Nikon FM Series - Archived 051-100 Message Board/Guestbook

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Nikon FM Series - Archived 051-100 Message Board/Guestbook

From Pong (Thu Jan 18 22:44:12 2001 ):
I just got 15 years old Nikon FM from my dad. After i clean it, i found that the metering system didn't work. I asked the distributor in Thailand about its spare part but they said that there are no longer in their stock. so, anybody have any idea how to fix this. Can i use the part that come with some other FM series?
From Lars (Thu Jan 18 19:15:04 2001 ):
Greg Brooks - There was talk of somthing like you are after (can't remember the URL) but I think it is still vapor(hard)ware. You might be better off in investing in a good Nikon film scanner than in waiting for the digital back.
From Greg Brooks (Thu Jan 18 14:00:58 2001 ):
We use a Nikon FM with a 55mm Micro-Nikkor lens in our work. I hope this question doesn't sound too dumb but is there such a thing as a "digital memory back" that can convert a traditional 35mm to digital memory? Is such a thing possible? Thanks
From A. Stanford (Thu Jan 18 10:21:35 2001 ):
Peter, what likermann A.R. trying to explain to you is right here at this section: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe/basic2.htm
From R. Markovich (Tue Jan 30 16:53:36 2001 ):
I'm shopping for a MD-11 or MD-12 as I have both a FE and FM. My serial number on the FM is 2546088 and I'm unsure as to whether the MD-12 will function with the drive as alluded to in this sites description of the MD-12. Can anyone answer this question? I assume this problem does not exist with the FE serial 3738967.?? Thanks in advance....
From jerrie (Mon Jan 29 11:42:21 2001 ):
To vee: Can you provide more particulars in relation to your problems ? Such as the camera model, winder/motor drive you are using, and what are you referring when you said "...my winder always often breaks and once again it has wound right off ...". We will see if anyone of us can help if more information is given.
From jerrie (Mon Jan 29 11:34:42 2001 ):
To Alan Mck: MORE.... Nikon FM (1977) will sync with electronic flash at 1/125 sec. sec. and below; Nikon FM2 (1982) will sync at 1/200 sec. and below; ALL subsequent FM2n models (Inluding the variants such as FM2/T (1994), the Dog (1996), Cat, Dragon (2000 -) and the mouse to come.. .) will sync at 1/250 sec. and below but the FM10 (1995 -) will only sync at 1/125sec.and below. Cheers.
From jerrie (Mon Jan 29 11:27:25 2001 ):
To Alan Mck: What Mr lars explained is correct : "All FM models including all FM2 can work on all shutter speeds without batteries." The "professional camera dealer" probably is another other outlet who also selling some "professional camera equipment" rather than professional enough to give you professional advice... anyway, here is a not-so-professional comments: NONE of the FM models has sync lower than 1/125sec. (can use 1/125 or lower.); the claimed "1/90 sec" sync speed Nikon camera model only apply to Nikon FE (1978), Nikon EM (1979), Nikon FG (1981/2), Nikon FG20 (1983/4) and Nikon FE10 (1995/6). All these models are electronic cameras and they are only operable at a specific mechanical backup speed of 1/90 sec. if the battery is dead or without any battery installed inside the camera. Peace.
From Lars (Sun Jan 28 23:31:14 2001 ):
Alan - all FM models including all FM2 can work on all shutter speeds without batteries. For info on the various FM2 models study the featured pages otherplace in this site (follow link bellow) and check www.cameraquest.com
From Alan Mck (Sun Jan 28 05:51:23 2001 ):
Can anyone advise as to the differences between the various FM2 models? Eg. FM2n FM2T etc. I'm based in the north west of England, local dealers (Jessops etc.) NOT very knowledgeable re: Nikon FM2 !!! Can ALL FM2 cameras be 'fired' at ALL shutter speeds without batteries? One professional camera dealer tells me the FM2n CANNOT be used without batteries other than with shutter speed defaulting to 1/90th second.
From Suman Chatterjee (Thu Jan 25 12:30:11 2001 ):
Are Nikon FM2n bodies still manufactured in Japan? Is there any information available on year of manufacture and serial number correlation? What should be the most likely serial number of a FM2n body.
From vee (Tue Jan 23 19:29:01 2001 ):
my winder always often breaks and once again it has wound right off and I am not sure how to put it back together again, it costs me a fortune every time, can someone help?
