Nikon FM2 or the new FM10?

Vsanzbajo · May 16, 2011

Trying to decide which one to get. My brother is between these 2?
Thanks in advance.

LyleB · May 16, 2011

FM2 is a MUCH better built camera. I've had both. I had no problems with the FM10, but it is not really in the same league. It is not built by Nikon, and it shows. That said, you can buy it new, and get a warranty.

I would suggest getting a FM2 in nice shape, then spending the money to have a CLA done professionally. This will bring the camera back to factory specs, and it should last you for many more years, even decades. An older camera like this deserves to have a good cleaning and re-lube if you plan to use it.

Another possibility would be a FE2. This gives you aperture priority auto mode, which can come in handy when in a hurry. You do loose the full functioning of the camera (other than meter) without batteries. Battery life in these cameras is measured in years though, not weeks like today's cameras.

fstop · May 16, 2011

The FM10 isn't even a Nikon, its a Cosina CT-1 with different body work.

markbarendt · May 16, 2011

Les Sarile · May 16, 2011

FM / FM2 / FM2N / FM3A

photogolf · May 16, 2011

RMP-NikonPro · May 16, 2011

FM2 or even better the FM3a!

Jim Jones · May 16, 2011

The FM10 I gave a friend soon developed several problems. The FM2 is built to last much longer.

Jeff Kubach · May 16, 2011

Go with the FM2.

Jeff

BobD · May 16, 2011

While I applaud the FM10 as one of the few remaining 35mm SLRs still in production,
I would choose a good condition FM2 (or FE2) over it any time.

The FM10 is rather fragile and easily broken compared to the more robust FM2 &
FE2 which also seem to be holding their re-sale value very well.

CGW · May 16, 2011

Try an FE, FE2 or FM3A--lowest to highest, price-wise. I prefer these for their aperture-priority capability( a huge plus) For me, they've been just as tough as the mechanical FM2(n) bodies. The FM2(n) LED read-out has fans and foes in equal number, though I still like the old match needle scheme of the FE/FE2/FM3a. All these are plentiful and reasonably affordable outside the FM3A. I'd consider the FM-10 only as a last ditch choice.

Uncle Bill · May 16, 2011

Les Sarile said:
FM / FM2 / FM2N / FM3A

+1000

John_Nikon_F · May 17, 2011

Pick up a decent FM2n. Have it refoamed and checked out, call it good.

-J

Pumalite · May 17, 2011

Vsanzbajo said:
Trying to decide which one to get. My brother is between these 2?
Thanks in advance.

FM2 hands down.! FM3A tambièn. Grandes velocidades.Synch to Flash 1/250. Podrìas considerar la FM, FE, y FE2; aunque yo prefiero la FE.Todas indestructibles.

Vsanzbajo · May 18, 2011

Gracias por tu opinion, de donder eres?
Yo soy español, pero vivo en usa.

Pumalite said:
FM2 hands down.! FM3A tambièn. Grandes velocidades.Synch to Flash 1/250. Podrìas considerar la FM, FE, y FE2; aunque yo prefiero la FE.Todas indestructibles.

johnnywalker · May 18, 2011

I have had much better luck with my FM10 than others here. I've had it for 12 years, took it overseas a lot, and have had no problems with it. Cosina makes the camera to Nikon specs, and in my case at least they did a good job.

Pumalite · May 18, 2011

Chilemo

The Old Pharaoh · May 18, 2011

FM2n. And use the FM3a focusing screens with it; they are brighter without the need for any exposure compensation.

sirimiri · May 18, 2011

I've had (and used) the same FM2n since 1996 and it has never given me any problems - seals, shutter, meter, advance...all behave well.

I mistakenly dropped it form hand height to a ship's deck once, and it bounced, denting the pentaprism housing slightly, and springing the focus screen loose. I snapped it back into place, the camera took it in stride and still gave accurate, calibrated focus.

Robust, built to last, and relatively cheap, used. Just buy one that hasn't been dropped like mine ;-)

narsuitus · May 23, 2011

Any of the FM series except the FM10.

kivis · May 25, 2011

fstop said:
The FM10 isn't even a Nikon, its a Cosina CT-1 with different body work.

True and Cosina is no Nikon, but still it is a damn nice unit.

spacer · Jun 14, 2011

I do like my FM10. I've had it for about 8 years with no problems, but I do think that it wouldn't suffer drops well. Takes very nice photos, though.
I'd like to find a better lens, but this is my only Nikon... so if I'm gonna invest in good glass I'll eventually want to find a better body for it too.

stavrosk · Jun 14, 2011

FE2 is a very good camera, robust with a light meter and very nice to use.

Nikon FM2 or the new FM10?

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