Nikon FM and pre-AI lenses?

chip j · Oct 13, 2013

I just read that the AI lever on my FM flips out of the way to allow the use of pre-AI lenses. Do I still have to use stop-down metering, though? Thanks, Chip (BTW I found this out in "Nikon: A Celebration"--best Nikon book I've ever read)

r-brian · Oct 13, 2013

Yes, the FM (but not the FM2), the FE (but not the FE2) and the F3 all have the AI tab that flips up but ,YES, you have to use stop down metering.

Zathras · Oct 13, 2013

Hi, you still have to use stop-down metering with the non-AI lenses. It's not that big a deal though. I prefer to use a hand held incident meter most of the time though, so it's a non issue for me. Most of my Nikkors are the pre-AI variety. In my case, I actually find the TTL meter to be distracting. Here is a link to a manual for the FM I just bought a Nikon FM from someone on this forum, so I've downloaded the manual too. Enjoy your FM, it's a great camera.

chip j · Oct 13, 2013

Thanks, r-brian Chip

PhotoJim · Oct 14, 2013

If you want non-AI lenses to meter at full aperture you need to either:

- AI-convert them (which can still be done)
- use a body that uses the meter coupling prong, like the F2A, Nikkormat FTn, Nikkormat EL/Nikon EL2, etc.

Nikon FM and pre-AI lenses?

chip j

r-brian

Zathras

chip j

PhotoJim

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