From Mike (Tue Jan 23 07:21:45 2001 ):
Is there any information available on year of manufacture and serial number correlation? I would like to be able to asertain how old a camera might be prior to purchase second hand. Thanks! Mike
From Howard (Mon Jan 22 14:37:26 2001 ):
Based on the explanation by Mr Stanford, I check my FM2 camera and didn't find any exposure compensation control dial on the camera body. I have checked the site and it says use the ASA/ISO to act as a compensation tool, can I assume that is the only way ? Or there are more ways which was not highlighted in this site ? This MIR site is just fantastic...Hats off to the people that had to work so hard to develop and maintain the Site. I love the idea of the Message Board too. -Howard, C.A.-
From Hermann Graf (Mon Feb 5 17:03:25 2001 ):
To Peter, as of Jan. 15, 2001: Maybe it is not the camera but your lens. Check the aperture lever at the backside: after pressing down/releasing, it must flip back to the position of maximal aperture immediately (look at the diaphragm). If this movement is hampered, this is probably the cause of your problem. Regards Hermann Graf
From Hermann Graf (Mon Feb 5 16:33:36 2001 ):
To Roberto Tochee: 1) There is no "best" combination of speed and fstops. Be aware what the calculation dial on the flash is saying (with a certain film speed, only special combinations of shutter speed and aperture are possible; the longer the exposure time, the brighter the background not in flash-range will be). 2) Any shutter speed like 1/250 or longer (i.e., 1/125, 1/60, etc.) will do, but not the shorter ones like 1/500 (in this case, the ready light in the viewfinder will blink). 3) The aperture, expressed in fstops, determines the amount of light coming in (together with exposure time). The velocity of the light is always constant (about 300,000 kilometers per second). 4) There are lots of books on photography; one of the classics are the books of Anreas Feininger. Regards Hermann Graf
From Hermann Graf (Mon Feb 5 16:08:59 2001 ):
To Lars, as of Feb 1, 2001: I cannot find anything about cameras on the maxwell website, and when I type in the full address, I get the message "does not exist".
From Spiros (Mon Feb 5 00:48:08 2001 ):
Hi. I 'm very happy with my FM2 and I see no reason to turn to the AF era. But now it's time to buy a 70-300 zoom and I don't see many options in MF lenses. So I' m thinking to get an AF lens, like Nikkor 70-300 ED or Sigma 70-300. Is anyone out there who uses a combination like this? I need to hear his opinion especialy about the handling of it (it's the focusing that troubles me).
From Meng (Sun Feb 4 23:26:22 2001 ):
I wanted to buy a Nikon camera. Which one is better FM or FM2.
From Roberto Tochee (Sat Feb 3 06:27:51 2001 ):
Hello I have nikon FM2 and would like to take the photo with this perfect camera very much . My flash is nikon speedlight SB-22s .I have three lenses (nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 ,105mm 1:2.5 , 35mm 1:2.8 ) . I have some qestions about take photo with these lenses in the night with flash at home .1)what is the best diafragm & speed for the lens 35mm ? (the distance between camera & object is 3-6 meter ) .2)what is happen if I take photo with the speed lower than 250 ? (for exampel- 30). 3)what is the formula between f: and the speed of light that pass through lens . if it is possibe please answer my qestion or guide me how i can find these answer . ( thank you very much )TOCHEE
From Lars (Thu Feb 1 16:18:17 2001 ):
Read more about the FM3A @ http://www.maxwell.com.au/photo/cameras/slr/FM3A.html
From nikolas (Thu Feb 1 15:52:25 2001 ):
a FM3A will be made by nikon. it's a FM2 with TTL-flash, A mode, new screen, and dx code.
From dickie (Thu Feb 1 14:37:15 2001 ):
I am from Sri Lanka. I have a question here, a shop assistant here in a local outlet tried to recommend me strongly an un-branded power winder which he claimed it was contracted manufactured by Nikon. Does anyone of you heard about this winder ? It is very cheaper than the Nikon MD-12 stated in this very informative site.
From Don (Tue Jan 30 17:48:27 2001 ):
To R.Markovich: The best way is to check the shutter release button where you have a finger guard. See if the ring have a "M" and the finger guard ring can be lifted up (I have a Nikon FM over the 3000K mark and cannot see of it has there but the MD-12 manual I bought also indicated similar remarks for old FM/MD-12 combination). Anyway, the notes claimed "....When the MD-12 is mounted on an FM camera (Serial No. below 3,000,000) *, the camera's mode selector switch around the shutter release button should be set to "M" (motor) - the red line on the selector being aligned with the line on the camera body....". well, that does not sounded like a very difficult thing to do, and it never stated MD-12 is not advisable to use with your older FM body. It is rather just an operational sequence. Hope it eases some of your discomfort. -D.M.NY-
From Nawus (Wed Feb 7 09:03:55 2001 ):
To Spiros: If you can forgo the longer end of the 300, an excellent zoom can be had for a relativly cheap price. Its Nikon's 75-150 E series f3.5. You can pick one up used for about $200 US. Its worth every penny!
