awesome photos as well.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Kim for your feedback! Glad you like the pics as well! 🙂

[@jeremyrichards8327]

Never got an FM2 unfortunately as I had a Nikkormat FTN as my first Nikon then jumped to an F3. Lovely sharp pictures. The 35 mm F2 is a gem of a lens. I have an Ai'd old scalloped ring version still going strong which I use on a D800.

[@tomscameras]

I shot the Nikkormat FTN for many, many years. It was my first Nikon ever. A gorgeous camera body!

[@bfs5113]

I had a FM that was replaced by a FE2 (semi-auto & had TTL flash) to back up my F2A back then. For us the left eye dominant photographers, the motor drive is a required accessory instead of being optional.

[@tomscameras]

Yes true, the FE2 not offers the aperture-priority automatic exposure, but also TTL flash over the FM2. I have to admit that back in the day, I always shot those "computer" flashes that did exposure with their own external light sensors. (Normally there were two settings on those flashes so you had to set both the flash and also the lens either to e.g. f/4 and/or f/8 ...) Thanks for pointing out that you can use the camera with pushed-in advance lever if you have the motor drive!

[@johnrflinn]

You can use the timer for mirror lockup when using a tripod. Great for telephotos and astrophotography.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, thanks for pointing out!

[@luc5798]

1st thing to do: replace the old focusing screen with the one made for the FM3a. It's day and night!

[@tomscameras]

The FM3a screen is called Nikon K3 and yes it’s interchangeable with the FM2 and FE2 screens. Myself I am using my old 1950s Praktica too often so I already feel totally spoiled by the standard FM2 screen 😅

[@jbaxter007]

Yeah, totally.👍

[@tomscameras]

🤩

[@donaldcongdon9095]

Nice review! Appreciate the detailed look at what for me is an unfamiliar camera family (I have an RF and Pentax background).

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Donald! Myself I have no clue whatsoever about manual-focus Canon cameras. A friend offered me to try out three of his Canon‘s this summer so hopefully that will change soon 😅

[@naveenmannam]

Beautiful camera, beautiful review... 😊

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Naveen!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Hi Tom. Only recently discovered your channel. I like your style. These are my sort of cameras. :-)

[@tomscameras]

Hi Neville! Many thanks! 😀

[@1973sonvis]

Lovely review! 😊👍🏻

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Bernt!

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Gonna have to go with the Olympus OM1/OM2 here! FM2 might be on its way though!

[@tomscameras]

The OM's are terrific, so no reason to lust too much after the Nikon's! (But I know ... keeping G.A.S. under control is easier said than done!)

[@komraq]

Great review man 🤝

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot, glad you like it!

[@andreasd3346]

The FM2 is a wonderful camera that I had and loved in black in the 80's. Two years ago, after two decades of purely digital photography, I started taking analog photos again on the side. I bought a FM2 and was surprised that the diodes in the exposure meter no longer appealed to me. So I swapped the FM2 for a FE2 and I'm totally happy with it. From a technical point of view the FM2 is perhaps the more durable camera because it works purely mechanically, for ergonomic reasons I now prefer the more of functions and the pointer display of the FE2. I'm curious how you experienced the FM2.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Andreas! I think you'll find some of what you said here in the verdict section of this video!

[@nickfanzo]

It’s a fantastic machine. McCurry used them for a reason

[@tomscameras]

Yes, it's a typical classic Nikon: Gets the job done!

[@hamish5214]

Beautiful SLR...

[@tomscameras]

Yes it is!

[@KimHojbergJensen]

Great review. It is a really nice camera, I have 7 Nikon SLRs, but not this one. But the F6 has a shutter time of 1/8000 😊

[@tomscameras]

Yes, the F6 is the pinnacle of analog cameras! Doesn’t have a fully manual (non-electronically controlled) shutter though! 🙂

[@sputumtube]

The Minolta Dynax 9 had a top shutter speed of 1/12,000 sec.

[@tomscameras]

@@sputumtube yes, but it was no mechanical shutter that works without any battery! In that regard, the FM2 and Contax S2 were the fastest!

