Vintage camera review: Nikon FM
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video i talk about the legendary nikon FM and why it is such a great camera for amateurs and professionals alike.
/ killindreams
/ foresthillfi. .
/ travis.mortz
foresthillfilmlab@gmail.com - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
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Great video on the fantastic Nikon FM, I have had one for about 30 years and I would not part with it. I won a gold medal in a photojournalist competition 20 yrs. ago using the FM + motordrive , 50mm f1.4 @f5.6 and Kodak 3200 film, developed and printed at home.
Great video, just bought my FM on the bay. Got a load of F glass to use with it. Happy days!
So glad I found this vid, I used to shoot on an Olympus OM1n, whilst lusting after a FM/FE back in the day, alas the old dear has had to retire, and just bought an FM as I have a DF, thank you for a brilliant run through.
Love your reviews man, you're tempting me to get a nikon now! Keep em coming
@ForestHillFilmlab: Good review and my sentiments exactly. I picked one up a couple months ago. 3 rolls and a light seal replacement later no problems. Works like a dream.
Just picked up my own FM. Wow, what a simple, and great camera! The LED lightmeter was a surprise, but seems to work real well. Thanks for the great vid, I love it!
I just picked one up at an antique shop in town. Just picked up some batteries and a roll of film. Looking up videos now and appreciated yours! So thank you!
Great video. I appreciate the detailed info on things like how the multiple exposure button works and where it is located. I have a couple of FMs myself; I like the size/weight and the fact that they are all mechanical. Lighter than my F2a , which I like also. Film forever!
What a great video. I have to admit, I used to dream of owning an FM2. The FM is a lovely camera though. And built like a tank. Great work. Well produced & presented video my man.
Great video! I love the Nikon FM and this is the best video I have seen on TH-cam about this camera! Huge thumbs up!
great video! Just bought one of these on an online auction and you breezed me through becoming familiar with it. Thanks! Subscribed and liked.
Love my FM I've had it since 1980 and it still works good as new. My Nikon camera collection has grown to three: the FM, an Ftn Photomic circa 1971, and an FG. The FM is still my favorite.
Just got my FM in the mail today....it is AWESOMMMEEE
Looks similar to the Nikon FE2 I picked up a few months ago. Fell in love and sold all my digital stuff.
bb3866 do you regret selling your digital?
Just bought an FM2 and i haven't touched my Sony in weeks. Debating if i should sell it.
Magik arp Id say keep it for making photos of stuff you sell on eBay and other occasions like that
@@sdbo7102 I know this is a late reply. But the same happened to me.
Sold all digital stuff, except for my Sony A7 for making videos and "fun" shooting. It's a great camera.
Still, i only shoot my Nikon F4 since i bought it, and never looked back.
I don't regret selling that stuff, since it gave me lots of money to buy a medium format film camera. :D
Buy Film, not Megapixels.
I have to say thanks Travis for all the info and reviews you bring to us. I am a nikon shooter not a pro but i love shooting film. Your channel has been of great help in my process of learning little by little. I have a NikonF2 that i love its my first and only film camera. It came with a Nikkor 20mmF4 , Nikkor 50mm F1.4 non ai and a Nikkor 135mm F2.8. i love shooting with this kit. I saw something on youtube that really bumbed me out and kind of made me drepressed. Its about "thorium" lenses. Nikkor lenses being radioactive cause of "thorium" being used in their manufacturing during 70's and 80's. You are really knowledgeable and i was hoping you could address this in one of your videos or if you had any information in this matter. Since i found out about this i have stoped shooting. I really hope to hear from you and thanks again for. sharing so much knowledge to the community. I dont even use a light meter when on the streets thanks to this channel.
chicano forlife There is absolutely nothing to worry about with your lenses. The levels of radioactivity were very low to begin with and after all these years will be even less. I'm not sure that it would even register on a geiger counter. There are plenty of manufacturers who used radioactive elements and it has been discussed to death. Even the famous radioactive Russian rangefinder lenses have been proven harmless and the Soviets weren't exactly health and safety conscious.
I'd say stop worrying and get out there and enjoy your camera! It sounds like you have a pretty special kit there ☺
chicano forlife *edit* Sorry I just scrolled down and saw Travis's reply. I didn't realise that this was a double post. Hope you're enjoying your kit!
Owned this camera for a few months now and only just found out it has a double exposure mode from your video. Cheers!
