All manual, intuitive operation, fast shutter speed.

Feels a bit flimsy compared to older Nikkormats. Needs to be a little heavier to pound nails properly.

I like the FM2n since it is the only high quality all manual SLR out there, but it is not exactly perfect. After the camera hasn't been used for a while, I have some trouble getting the shutter to trip for the first time. Everything is fine after that. Could use a needle lightmeter like the newfangled automatic F3A or older Nikkormats. But for straightforward photography there really is no other choice.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkormat FTn, FT2

- Precise tool - resistant - not electronic dependable - compatible with most Nikon lenses

- Focusing screen not too bright (but not bad !) - Somebody help me find any !

One word: fantastic. This piece of equipment is a remarkable tool. Light, accurate, intuitive and not the least discret. The metering system is accurate, the body proof to any treatments (...). I have done many trips in remote contries with unfriendly conditions (humid, hot, very cold, sandy etc..) for photography purposes. Never the FM2 let me down once..whereas my F100 had some signs of home sickness ! In my last trip, I went to photograph some wales in the wild and several photograph using AF pro cameras experienced serious trouble to focus on the animal because of the hight reflection of the shinny water. I has a 300mm F4 on my FM2...I never missed a shot because of equipement's feature limitation ! ...I could go on and on

Customer Service

Never contacted

Similar Products Used:

F100 K1000 Pentax 67 II

Build quality, beauty, simplicity, photographer involvement.

split screen focusing can be very difficult and try your patience. don't buy it if you wear glasses.

his thing is built like a tank! One of the most beautiful camera body there is. This is my first manual camera and I am having so much fun with this. It's like driving an automatic vs. manual transmission. No comparison! Manual is just so much more fun and involving. You have a real connection to the camera. Although setting up a picture can take quite a bit longer than point and shoot, but well worth the effort!

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

nikon n50

Tough, built like a tank. Classic. Meter is accurate, has multiple exposure+self timer, with the combination of the cheap 36-72mm E series lens I get the best picture I've ever have. Black Finished, I like it. It even attracted a camera dealer who wants to find a used FM2n but I won't sell it.

The viewfinder is quite dark, quite heavy, some of the black paint at its body has peeled off BUT I don't care about it as long as it working perfectly.

I bought a used FM2n at a used outlet last month. I don't give high expectations on this camera because it is in used conditions and because I had bad experience with a used Pentax K1000 (never trust 100% on reviews). But amazingly my FM2n works fine just like as it was new. Built like a tank this camera really satisfy me. All the photos taken with this camera came out perfectly. It is also very tough externally & mechanically. I once use a flash and I accidently set the shutter speed at 500/sec. (DONT'T TRY THIS ON YOUR CAMERA!)but it still functioning perfectly. I hope this camera will last longer, (perhaps 10++years)for this is maybe my only slr camera I will use.

Customer Service

Never needed yet (I hope)

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K1000, It su*** + useless to me. D*** those unscrupulous camera dealer who sold me that useless K1000!

Light, reliable, 250th sync fantastic for wedding work. Never ever failed, even in Scottish mountains hung around my neck in winter.

Body a little slim for my hands, so I use a GMP grip (metal) - I had to order it from the USA, however, this improves the already good handling. MD12 far too noisy & no rewind option.

I can truly say this is a fantastic camera, it has never failed me, I use it without batteries & a sekonic lightmeter for weddings & personal use. It is small, relatively quiet & it is my desert island camera, with a 35mm f1.4 nikkor lens. I also have an F3HP, which I am having prblems with - it shorts out in drizzle, locks up when the battery fails & has let me down when I least expect it.

Customer Service

I stuck my finger through the shutter once, but that wasnt the cameras fault. Got it repaired through Nikon Pro Services in the UK. No problems since.

Similar Products Used:

F3HP

rugged as a rock! No wonder it is the favorite backup of most pros who shoot with Nikon equipment!

For what it is.....none!

Over the years I have owned nine Nikon SLR bodies. The FM2n is definately the most dependable of all. All metal construction, and all mechanical shutter has been a life saver when batteries in this camera or my other cameras die in extreme cold. This camera is a joy to shoot landscapes with. Forces the photog to slow down and think carefully about the picture before taking it.

Customer Service

never needed. Thanks Nikon!

