Nikon FM2

A brief outline of the Nikon FM2 manual focus SLR film camera

This page is dedicated to the Nikon FM2. The original Nikon FM of 1977 had been a great commercial success highly valued for it's reliability and performance but technology had moved on in five years and Nikon decided they could make the camera even better so introduced an updated version, the Nikon FM2.

The new camera had many significant improvements, the GaP photodiode sensor was replaced with a SPD (Silicon Photo diode) which had a faster response and greater range , the shutter design was improved allowing the maximum shutter speed to be raised from 1/1000 sec to 1/4000, the maximum flash sync speed was increased from 1/125 to 1/200 of a second, the focusing screen was made brighter allowing easer focusing in low light situations. As the X200 flash synchronisation speed was not one of the standard/normal speeds it had to have a separate entry on the control dial after the other speeds.

The only negative point was the loss of the FM's retractable Meter Coupling Lever.

After one year of production the shutter design was changed to allow a flash synchronisation speed of 1/250 sec and the X200 was removed from the shutter speed dial, the camera name remained Nikon FM2 but a "N" was added in front of the serial number to identify the camera as a Nikon FM2n, it was necessary as spare parts and maintenance procedures were different for the old and the new versions of the camera. There is little difference between the cameras but most photographers prefer to have the 1/250 sec sync speed even if they don't use it.

X200 only on the Nikon FM2 camera

Basic specifications of the Nikon FM2 MF SLR Camera
Production period (later availability via stock)	1982 to 1983
Lens meter coupling type	AI (Automatic maximum aperture Indexing)
Aperture coupling range	N/A
ASA film speed range	ISO 12 to 6400
EV range at ASA 100	EV 1 to 18
Meter sensor type if applicable	TTL centre weighed SPD (Silicon Photo diode)
Shutter type and curtain material	Vertical Titanium focal-plane mechanical
Shutter speed range	1 to 1/4000 second + Bulb
Auto exposure modes available	Manual only
Flash exposure type and sync speed	Electronic flash hot shoe 1/200 second
Interchangeable focusing screens	K2 split-image microprism - B2 matte - E2 grid
Interchangeable viewfinder heads	No
Interchangeable backs	MF-12 or MF-16 date/time data-back
Film advance method	Single stroke lever
Motor drive or Auto winder availability	MD-11 or MD-12 (3.2 fps) motor-drive
Film rewind method	Manual folding crank
Self Timer	Yes - 10 seconds
Battery type and number required	Two S76 1.5v silver oxide batteries
Body weight without lens attached	540g

Nikon
FM2

Reviews on Nikkor Lenses for digtlal and 35mm film professional cameras - Nikon FM2 camera - Nikon Photography - Nikon Camera - Nikon Cameras - Nikon FM2 Camera Reviews - Review - Nikon Rumors - Photography Tutorials - SLR Camera - brands - 35mm - Digital - Nikkor Lenses - Nikon FM2 Camera - Portrait Photography - Nikon Photography Tips - Nikon Cameras Reviews - Nikon Lens Reviews - Nikon D5100 Reviews - Nikon D90 Reviews - Nikon D300 Reviews - nikon 1 Reviews - Nikon FM2 Camera Reviews - Nikon D700 Reviews

Photographic Hardware
Cookie Policy

Photographic Hardware
Privacy Statement