From Spiros (Wed Feb 7 05:21:24 2001 ):
To J.T.Paul:The "N" letter in the serial number and the 1/250 marked in red on the shutter speed dial confirm that what you just bought is a FM2n. The earlier version FM2 has top flash synchronisation 1/200 sec. I can't tell when it was manufactured, but I 've seen a chart somewhere. Maybe if you search the message board you 'll find it.
From Elwin (Wed Feb 7 04:03:49 2001 ):
i have been using an old reliable FM, i had it cleaned but now the motor drive does not function. i was told by the technician the spool broke(film advance mechanism) can i still have this replaced? i also have an FM2n which i also use my MD which functions well.
From J.T.Paul (Wed Feb 7 02:22:57 2001 ):
I have just bought a used Nikon FM2 and am trying to determine if it is an FM2n, and if so when it was manufactured. The serial number is: N 8598749. Thank you for the help.
From shawnna (Wed Feb 7 00:54:21 2001 ):
Hi Im about to buy my first camera and I really need help on deciding on which one to buy. Im a beginner and I only want a camera to please myself with the pictures I could take. PLease help.
From Hermann Graf (Tue Feb 6 21:54:33 2001 ):
To Spiros and Apostolos: As for the telezooms, the only possibilties for the FM2 are a) the 70-210mm/f4.5 to 5.6 MF zoom, and b) the 35-200mm/f3.5 to 4.5 MF zoom. The 70-210 is offered here in Germany for a remarkably low price, but is is not completely made of metal (also plastic included). I have no experience with the two; with b), some distortions and blur at the high and the low end of the focal length were reported in lens tests (cf. Leo Foo's website).
From Apostolos (Tue Feb 6 20:03:47 2001 ):
###TO SPIROS### I face the same problem. I'm looking for a telephoto zoom for my FM2 but there aren't many choises available. Unfortunately, Nikon discontinued the superb 80-200 f/4 Ai-s three years ago and left us with 70-300 f/4-5,6 ED, which is infrerior in optical performance and built quality. I had the chance to get a close look at 70-300 f/4-5,6 ED and see some photos taken with it. Mechanically, the lens isn't Ai-s quality, but it isn't bad either - in fact, the focusing ring is very smooth. Performance is so and so, as expected. BUT: the f/4-5,6 aperture makes the FM2's focusing screen so dark, that accurate focusing is severely jeopardised. The split-image rangefinder goes black, and you need to buy the B or E type screen. This lens is made with AF cameras in mind, which have brighter focusing screens. This is the main reason why I won't buy it and look for a used 80-200 Ai-s instead.
From Hermann Graf (Tue Feb 6 19:36:53 2001 ):
New Nikon FM3A: I did not find the website mentioned above but at http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/Press_Release/fm3a.htm. The FM3A seems to be a "synthesis" of the FM2 and the F3. I wonder what the price will be.
From prakash (Tue Feb 6 14:18:51 2001 ):
hello , i saw full details of Fm10 Camera ,i would like to buy one , my friend will buy it for me who is there in U.S tell me the price of FM10 Camera thanks Prakash
From Lars (Mon Feb 5 22:59:51 2001 ):
It seems that Maxwell was a bit too fast with the news. The FM3A has been officially announced today and is featured @ http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/35mm/index_fm3a.htm
From Val (Sun Feb 11 03:47:02 2001 ):
I have a Nikon FM camera, I just tried my MD-12 motor drive that I use with my Nikon FE camera and it dose not work, but works perfectly with my FE it appears that there is something wrong with my Nikon FM. Any ideas what it might be? Thanks, Val
From lars-göran (Sun Feb 11 01:27:37 2001 ):
I have a MD-11 motordrive that has broke down. Is there anyone out there with a service manual,and can consider sharing some knowledge on how to fix it ?
From Christian Becker (Sun Feb 11 01:27:35 2001 ):
...regarding the FM3A: -will the FM2N be discontinued?
From JT (Sat Feb 10 12:04:46 2001 ):
I'm looking for a used soft case for a Nikon FM2n, either for a standard lens or a telephoto lens. Anyone have any sources? Thanks!
From Nawus (Sat Feb 10 11:54:16 2001 ):
To Apostolos: "copper silumin alluminium" is also used in the FM2n, I guess its the same material.
From Lars (Fri Feb 9 22:42:14 2001 ):
Herman - there IS a needle-follower meter read-out in the FM3A (See http://www.nikon.cz/fm3a.htm). Michael - like you I had hoped for a mechanical HP-findered camera. The closest we will get is to put an action finder on an F2, I guess!
