4000 shutter, 1/250 flash synch at a time when most higher spec cameras were still on 1/60. Quality built.

Not the brightest of viewing screens, wind-on lever needs to be at half mast to operate shutter release. I had the MD11 winder attached and if you forget to turn it off before stowing the camera, the cameras meter reading stays on and drains the little button cells in the cameras body.

I just sold my FM2n after having it for 12 years. I am now gone digital with the D1x. The FM2n was a great camera and I never had problems with it. Solid as a lump hammer.

Customer Service

Never used it for this camera

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This was my first Nikon camera.

Very durable. I love the sound of the shutter. Great light meter. Can run without the light meter (batteries). I have since purchased the F80 but will never part with my FM2. I prefer to take pictures with the FM2 unless it is of kids or faster moving things. The autofocus of the F80 comes in handy for that. Otherwise I set up a studio in my basement and fire away with my FM2 and I always have great results.

No window on back of camera to see if you have film in the camera. That is it! I have exposed several rolls opening the back because I use two cameras and forget I have film in one. But that is me..

I bought this camera so I could really learn about photography. If you can operate a manual camera and take great pictures you can operate any camera. A manual camera is the best place to start when getting into photography.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

F80

tank-like construction, standard control layout, long battery life (for meter use only, will operate without batteries)

None

I''''m on my second Nikon FM. My first was the original FM. I used it for over 15 years with no problems until I sold it for a brief fling with a Nikon 6006 AF camera. I soon went back to the FM2n since I like the simplicity of a manual camera over the AF camera. The FM2n controls are familiar to anyone who has used a manual SLR before. Although it is sometimes called a "basic" camera, it is not an entry level camera (that''''s what the FM10 is for). The FM2n is a very rugged, high quality product designed for years of use. I''''m hoping for another 15 years of solid use with this one.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM, Nikon 6006

tough, reliable, easy-to-handle, heavy enough to ensure stable-handling

I wish it produces less noise, and Nikon should reinforce the rewinder crank (mine was broken)

A very tough SLR indeed! you can drop it down into a gutter, left it there for several seconds, take it back, dried it up, at it is still able to "click" right away (believe me, I''ve done that twice, unintentionally, of course). I''ve used various SLRs before, some mechanical some automated, but only FM2 that gives me such a high sense of security---you dont have to worry about all those blinking icons, LCD screen, or confusing little knobs. And.....it produces clear and sharp pictures. (Be careful with the MD 12 though, if you drop the camera down into the gutter, it is the MD 12 that will need a costly repair he..he..he)

Similar Products Used:

None

The best mechanical device ever built.

no TTL flash metering.
no mirror lockup except with timer).

I have my FM2n eight years now. It is the best 35mm SLR body made. I am always looking to "upgrade" to better equipment, but there is nothing on the street that surpasses the FM2... if there was, I'd buy it.
Spoil yourself..... get the best camera in the world.

Customer Service

never needed

Similar Products Used:

FE2, X700, F3, N70, AE2

Solid body, fully manual, minimal electrics 1/250th sec. flash sync. Very high quality/reliability. Truly excellent value. Lens aperture number is visible in the finder. Easy to read led light meter.

Relatively slow MD-12 motor drive (3 fps max.) No auto focus. Non-interchangable prism finder. No mirror lock-up. No matrix or spot metering.

This is an extremely reliable, fast and a simple camera to use. It's also an excellent value. When shooting extreme conditions (humid heat/freezing cold) I appreciate the fact that it is fully mechanical and requires few batteries. I would not hestitate purchasing another FM2n in the future.

Customer Service

Only problems during12 years of (fairly regular) use:

1. Shutter brake malfunction--shutter opened half way (inexpensive repair)

2. I'd taken the finder screen out to clean out some dust and didn't replace it completely. As a result the finder screen popped-out, unfortunately with a 20mm f4 mounted. This particular lens has a lip on the end which prevented me from removing the lens. Camera body had to be disassembled by repair service to remove the lens. (also inexpensive repair)

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FT3, Nikon 8008, Nikon F4

I believe this is one of the finest precision optical instruments.
The quality of materials and workmanship is very good. Every control on this camera would operate in the way how it is meant to work.

I don't see any weaknessess. Some people complain about lack of spot metering and TTL flash, but I don't think this is a weakness. This camera is made for complete manual control and it will surpass the user's expectations.

A perfect optical instrument!!

Customer Service

Never required

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM10:(This is not a camera for serious enthusiasts.)
Minolta XE-5
Yashica Electro35

Very solid, no-nonsense camera. Built like a tank.

No mirror lock-up. A little expensive new, but probably worth the investment.

Although just a beginner, I can definitely see using this camera for many years. I like the fact that I must think about what I'm doing as I compose each shot. The challenge of it makes those great pictures all the more meaningful. I feel like I'm creating art rather than letting the decisions go to all the new heartless technology. I'm having a blast with this camera!

Customer Service

I bought the body from B&H and had no problems whatsoever.

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I used a friend's Olympus for a black and white photography class, and this Nikon is far better.

-fairly lightweight
-batteries not req'd (only for meter)
-smooth operation
-makes you a better photographer by not doing everything for you
-solid as a rock. This camera will outlive me.
-centerweighted meter is very accurate
-fully compatible with nikkor lens system
-DOF preview

-still costs more than an N80 new (black body)

I love this camera. It's great to work with and makes you think about what you're doing. No command dials, digital display, x-frames-per second, etc. Just you and the camera making the image. When someone asks you how you got that shot you'll know the details instead of replying "I dunno, it was on auto".

Buy it new or buy it used--just buy it.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

N6006
Minolta XG-1

very solid construction and feel, mechanical shutter, accepts Nikon lenses, well balanced with MD-12 motor drive

lack of TTL flash, no film chamber window

This camera rocks and made photo fun again. Enjoy shooting with it because it forces me to work kinda slow and methodical (i'm used to letting the F4 do everything for me). To hear the motor drive whirr, oh yeah!

Customer Service

Mainly deal with the Torrance, CA service center on the extremely rare occasions I contacted Nikon (maybe 3x in the past 10 years). On all occasions, very quick turnaround and was kept informed throughout the whole process

Similar Products Used:

F4s, N6006, N2000