Nikon FM2 Review

Introduction

There are a lot of camera reviews on the Internet (see links at the end of the page). Instead of repeating endless spec sheets and listing the camera's features, what I intend to do with this review is to give an end-user's perspective -- what it's been like for me, as an amateur photographer, to shoot pictures with the Nikon FM2.

I've been using the FM2 since 1989. Until very recently it was the only SLR I had ever owned (I got a Nikon F80 recently).

I shoot about one roll a month (a picture a day), which means I've shot around 4,500 pictures with it. Nikon claims it should last for 100,000 pictures, so I figure I've still got some 95,000 pictures to go before it breaks down.

What I think

That is, if it ever breaks down. I have never, ever, had a single problem with this camera (touch wood). I mean, I haven't even changed the battery since 1989. I have taken it with me in almost every trip I've made in that time, including backpacking trips, several countries, by plane, by train and by automobile. I've taken it to the sea and to the mountains, and it's never complained one bit.

That said, I do take very good care of my photographic equipment, because I can't easily replace it. I keep my FM2 clean, away from vibration, and avoid hitting it at all costs. I keep it away from water and humidity. When I take it to the sea, I clean it very thoroughly at the end of each day. I don't know if the camera will hold its own in a more grueling environment, although most reviewers seem to agree that it will.

I don't like to carry heavy loads, so the camera's weight is a plus for me. Either on a bag or on my neck, I have found that I can carry it, plus some light lenses, for hours at a time.

The camera includes a simple, but very useful, light meter. The camera uses center-weighted metering, and tells you, via three LEDs, whether you are over- or underexposing by more than about 1/3 EV, by less than that, or if the exposure is perfect (as far as the camera can tell). I shoot negative film only, which has a large exposure latitude, but I've found that over the years, I've come to know the camera's exposure system so well that I can compensate very well for tricky light situations almost without thinking about it. I seldom get badly exposed negatives, and when I do, it's always my fault, not the camera's.

The FM2 doesn't have a grip, like the newer AF cameras. However, given its weight, it't comfortable to handle. All the controls fall naturally within the fingers' reach, and it's possible to adjust the camera without having to look away from the viewfinder. I find the camera equally easy to use in the horizontal and vertical positions.

Speaking of the viewfinder, I find it hard to use with glasses. I cannot see the whole frame when using glasses, and I cannot see the shutter speed and the exposure LEDs at the same time. The F80 is much better in this respect; I can see about 90% of the frame when using glasses. I have the standard mirror, and it's serviceable, although the focusing prisms get dark under all but the most brilliant lights (my lenses are not very fast, which doesn't help). The better viewfinder and the auto focus are the main reasons I got an F80.

I have never used the shutter speeds above 1/1000s, and I seldom go to 1/1000s. It's nice to have them there, though. Likewise, I don't do flash photography, so I can't comment on the FM2's flash capabilities. I do know that they are nowhere near as advanced as those of the newer AF cameras. I have never used the film-advance motor that is sold separately, or any mirror other than the standard.

The FM2 as an educational tool

I think the FM2 is the best gift one can offer a beginner. Three reasons.

One, it will force him to learn the basics of exposure, compensation, depth of field, etcetera. Later, it will be easier to understand, compensate and properly use matrix and spot metering, and compensation.

Two, it has a limited number of functions, which lets one concentrate on exposure and composition. I think it's more important for a beginner to ask himself: if I want a silhouette effect, should I be increasing or decreasing the exposure? than: should I be using dynamic auto focus with closest-subject priority with my 3D color matrix metering?

Three, the camera is good enough that it will serve as a good backup when one grows to an automatic camera. It could also very well remain a first camera for life. In any case, it has very good resale value.

Conclusions

It should be obvious by now I like my FM2. I find it a useful, usable and reliable tool to create photographs. I'm giving the AF world a chance with my new F80, but even this might have never happened if it weren't for the FM2's viewfinder weaknesses and for the F80's mighty bang for the buck. Since I've used the F80 for a short time only, the verdict is still open on whether it will take my FM2's place as main camera.

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