nikon fm10 film slr

[mars c]

I'm looking for a classic looking film slr, I want it brand new and

affordable . I'm currently using a canon dslr and some sony point and shoot.

the reasons i want to buy a film slr are; #1 I want to have fun with my

friends, they all have digital cameras at gatherings ,I wanna be unique #2 I'm

curius with film cameras, I never had one before. #3 I sometimes want to print

poster sized picture but can't afford a 16mp dslr and lastly I want somethig

different for my collection of

cameras.

 

 

I dont want those fully automatic slr that looks just like a dslr,

Then I found the nikon FM10 at stores , I learned that its a current

production model, therefore thier stock must not be very

old.

 

Does anybody had an experience with the fm10? What are its

weakness? is it durable? by the way, is its top and bottom made of, metal or

plastic? Thanks in advance for your help.

[walterh]

For poster size prints I would go for a medium or 4x5 large format camera. As an extra bonus a large format camera looks more classic and would make you more cool and unique than a 35mm camera.

[tri-x1]

The FM10 isn't even built by Nikon and is a very entry level camera. For the price of a new FM 10 you probably could pick up a nice FM2 that has a much better build and more features.

[walterh]

Addendum:

 

The FM10 came out in 1995. A simple use of the search button (search for FM10) came up with 130+ entries. Give it a try or start here:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00GxXR

 

Of course its cool to have others do the search ^^

[h._p.]

The FM10 is built by Cosina for Nikon and is broadly similar in build and specification to the other Cosina designs. Reports suggest that it lacks the durability one would expect from a Nikon and, when I tried one out, I found it plasticky and not very pleasant to use. If you really want something that will stand out from the crowd and give you excellent film images, look for an old Nikkormat, say a FT2. They're tough, reliable, nice to use and, above all, dirt cheap at the moment. The only problem is, you may catch the manual Nikon bug and end up getting more of the things...

 

:-)))<div></div>

[oceanphysics]

For half the price of that plastic toy you can get any number of used manual-focus real Nikons. They're practically giving them away. My preference is the FE2 -- I paid $125 for mine, and while it doesn't look new, it's not half bad either.

 

I wouldn't count on 35mm film enlarging any better than a 6 or 8 MP camera, unless you're willing to put out serious money on a drum scan.

[ronbudway]

I was recently in a similar situation in that I wanted to get a Nikon film SLR. Like you, my first

thought was the fm10 because it would be new and it's inexpensive. After looking into it a bit

I discovered what others have already pointed out -- you can get a far, far nicer used Nikon

camera for the same price or less. I got a 20+ year old F3hp on ebay for $150. They were

selling that camera new as recently as 2002 or 2003 for $1300.

[yann1]

Nikon FM10 was my first camera, and even I use Yashica Bronica Retina Foca... The FM10 still remains my faithfull companion, after 6 years with me; it's indeed cheaply build but it takes any Nikon lens, and gives nice pictures. Easy to find a brand new one for a reasonable price.

But I have to agree with what others say: A nice second hand FM2 for example could be a better choice, very affordable.

My point is: Don't despise the FM10, it's certainly not the best, but with anikon lens it's as good as any other Nikon.

[jsbc]

I used a FE10, still do. There are reports of how crappy they are, but mine still works fine! One think I like is that they are relatively light. The late Galen Rowell is said to prefer them on hiking.

 

That said, a 2nd hand, well-maintained manual Nikon would probably be a better buy, esp the FM/FE series. The viewfinder (with aperture and shutter speed info) is particularly helpful.

[david_h._hartman]

<em>The late Galen Rowell is said to prefer them on

hiking. --JS BC<br>

</em><br>

Galen Rowells primary camera at the time of his death was

the Nikon F100. Ironically a photograph used in the original

Nikon F100 sales campaign was shot with a Nikon FM10. It should

be remembered that Galen used very light cameras at rather high

altitudes. A very light camera is not always an advantage, it can

even be a disadvantage but when rapid mobility is difficult due

to thin air Galen chose the most practical equipment and that

could include the Nikon FM10.<br>

<br>

Galen also used the Nikon N80 when he needed to travel very light.

However the quite robust Nikon FM2n is not particularly heavy

compared to the more plastic N80. The N80 weighs 566g with a 1

nylon strap and (2) CR123A lithium batteries; the FM2n weighs 571g

(only 5g more) with 1 nylon strap and one DL-1/3N lithium

battery.<br>

<br>

Ive used the FM2, FE2 and FM2n as a backup and also as a

light weight alternate to the Nikon F2As, F4s/F4 and F5. I

sometimes use the F100 as a light weight alternate to the F5 and

as a backup. I perfer having a choice as the lightest camera is

not always the best.<br>

<br>

I used to go backpacking often and 11,000 to 13,000 feet was not

unusual. I normally carried two Nikon F2 Phonemics and three or

four lenses. I never had altitude sickness but I do remember one

afternoon and on to sunset where was just too tied to bother with

photography. After returning to camp, eating and resting for

about an hour I was feeling good again. A pair of FM2(s) rather

than F2(s) might have made a difference. Eating a decent lunch

surely would have. I think we topped 13,000 feet on a half day

hike from camp.<br>

<br>

Anyway I can highly recommend the FE2, FM2n or even F3/F3HP in

clean used condition given todays prices.<br>

<br>

Best,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

[ptkeam]

Hello mars,

To add to above answers: Avoid the FM10 like the plague. It's a piece of plastic junk. YES look for a used FM2 or FM3. OR, as some above suggested, look for a medium format camera. The Mamiya c330 is excellent & affordable. 35mm film won't do much better than a d70 digital SLR

[therion256]

Search for a good-condition Nikon F or F2, possibly on eBay (where I got my Nikon F)...one of those will definitely give you that classic feel that you seek, and produce great pictures. You'll only have to part with $100-200 for one of these (much more for a "mint condition" one.)

 

I hear that the FM3A is quite nice, but sadly, Nikon discontinued this in favor of the FM10 which is inferior to the FM3A or the Nikon F.

[mars c]

Is'nt this a great site or what? :) I posted a question about something I have'nt had a clue about. Then came the help that I needed like from heaven. I'm still remotely considering the fm10, but i will take a second look on those used nikon, mamiya, canon, olympus and pentax manual slrs that I saw in stores but ignored. I decide I'm not buying from ebay for used cameras, I dont know what I'm gonna get. I'll just look around my city or somewhere else to find the gem that i want. Who knows, i'll find a leica, but thats very unlikely, just wishful thinking though. By the way thanks very much for all your help. photography is fun!

[rick_helmke]

Mars, take a look at the KEH web site, it is loaded with so much used gear it is mind boggling. Good stuff, goood prices and they stand behid what they sell.

 

Rick H.

[hique]

The Fm-10 is not classic looking at all. If you want a classic looking camera from Nikon I would get an Nikon F or F2. Even an F-3 would look cool :)

 

The Fm-10 is a kind of crappy camera. I would get an used Fm, Fm-2, F-3, FA, FE, FE-2 instead.

 

There are many options and they are all better than the Fm-10.

 

The only problem is to find one Brand New or in terrific shape.

 

Don't get the Fm-10.