Nikon FM2

Overview

Nikon FM2

Japan

The FM2 was the camera that taught me what a CLA actually does. I bought one in rough shape -- sticky shutter, slow speeds, dim finder -- and worked through it systematically. When I was done, it was a different camera. That experience is what turned a hobby into something more serious.

The FM2 has a titanium honeycomb shutter that tops out at 1/4000. That's fast enough for any film stock in any Florida light. The flash sync is 1/250, which is useful for fill flash in bright sun.

It's a smaller, lighter camera than the F2. The finder is not interchangeable, but it's bright and clear. The meter is center-weighted and accurate. I use this camera when I want something compact and mechanical.

History

The FM2 was introduced in 1982 as an update to the FM. The main change was the shutter: a titanium honeycomb design that allowed a top speed of 1/4000 and a flash sync of 1/250. Both were class-leading at the time.

Nikon updated the FM2 in 1989 with a revised shutter (the FM2n) that improved reliability. The FM2n is the version most commonly found today. Both are excellent cameras.

The FM2 remained in production until 2001, making it one of the longest-running mechanical SLRs ever made. Nikon sold it to photographers who wanted a mechanical backup to their autofocus cameras and to students who wanted a serious manual camera.

Worth owning?

The FM2 is the best mechanical Nikon SLR for most purposes. It's smaller and lighter than the F2, the shutter is faster, and the flash sync is better. The only thing you lose is the interchangeable finder system.

It's also one of the most reliable cameras I've worked on. The titanium shutter is durable. The meter is accurate. The build quality is excellent.

Prices are higher than they should be because the FM2 has become fashionable. Expect to pay $200 to $500 for a clean example. Still worth it.

CLA notes

The FM2 CLA is similar to the F2 but simpler -- no interchangeable finder to deal with. The shutter blades are cleaned with naphtha. The slow-speed governor is cleaned and re-lubricated.

The mirror damper is always replaced. I use 1mm self-adhesive foam. The original material has almost certainly turned to sticky residue on any FM2 that hasn't been serviced recently.

After a CLA, I verify shutter speeds and meter accuracy. The FM2 is a reliable camera once serviced and doesn't need frequent attention.