Nikon F2 - Pre-AI or AI lenses? Also CLA question.

[Twotone]

As I stated earlier, the FM series is designed to work reliably over its entire lifetime with zero service!

Apologies George, I somehow managed to miss your comment completely! Thank you for your input, really useful to know! Thanks

 

[Twotone]

As I stated earlier, the FM series is designed to work reliably over its entire lifetime with zero service!

Apologies George, I somehow managed to miss your comment completely! Thank you for your input, really useful to know! Thanks

The FM's were used by professionals, and given they can take a motor the mechanism is built to withstand that. But if you are unlucky they can have common problems like the mirror sticking up and locking the shutter release, although this is usually a pretty easy DIY fix. You're probably going to find it as reliable as any other Nikon although they don't take knocks like an F or an F2. It's worth mentioning that if you do searches for specific camera faults you'll only get results for people who've had a problem, the tens of thousands of people who've never had a fault remain quiet.

Thanks! Are there any particular weak parts, e.g. shutter etc?

 

[Alan9940]

When was the last time you shot a roll of slide film with it?

Never. I shoot mostly B&W with the very rare roll of color neg.

 

[GregY]

Thanks for raising this point around FM2n, I friend also suggested this to me when I spoke with him this morning.

At the risk of starting a whole other discussion point, are there any downsides in terms of build quality, reliability, parts availability of an FM2n Vs F2?

Rightly or wrongly I feel as though the F2 will go on forever with just routine servicing, whereas I'm unsure if the FM2n is the same or if I'm correct at all about the F2.

Putting them side by side, I don't need prism interchangeability, however the easy of switching out faulty parts on the F2 is definitely a benefit e.g prism desilvers or meter goes and I want a working meter.

I would rather a lighter camera out of the two, so I know the FM2n sounds like the better option, but I am looking for absolute reliability, and a camera that will see out the next 50+ years of my life (ever the optimist!).

Thanks!

Both the F/F2 and FM series have superb build quality and reliability. It's worth mentioning that the F/F2 viewfinder show 100% of what's on the film, while the FM finder shows 93%.
Now, on the subject of longevity. I'd be inclined to buy the non-metered F or F2.... In the long run if the meter on the FM dies it will be cheaper just to buy another body than to pay to have it repaired. But it really depends on which camera you feel handles better for you.

 

[Paul Howell]

The Girl with Green Eyes taken by Steve McCurry was shot with a FM. Many PJ used the FM as a second body, then as primary body due to light weight. It may not have the build quality of a F2 or 3, on the other hand unless you are using a camera daily, what level of build do you need.

 

[GregY]

The Girl with Green Eyes taken by Steve McCurry was shot with a FM. Many PJ used the FM as a second body, then as primary body due to light weight. It may not have the build quality of a F2 or 3, on the other hand unless you are using a camera daily, what level of build do you need.

Absolutely true, but at some point the OP needs to decide which characteristics are most important to him. Either will do the job...but at some point personal preference kicks in.

 

[250swb]

Thanks! Are there any particular weak parts, e.g. shutter etc?

Here is a review of the FM2 by camera repairer Richard Haws, he should know what he's talking about regarding faults, and he follows it with a basic strip down guide. I didn't know until I read the article that the Soviets thought the FM2 was reliable enough to send into space, but whether used by a human or a monkey he didn't say.

Repair: Nikon FM2n

Hello, everybody! We bought some pearl shakes from a shack this afternoon because the little one likes it a lot. This tapioca and tea drink originated from Taiwan but you can see them everywhere ac…

richardhaw.com

 

[BrianShaw]

Here is a review of the FM2 by camera repairer Richard Haws, he should know what he's talking about regarding faults, and he follows it with a basic strip down guide. I didn't know until I read the article that the Soviets thought the FM2 was reliable enough to send into space, but whether used by a human or a monkey he didn't say.

I think the link is missing. Here it is. This is a very useful and informative discussion that provides reality versus some of the internet myths that seem to keep getting promulgated regarding its alleged "eternal invincibility".