Correction Note: All Nikkormat models used a metal blade vertically moving shutter, the same general style as the FM. Only the Nikon F and F2 models used the horizontal moving shutter up to introduction of the FM. The Nikkormats used a shutter built by Copal, as did a number of other camera makers. The FM introduced a shutter of similar style built by Nikon with a much more sophisticated design.
Both the FM and the FM2n have the ability to lock up the mirror when you use the timer. ie when you push the shutter button down after cocking the timer lever, the first thing that happens is that the mirror flips up and out of the way. 10 seconds later the shutter fires. This is great for reducing vibration due to mirror flap especially when using a telephone lens and tripod.
Just found one of these in my attic, and put some expired film in it for a test run!
I don't think it will replace my F301 as my main camera, but so cool to hear that it's worthwhile! I found it equipped with an AF nikkor 35-135 mm lense, so that's even better. Feeling blessed!
Apparently, it was built by my grandpa from spare parts he colleced while being a Nikon repairman in the 80s.
good sensible review. don't know where you guys find such good deals though. seems like everyone is selling high these days, damn near 200 bucks for crappy to average quality.
I also love the black & white video format that you use.
Great video, Travis. Those close up shots of the FM are gorgeous.
I have a FM2-T and a F3, brand new (former owner bought two decades ago, left one with his collectioin on a stand and used the other - I got the unused one) with HP and waist level viewfinders, plus a few things (soft and hard leather cases, flash...). Love both cameras. F3 is an absolute wonder of engineering and design, has everything, does everything, but the FM2/FM2n/FM2-T are simpler and as well made - also lighter (FM2-T is even lighter, since it's titanium).
No wonder Steve McCurry used FM2 on his trips to Asia. Damn thing is resilient, simple and does everything.
Marcello Domingues de Melo Lemos that's awesome. I still have yet to have a titanium Nikon body! I haven't ever considered the FM2t man that's probably an awesome camera to use!
Hey Travis, cool video. Truth being told, the FM and FM2 Nikon cameras are the best IMHO. I have 2 FM2's ("FM on steroids" as you mentioned :)) ) and they are very dependable and rugged. I have treated one with very little respect and it just keeps on shooting like a pro. I also have an F2, but like you said, the weight talked me out of using it. Too bad though, it's like a tank. Looking forward on new videos. Peace dude!
Would love to see a video on the original F. Keep em coming!
I have a Nikon FM camera, chrome finish; which I purchased new with a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 normal lens back in 1980. Serial number 'over 300' series which I'm told is the slightly modified version over the original release. Got the bug to get a 35 mm SLR camera back in late 1970's and studied up on the various makes and models available at the time. My brother-in-law had a Nikkormat FT2 at the time and couldn't praise Nikon cameras and lenses enough. The advantages the FM had for me: metal shutter, LED exposure diodes in the viewfinder (easier to see than needles), lens aperture and shutter speed visible in the viewfinder, ability to operate without battery power, depth of field preview, etc., and robust construction and the many positive reviews in photography magazines at the time. Took me three years to decide what camera I wanted and save money to buy one, and I've never regretted buying my FM. It is reliable, takes great photos, and the controls just fall under my fingers naturally. All I've ever had done to mine was new light seals installed around the back. Love using it there is just something satisfying about using a quality mechanical film camera: focus, meter the exposure, set the exposure, take the shot. I've thought about getting a digital SLR as close as I can find to my FM (the Df is very close in appearance and control layout but the price!!) just can't let her go or shelf her enjoy using it so much.
Whoa, your the guy that had a TCU interview a while ago and made me go, woah film, thats sick. And now ive just dug up my dads FM2N and i think il have to start shooting film now. Subscribed
Joel Sittler holy shit your dad has an fm2n?! That's THE ultimate mechanical Nikon body. You need to shoot the hell out of that thing. Glad to hear you came around!
Always great vid you are doing bro! Keep it up!
You Sir are a scholar and a gentleman, thank you for your excellent videos.
fm2 synchronised at 250th for flash instead of 125th. Nice camera.
My grand daughter has mine with 28mm 2.8.
Keep the videos coming.
Great review Travis, just a note, the Nikkormat also had a copal shutter, but with the slower sync speed. Only the F and F2 pro bodies had horizontal shutters.
