Changing the camera back on Nikon FM2

<p>I have a Nikon FM2N which I bought used off eBay in practically mint condition. It probably was used in some type of professional capacity, because it came with an MF-12 Data back. The Data back is supposed to print the date time and I think the ISO and aperture information on the film when you take a picture. The Data back can only work with a special syncord that plugs into the PC terminal. Unfortunately my camera came without one, so I can't get the back to work. Since the MF-12 back is very rare and now discontinued, attempts to find the syncord on eBay have been unsuccessful.<br>

So I was thinking, since the back doesn't work and all it does is add bulk to the camera, why not replace it with a regular back. I noticed a couple of places on eBay that sell brand new backs for the FM2N for about $50. The only problem is that they do not come with any instructions. Has anybody tried changing the back in one of these cameras themselves ? Sending the camera out to a repair shop would probably cost me more than what I paid for it, or maybe I should just leave well enough alone ? </p>

<p>Instructions are here.</p>

<p>http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/mf12/mf12a.htm</p>

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<p><em>Has <strong>anybody</strong> tried changing the back in one of these cameras themselves ?</em></p>

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<p>Tens of Thousands I'm sure. As you can see by Bob's link, it is dead simple. :)</p>

<p>Almost all modern (post 1978) Nikon film bodies, including the entire FE/FM/FA series, use the same simple spring loaded hinge pin to release the back from the body. There are a few (FG-20 comes to mind) that require removing the baseplate.</p>

<p>It is also possible to add a non-proprietary sync cable to the MF-12. But it's quite a bit more challenging than the above swap out, and involves opening up the MF-12 and soldering a couple of very tiny wires. I have one that has been "customized" in that fashion.</p>

<p>The MF-12 is a simple date back. Time or date imprinting or sequence numbering only, no exposure data.</p>

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<p><em>I noticed a couple of places on eBay that sell brand new backs for the FM2N for about $50.</em></p>

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<p>The back does not need to be specific to the FM2. Any of the backs from the FM, FE, FE2, FA or FM3a will also fit the FM2. The earlier FM/FE backs use painted brass for the film box end memo holder, while the FE2 and FM2 backs use plastic for the memo holder. The FM3a back will give you a film cassette ID window.</p>

<p>Just some other options to consider.</p>

<p>Thanks Bob.<br>

Actually, when I bought the camera, B&H was still selling the syncord. It was also sold widely on eBay. That's why I procastinated so long, but about 3 years ago it suddenly dissapeared. Mike I was thinking about making one myself, just don't have the tools.</p>

<p>Hi Harry, check out the KEH as is section for a cheap donor body...Well under 20 bucks, chrome FE's that are untested....I have done this 4 times and have 3 FE's and 1 FM all of them working....<br>

Have fun!<br>

Mark</p>