Repair: Nikon FM2n

Hello, everybody! We bought some pearl shakes from a shack this afternoon because the little one likes it a lot. This tapioca and tea drink originated from Taiwan but you can see them everywhere ac…

richardhaw.com

 

[BradS]

It's just a camera.
It's not a lifetime commitment.
You're not getting married to it and
it is perfectly ok to have more than one camera.
Just buy one and try it.
Get busy taking pictures.

 

[GregY]

It's just a camera.
It's not a lifetime commitment.
You're not getting married to it and
it is perfectly ok to have more than one camera.
Just buy one and try it.
Get busy taking pictures.

Thank you Brad.....especially when we're talking about 45-50 year old SLRs that are selling for less than dinner out, a tank of gas, or a bottle of good single malt.

 

[Twotone]

It's just a camera.
It's not a lifetime commitment.
You're not getting married to it and
it is perfectly ok to have more than one camera.
Just buy one and try it.
Get busy taking pictures.

Hi Brad,

I have several cameras, and will likely be selling one to finance this purchase. Unfortunately I'm not in the financial position nor do I have the free time (as a parent to a young child) to be on an endless quest of trialling different cameras. For this reason, I try and do as much research as possible to narrow down the search/shortlist a few options.

I've made less than ideal decisions previously when it comes to buying precision bits of kit, so you'll have to excuse my various questions throughout this post so far.

All I was looking to do was establish any real-world pros/cons from experienced users that I may not have considered.

This is something I feel has been accomplished from all of the very informative contributions. I now plan on getting hands on with both cameras and deciding on a way forwards.

Thanks

 

[250swb]

I think the link is missing. Here it is. This is a very useful and informative discussion that provides reality versus some of the internet myths that seem to keep getting promulgated regarding its alleged "eternal invincibility".

Repair: Nikon FM2n

Hello, everybody! We bought some pearl shakes from a shack this afternoon because the little one likes it a lot. This tapioca and tea drink originated from Taiwan but you can see them everywhere ac…

richardhaw.com

Thank you Brian I didn't realise the link went missing, thank you for adding it and I've edited my post as well. I wish there was a simple 'Like' or 'Thank you' function on this forum.

 

[George Mann]

Thanks! Are there any particular weak parts, e.g. shutter etc?

The original FM is the most reliable variant, so I can only recommend this model.

The FM2 had a batch of defective shutters, and many suffer from mirror box problems over time.

I am not familiar enough with the FM3a to list its potential faults.

 

[Chan Tran]

Thank you Brad.....especially when we're talking about 45-50 year old SLRs that are selling for less than dinner out, a tank of gas, or a bottle of good single malt.

You must eat at expensive restaurant and your car has big gas tank. I think the OP is looking at $300 to $500 camera which is close to the price I paid for my brand new Nikon F2AS back in 77 of $550. It was stolen from me and I always want another one but the price keeping me from getting one.

 

[GregY]

You must eat at expensive restaurant and your car has big gas tank. I think the OP is looking at $300 to $500 camera which is close to the price I paid for my brand new Nikon F2AS back in 77 of $550. It was stolen from me and I always want another one but the price keeping me from getting one.

Well. Here's a Nikon F w prism for $105 USD. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225650801081?hash=item3489d5f9b9:g:4tgAAOSws2FkojmU&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4AqXvuW6KrootMhZmETZpKWOmTlwltkYxQ0GoX4UbOGeYe3DxfFF0RDfUX5a8TyDeif6bt19VPyt7Ck2IySMnyw91jRheIanPEJum4PJd8Id23zHR/Zpen+wdN0dSKxgtEKnaPJvir5QeC2Kl26bWDiq3vE12qo9ET2oNXswx0pK2Vio+a8S83IdfzsL+333Bjc5m6TBFa/NJsiBFx1zM+1KwpABSL4V3hrnZ5pi+NaSVfamHOUFInhTy1vNMkYPlPzjoAiokWKx2YFEeKOxjgvkCL+qmU7uo6mKlVRXf7xI|tkp:Bk9SR5Sjn7mrYg

An FM for $99....

[Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for [Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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So dinner for two can be had for less than $500

 

[George Mann]

The original FM develops one defect over time, a desilvered prism do to foam on the top of it.