[@manugeee]

1/4000th is really an argument. I had to learn to live with apertures stopped down, when I started film photography. Wasn’t used to with digital cameras. My 5D is able to go to 1/8000th, so living with 1/500th was a little downer. :-D

[@tomscameras]

Yes absolutely! Of course there are (in theory) ND filters available today but then they also affect the viewfinder image with an SLR …

[@marksphotoperry356]

I like your nice presentation ! Yes once again i will say FM2 is the very best i ever have or worked with.Did try to compare to Contax S2(same type of camera) But Nikon was way better buid.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment. Yes the Contax S2 is maybe the single other SLR camera that has a fully mechanical shutter that offers 1/4000s and 1/250s flash sync speed. I haven’t tried one so far, I hope I will get the opportunity some day!

[@marksphotoperry356]

@@tomscameras Yes indeed both cameras have same idea ! But after i got some inside info on Contax S2 having to many plastic parts i took a step back.

[@jakuburidil]

Us left-eye shooters have it tough. I constantly have dirty screen on my Sony A6000 because the viewfinder is on the left side now I would have drilled a hole into my forehead had I bought the Nikon FM2 rather than my Olympus OM1.

[@tomscameras]

Haha yes! My doctor advised against drilling that hole which is why I learned to be able to use the right eye for shooting eventually 😛

[@garrisonliang678]

The earlier version of Nikon FM can be fired with advanced winder lever closed.

[@tomscameras]

@@garrisonliang678 Yes, I did a review of the Nikon FM as well. There is a collar around the shutter button that you can turn to lock / unlock. You only need to flip the advance lever for light metering. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqXeJqQosd5mc0

[@OstravaSC]

I found it annoying at first, but then I got used to it and fell in love with the camera. Now I've got 2 FM2n cameras paired with some beautiful carl zeiss lenses. Best film SLR ever

[@chenyang5448]

Hi, I love your channel. Your reviews are always informative and to the point. I appreciate your opinions on the Fm2 and today I finally got one with a great lens, the 28mm 2.8 ais, one of the very best lens from Nikon. I also like very much the episodes on the Spotmatic and the OM 1, so much that I also bought both of them. The Olympus, a beautifully brassed version, needs a CLA, I might send it to Frankfurt, as you have advised. I love classic cameras. Would you do some reviews on classic rangefinder camera?

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes! The Nikkor 28 AIs is gorgeous! And I’m happy you enjoy the OM-1 and Spotmatic as well! I am actually planning videos on two rangefinder brands but it might take a while :)

[@bbuysal]

Minolta Alpha 9, produced in the 90s, offers 1/12,000s shutter speed and flash synch at 1/300s.

[@tomscameras]

I totally love the Minolta Dynax 9xi. Never shot one so far. But funny enough, just recently I ran into a guy at a soccer match who had brought his 9xi to the soccer stadium! 🤩 And yes I should be more specific about my language: I was thinking about manual focus, all-mechanical cameras 😅

[@jbaxter007]

Not too bad, i`ve got three !! . Never shot digital.

[@tomscameras]

Three gorgeous cameras then, you won't ever need any more to fully enjoy photography!

[@robertbosson5223]

currently my camera is an FE2 but I miss the purity of my FM2. I think I will need to get another one at some point in the future

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback. The FE2 already is kind of pure compared to many newer cameras. But these all-mechanical bodies like the FM2's have something very special about them, yes!

[@cameraprepper7938]

No, I have Nikon FE, Nikon FM and Nikon f3, BUT my Canon F1 New are THE Best ever made Analog SLR Camera in 24x36 format

[@tomscameras]

I just got an offer a few days ago to try out a few Canon models: The old F-1, FTb and an EF. I am super curious cause actually I never shot any manual-focus Canon so far!

[@peterbeck-rasmussen8514]

I do not dissagree with anything you have said - BUT the FM2 is not the last mechanical analog SLR from Nikon. I think you forgot the FM3a that is both all mechanical AND electronic. It can shoot all mechanical as the FM and FM2, but also have the electronic mode like the FE and FE2 all in the same camera ! :-)

[@tomscameras]

Yes, I guess I have a very controversial opinion here ... in my eyes, the FM3a is an electronic camera that adds a fully mechanical mode as well. My reasoning is that in case that the electronics fail, yes you can still shoot the FM3a with no problem, but still you'll eventually want to fix it ... whereas the FM2 just has a simple light meter circuit. I see the FM3a more as a successor of the FE2. They're all awesome, sadly the FM3a's are rare and expensive today!