Nice review. I have two FM2n and one FA. All are great with my standard lens, the 35mm f2 Ai-s :D
Thanks, for the info. I just got two of these and one F2 25th anniversary bodies with 7 lens. I was after the glass, but he wanted to sell it all. He had it in A gun safe for the past 30 years. I plan on getting some film and try them out. I learned a lot from this video about the FM. In the deal I got two 50mm 1.2’s, one 50mm 1.4, one 105 2.5, one Sigma 18mm, one Vivitar 20mm, motor drive for the FM, and an assortment of other filters. I paid him $500.00, after looking at EBay prices, I think it was a fair price for both of us. The glass is in excellent condition. I enjoy your videos. I have several Nikon digital bodies and lens, shoot a lot.
Great video! I saw it just before to go and buy my Nikon fm second hand :)
Hey Travis, great video!
I've just started watching your channel so I don't know if you've already covered this but would you recommend the fm/fm2 as a good first buy for someone just getting back into film?
I'm looking for something reasonably priced and I like that you said it's relatively light weight and reliable.
I love the Nikon FM & prefer it over the FM2 basically due to nothing more than lens compatibility.
I have both of these models only the FM2 lacks the ability to flip away the AI coupling tab therefore not backwards compatible with none AI lenses.
With the MD-12 motordrive attached you don't need batteries in the camera body as the metering is powered from the MD-12. A liitle thing i know only could be useful if your battery cells are dead. You attach your MD-12 if you have one of course & AA batteries you can get anywhere.
Another little addition to a fine review with none AI lenses correct metering is achieved by using the Depth of Field to stop down the lens iris for TTL metering. The AI system allows max aperture for easier focussing. The correct exposure is done when you release the shutter & lens iris is automatically stopped down. The AI tab only cuts out having to manually stop down the lens for metering purposes. Give it try for yourself.
The two 1.5volt cells used are best to use either Lithium or Silver Oxide & not Alkaline. Lithium & Silver Oxide discharge at a constant 1.5 volts until expired giving consistency. The battery charcteristics are differnt. Alkalines although they work don't, 1.5 volt Alkalines when new would be approx 2 volts with mid life around 1.5volts dropping further to under 1volt. The voltage of any Alkalines is always dropping in use.
The FE shares the same body only electronically timed shutter. They do have a Manual setting which i believe to be 90.
A do have a Nikkormat EL & Nikon EL2 both the same camera only the EL2 has AI & is the fore runner to the FE & uses the same overlaying metering idea which i prefer. These two cameras are compact as the later FM & FE only slightly heavier & use a 6volt battery with battery compartment lying under the mirror at the bottom just inside the bayonet aperture. They feel very sturdy in use & feel good & handle nicely mainly i think because of the slightly heavier body.
FM/FE series of Nikons were really great little workhorse cameras.
I love that this camera is mechanical. It also can be used with stop down metering with pre-ai lenses. A great all around camera!
I agree with you and love my FM2 and enjoy shooting it more than my F2, F3HP, and F4. The F3 is second best to it only because the FM2's LED indicators are much easier to see in low light than the F3's dim LCD mini display in the viewfinder. The FM2 is also lighter than the F3 and fully mechanical otherwise the F3 is a beautifully crafted, rugged, and reliable piece of machinery. I also specifically bought the FM2 because it was completely mechanical (except for the meter).
Great video but I'd just like to clarify a couple of things...
Regarding the wind on lever having to be in the "out" position in order to shoot...
This is not the case on the earlier FM's (serial number beginning with 2) which will fire with the lever in the "in" position.
I know this because I'm a left eye shooter, so being able to shoot with the lever in is a benefit for me.
I have 2 FM's, one earlier model and one later, so one can fire with the lever in and the other cannot.
The other thing is...
You can meter when using a non-AI lens.
You simply hold in the DOF preview lever when metering (also known as stop down metering) and it works fine. It can make it a bit more difficult to focus though depending on your aperture so you might need to make it a two stage process as in meter-focus shoot, or vice versa.
The FM2n is a lovely camera (I have one) but the downside is that they did away with the flip up lever on the FM2 and therefore you lose the ability to use non-AI lenses.
The FM is as close as you can get to the perfect camera IMO.
I bought an FM new way back in 1978 when I was 16 years old and had worked in a factory during school summer break to make this possible. Still own it. Nikon addict here ;-)
Good review.
Just bought me an FM again waiting for it to arrive.
I feel the desire to shooting more film again...
What is that knob on your shutter release button?
