Nikon FM2n Review

Overall Rating

Full metal construction, making it very robust, durable and reliable in all conditions. Full control of creative.

Need time to appreciate it as it take some knowledge of photography to make good use of it. No Auto Focusing make it difficult in fast situation.

INTRODUCTION

As many people would have said, only a classic would last a decade in the market. What do I have to say more about this design who is around for nearly 2 decade?

The FM2n is a significant improvement over the older FM, which is still available in the used market as a backup or student camera, for around $160. FE10 is also available as a cheaper option for student if the FM2n is considered pricey, but it is still cost higher than the FM as it is still new in the market. The higher model, FM3a, with Aperture Priority AE added, is new to the market, and would serve well for anyone who love the discontinued Nikon FE2, but it cost rather expensive at the moment, in the region of $600. At such cost, I would still prefer to go for a used Nikon F3HP, which is very capable in every sense.

The Nikon FM2n is the first Nikon I own, not even a compact camera have ever landed in my care before. I am previously owning a setup of Canon, only because I want to go back to manual operation that I choose Nikon because of it's continue support at the sector of the market, and not Canon. I have decided on a new FM2n based on the fact of it's history of being well accepted by many professional, and it's ability to last over 2 decades. With just the Nikon FM3a and Nikon FM10 available new in the market, I chosed the Nikon FM2n. Tried with my friend's Nikon FM3a, I realise it does not warrant the extra cost, though it offer the extra important flexibility in Aperture Prority AE. The Nikon FM10 is a definited 'NO' as it is so plastic, and lack the robustness I need, as I am rather careless.

BUILD

If there is something that you will never be disappointed will be the build of the FM2n. The FM2n's body is metal casted and beautifully build, thus providing tough, durable and robustness to the users.

It can be used in any condition, be in good sunny day to bad condition like sands, rain and cold winter, it has not fail me in any of the mentioned condition.

The body is small, so it is rather easy to carry around, unlike the beast of F5 which I think I will never want to carry for long. The only disappointment is that it do not provide the chance to screw on a grip like the one found on Nikon FA or Nikon FG which will be very useful to provide a better hold.

SPEED

Having a shutter speed of 1s to 1/4000s and bulb, it is sufficient for most if not all type of photography.

The Nikon FM2n provide a Flash Sync of 1/250s, a increase from 1/200s of the older version FM2, provide better flash capability.

LENS MOUNT

Using Nikon F Mount, this body readily accept all AI lens to modern AF lenses. Making it a remarkable back up body, and for budget photographer with AF bodies and lenses.

I am presently sticking to my AF lenses, and have no plan to change to MF lenses because of the cost incurred, and I love the flexibility I have having just to carry AF lenses and can be used on both my AF Body and MF Body.

OTHER USEFUL FEATURES

The Nikon FM2n provide useful function like the Depth of Field Preview, which is useful for photographer to know how much aperture opening is needed for a needed depth of view.

Multiple exposure is also available for some creative shots, and there is no limit to how many shots you can exposure, because it is manual, unless most AF bodies which set a limit. But I would not encourage such act, unless there is really a need to.

Timer is available together with Mirror Lockup is provided for steady shot and macro photography.

LEARNING TOOLS

Being a full manual camera, it will not have the luxury of automatic controls. Thus making it a perfect training and photography learning body for students worldwide. Students will have to learn by mistake, what every settings does do the final pictures.

DRAWBACKS

One of the major drawbacks of the Nikon FM2n is that it will never be as useful and capable as AF bodies for fast actions. But I have heard very skillful user of manual camera shooting amazing fast sports actions, not total impossible, but just difficult.

I would find the FM2n suitable in situation when time is not against you, but with you, when you have the full luxury of time to compose and shoot, not affected by the fact that any slowness will lead to lost of shots.

SUMMARY

The Nikon FM2n is not a camera for lazy man, who wants easy life, automation and need to be guided. This is a camera for anyone who want to have total control of what you want from it. It is for the purist in my opinions who want no interference from the computer chips. Holding a FM2n on hand definitely feel better and feel more like a Pro Photographer than holding a F5.

Members' Comments onElson75.'s Review

• dolcetto. on 13th Nov 2001

  totally agreed with the comments on nikon FM2n, have owned other systems but still rate this nikon camera as the best. It does take time to get use to the manual focusing and also the +/- metering, but you can't get enough of the sweet sound of the shutter on every shots.
  
  ^_^

• puppet. on 9th Feb 2002

  It is very difficult to say anything bad for this machine. Totally a work of art. I got mine as a second body after F4s, both of them are increadible machines, (F4s a little bit on the heavy side). Fm2n .. just get one and start enjoying photography not technology...

• Chillgill. on 12th Jul 2003

  The FM2n is indeed a great camera, as the reviewer said, an improvement over the earlier FM. But it should also be said in turn that the current FM3a is an undeniable improvement over the FM2n - with only $40 to $100 difference between the two cameras when in identical condition, the FM3a is the better deal, as you get all of the FM2n's features, plus AP, match needle metering, TTL flash and flash-fill compensation.

• jsutton5 on 9th Sep 2003

  Good review on an outstanding manual camera. I bought a used FM2N on Eaby as a backup to carry with me everywhere. I have two F100s which I love dearly, but worry about leaving in the car and hauling around to work and errands around town. As the reviewer noted, the FM2 is very durable and absolutely reliable under just about any condition. Best of all, if it gets damaged beyond repair or stolen, I won't have to mortgage my house to replace it. It's an excellent investment.