[@cardboardmusic]

Sounds great, although it seems you have to put up with the winding lever in your eye - shame there's no way to change that. Maybe you could (have) given a small comparison with an FM, it could be helpful, especially when buying.

[@tomscameras]

Regarding the winding lever: For example, Pentax found the perfect implementation of how to activate the meter and never forget about it with the Pentax MX. About the FM: Did you see that I also made a review about the FM? It's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqXeJqQosd5mc0

[@cardboardmusic]

Great, I'm going to watch that, thanks. I'm a photography student, so I'm always looking for 'other options'. I already have a Pentax Spotmatic (SPII, I think) and a KM that I've used for years. But, I was wondering if I should try an FM (it's cheaper than the FM2). And I've seen one at a very reasonable price too 😉 (unfortunately only with a 1:2, but why not)!

[@tomscameras]

@@cardboardmusic The Spotmatic and KM are great cameras. If yours work well, I don't see a real reason why you want to get a Nikon - unless you've got some friends that shoot Nikon and have maybe interesting lenses you could borrow or swap with them! Normally what goes wrong first with these Pentaxes is the 1/1000 second. That's when the lubricants get old / sticky. And sometimes the light meters don't work because of corroded contacts (which can happen with any camera). That second problem normally can be easily repaired. I got a Pentax MX just a week ago and it also doesn't work perfectly, the more features in your Pentax the more can go wrong it seems 😆but I am shooting it right now nonetheness. I do like that certain K / M lenses seem to be easy to find today at lower prices even than Nikon glass. I think the Nikon FM is a better camera than the MX though. The FM2 is fantastic cause of the 1/4000 second but the question also is how often you really need it. (Now it's winter, I'm not gonna need the 1/4000 for 6 months! 😅)

[@cardboardmusic]

@@tomscameras Yes, I totally agree on all points. Actually, I just (in between leaving comments) bought the FM, it was not expensive and in perfect condition - from a retired Canon rep. to be precise. It came with 2 lenses, a Nikkor 1:2 and a big Macro lens (Makinon 35-105 + Macro), all for under 200€. I couldn't a pass on that ... could I 😉? I love my Spotmatic II (with it's Takumar lens) and KM, but the downside is the metering through the camera doesn't give details of your settings. I was curious to be able to see what speeds and DOF I'm using without taking the camera away from my eye to check, especially in delicate situations where speed is of the essence. I use a handheld meter too, but that's for when I have some time to take the picture - ex: landscapes, or portraits. Lastly, since (as I said) the camera wasn't too expensive, I can always just sell it on if I find it's not getting used.

[@jorgemtrevino]

@@cardboardmusic *_You probably got yourself a camera by now but for anyone reading this and in the same conundrum as you, read this:_* I've got an SP2, no match for the FM, much less the FM2. The way to differentiate the SP1 from the SP2 is the hotshoe atop the prism housing. In the Spotmatics you had to close the diaphragm to measure light (Pentax argued that it allowed to check DOF in the same maneuver). AFAIK, Nikon didn't manufacture f/2 fifties after the 50/2 Nikkor-H from the 70's that used to be standard on the Nikkormat and that's a dog! The FM has a top speed of 1/1000, flash sync at 1/125, no interchangeable screens and no double exposures. It was a replacement for the aging Nikkormat. If you can go for the FM2 even if it's a beater. The FM2 syncs at 1/250 even if the early one is labeled at 1/200. Everybody knows that, save for the very earliest #s. They replaced the sutter curtains in 1982 and you won't find one. They're highly sought out by collectors. The FM2(n) will give you 1/250 flash sync. Great for outdoors portraits with fill flash. It allows double exposures and has a self timer that doubles as mirror-up to avoid vibrations. It accomodates a number of motors by Nikon and other manufacturers. Has replaceable screens (check Beatty). The FM2 startes selling at $365 or whereabouts and reached $760 when it was discontinued. There's one on ebay going for $260 as I write this (body only, black). Get a Pancake 50/1.8 (or the long nose version) that's undeniably the best Nikon ever produced. Right now there's one the fabled Pancake 50/1.8 close focusing one (1.45m) offered at $180 obo.

