Nikon FM2
|
| titanium version |
The Nikon FM2 is an almost fully-manual, semi-professional interchangeable lens 35mm SLR camera manufactured by Nikon from 1983 through to 2001. The FM2 is known for its (at the time) advanced shutter design. The FM2 went through a number of variations before being discontinued:
- The FM2, manufactured through to 1984
- The FM2n, manufactured from 1989 and on.
The primary difference between the two variants was an increase in the Xsync time (from 1/200th to 1/250th). Early shutters were made from Titanium, however, from 1989 and onwards, for the FM2n, manufacturing technology had advanced sufficiently to allow for aluminum to be used for the shutter curtain.
The FM2's shutter was completely mechanical and was capable of speeds ranging from 1s through to 1/4000th. This was seemingly unheard of at the time it was made. As well, the camera had an extremely high level of manufacturing quality associated with it; this could be felt in the extremely smooth mechanical functionality of the camera, such as the film advance lever.
Durability
The Nikon FM2 is known well for its durability. In a time where many manufacturers were switching to electronic mechanisms, most devices on the FM2 were built entirely mechanically. Interestingly enough, many FM2s remain in service to this day, while many other cameras from that time-frame are no-longer functional. Many parts were designed to be self-lubricating, as such very little, if any, maintenance is required of the owner (other than maintenance one would expect with an SLR of course).
The FM2 is not a small camera. In fact, it is very hefty by many standards. However, what you pay for in size you gain in durability. The basic FM2 is extremely resistant to damage, though a model was made by Nikon with a titanium body, the FM2/t.
The FM2 is also serviceable in a wide variety of temperatures -- ranging from −40 °C to +50 °C. The Canadian Government continues to use Nikon FM2 cameras in the Arctic because of this.
Lenses
The FM2 was built to be compatible with the range of Nikon F bayonet mount series lenses, introduced in 1959. The FM2 supported the Automatic Indexing (AI) feature that was introduced in 1977. Unfortunately, lenses introduced since 2000 (the G series) will fit on the camera, however, since these lenses do not have aperture rings, they are virtually unusable. As well, the lenses designed specifically for digital cameras, the DX type, will mount, but the image circle is smaller, thus inadequate for usage with the FM2. Also of importance, the IX Nikkor lenses should not be mounted in the FM2 as they have elements that go further back into the camera body than space is available in the FM2, and thus will cause damage.
Features
For its time, the FM2 had many interesting features. For example, the light meter was made using silicon photodiodes, automatic flash control (for certain models), and, the feature for which the FM2 was best known, a completely mechanical shutter control.
Light Meter
The FM2 uses two photodiodes for the light meter. The measured exposure level is indicated to the user with a simple vertical +/o/- indicator (3 LEDs) on the right-hand side of the viewfinder. The appropriate LED(s) will light indicating the measured exposure level. The Light Meter itself is a 60/40 counterweighted meter.
To activate the light meter, simply release the film advance and depress the shutter release slightly.
The light meter in the FM2 requires two S76 or A76 batteries, or one 1/3N battery to function.
Mechanical Shutter
The shutter in the FM2, as noted before, is completely mechanical. The shutter was a bit of a design problem on its own. Allegedly Nikon had put together a team of top-notch engineers, designers and technicians to try to design their next generation shutter. At a time where 1/1000th was considered a fast shutter speed, Nikon sought to push the boundaries. After several prototypes a shutter capable of 1/4000th of a second speed was developed and demonstrated.
Initially the shutters were made of honeycombed titanium (where the honeycomb pattern was intended to improve durability of the shutter curtain). Later metallurgy improved to a level such that Aluminum could be used.
Cost
When introduced in 1983, the Nikon FM2 retailed for approximately $364, with no lens. In 1988 the same camera could be purchased for $525. By 1995 the price reached its highest, $745, where it remained until the model was retired in 2001.
Links