My first new 35mm camera, bought in 1980. Also owned several FM2s. Regret selling the last of those (in mint condition) a few years back. Just bought what looks like a mint FM. I'll see tomorrow when I pick it up at the post office.
My first film slr was the Nikon FG, but I wanted something mechanical and roughly the same size. So, I picked up a FM and pretty much it became my primary camera!
I just bought an FM on ebay, still in the box. probably paid a bit more than i should but whatever. I really want to work on actual skill than having the camera do everything for me. I really appreciate the video, totally cleared up the Ai vs non AI lens issue for me. now i'm going to be looking for the drive motor for it!
Kristen Beck that’s awesome you’re gonna love that camera! The motor drive you need is the MD-11 or MD-12 will also work. Check it out.
Great video on an authentic beauty! Just got a FM last year and loved the way it feels, to the point that it might be called a perfect camera, maybe in the league of my old favorites, the Oly OM-1 and the Pentax MX. However, I haven't been able to know for sure if its meter is working since I'm shooting with a Tamron SP 35-80 with an adapter and I don't know if this situation interfere with the meter.... I'm getting really nice pics but I'd love to know if the meter would work with a different lens or if it's just dead.
A Tamron Adaptall II l lens [i.e., your 35-80mm] with a proper AI or AI-s adapter will properly connect and work with the FM and its meter system. If your lens mounts to the FM but the meter doesn't work, the explanations are either (1) the meter is broken or its battery is dead, or (2) you may have a pre-AI Nikon Adaptall adapter, in which case the adapter for the earlier Nikon meter system will not engage the meter on the AI compatible FM meter.
I have this camera, as well as my dad's FE2, and the motor drive. I will say out of all my Nikon's, the FM has a simple but amazingly accurate light meter. Thanks for this great video.
The FM, FM@, FE, and FE2 all use the same center weighted metering system. The FE/FE2 add an aperature preferred auto exposure function.
Randall Stewart But the FM/2 is all mechanical, and can function without battery. FE/2 needs a battery to fire. I have both FM and FE2.
I love my Nikon FM. Awesome little camera.
I bought a new Nikon Fm 1n 1980 and had a 50mm 1,4, 28mm 2.8, and series E 75-150 mm Zoom system with it. Used a flashgun but preferred available light usually. With use and practise it becomes quick and simple to use: Yes Really.
The camera was and is totally reliable with an excellent TTL meter and also excellent lenses. I filmed and printed Kodak,Agfa and Ilford Black and white prints-all good but just different in character. I used alot of colour negative and slide film. The Fm and lenses are first class-No Question.
My digital SLR can seem less soulful somehow and then I hanker back to the days of film; cant help it it just happens.
The mtl3, mx, ftb, srt101, by other makes were also really good manual cameras and I used some of them too.
My personal preference, however, was for the Fm.
My first camera was an FM... sold it over 15 years ago and damn I wish I hadn’t. Curious fact - the MD-11/12 motor drives could be ‘converted’ to a vertical grip with an accessory shutter release button - the MR-3. For reasons unknown, back in 1999-2000 these tiny lumps of metal cost around $150 new. I eventually managed to find one for $50 second hand, and was told that was a ‘great deal’ , LOL! Regardless, it improved the ergonomics greatly as well as allowing a cable release to be used with the motor drive.
Gawd, I paid $600 for my 55mm micro-Nikkor!
Just bought a fully working FM with 50mm f/1.8 for £85 and it's wonderful!! I think this is going to be my fave film camera so far. I prefer it to the F3!!!!
do you know how to fix the light meter? do you know how the cables should connect to the battery?
Nice review mate 👍
Thanks for this video man. I know it's an old video but I'm just thinking about the Nikon FM now. Do you still have it, recommend it?
Nice review wanted to buy something that was more mechanical and this is the one for me .
love the bike one with the big air
The Nikon FM was my very first Nikon back in 1980.....I've been a "Nikon addict" ever since and now use a D500.
I know you mentioned about the Nikon EM being your first film camera. Could you possibly do a video on it and your experiences with it?
I just started using a Nikon fm but I'm not sure exactly how to use the Asa shutter speed what to have it set to can you explain this please
Super images and a great review! Just one question about the FM or FM-2N. When changing shutter speeds, should the camera be cocked or uncocked?
Thanks in advance..
LarryParamedic1 Doesn’t make a difference. Either works.