[@DimitrisPapadopoulos1980]

Nikon FM2 would be the best Nikon camera if in the viewfinder the shutter speed was close to the ADR....

[@tomscameras]

Yes I do agree … the information you get in the viewfinder is great but how it is arranged is not …

[@robinj.9329]

There is use of some plastic parts. This was to satisfy the buying public's demands for lighter weight! My FM2n is about 25 years old. It functions perfectly every time. I'll never sell it or stop using it.

[@tomscameras]

The FM2 is a really tough camera, yes. Even though it's got some external plastic bits that were still made from metal in the original FM. For a user, that doesn't make a difference at all, sure!

[@marcp.1752]

It's a lovely Film SLR

[@tomscameras]

Yes 😍

[@morelife3750]

Loved your video how would I know If I’m under exposed 3 stops using the light meter ?

[@tomscameras]

It won’t show you if you’re +3 or -3 EV stops off. But then, I think no mechanical camera of the day would show that. But then you can always take your meter reading first (at correct exposure) and then just change your aperture or time setting by 3 stops!

[@studiosnch]

The FM2 was my "grail" camera until I found the Nikon FM3a. Personally though, I would highly recommend the FM2 to anyone who wants to robust, superb, and all-purpose SLR camera that can work and play as you wish. I could have actually just gone for an FM2 (having owned an FM and FE2 before) if not for the seller of my FM3a seling it under 300 USD. Of course, the FM3a's advanced features - taken from the FE2 - are awesome to have. But the fact that this camera commands Leica prices due to its rarity (only 5 year run compared to the FM, FE, FM2, and FE2) and its young age (having been sold from 2001 to 2006) are off-putting to anyone who just wants a user camera. Plus repairs of this thing are expensive - mine costed almost 500€ because the shutter mechanism went kaputt shortly after buying it. Grüß nach Kölle von den Philippinen!

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks for your detailed feedback. Yes the FM3a is of course a great camera as well, but as you say: They are very pricey. And if one likes the aperture-priority mode, there's also the FE2 which is today still a bit cheaper than the FM2. The thing with the FM3a is that yes it does work also fully mechanical, but still it has all the electronics in it to enable aperture-priority mode. So, basically, it can break like any other electronic camera body. So, you can still use it very well in case of an emergency. But if you own one, you still would like it to work fully as intended ... so you're gonna have it fixed. In that regard, a true fully-mechanical body like the FM2 is easier to maintain.

[@studiosnch]

@@tomscameras I agree with your points. Even I would have gone the FM2 route if I did not find my FM3a, and I would strongly recommend anyone to also buy the FM2 instead of the FM3a, which I relegate as a camera for collectors. And for those who would like to use the old Nikkor (non AI) glass, the FM is a strong recommendation as well, as it is more compact than the Nikkormats (or Nikomats). I did use an FM for quite some time too.

[@tomscameras]

@@studiosnch Yes, actually I also made a review of the Nikon FM and love that it can still use the NON-AI lenses!

[@rentedtux1883]

It's good, but the OM1 still is top shelf for me.

[@tomscameras]

I am always torn between my FM2 and OM-1 when taking pictures. I guess that today‘s prohibitive prices for all non-standard OM Zuiko lenses are really a strong reason that speaks for the Nikon.

[@jasonqian]

I believ that the Nikon FM2 was not the last Nikon mechanical camera, it was followed by FM3A, the last mechanical one (2001-2006).

[@tomscameras]

The FM3a is a marvel yes. For me it doesn’t count as purely mechanical though cause it offers an additional electronic shutter control. So while it does work in a mechanical mode, there’s more than just a light meter failing in case your battery is empty :)

[@jasonqian]

@@tomscameras The light meter will fail in any case if the battery is exhausted or not installed, including the FM, FM2, right? Then the camera will still operate by setting the aperture and shutter manually, or use an external light meter to determine the correct exposure.

[@tomscameras]

@@jasonqian yes, sure. The same goes for the FM3a. Still it’s a fully electronic camera that adds auto exposure and electronic shutter control and a purely mechanical camera doesn’t have that. It’s a bit philosophical maybe!

[@D.Trider]

@@tomscamerasthe fm3a is a purely mechanical shutter. Not sure why you’re saying it’s not. It’s only electronic in aperture priority mode. Fully mechanical at all speed if the battery dies.