Similar Products Used:

F2, FE two of them, N6006, N70, N90s, F100

A good meter that just refuses to die. An extremely durable body. Its bare bones design makes for light, comfortable day to day shooting (which is why I simply rent a pro auto camera when I need one).

No spot meter!!! Its shutter will turn heads at a motocross race!

I bought a used black model from a rinky-dink shop in West Texas two years ago for a hundred bucks. It was missing its flash hotshoe, had a rather loose shutter dial, and was covered in dust. I didn''t care about the hotshoe as I already had an FE2 and N90s. Beneath the brown layer of sod was a 9+ body condition. I wiped it off and it was in great shape, almost unnoticable wear. Have since sold both the FE2 and N90s because of financial set backs, I kept the FM2 since it was worth next to nothing without the hotshoe and loose shutter dial. I''ve taken at least fifty rolls with it since. You''d never see the difference in photos with this camera against the others before it...except for flash work which I rarely use. It never dies. It always advances the film, it always rewinds the film, and despite loose shutter dial, delivers accurate exposures. Yes, when I do crucial photo work, and need flash or spot meter, I go rent an N90s ($15 for weekend) or F100 ($20 for weekend) -- an approach I strongly suggest before you start buying every camera body under the sun. When I test the meter on those other cameras with the FM2, the FM2 is still spot on accurate. It is the best primary or backup camera out there for serious full manual photography work. Even though I prefer the FE2 for its electronic functions and exposure lock, the FM2 has its lighted LED exposure readings in the viewfinder which is a big asset for night work which is a big part of my photography. I guess the point to it all is this: sometimes reliability is ALL that matters. Your own talent, photographic knowledge, a good lens, and the right film, will do the rest. Manual cameras like the FM2 remind me why I love photography so much; I feel like I''m creating art all my own. Like the old Timex commercial says: "It takes a licking -- but keeps on ticking!"

Customer Service

No, but it could use it.

Similar Products Used:

Since 1976? -- You name it.

Almost can''t break. meter is acurate.

No flash ttl-meter.

Great, well built manual focus cam. The photographer is in control. feels good to hold.,not too big. does''nt look '' flashy '' enough for robbery....

Customer Service

not needed yet.

Similar Products Used:

F100,hexar,ricoh gr1s,vintage stuff...

Extremely dependable, accurate mechanical shutter, rugged, appropriate size, simple to use, good all-around metering once you know its limitations, value for the price.

No major weaknesses except what the photographer him/herself brings to it.

Long ago I began with a Nikkormat, then went to the FM, and for 10 years now have had the FM2N (black body) with a variety of both MF and AF lens. For what it is (manual, all-mechanical), it is excellent. Period. If one wants to rely on automation, go eleswhere. If one relies on--and relishes--the basics of photography, i.e. apertures, shutter speeds and composition, get it.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

OM-1, OM-2SP (though not all-mechanical)

Very rugged, ultra-reliable Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 sec Fastest flash sync speed 1/250 DOF preview button, well placed Multiple exposures possible Interchangeable focusing screens Mirror lock-up, but coupled with self-timer Self-timer periods variable between 4 and 10 secs Soft winding of film (but not as soft as with the F3) PC flash socket in addition to ISO hotshoe Automatic switch-off of meter after 16 sec Lots of accessories

No TTL flash capability No spot metering (only 60/40 center-weighted) Only 93% viewfinder view Loud mirror noise Shutter can easily be damaged when touched on film change Viewfinder not very bright Winding lever stands off when meter is activated Mounting on a tripod can be a problem with some of Nikon''s lenses

Mechanical SLR for people who prefer to make their camera do what they think, and not the other way round. When something is wrong with the pics, it''s the photog''s fault. The battery lasts for years, since only the light meter is battery-powered. The camera is not too heavy when considering it is fully metal-built. Shortcoming: LED metering display is given only in +, +0, 0, -0, -, where "+0" is a half fstop overexposure, and "+" one or more fstop(s). Exposure compensation is only possible via film speed dial. The camera is not very apt for sports & action photography (both focusing and exposure setting has to be done manually). I recommend to avoid the flash SB-16B from Nikon (very bad ergonomics); better use third-party flashes, such as the Metz 32 MZ-2.

Customer Service

Not needed for the camera in 8 years of use. Needed for a lens; around 5 repairshops (contractors) in Germany (expensive).

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F3HP, Rolleiflex 3.5, Rollei 35 SE, Leica Mini Zoom, Minolta Riva Zoom 135 EX (P&S)