FM2(n) vs FM

I had been wanting to purchase an FM2/FM2n, but recently, a used FM

body popped out for about US$164, which i reckon is pretty cheap! Ive

done some research and noted the differences between an FM2 and an

FM... the FM accepts Ai Nikkor lenses whereas the FM2 doesn't, while

the FM2's meter switches off automatically after 30secs if idle

whereas the FM does not.

I appreciate your advice of whether i should wait for an FM2 and pay

a little more, or to get the FM. Also, anymore detailed info

regarding the differences between the two would be great. p.s this is

my first SLR!

I have one of each. They're almost interchangeable. The biggest

difference is the shutter speed (the FM2n has a stop faster

flash sync and two stops faster top speed), but even this is

rarely a significant factor. The FM has more metal where

the FM2n has plastic. The FM is an older model and is likely

to be a big more worn, but of course this depends on the individual

cameras.

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I put together a list of all the differences I could find on

my samples of the cameras at <a href="http://webs.lanset.com/rcochran/fmfm2n.html">http://webs.lanset.com/rcochran/fmfm2n.html</a>. Keep in mind that I have a late

FM, and the FM underwent a few changes during its early production

life. Among other differences, earlier FMs have a different

style shutter lock and require you to turn the shutter collar

to the motor drive position when you mount a motor drive.

Unless money is a real big issue go for the FM2n. The FM has a flash sync of 1/125 v. 1/250 for the FM2n. The higher flash sync is good for fill flash and for macro where you want to darken a busy background.

The FM has a top shutter speed of 1/1,000 v. 1/4,000 for the FM2n. Lets say you are shooting negative film at EI 200~250. For a front lit subject the FM will limit you to about f/8.0 while the FM2n will allow around f/4.0. If you want shallow DOF this is a no brainer. With a back lit subjects the FM2n will allow about f/2.0.

The FM has a non-user replaceable viewing screen while the FM2n will accept the K2, B2 or E2 as well as the K3, B3 and E3. If you shoot macro or slow telephotos you will want to use an E or B screen and some folks prefer to use a E or B screen all the time. The viewing screens for the FM2n are brighter than the FM and FM2.

The only pluses I can think of for the FM is a retractable aperture coupling lever and price. This will allow the use of pre-AI lenses with stop-down metering or hand held meters. The FM2n can not accept pre-AI lenses unless they are modified to AI.

I�m not down on the FM just up on the FM2n. The size and basic handling are identical. Weight is almost identical.

When the FM2 hit the local stores I bought one on day two. That�s the premium I put on the flash sync. I never owned an FM though I recommended to friends. The FM2 is the early model with a 1/200 flash sync. I traded up to the FM2n in the early �90s as a part consideration and convenience of having the top flash sync in the standard sequence on the shutter speed dial.

Hope this helps,

There are various minor differences, but to me the two important ones are the ability to use pre-AI lenses and the ability to change the viewing screen.

The plus for the FM is that it has a retractable meter-coupling lever so that pre-AI lenses can be mounted. Pre-AI lenses would likely damage the FM2. Both cameras accept AI and AIS lenses and meter in the same manner with these lens types. While the FM can mount pre-AI lenses, metering isn't convenient. But for a photographer who frequently use a handheld meter, that might not matter, and pre-AI lenses can frequently be purchased for less money. Since this will be your first SLR, you would probably find metering with pre-AI lenses on the FM too inconvenient.

The biggest plus for the FM2 is that the viewfinder screen can be interchanged by the user. For many uses I prefer the simple B screen.

Both are excellent cameras. You have to decide which features are important to you, or perhaps buy the one that you first find in acceptable condition and price.

One other feature of the FM not mentioned so far is that the FM's meter uses gallium photodiodes, which have a more

accurate response to red-colored subjects than the silicon cells used in all other cameras in this series. But they were

expensive, so nikon dropped them..

First off, congratulations on getting into SLRs. They open new doors in photography.

The main difference in the two cameras in question--and I have owned both--is the shutter speeds. If you like to regulate depth of field, those two extra speeds on the FM2 can be valuable. Also, it is fun to work with the 1/4000 speed and see how it "freezes" water, sports, etc.

The FM is definitely sturdier, and is a fine instrument in its own right. If your budget is tight, get the FM and spend the rest of your money on lenses. And forget about motor drives. Motor drives are at their most useful when coupled with autofocus. Later on, when you get an all-electronic Nikon you will have the motor drive built in--which seems to wear the camera less, anyway.

Hi Shigatsu-

From my shopping around, that is *not* a good price for an FM! It is probably a not bad price for an FM2. Check the listings in ebay, as well as the classifieds here. Alternatively, place a "WTB" ad - I did when looking for my FE2 (I also would have taken an FE), and got a load of emails with offers on those cameras for lower prices than this FM you are talking about.

Good luck!

I find that price a bit high for an FM. I paid $180 for a CLA'd FE with 50/1.4 and (off-brand) 28/2.8 plus a brand new (and very nice) carrying bag - but it took me weeks of eBaying to get such a price.

Of course, it depends on the condition. If it's a "like new" black body that was properly stored, it's a good price.

"eBaying" Is that the sound of an electronic hound?

:-)