[@kevincooper8666]

Tom I've got a FM a FE a FM2 and a FM3a am I missing something?

[@tomscameras]

Nice collection! I don’t think you’re missing anything :)

[@HopefulForever-ln5xm]

You forgot about the FM3a which I have. It has aperture priority mode but everything else is the same,

[@tomscameras]

mmh yes I know what you mean. But when I say "fully mechanical camera" I really mean a camera that doesn't have any electronic features or circuits in it, save for the light meter which is off course a very basic electric element. But maybe my definition is a bit harsh here!

[@sputumtube]

Nothing came after it? What about the Nikon FM3..?

[@tomscameras]

Yea the FM3a is debatable. While it does work with no batteries it still has a „hybrid“ shutter. In a way it sits between the mechanical and the electronic world. A fascinating camera. But it’s also a low volume model compared to the FM2 and FE2.

[@D.Trider]

@sputumtube the fm3a is definitely a better camera as it has mechanical 1/4000, aperture priority, is tiny, great built and is the last mechanical camera Nikon made.

[@martinjohnston4274]

Could never understand why Nikon chose to remove the fold-away AI coupling from the original FM, that allowed non-AI lenses to be used. They did the same thing on the FE2. This seems like a retrograde step. Does anyone have thoughts on why this was done, since the fold-up mechanisms already existed and worked well?

[@tomscameras]

I would say Nikon was cheapskating! And later we photographers were even lucky that they kept the AI mechanism at all, at least in their higher-end autofocus and digital cameras… otherwise you wouldn’t have metering at all with the manual lenses! Pentax btw went so cheap that they completely removed that mechanical aperture link from their new cameras. So they save a few penny’s per camera and annoy anyone using their own old lenses …

[@yashwayri]

thanks for the great video :) i'm looking to replace my 25 y/o Nikon F60 with a fully manual camera.. so I figured the FM2 would be a good choice, but i keep stumbling upon reviews of F3 and now i'm slightly confused. How would you compare the two?

[@tomscameras]

To add to your confusion: did you already see my Nikon F3 video? 😃 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mInVkGefi7Gcl7c I find it hard to give a definite answer to your question because both cameras are awesome. It depends a bit what you value more - an all-mechanical camera that basically (except light meter) works without any battery or the added comfort of the F3. Also: are you wearing glasses? Then you will love the F3 finder. If you don’t wear glasses: I do prefer the FM2 viewfinder cause the image is actually bigger. But maybe watch my F3 video to get an idea of how that camera is in practice!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

The one camera that I regret selling, badly.

[@tomscameras]

I know that feeling … 😅

[@johnrflinn]

Unlike the FM2n the Nikon FM can also use the non ai lenses by flipping a lever.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, exactly!

[@Spuzzmacher]

Hi Thomas, I wonder what your thoughts are on the FA, with its modern metering. Cheers!

[@tomscameras]

I tend to shy away from those modern electronic-loaden analog cameras ... but yes, you are absolutely right, the FA was a milestone in its day!

[@Spuzzmacher]

@@tomscameras i can see why. Every article about the FA is followed by half the comments section saying theirs inexplicably just died suddenly & out of the blue at some point. I’ve got one, but an thinking maybe I should pick up an FM2 to travel to Athens with this winter just to be safe.

[@draganbalzic4493]

Thomas, did you ever live in Sweden?

[@tomscameras]

No, I didn't! :)

[@draganbalzic4493]

@@tomscameras OK, you said a few words that caught the attention of my Swedish ears. Danke

[@DavidButcher007]

"Yes"

[@tomscameras]

☺

[@shadowboxer2747]

Are u selling your fm2? Or can u recommend me one (near mint condition)?

[@tomscameras]

Sorry, I can't point you to any specific offering of a good FM2. But I think it shouldn't be too hard to find a nice one.

[@shadowboxer2747]

@@tomscameras hi i found one already mayb curca ‘87-‘89 based on serial no

[@tomscameras]

@@shadowboxer2747 Sounds a great find, I wish you a lot of fun with it!

[@shadowboxer2747]

@@tomscameras thank u sir

[@Rafa.R.R.G.G.]