I think I am about to pick one of these up to use it as a 2nd camera behind my F3hp. I also want to keep it in my pickup loaded ready to go. I have boat loaded of AIS glass so set there.
I have a Nikon FM. It is simple and robust and, frankly, very very nice to use. It is one of the best combos and robust AND light weight cameras.
I would love a FM. I have a FE2 and dead batteries has never been an issue, two batteries and almost no drain. I've had the same batteries in mine forever. I really like the match needle meter as well. There is always the nagging doubt that the electronics will crap out though. The FE2 also has a mechanical 250th backup that works without batteries, just sunny 16 the aperture. Great review man, thanks.
ProSimex84 that's awesome I've never personally used the FE2 so I didn't know about the 1/250 default that is definitely something that the FE does not have. I've only had one FE it was in mint condition and wouldn't work no matter how many new batteries I threw at it haha. Ultimately a mechanical camera is more reliable then the car im driving in so I try to find those as much as possible
Sunny 16 at iso100 125th sec
ForesthillFilmLab well yeah. I prefer mechanical cameras as well, but the FE2 is perfect for when I wanna shoot and not think too much about exposure.
Lighter weight and smaller size than the Nikkormat FT series. Compact design answer to the Olympus OM-1. Nikon’s FM and FE were the-first-trying-out to the US market back in the late 70’s.
Great video Travis, very informative! Found this camera in my mums basement the other day, thinking of trying it out! Don't know much about cameras, so I was wondering what film you would recommend i try using with it? :)
Sage Rose get a roll of ilford HP5 and you can't go wrong!
thank you so much for your help :) really appreciate it!
I recently picked up a FM10 Nikon 35mm with the lens and leather case it came with for $25. I had to buy a couple new batteries I paid $4 for the both of them.
Travis what B&W & Color film do you recommend getting to shoot with?....Thanks.
Great video, what are your thoughts on the Nikon F4?
3:00 The FE is the one that's comparable to the AE-1, since it has aperture priority. The FM is probably most similar to the Canon FTb from the early 70s. When the AE-1 came out in '76, Canon had completely abandoned fully mechanical cameras. As an aside, the FTb is a fantastic camera. Much more solidly built than the FM, and it also has a mirror lock-up, quick loading and battery check. (though it does have a cloth shutter, syncing at 1/60th) It's essentially pro-grade build quality, but without the interchangeable prism and focusing screens.
Jeremy D The FM has mirror lockup, it’s just tied in with the self timer. For any critical focus work on a tripod - macro etc. - it was good practice to use the self timer to take both mirror shake and human movement out of the equation. If the 10-second-ish wait on the timer you could just turn the timer lever part way for a quicker 2-3 second delay.
just a reminder, you can stop down meter with non AI lenses
nice video, i just got a fm2
I believe pre-1979 FMs have the shutter lock as a knurled ring around the shutter button.
i just got a nikon fm and everything seems to be good except the metering display in the viewfinder. im not sure if the camera will work and i wouldnt want to waste a roll of film
Awesome!
... and it was the first AI (Automatic Indexing) SLR camera introduced by Nikon in 1977 along with Nikon EL2 and Nikon F2 Photomic AS
what developer do you like for hp5, especially for pushing? just bought 100ft and I mainly use rodinal
gringeaux I'm also a rodinol user! It works great for pushing!
FHL: fantastic review as always and cool shots. Do you happen to know main difference between FM and FM2? Many thanks, enjoy your experience.
The FM2 adopted a more advanced design of shutter. The faster operating speed of the shutter mechanism gives a higher maximum speed and faster flash syncho speed. The FM2 was matched to the MD-12 power drive, which updated the MD-11 [for the FM] by tapping the drive power pack to operate the camera meter when On, rather than using the camera battery. [On the FM, user can leave on the MD-11 drive, which activates and can drain the camera meter battery. On the FM2/MD-12, the camera meter battery is always left off.] All other factors being equal, I'd perfer the FM2. over the FM.
Randall Stewart awesome, thanks for education.
125 vs 250 flash synch speed, 1000th vs 4000th of a second shutter speed. However only the FM can use both the pre Ai and post Ai lenses. You have to get the older lenses ai'd to work with the FM2 and this conversion costs about $75. I heard the FM2 has a better supply of replacement parts.
The Nikkormats also have a vertically running shutter.
if I have FE should I buy FM or no need ?
