No batteries allowed, which Nikon 35mm?

[lens_hacker]

The F2 has an "extended" "T" mode where the self-timer can be used to time the shutter. It allows up to 10 second timed exposures. The collar around the shutter release has a "T" setting that used the self timer to hold the shutter open. One of its more obscure features.

 

[budrichard]

The Nikon FM3a is a top of the line full manual camera. It does use a battery but only for metering and can be removed. The FM3a can be a bit pricey for it's age but it is the best in it's class.

The FM3a has both electronic and manual shutter control, so with batteries installed, the batteries power the meter and the shutter. I purchased one because of that feature but have yet to use the camera without batteries. Any of the FM series in excellent conidtion would suffice. The newer the camera, the less possible problems. Good luck!-Dick

 

[fatmoon]

I have shot both my FM3a and F2-AS without batteries and gotten great results mentally calculating exposure. Its really not that hard and print film is pretty forgiving if your a stop off. For the features you were looking for, I would advise any variant of the F2. They can be found a lot cheaper than the FM3a and generally are in user condition so you wouldnt feel bad about adding a mark or two getting on it as you are shooting. The F2 really is IMO the finest example of mechanical SLR cameras. It feels like a fine swiss watch. Shooting with mine is a complete joy and I find myself using it 60% of the time more than my FM3a simply for the way it feels in my hand. Oh and it features 100% view finder also which is nice.

 

[nicefor88]

F2 or FM