Le veo poniendo la mano izquierda en el objetivo y solo puedo acordarme de mi profesor regañandome para que la pusiera correctamente.

[@tomscameras]

You mean, I should better place my left hand UNDER the lens, right? Yes we all have our bad habits :)

[@TonyHedges]

I don’t want to sound like a troll, that’s not my motivation for writing this. It seems to me that you have a gap in your knowledge. It seems like you are unaware of the Nikon FM3a. I am sure I’m not the only one that points this out to you. There was a gap in between the end of the FM2 and the introduction of the FM3a. The FM3a came about because professional photographers and Nikon shooters wanted a new FM model, they didn’t like Nikons autofocus SLRs. The FM3a was only available for sale in Japan to professional photographers and only had a short production run, so they are typically three times more expensive than the FM2. Another reason why the FM2 is not the best analogue manual focus camera from Nikon is that you have to hope that they learned something from all the cameras they made and used their knowledge to make the last model better than the second iteration.

[@tomscameras]

Hi Tony, no worries! I'm happy about more critical comments as well :) ... I am aware of the Nikon FM3a but in my personal opinion it's not a true successor to the FM2. And yes I do know my opinion is very controversial! Maybe I should have touched the topic in my video a bit more! (1) Yes, the FM3a does have a mechanical mode in its shutter that works without battery, but in essence it's an aperture priority automatic camera. Its normal way of operation is like the FE2. And yes, if the electronics fail, you can still shoot it similar to an FM2 (and you can't do that with a "dead" FE2). But still, no one would really enjoy an FM3a with broken electronics, knowing that a vast part of functionality is just ... gone! The FM2 only has a tiny circuit for its metering, but all the rest is truly all-mechanical. (2) FM3a's are, because they're rare, much more expensive today as FM2's or also FE2's or even F3's. I personally would always take two FM2 or FE2 over one FM3a. So in the end the FM2 is a much more simple camera than the FM3a. This and there are much more of them around today, so it's also easier to have it serviced, repaired or replaced, if ever necessary. That's why I prefer the FM2. But again, I do know not everyone's gonna agree!

[@TonyHedges]

@@tomscameras everyone is entitled to their opinion but does that opinion override facts? This is known as a rhetorical question (ie no answer required). You know what they say about opinions? The quote is “opinions are like ass-holes, everyone has one and they usually stink!” I think the fact that the FM3a has FM in its name indicates that Nikon thought it was an update. The fact that it was able to incorporate an Aperture priority mode and a better metering system makes it, in my opinion, a better camera than the FM2. I think I have more facts backing up that opinion. But hey, it’s your channel so knock yourself out!

[@tomscameras]

@@TonyHedges ​ Okay, "facts" then: (1) Naming: The Nikon F6 was also not a real successor to the Nikon F5, despite the name: For example, no interchangeable finder anymore ... on the other hand, the FM3a is a successor to the FE2 as much as to the FM2, and no the name doesn't reflect that. So much for naming. (2) If "more features" (like aperture-priority mode) to you means that it makes a camera automatically better, then both the FM2 and FM3a fail miserably: No autofocus, not even spot metering! No built-in automatic winding ... there are so many cameras that offer more features than both of these! I mean, it should be obvious that if we appreciate the sort of cameras like the Nikon FM or FE series today, that we're not looking just for more features or "bigger is better" alone! But to each his own!

[@kevincooper8666]

Was'n t the contax just a rehoused fm2n

[@tomscameras]

Not to my knowledge. They are really totally different cameras!

[@pascalszwzeiij1194]

le best nikon is F2as !!

[@tomscameras]

I do love the F2 as well! A tank of a camera!

[@peterkin1010]

It's a nice camera ...lightweight, decent shutter speeds and can produce fantastic results. But there's no way it's the best 35mm camera I'll stick to my Nikon F4E. ...

[@tomscameras]

One of my best friends in high school got a Nikon F4 and always loved it. So I’m not arguing with F4 fans anymore 😂😂 … seriously, it’s a cool camera like every single digit F !!! Though for AF I’d personally prefer the F100 … 😅

[@peterkin1010]

@tomscameras yes that's fine. I juat love the handling of the F4E , which I would put over an F5 . But there's nothing wrong with tbe FM2. For what it is, a simple manual camera there's few cameras that'll rival it let alkme beat it.