Nikon FM2

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I was scrolling through  an Instagram account last year [@michovasfilm] and absolutely fell in love with the quality of her photos. I saw it mentioned somewhere that she used a Nikon FM2 for some of them so I researched it and finally, a high-quality camera that revived my interest in film photography. The few I saw for sale in Australia were way too expensive though; thankfully my parents are lovely and surprised me with one for my Birthday! It's a Nikon FM2N but from what I've read, there's not too much difference between the two models.


Camera Background

Nikon is a highly regarded brand, for good reason. Their cameras are usually quite durable and beautifully made. The Nikon FM2 & N were made in the early 80's, until the early 2000's. These cameras in particular, are well known for their durability, plus the fact that they can withstand some fairly extreme temperatures which is why they're still used by researchers in Antarctica. Astoundingly, Nikon made an even more durable version, the Nikon FM2/T, which was made from Titanium. 

Review

This is easily my favourite camera, I love it. The Nikon FM2N is very sturdy, it's not a particularly light camera. It's all very straightforward with this camera which is always a bonus. Seriously, if you have even just basic knowledge of how shooting film works, you will still manage to get a fairly lovely photo from this camera. The shutter feels good, it sounds good, very thankful that it 'locks into place' when not in use. 

At the moment, the lens I'm using is a Nikkor 35-70mm, plus a Morris 52mm UV lens addition. I don't mind this lens but I just don't really feel like I'm doing the Nikon justice by using it. I'm definitely on the hunt for a 50mm with lower aperture capabilities. 

 There is a battery-operated light meter which is very useful and easy to use. I usually buy a pack of Energizer A76/LR44 1.5V batteries and just stack two into the battery compartment. 

 I keep getting caught out with the double exposure. It's simple enough to use, I just seem to always leave the little slider in the multi-exposure position and have accidentally managed to get a quadruple exposure a few times!

 All in all though, I love this camera and hope to keep using it for many years to come.


L-R: Hahndorf, Art Gallery of SA, Cute plant in Hahndorf. Film: Kodak Ultramax ISO 400.

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