FM2N Titanium vs Aluminum Shutter

Acere · Dec 8, 2022

So I have two FM2n's one with the serial # starting at 732xxxx(Titanium shutter) vs 804xxxx( Aluminum Shutter). It may be my imagination but the older one with the TS feel a bit different in my hands. The newer model feels a bit clunky and less refined. Which one would you keep and why? Is one more collectible or desirable than the other?

Huss · Dec 8, 2022

Many mechanical cameras get smoother with use as they wear in. Your older one with the Ti shutter most probably has more use on it.
Nikon changed to the later shutter as it was more reliable than the Ti honeycomb version, or they found a shutter that could handle the 1/4000 speed w/o needing the fancy and more expensive blades. One or both of those explanations are true…

I would keep the one that is in better shape.

Besk · Dec 9, 2022

I would experiment to see which one has a least camera shake at slower speeds.

Chan Tran · Dec 9, 2022

I agree with Huss on keep and use the one that is in better shape. However, as the OP mentioned the word "Collectible" I am not sure which one would fetch more money if the OP sell it.

Acere · Dec 9, 2022

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Huss said:
Many mechanical cameras get smoother with use as they wear in. Your older one with the Ti shutter most probably has more use on it.
Nikon changed to the later shutter as it was more reliable than the Ti honeycomb version, or they found a shutter that could handle the 1/4000 speed w/o needing the fancy and more expensive blades. One or both of those explanations are true…

I would keep the one that is in better shape.

I've read that the aluminum shutter in the newer FM2n is the same as in the N8008.

Chan Tran said:
I agree with Huss on keep and use the one that is in better shape. However, as the OP mentioned the word "Collectible" I am not sure which one would fetch more money if the OP sell it.

Using e-bay as a guide it looks like the newer models tend to fetch more money.

Mamiya_Repair · Dec 9, 2022

Acere said:
I've read that the aluminum shutter in the newer FM2n is the same as in the N8008.

The shutter in the FM2n is quite different than the N8008 shutter. The FM2n is a full mechanical shutter and the N8008 is electronically controlled. As for the titanium shutter blades, Nikon had some issues with the blades and made several changes to the style (not really obvious without removing the shutter) and finally changed to aluminum. About a year ago I did an Instagram post on some of these details that you can read if interested. A link is on my website.

Chan Tran · Dec 9, 2022

I don't know what kind of material the shutter of the N8008 is made of but newer camera like the F5 the shutter is made of carbon fiber and not metal.

gone · Dec 9, 2022

I'm sure the n8008 camera were made and designed differently. I've owned many of those, they're basically indestructible. They look dated w/ the Canonesque rounded plastic body, but underneath there's a metal frame, and they're a pro camera in every way w/ tons of features.

Acere · Dec 9, 2022

Chan Tran said:
I don't know what kind of material the shutter of the N8008 is made of but newer camera like the F5 the shutter is made of carbon fiber and not metal.

N8008 & newer FM2n were both Aluminum

FM2N Titanium vs Aluminum Shutter

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