I bought my otherwise perfect current one for $68 shipped because of this.

 

[Twotone]

Well. Here's a Nikon F w prism for $105 USD. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225650801081?hash=item3489d5f9b9:g:4tgAAOSws2FkojmU&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4AqXvuW6KrootMhZmETZpKWOmTlwltkYxQ0GoX4UbOGeYe3DxfFF0RDfUX5a8TyDeif6bt19VPyt7Ck2IySMnyw91jRheIanPEJum4PJd8Id23zHR/Zpen+wdN0dSKxgtEKnaPJvir5QeC2Kl26bWDiq3vE12qo9ET2oNXswx0pK2Vio+a8S83IdfzsL+333Bjc5m6TBFa/NJsiBFx1zM+1KwpABSL4V3hrnZ5pi+NaSVfamHOUFInhTy1vNMkYPlPzjoAiokWKx2YFEeKOxjgvkCL+qmU7uo6mKlVRXf7xI|tkp:Bk9SR5Sjn7mrYg

An FM for $99....

[Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for [Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

So dinner for two can be had for less than $500

Unfortunately the cameras I've shortlisted are the F2 or an FM2n, both of which will sadly set me back more than an average dinner out

 

[GregY]

Unfortunately the cameras I've shortlisted are the F2 or an FM2n, both of which will sadly set me back more than an average dinner out

Best of luck.... either are great workhorse cameras.

 

[AnselMortensen]

Have you considered a Nikkormat FT3?
All mechanical, very solid build quality, meter takes a common battery, takes AI lenses, (or non-AI lenses with stop-down metering).
Under-valued compared to an F2 or an FM2n.
Some folks don't like the location of the shutter speed dial, behind the aperture on the lens mount, but it makes sense (to some of us).

 

[4season]

Nikon F2 ought to be a wonderful all 'round choice. Never was particularly fond of the bulky Photomic finders (including DP12), and considering that my film shooting volume in 2023 is pretty leisurely, a meterless prism would be no great hardship for me, and it handily solves the AI vs non-AI lens question!

 

[4season]

Well. Here's a Nikon F w prism for $105 USD. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225650801081?hash=item3489d5f9b9:g:4tgAAOSws2FkojmU&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4AqXvuW6KrootMhZmETZpKWOmTlwltkYxQ0GoX4UbOGeYe3DxfFF0RDfUX5a8TyDeif6bt19VPyt7Ck2IySMnyw91jRheIanPEJum4PJd8Id23zHR/Zpen+wdN0dSKxgtEKnaPJvir5QeC2Kl26bWDiq3vE12qo9ET2oNXswx0pK2Vio+a8S83IdfzsL+333Bjc5m6TBFa/NJsiBFx1zM+1KwpABSL4V3hrnZ5pi+NaSVfamHOUFInhTy1vNMkYPlPzjoAiokWKx2YFEeKOxjgvkCL+qmU7uo6mKlVRXf7xI|tkp:Bk9SR5Sjn7mrYg

An FM for $99....

[Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for [Exc+5] Nikon FM Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only from JAPAN at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

So dinner for two can be had for less than $500

That FM looks kind of beat-up.

Great deal on the F for someone like me, who does his own camera repairs! Dunno what I'd do with a second almost identical one though.

 

[Paul Howell]

I recommend that you include the cost of the entire system you think you will need. Body with CLA, motor drive or winder if needed, and set of lens.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I recommend that you include the cost of the entire system you think you will need. Body with CLA, motor drive or winder if needed, and set of lens.

One does not need to buy the motor drive or winder and a set of lenses all at once. Besides there would be no GAS in ones life.

 

[GregY]

That FM looks kind of beat-up.

Great deal on the F for someone like me, who does his own camera repairs! Dunno what I'd do with a second almost identical one though.

IMO always worth looking at the entire price range... you never know what shows up

 

[logan2z]

Some folks don't like the location of the shutter speed dial, behind the aperture on the lens mount, but it makes sense (to some of us).

I personally love the location of the shutter speed control on the FT3. I thought it was odd at first, but quickly realized it's much more convenient to use than a dial mounted on the top plate.