After the whirlwind of auto focus, auto exposure and digital I bought a Nikon FM2n and a 28mm F3.8 manual lens. When I wander around with this combination I am forced to think about the essential elements that (hopefully) make a good photograph - composition, exposure and critical focus. The solid 'thunk' of the shutter and then the manual wind on is a pure joy.

Manual Nikkor lenses are very sharp and the 'backwards' compatibility approach taken by Nikon means that many modern lenses will work too. Compared to an auto everything digital SLR the FM2n is quite a light and compact combination to carry around for extended periods of time. Link this camera and lens to a good transparency film and the colours and image sharpness really come alive.

Perhaps I'm quite old fashioned but everyone who is serious about their craft should spend a little time in the manual arena and re-discover the art of photography.

After many years teaching photography, we finally got some budget to buy a good camera. Contax? too expensive and fragile. Canon? Not as rugged. Leica? Much too pricey. Nikon? Oh yes. The FM2 was such an obvious choice as a rugged workhorse that could take the abuse and still take superb pics, that we bought one, no hesitation. That was in 1986! Now, on it's twentieth anniversary, I write this in it's honour. Has it ever gone wrong? Never. Has it ever failed to produce degree level photos? Nope. It just goes on and on, been dropped, out in the rain, ice, desert sun and so on.

I reckon nearly 200 pupils have now been taught to love photography by it, and I still sneak it home in the holidays, when I have a tough assignment and want something that I KNOW will work if my D70s lets me down.

Astonishing camera, and astonishing value for money.

This Nikon FM2n 35mm SLR camera taught me everything. If you wear glasses or have no patience then I would not buy this camera! It is simple and effective. After 15 years of bashing it around, I gave it to a relative and bought the FM3a. I still miss it. There is nothing bad to say about this camera, the build quality is amazing. Stick a good Nikon lens on it and you'll be amazed!

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.