Nikon FM2n - Switching to Rangefinder

[parkpy]

G2 is a good camera too. I got one to replace the Leica M3, when I thought I wanted a more automatic camera.

I do regret selling it! If I had my own darkroom, I would find 35mm perfectly acceptable. Since I don't, I think the convenience of 35mm is offset by how much work it takes to get a decent 35mm scan.

So I sold the G2, and moved to medium format.

But the medium format cameras I have owned are just too big to carry daily.

One day I'll find a camera I can afford and enjoy shooting!

 

[clayne]

One day I'll find a camera I can afford and enjoy shooting!

F3HP.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

G2 is a good camera too. I got one to replace the Leica M3, when I thought I wanted a more automatic camera.

I do regret selling it! If I had my own darkroom, I would find 35mm perfectly acceptable. Since I don't, I think the convenience of 35mm is offset by how much work it takes to get a decent 35mm scan.

So I sold the G2, and moved to medium format.

But the medium format cameras I have owned are just too big to carry daily.

One day I'll find a camera I can afford and enjoy shooting!

Try a Rolleiflex.

 

[budrichard]

Nathan, you first must determine whether you want to take photographs or be an equipment junky.
I understand both aspects.
If your primary interest is in photography, the SLR and Rangefinder (RF) both have limitations and strengths.
If you use long lenses, close up work and are not concerned about noise/mirror slap, then stick with your Fm2N, I come from a Nikon F background and now use a Fm3A with motor along with an Fm2 that I have for long lenses.
But i do a lot of work up close with people and that's the domain of the RF camera. I started with M3 but coming from an F background with FTN finder, the lack of internal metering led to an M6 and then two M7's with Motor M's which are the ultimate expression of RF analog photography.
Problem being, the M series of cameras and lenses is very expensive new and used is crap shoot.
If your used to TTL metering, you may not be happy with an M3.
If you find that your Fm2N can't do something that a RF can do better, than find an RF camera to try but if your Fm2N does everything you require, why an additional camera unless you just want another camera.-Dick

 

[graubär]

Nobody pointed out the Zeiss Ikon ZM. People only seem to know Leica M. I own two and I am very, very happy with them. It is a classic rangefinder comparable to the Leica M7, but it has a much better viewfinder. It is much brighter, more precise, which is essentiel for 85 mm, and shows you roughly a 25 mm view. If you are wearing classes, it is even much better than the Leica finder. AND it is much cheaper than Leica, but a bit more expensive than Bessa. ZM and Bessa's are made in the same factory by the way in Japan. If you do not need the autofocus the Contax G2 offers, go for the Zeiss Ikon ZM. The precise focus is fun to use. It also has the Leica M bajonet, so a lot of choice for lenses.
Best wishes, Peter

 

[selmslie]

Nobody pointed out the Zeiss Ikon ZM...

I am surprised it has not been mentioned. Even though it is no longer made, it is still available new and it is a worthy companion to my 16 year-old M6. The only significant differences are the viewfinder (the Ikon's is slightly better), the electronic shutter on the ZM is more accurate (but I prefer the Leica's quiet mechanical shutter) and film loading is a little easier with the ZM.

 

[parkpy]

I've owned an F3HP and a Yashicamat LM Both were CLA'd immediately upon purchase.

Great cameras, but didn't bring me any closer to forgetting about my equipment and just shooting.

 

[Moopheus]

Before jumping in and spending a lot of money on a new camera and lens, you should try someting on the less-expensive side. There are literally hundreds of kind of fixed-lens rangefinder cameras, and some are stellar performers. .

Along those lines, you couldn't go too far wrong with a Konica--A Konica III or Auto S2 can be had very cheap. They're fixed lens, but the Konica Hexanon is awesome.