The Nikons FM FE FM2 FE2 FA FM3a compared - mythical family of reflex cams that shaped modern UXs

After the Nikkormat and the F2, the FM was the first of the series of this family of classic reflexes which with the FM3a will be in production until the beginning of the 2000s.
Lighter and economically more affordable bodies, without compromising on ergonomics or results, with a range comprising an entirely mechanical shutter (FM), another which introducing an electronic shutter and aperture priority (FE), but also the introduction of Matrix Metering (FA) and Hybrid Shutter with the FM3a.
A short review of these essential bodies in the history of modern cameras.
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Nikon FM 1977-1982
01:57 - Nikon FE 1978-1983
02:56 - Nikon FM2 1982-2001
04:04 - Nikon FE2 1983-1989
04:49 - Nikon FA 1983-1988
05:50 - Nikon FM3a 2001-2006
06:43 - Motor MD-12

[@andrewtongue7084]

There was a point in my life where I was really hard up for cash - I sold my beloved FA (with drive) & an 85mm F2 AI lens - biggest mistake to sell that camera body - now looking to re-purchase. I still have my Nikkormat FTN. All those bodies featured were built like tanks - you could drop them in the mud & they'd still function. Digital is all very nice, but give me an analogue camera everytime - it's the ultimate, functional control. Great overview !

[@silvestersze9968]

Also, the newer FM2/FE2 is not available for the Non-Ai Lenses due to the absence of the meter coupling lever and simplification of camera building. The Power Check Lamp had also been removed/deleted from the FE due to has lower cost of manufacturing. Therefore, there’s no way to know when the camera will quit on you during a photo shoot. 😢

[@silvestersze9968]

FM2 used more plastic parts internally comparing to the FM. It’s a lot lighter in weight. The replacement of metal parts was a beginning of cheaper manufacturing process for consumers and profitable for the company. Same goes to the FE/FE2. 🎉

[@peterwilson7532]

As someone who used Pentax back in the 80's, I found this very interesting to see the family traits being extended in the range of these Nikons. Great so see each of the models in hand as well.

[@walterarroyo5220]

One of the best lines of SLRs out there. I have an FE, F2, FTn & FT3. My main shooter is the FE.

[@Wafflechicken47]

Great no nonsense rundown, very refreshing. Actually gave a balanced comparison not a “YuO jUsT hAvE tO bUy ThIs OnE” like alot of other videos

[@thomasmoje5926]

I have a Nikon FM which I purchased brand new in 1980 along with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI lens to go with it. It still operates like new all I've had done to it since purchase is new foam light seals installed some years ago. I also have a Nikon F circa 1971, Nikkormat FT2 circa 1975, Nikon FG circa 1985, Pentax Spotmatic circa 1970, and an Olympus OM10 but the FM remains my favorite. Simple foolproof operation, no dependence on batteries (except to power the light meter) and excellent sturdy build quality.

[@zand]

My first serious cam was an FE, but I agree the FM has that mechanical magic!

[@utube321piotr]

Great video covering this range of top cameras. I have FE, FM and F3 in addition to F4. Love them all.

[@zand]

Yeah, they're definitely up there in the top cams to work with. Have you also tried the F2?

[@utube321piotr]

@@zand not quite yet, I am working to "geolocate" a suitable F and F2 camera to add to my collection; what a time to collect analog technology as a hobby

[@photo-ctr]

Got the FE and FM part of the description backwards

[@zand]

thanks! corrected :)

[@sammorganmoore]

1/250 flash made this (fm2n) the best camera until AF F4 started for pro work. The motor drive (md12) did not work 100% of the time so had to be thrown away. The meant some skill with timing your shots .. not just sitting at 12fps (which would have eaten a film anyway)

[@zand]

Had the same experience with the MD12.. but love the build of it and the looks of the camera with it... ;)

[@urwholefamilydied]

No, sorry... the FE2 is the same camera but with aperture priority, and therefor 1/3 stop exposure compensation. Also the ability to shoot exact exposures (if your meter is reading between 1/250th and 1/500th... the camera would split the difference or anything in between, could be 1/380th of a second). With a fully manual camera you're stuck with full stops for exposure, or resorting to using the aperture which most people would rather shoot at the aperture they want to shoot at. It's also just so much quicker... you're going to set the shutter to what the camera is telling you to set it to anyway, why not just skip that step? (or if you are going to ignore the meter for creative purposes, the 1/3 stop exposure comp gives you way more creative control over your exposure of choice). And last but not least: The FE2 has an exposure lock feature (coupled to the self timer) which I find invaluable for tricky lighting situations or wanting to expose for highlights/shadows.

[@d30gaijin]

You kind of missed the boat not including the linage i.e., Nikon F and F2, then the FM series. The F and F2 are major milestones cameras... and I'm not even a Nikon guy.😏 But I do have a near mint Nikon F2 black paint. I'm a Leica guy but one who appreciates what the Nikon F and F2 brought to photography.

[@zand]

I agree. That's why I quickly showed the F2, but I didn't really know how to present the lineage from the Nikon SP to the F, and then F2, seemed a bit long so decided to do it like that, and keep the rest for a future video. Totally agree the F2 and this series really are something one can appreciate in any case!

[@NCSTalkid]

IF At that time i prefer fg, FE2 or FA. If right now, i prefer fm2n

[@zand]

Have you had an occasion to try the FM3a? Less charming but such a great feast of engineering to mutate all of them into one.

[@NCSTalkid]

fm3 very expensive for me. i got my fm2n last year for 150 bucks@@zand

[@zand]

true, you can have the fm2n, the FE2, the FA and a few spare films for one of these..