Nikon FM2 Newbie - Lens Questions

Hi All,

 

I've just purchased my first Nikon FM-2 camera with databack, which came with a microNikkor 55mm 1:2.8 lens.

 

I'm an absolute beginner on photography, and unsure if the microNikkor 55mm 1:2.8 lens, will be a good everyday lens for general shooting. I'm looking to photograph some architecture, interiors and urban snapshots...

 

I've read that the 50mm 1.8 is pretty good for everyday shooting, should I invest or will the lens that I have do the trick?

 

Any other tips are welcome!

 

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome to a fantastic camera; the FM2 is an absolute joy to use, in my view.

 

As for the lens - it's hard to say. First of all, replacing a 55mm lens with a 50mm lens will not change much. For sure, I'd just get started with the 55mm lens you have - it's an excellent lens by reputation. So, before spending more money, get started with what you have.

 

Whether any 50 or 55 mm lens will be ideal for what you want to do - probably not. For interiors, people often want wider angles, for architecture it depends heavily on your way of working, but both wider and longer lenses can be very useful. For urban snapshots - well, personally, I think the 50mm length works well for that, but many prefer something a tad wider (28 or 35). So, in short: there is not one answer, because it depends a lot on your style and way of working, and preferences. You need to build some experience to know what works best.

 

Frankly, for learning all this and getting experience, film can be a bit prohibitive; one of the big advantages of digital is instant feedback, and no cost difference between making 36 or 360 photos. As much as I like my FM2, I am likewise glad I have a DSLR which makes experimenting and trying silly things easier (if I had to have paid for all those photos as rolls of film, I'd be pretty poor now). Likewise, getting started with a zoomlens has similar advantages.

Sure, generations have learnt on film, so it's not impossible. Most important first is to learn to expose correctly, and get a sense for composing compelling images. The combination of one of the best film bodies and a good sharp 55mm lens is a better start than many others have had, so for now, just load up some film and get out shooting.

Use the lens you have. It will work fine. As you get more experience you will figure out what other lens you may need.

The 55mm 2.8 is regularly reviewed as THE SHARPEST NIKON 50 EVER. You lose a stop or two of speed at 2.8. And it's bigger and heavier. But it's macro / micro. So there are some tradeoffs.

 

Many / most of the 55s focusing rings become stiff due to the drying of their original lubricant. I have two that are darned near frozen, and I have a self-imposed project to try to correct that with some disassembly, cleaning and re-lubing. If you have one that is loose so far, good for you!

 

If it's working, never sell that 55mm. You'll regret it.

 

Get a regular 50mm 1.8 also, and put a hood out in front of it. In my tests of the 50s (about 8), a hood that controls for ambient light from obtuse angles really sharpens things up.

 

OBTW - I have about 12 Nikon film camera bodies in my collection. I took the FM2n on my trip-of-a-lifetime to Mongolia because it is reputed to be among the most reliable film bodies ever produced. So, your body / lens combo is a total classic.

Hi Guys,

 

Thanks very much for your thoughts and advice. I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on!

 

The lens is still in the post so when it arrives I'll let you know if the lens is loose. Fingers crossed!

 

Any recommendation on Colour film? Heard I should try go for c41 process but does it matter if I'm an amateur and not developing my self (we#ll not yet!)!

 

Best,

Graeme

The Ai-S 55mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor is one of Nikon's best lenses, full stop. At any distance.

 

Yes, the focussing ring might be stiff if it hasn't been used in years, but it'll almost certainly loosen up if you slowly turn the ring a few times back and forth. The heat from your hand should soften the grease, and once softened it'll stay that way for a good long while.

 

Just check that the aperture iris stops down smartly by "flicking" the black aperture lever on the back of the lens with the aperture set to minimum - f/22. The blades should open and close almost instantly. If they're sticky or slow return the lens for a refund. Sticky blades are a fairly common fault and require an extensive and expensive strip down to fix.

 

Hopefully neither the focussing nor the aperture will have a problem. The 55mm f/2.8 is pretty reliable, but it doesn't hurt to check things out.

 

As for film; stick to Kodak or Fuji for colour - Ilford or Kodak for B&W. Don't waste money on other brands, and pay a decent price for processing. Local minilabs are usually cheap for a reason!

Any recommendation on Colour film? Heard I should try go for c41 process but does it matter if I'm an amateur and not developing my self

 

Stick with C41 process film, yes. As above, choose the known brands. The "bigger" choice is whether you want to spends the extra amount of money for the better films (which often have much nicer colours) like Kodak Portra or Fuji Pro 400NH, or stick with the cheaper but often a bit bland consumer films (Kodak ColorPlus 200, for example). The price difference is often pretty substantial. Frankly, to get started, I would get the cheap Kodak ColorPlus, or Fuji C200.

If you're interested in B&W, the film to get would be Ilford XP2, which is C41 film. All other B&W films require different processing, which most labs do not offer anymore, so until you develop yourself, those films are not practical.

 

E6 (slide film) is getting very expensive, and in many places, there are little labs offering development for it. So for now, probably better to avoid that though in time, it's sure worth having a go at it.

Hi guys, It's arrived!

 

All seems to good and easy with the focussing ring and the aperture lever springs back instantaneously.

 

There's sand in around the external of the body and the lens. I have a feeling that theres also sand in the aperature scale ring, as it grinds a little when I rotate.

Is there someway I can clean it?

 

Photos attached.

 

 

 

 

Oh man, sand is NOT good :eek:.

It is an abrasive that will cause damage. And you really do not want any INSIDE the body or in the focusing threads of the lens.

That you feel/hear it under the aperture ring is telling you that sand is inside the lens.

 

I would think about returning it or getting a price adjustment to cover or partially cover a CLA of the camera and lens.

And definitely send it in for a CLA, telling the tech specifically to check for and clean out any sand.

And no, I would not do this yourself, cuz depending on where the sand went into, this could be serious disassembly and cleaning.

And while it is apart, it should be properly cleaned and lubed and adjusted (CLA). Then you are set for another 20 years.

 

gud luk

If your 55mm is still useable use it as is and don't duplicate the focal length. The 50mm f1.8 AF is a great lens for under $80. Though not as well built as older AIs lenses. Any of the 28mm AI/AIs lenses are great as is the 105mm f2.5 AIs as a starter kit. The 28-105mm AF-D is a wonderful inexpensive lens, once stopped down its as good as the primes. For interiors your going to have to spend more...the 24/2, 28/2, and 35/2& 1.4 are all great.