Thanks
Dude, it's a battery in this too. I got one. Purchased it in 1983.
Nice video though!
Always used a FE, with the classic 50/2. But this makes me interested in an FM. Then it _has_ to be with a 35/2 :)
Just picked one up at an estate sale for $60 works great.
Have a FM2N and its my all time favorite. Like it more than my F3hp.
Bob Smith I have both too and agree
I just bought a F3hp I'm loving it. I was searching for a Nikkormat, found a FM and ended up buying a F3 that was also on sale. Shame it's not fully mechanical.
I found one cheap for 80 Euro, but the meter was kaput, :P
repairs was 200 Euro's , going to use it well.
dose nikon Fe2 accept ai-s lenses and non ai lenses ?
Thanks Sir
Never had FM, but I had FM2, way back in the day. Twice. Now I don't own any Nikon anymore, but I still hang on my Olympus OM setup, hoping that someday I'll have extra cash to spare on a completely mechanical OM3...
Tomislav Miletić buy an Om1 and save the money for lenses.
gerade bowden *OM1n
I like the OM-1 as it has mirror lockup.
Were there subtle differences in original FM's of the era? The three that I own all have a lock ring around the shutter button and you can shoot it if the winder is in the 'off' position. I noticed that yours doesn't fire unless the winder is pulled out.
ArrowTop you know that's a great question. To my knowledge all of my FM's that I've owned in the past required the lever to be out to shoot. I'm sure there are subtle differences but I only have one FM to look at currently
Yours is the original up to around 1979, when it was changed.
Yeah, I dug around and found some info on that. I have all earlier versions as Sean says, and they changed it to how the FE functions later on. That's interesting. I have also never seen a broken FM. Rad little cameras that just keep kicking.
In 1989, I used a Nikon FE-2 alot. Great camera until the battery goes dead. I wanted a Nikon FM for a back-up camera. For a used Nikon FM, I paid 225 dollars for body only. You got a really great deal. I love my FM. I have a darkroom and have shot alot B&W film with it.
racc2 yea the FE2 is so awesome when it's workin but now a days you obviously will never find a new one so really any FE can die at any moment due to its age so I really do prefer the mechanical FM. Glad you enjoyed the video!
How about the Olympus OM-1. Maitani Yoshihisa design it base on a leica M and OM lens has similar function like any Leica lens they place the aperture ring in the front rather than in the rear just like all the standard SLR lenses Canon , Pentax , Nikon ... etc.
Anime Studio Animation I have quite a few Olympus cameras I'll have to make a video talking about them!
Other than the higher shutter speed and flash sync, are there any significant differences between the FM and the FM2? Is the build quality the same?
Daniel Batts no difference in build quality. Just different features
Thanks!
I think the shutter is better designed on the FM2 with less vibration and a bit quieter.
These are the "hero" cameras of yesteryear. Very good cameras.
I have a Nikon FM for 15 years now it’s the best but I don’t love the meter. I find it lacking a bit in information. But as a fully mechanical body it’s flawless.
dose nikon FM accept ai-s lenses and non ai lenses ?
The FE can work without batteries at 90th of a second.
My granddaughter uses a Nikon FM.
The FE doesn't have the model number on the front, it's on the back the same as the FM
Will it Meter with AF-D lenses?
leicanoct thanks 🙏🏽
Be aware of some mecanical shutters are not as precise as the electronic shutters ! Fx the Olympus OM 1 overexposed a lot at 1/500 and 1/1000, so you have to compensate for that when you have slide film in the camera. I will recommend Nikon FE over FM ! The lightmeter are also easier to use in FE because you can see how much to adjust the shutter or aperture :D Iused both Nikon FM, FE and F3, but I changed to Hasselblad and later got the Canon New F-1 which are much better than any Nikon ! Price in 1977 of the Nikon FM was cheaper than Nikon FE as new, today it is the opposite, so the Nikon FE are a very good buy compared to FM ;)
If I were climbing in the Himalayas, I would go with the FM2 as it can perform without batteries.
Steve must be a good mate to give that camera to you for a couple of rolls of film.
You sound like Tommy Caldwell!
Hi, is there a reason why you started making BW videos?
