Nikon FM2 alternatives

[john_doe112]

<p>Which cameras, also from other manufacturers, are similar than my FM2? The thing that's a bit unsettling is the film advance crank, cause I have to focus with my left eye and it's lying on my right eye all the time.</p>

[todd peach seattle, washi]

<p>Get the MD-12, problem solved. (I had the same problem)</p>

[bj_larsson]

<p>I focus with my left. But when I shoot film, it's generally a slower process. :)</p>

<p>As far as other cameras, I've always liked the idea of owning:<br>

A russian rangefinder (to experience one < $50 of fleabay)<br>

Olympus OM1 (just for the size)<br>

K1000 (seems to have a real following)</p>

<p>I did pick up a Canonet QL17 (heresy to mention a Canon product here? ;) ) and quite like the quiet and smoothness of a rangefinder.</p>

[Sanford]

<p>I'm left eyed also and used a variety of FM's & FE's etc so I must have adapted somehow. There is always Leica with the viewfinder all the way to the left side.</p>

[tony_defilippo1]

<p>I'll second the Canonet QL1.7, sheer simplicity. Nice compact package. Not sure if it addresses your left eye issue.</p>

 

[photo5]

<p>I shot with an FM2 for years and when I got the F3HP I felt like this was what I really wanted. I love the F3 and as an eyeglass wearer, the HP finder is what I need to see the whole frame at one time.</p>

[john_morris4]

<p>A Nikon FG will let you take a picture with the film advance lever pushed in. You still need to move the camera away from your face when you wind the film (unless you get the cute little winder for the FG), but at least then you can push the lever back in.</p>

[luis_g]

<p>I always disliked that wind lever out business, and the MD-12 isn't such a perfect solution because it transforms the FM-2n into a much heavier camera.</p>

[john_doe112]

<p>Pentax K1000 hasn't a split-frame image mattescreen from what I read, is this true? Also: Would the winder issue be different from the Nikon?</p>

[Richard Williams]

<p>Annoying, isn't it? A shame they didn't fix this in the FM3a. The F3 design is much better, with a separate power switch, so no need to pull out the lever. An F3 is pretty cheap nowadays, and pretty small compared to later Nikon flagship cameras.</p>

[photo5]

<p>To me the F3 is the perfect professional Nikon body. F4, never liked it. F5 don't need it. F6 don't want it. F2 too heavy and needs servicing more than F3. Original F, have one of those (belonged to my late father) but would rather shoot with F3. The F3 is the closest camera Nikon ever made to a Leica. I love it.</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Ditto the F3 as an alternative to the FM2, if you prefer to stick with Nikon. A couple other comparable SLRs I've used extensively that are comparable include the Olympus OM-1 and Canon FTb or FTbn.</p>

<p>But I haven't found the FM2N lever to be a problem, even tho' I'm a left-eye shooter too. I just tilt my head slightly away.</p>

[john_doe112]

<p>Thanks. Will put the F3 HP on my list (don't want to buy into new lenses anyway). Definitely liked what I saw from the body.</p>

[carsten_wolff]

<p>Weird, I've had an FM series camera (all of them: FM, FM2, FE, FE2, FM3a) since 1986 and I am a "left-eyed shooter" as well. I never even seen the lever being a problem until you mentioned it. I did have an MD-12 for a while, for underwater use and steadiness with long lenses. I guess we're all different. :) I never had an F3, just an F4 (again, for UW use) but share most commentator's sentiments.</p>