From Michael Chen (Fri Feb 9 22:14:35 2001 ):
I agree with Lars,and for this price there should be more F# in it.I am using F-series cameras since 1973 and for years I am gasping for a new fully mechanical camera with 100 percent viewfindercoverage,just like the old F and F2 but with a smaller non-detacheble prism,just simple and perfect.
From Hermann Graf (Fri Feb 9 16:32:58 2001 ):
To Lars, as of Feb 8, 2001: Lars, I hope that you are wrong, otherwise there will also be the old-fashioned needle-meter in the viewfinder of the FM3A. According to Nikon's German website, the price in Deutschmarks is 1750 for the silver version and 1850 for the black (appr. $795 or $840, resp.). To me, each of the features seem reasonable nevertheless; but for a Nikon, you have to fork out a good deal of money.
From Apostolos (Fri Feb 9 06:21:57 2001 ):
$755 for the FM3! How much more a basic feature, supposedly mid-priced, 35mm manual camera can cost? I guess manual focusing is regarged as an eccentric luxury these days. By the way, Nikon's promorion literature mentions "copper silumin alluminium" to be the material used for FM3's body. Is it the same as FM2's? If not, is it better (to justify the price, at least) or worse?
From Lars (Thu Feb 8 18:34:32 2001 ):
Herman! - I see nothing F# in the new FM3A but a lot of FE2. In fact it could have been called FE3M just as well! Some one @ the NikonMF Yahoogroup mentioned an opening price of 755 USD.
From Lars (Mon Feb 19 17:41:28 2001 ):
Like Geoff Brown - I interpret the written material to indicate that metering is indeed possible in manual mode. There would other wise also be no sense in having both an indicator AND a needle to follow it in the finder (just like FE and FE2).
From Jwoods (Sun Feb 18 11:25:21 2001 ):
**The FM3A's Saga**: Basically, Nikon borrowed the idea of the New Canon F-1 of 1981 - th camera which has given the Nikon F3 one hell of a tough time during the '80 - it was also a hybrid camera just like what we are seeing here in th new Nikon FM3A. It works both an AUTO and mechanical camera. It needs battery to power the AUTO features (Attach a AE finder will turn the camera into a Aperture priority AE camera; attach a power drive OR winder will add another Shutter Priority AE function to the camera) - but just in case the battery is dead, the camera will still operate from 1/90 sec to 1/2000 sec mechanically (first, you need to remove the battery from the battery compartment before the mechanical speeds will function). Naturally, there is no meter display because there is no battery installed after the removal of the cell. Well, that was technical problem Canon was facinbg twenty years ago - looked like Nikon still can't fixed that flaw 20 years later - after they adopted the idea from Canon. Can I intepret this way ? Peace...
From Geoff Brown (Sun Feb 18 06:52:09 2001 ):
The way i have read the info' on the new Nikon FM3A from the nikon U.K website is that when in manual mode it only takes battery power for the meter, so the meter does actually work quite normal in manual mode, it is in full 'Auto' mode that the camera uses batteries for the meter as well as the shutter. The beauty of this system is that it is quite possible to use the camera in manual mode if the batteries die on you, if the batteries are dead, you have no meter, but with full batteries, everything works fine.
From Apostolos (Sun Feb 18 06:17:06 2001 ):
It seems we have another Nikon folly here: Indeed, according to the press release, FM3A's exposure meter does *not* work when fully manual operation is engaged!. How good is a camera with no meter? What do they expect us to do, bring out our handheld meters before setting the shutter manually? What the guys at Nikon expect us to do is to pay the high price tag. No, that's not gonna happen. Either they fix this flaw or I'm sticking with my FM2n.
From FM2ers (Sat Feb 17 14:36:00 2001 ):
Hmmm.. after comparing postings appeared at the Message Board of FE series, looks like the FM3A has generated more interest to those who owns the electronic FE series than mechanical FMers. Someone claimed (info extracted from Nikon website) when the camera shifts to Manual mode, there is NO metering display ? Crazy ?... I thought so, then what is the bloody use of getting a FM3A ? Sometimes I really don't understand these guys at Nikon. IF it is an design problem - it might as well delay the launching and fix it but IF it is another commercial decision again to force us buying AF Nikkor lenses to use with the new camera - then I think it is better let Nikon stock pile the warehouse until they regain more business sense - because I am not going to buy it ! Sorry for the outburst, I am bleeding on the stock market... I want to see more value on my money spend these days .....
From Robert (Wed Feb 14 05:36:29 2001 ):
I am a Nikon Technician in the USA. I repair every Nikon model. Email me for an estimate......

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