Nikon FM2n Review

Nikon FM2n - A Desert Island Camera?

I have always been attracted to Nikon film cameras. There is a ruggedness to them and they have appealing classic design elements to boot. Especially the cameras from the FE and FM series from the late seventies and early eighties have had my attention as well as the iconic Nikon F3 which I had in the mid-eighties.

Perhaps this is no coincidence. These were the years that formed my photography journey and looking at the older cameras today, nostalgia kicks in and it gives me great pleasure to research and use these cameras again after more than three decades.

A Nikon FM2n 35mm SLR film camera, black, shown with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS lens. Nikon FM2n review — The Nikon FM2n shown with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS

Strangely enough, my affection for the older Nikon film cameras never rubbed off on my decision in regards to cameras later on where I found Canon to have better ergonomics. This trend started already with the Canon T90 which I picked over the Nikon 8008 and later when I picked a digital Canon D60 over the Nikon D100.

Buying a Nikon FM2n on eBay

I had scoured the local used market for a while but rarely did I find any Nikon FM2n listings and when I did they looked to be in less than desirable shape. I turned to eBay and viewed several listings before I found a near-mint copy in Japan with a very detailed description.

I paid $480.00 including shipping and taxes which is very close to the original price in the mid-eighties. This was a bit more than I had planned to spend but I have no concerns on this front as I am sure the FM2n will hold its value and probably even increase in value over time due to film photography gaining in popularity.

A Nikon FM2n, black, shown with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS. Nikon FM2n review. — The Nikon FM2n shown with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S

Nikon FM2n - History

The Nikon FM2 was manufactured from 1982-2002 and 1984 onwards the “n” for “new” was added to the official name along with the serial numbers on the back of the camera, although the front of the camera never changed and remained to show the FM2 logo.

The original Nikon FM2 has an X-Sync speed of 1/200s and for the Nikon FM2n, the X-Sync speed is 1/250s. Both cameras featured the first-ever shutter speed range of 1 to 1/4000th of a second and bulb and did so without the need for batteries. Impressive, even to this day.

A mountain pass and peaks outside Lillooet in BC, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon FM2n sample image black and white negative film, Kodak TMAX 100. Nikon FM2n review. — Lillooet, BC, Canada. Nikon FM2n, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E, Kodak TMAX 100

Nikon FM2n Specs

The Nikon FM2n was categorized as an advanced semi-professional SLR camera and is known for its reputation, reliability, and durability.

The body, 19 oz / 540 g, is constructed from copper-aluminum-silicon and the vertical metal shutter blades were fabricated of lightweight titanium in the original FM2, and in later FM2 models, shutter blades were made of aluminum.

You can work the FM2n without batteries which is pretty cool but in order for the light meter to work, you need two S76 or A76 batteries or one 1/3N battery.

The light meter is 60/40 center-weighted and the only visible indication comes from three red LEDs showing either overexposure ‘+’, underexposure ‘-’ or in the middle a circle indication of a suggested exposure.

If you want automatic film advance The Nikon MD-12 motor drive shoots at 3.2 frames per second.

A Nikon FM2 35mm SLR film camera shown with the 50mm f/1.4 AIS — The Nikon FM2n shown with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S

First Impressions of the Nikon FM2n

I was quite astounded when I received the Nikon FM2n from Japan. It was mint as promised and everything worked as it should. It is a great-looking camera which of course helps lighten your mood when you take it out for a spin.

It has a hefty feel without being bulky or too heavy to carry around. The build quality is top-notch. I am having a hard time finding anything to be critical about but of course, there is one thing.

To take photos with the Nikon FM2n, you have to move the film advance lever from its flush position with the camera to unlock it.

Being a left-eye shooter it takes a bit of getting used to when putting your eye up to the viewfinder as the film advance lever sticks out. On the other hand, you can use the film advance lever as a thumb rest giving you a steadier grip on the camera.

Kayakers are out at False Creek for a spring training session under a dark cloud cover. Black and white sample image from a Nikon FM2n and Kodak TMAX 100 film — False Creek, Vancouver, Canada. Nikon FM2n, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E, Kodak TMAX 100

Handling the Nikon FM2n

I started out using the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E lens on the Nikon FM2n. This lens renders quite well and I have enjoyed the photos from it but it is on the small end of the scale for what I am comfortable with. I found a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S locally, for $120.00, and I much prefer the size and feel of this lens.

The focus ring is wider and it is easier to change the aperture on the f/1.4 AI-S version. The f/1.4 lens adds an insignificant amount of weight but overall gives a better lens/camera balance and grip.

Nikon FM2n in Action

You have to have a different mindset when shooting with the Nikon FM2n. Everything is fully manual, exposure, focusing, and winding your film (unless you get the MD-12 motor drive). It can, however, be a wonderful and tactile experience. You are in the driver’s seat and it is all up to you.

I normally shoot in aperture priority mode and make manual adjustments via an exposure compensation dial. Shooting manually I take the following approach with the Nikon FM2n.

First I take into account what ISO film I am using. Then I dial my exposure in by first picking an appropriate shutter speed for what I am shooting. For street photography, this is often 1/250 of a second.

A man walks along West Cordova Street in Vancouver by an Nikon deals sign. Sample image from a Nikon FM2n on Ilford Delta 100 black and white negative film — Nikon Deals, Downtown Vancouver, Nikon FM2n, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS, Ilford Delta 100

Then I finally use the aperture ring to fine-tune my exposure depending on the scene. Remember, you do have a light meter to guide you along the way.

You just have to decide if you want an over or underexposure or perhaps use the combination of shutter speed and aperture suggested by the 60/40 center-weighted light meter.

It is a back-to-basics approach and I do not mind. In ways, it reminds me of when you put a vinyl LP on your record player. First, you dust off the LP, then move the needed to the LP, and then you hear the crackling sound for a second or two before the music fills the room.

I will admit that once in a while I do miss the aperture priority mode that I had in my Nikon FE2 but then again I tell myself it is healthy to slow down and think for a second.

A woman is crossing The Cambie Bridge in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sample photo from a Nikon FM2n on Ilford Delta 100 black and white film. Nikon FM2n review. — Cambie Bridge, Vancouver, Nikon FM2n, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS, Ilford Delta 100

Nikon FM2n Conclusion

The term “desert island camera” is just a catchphrase and who wants to be stuck on an island running out of film, having no way to develop it, no access to Instagram, or any way of sharing your stunning island scenes with the world? :)

But let’s play the game for a second. Pretend you had an endless storage of film and a small lab next to your cozy hut where the fire always kept you warm.

With the Nikon FM2n, you could keep shooting without batteries till you either run out of food or a ship passes by to rescue you. As you can tell I have watched “Cast Away” too many times.

A couple walks underneath the Burrard Bridge in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon FM2n on Ilford Delta 100 black and white negative film — Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Nikon FM2n, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS, Ilford Delta 100

The feeling of ruggedness in the Nikon FM2n, however, is very real and according to specs, you can operate it in extreme conditions from −40 °C to +50 °C. Personally, these specs are way overkill for what I would ever need and yet they are fun facts to keep in the back of your mind.

Nikon FM2n - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. The negatives in this post were copied using a Fujifilm X-Pro2, an AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, and Skier Sunray Copybox 3. RAW files were imported to Lightroom and I used the Negative Lab Pro plugin to convert the files.

Please click to view larger images.