What nikkormat should I get?
zaxmaxlax yea a buddy of mine said he was really digging the black and white and I figured it was a good way to stand out on TH-cam apart from the other guys making similar videos. It's easy to remember the guy who makes black and white videos haha. The Nikkormat FTn is a great camera. The on type body meter of the nikkormat is probably my favorite Nikon feature that no other camera has
+ForesthillFilmLab thanks. It's nice to see you back again on youtube
Hi travis, I ended up buying a F3, your video about nikon lenses was very helpful. The camera came with a crappy dirty 50mm 1.4 non-ai lens, it's a pain to meter it pressing the DOF preview button.
If you are set on a Nikkormat, I'd recommend the FT2 as it takes batteries that you can still find and has the metering prong that will allow you to use older lenses without having to stop down. However, the Nikon FM does the same thing and has the ability to take a motor drive. The FM2n will only meter the non-AI lenses stopped down and none of those cameras will meter properly with the G Series lenses.All things considered, I'd look for a Nikon F2 Photomic instead. Rock solid and ultra reliable.
I love Nikkormats and still have my FT2 bought new. However, unless you really want a Nikkormat for some reason, get a FM2 or FE2. [Newer, more compatible with newer lenses.] If you must have a Nikkormat, get only an FT2 or FT3, as earlier models use batteries no longer available. The FT2 will use all Nikon lenses up to the AI lenses, but none thereafter. The FT3 will use all Nikon lenses up through and including the AI-s lenses, but properly meter only with the AI lenses. Neither will fully work with the autofocus lenses and not at all with the G lenses. On any Nikkormat, assume the shutter is running slow and the camera requires a full CLA for $100, more or less - After all, it is up to 40 years old.
What's a PC cord?
If you want to remove the flash from the camera so that you don't have to rely on the hot shoe, it provides the electrical connection between the camera body and the flash unit. Very useful with the Vivitar flash holder and grip.
Not the same size as the Nikkormat and the shutter was vertical in the Nikkormats as well
NOBODY appreciates the merits of the craftsmanship that goes into, and the inherent reliability of a well-made mechanical product more than I do. Levers, gears, springs, and whatnot, however, I cringe every time I hear somebody talk about, "and this 35mm camera doesn't need batteries...…………….." The majority of 35mm film "electronic" cameras from the 1970's and 80's used two 1.5 volt batteries that (for anyone who is not familiar), would be the equivalent size/weight of a shirt button, and will typically power a camera in heavy use (100+ rolls of film), for a year. My F3 is still working fine off the two LR-44's I put in it back in 2016. A pack of 2 cost about $5 to $10.
So what?
So, buy 6 of the FN things. Load 2 in your camera and throw the other four in your FN bag, your pants pocket, or stick them under your tongue like throat lozenges and forget about 'em. People act like these 1.5 volt batteries weigh as much as a piano or a car battery. Batteries, batteries, batteries. Even with AA batteries, if your camera uses 6 of them...…………...if carrying 12 AA batteries (6 in the camera and 6 spares) is going to be a hardship or cause you to have to keep your chiropractor on speed dial, then, you should look into less strenuous hobbies like knitting, whittling, porch sitting, or just sketching with a lightweight, organic, gluten free, recyclable, carbon fiber pencil.
I bet your cell phone weighs MORE than 20 of these little FN button batteries, and yet nowadays, NOBODY under the age of 60 can go take a sh*t without having their little electronic pacifier with them, and YET, you never hear anybody say, "Gee golly whiz, I'm so tired of lugging this cell phone around all day. And, don't even get me started with the water bottles that every 3rd person HAS to carry around with them every day. "Uh oh, I'm about to traverse the 1/8 of a mile across this daunting mall parking lot, I better carry my 2 liter water bottle with me in case I get dehydrated."
11 year-old girls in remote villages in Beverly Hills and the Upper East Side of Manhattan, who have to lug 6 cases of sparkling bottled water 5 miles...…..…..uphill...………..each way...…...balanced on their heads...……….. back to the homestead, just for the family...…………. pets, never cried so much as 'photographers' do about (having to) carry(ing) film camera batteries.
You want a mechanical camera? Buy 50 of 'em, but stop with the 'trials, tribulations, and tyranny' of carrying what are essentially shirt buttons in your pocket.
…………..and with the exception of people who primarily shoot in the dark, a match needle meter is better in every way than an LED meter. A match needle meter is an EXCELLENT learning tool for beginners and/or non-experts who want to learn to 'read' light and it's instantaneous AND lets you see exactly how MANY stops over or under you are.
You're FN welcome.