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What are the pros and cons of the Nikon FM2?
I was looking through my house’s old things, and I found a Nikon FM2 (the newer version, FM2n)
It’s such a coincidence because I was thinking of trying out film instead of digital for once.
I’m new to film photography, what are the good and bad things about the Nikon FM2? Is it a good camera in general?
The FM2 is indeed a good camera. However; one of the really important lessons about 35mm cameras in general is that your skills and choice of lens have a greater impact on image quality than your choice of camera. You also have to make a proper choice on film. There are several important variables to consider there but one important thing to note is that film cameras don’t allow you to change ISO from one frame to the next.
ISO or film “speed” is decided by the film itself and you are generally stuck with whatever choice you make for 24-36 exposures. For general photography, stick with ISO 400 if you can find it. ISO 100 or ISO 200 are great outdoors but indoor shooting might require ISO 800 or ISO 1000.
The other important thing to note is this camera is a fully manual camera. That means moving the film advance lever for every shot and it also means manual focus and manual exposure. And metering has only one mode, center-weighted for the middle 40% of the frame. I was given an FM2 is a teen but really only played around with it until I got serious about photography in 2006. I spent a year shooting that camera and what I can tell you is that if you master using the FM2, you can use any DSLR. Not only will you be able to use any DSLR, you’ll have a clear idea of what you want in a DSLR.
While I am a Canon shooter today using a 7D and 5D Mark II, I still have my FM2. Every now and then I pull it out because I still enjoy shooting it. It’s much smaller and lighter than either of my current DSLRs. I’m also convinced that the fact I have to take more time to set up each shot with it and can’t depend on the ability to look at the results on a rear LCD panel make me a better photographer. I also like the fact that lens swaps aren’t nearly as big a headache because I’m not worried about dust getting onto the sensor.
Unboxing Nikon FM2
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