Nikon FM - Archived 351-400 Message Board/Guestbook

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Nikon FM Series - Archived 351-400 Message Board/Guestbook

From ric (Sat Nov 27 07:20:46 1999 ):
I'd like to know which of the FM series, if any, have MLU or pseudo MLU using the timer. Thanx.
From Lars (Mon Nov 22 19:22:27 1999 ):
Timothy - have a look @ http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/honeycomb/index.htm & http://www.picture-perfect.net/fm2review.shtml
From timothy ng (Sun Nov 21 01:04:07 1999 ):
Apart from the model name change FM,FM2,FM10, someone told me that just under model FM2, there is a lot variance in shutter material/type. I mean under the name/model FM2, but the shutter materials/type is changed in some particular years. Can anyone tell me more about that ? From TImothy Ng//Hong Kong.
From hugh (Fri Nov 19 04:16:57 1999 ):
Good evening, I've just bought a second hand FM. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the approx. build date. The serial no.is 301xxxx. Any other history would be interesting. Great site for Nikon users/lovers.
From Lars (Wed Dec 8 16:30:11 1999 ):
Adrian - just below (at the moment on page 2 of this messageboard) is listed a few links on the shutter issue!
From Adrian (Wed Dec 8 15:46:02 1999 ):
I own an FM2n with honeycomb titanium shutter. Why did Nikon replace titanium with aluminium? Cost? Performance? Can anyone help me with this issue
From Steve (Wed Dec 8 08:40:31 1999 ):
ADVICE...... does anyone think that an FM, with MD-11, and SC-50mm 1.4, and 28mm 2.8 is worth $390 US. I bidding on one and don't want to get screwed> Give me your thoughts people I would really appreciate the input. TNX Steve
From stephen Arnett (Sun Dec 5 16:28:03 1999 ):
I just found this site tonight pretty much by mistake and am loving every minute of it.I was a was a long time F user and recently bought an FM with Md-12 motor drive and find it super easy to use,(I like manual cameras). i am already shopping for another one. Looking forward to visiting this wondeful site in the future, it seems to be very informative. I am from a town near St. Louis,usa. TNX,steve
From arthur (Fri Dec 3 00:29:41 1999 ):
i am a beginner of photography, i remembered i bought my first own camera on august,which is yashica fx3 2000 with 50/f1.9. i bought that because of the reccommendation of this website. i now have to say that this investment is totally wrong.this camera is full of plastic material and lack DOP and muti-exprosure.i regretted it. i am a good luck one, however, in this two week i bought my second camera,fm2n with 50/f1.4 it is great , more important is that the price i paid for is cheaper than i bought yashica, just costs $1100 HK dollors, around us$141, it is so cheap that i must thank for my school teacher, the series is n8609141 and the lense is 5554189.would anyone know when it has been produced? luck go one by one,few days i bought my third camera. it is fm (series-fm 3469433).it is also associated with 50/ f1.4 and tamron 35-135 marco.and i just costs me hk$1000 ,around us$127. it is just like a dream, the fm is more beautiful than fm2 , i suppose, since i think the body is more rigid and have more historical meaning. if anyone wanna buy a fully mechanical camera, fm is prior consideration. thank for looking my story
From Lars (Wed Dec 1 18:32:32 1999 ):
Ric - In that case the FM2 would be a nice 2nd (or 1st) camera to suplement the F90X. I can't advise you to choose between the old and new FM2. Of course the new version has some advantages; more reliable shutter (series 2) and the improved syncro time. But I guess a 2nd hand old version can be had cheaper. Kelvin - I don't know whether the eye piece is coated or not. Perhaps a rubber eyecup (DK-3) would be useful to reduce the problem.
From Kelvin (Wed Dec 1 16:46:08 1999 ):
Does anyone know if the FM2n's eyepiece has anti-reflective coating on it? I sometimes see the reflection of my eyes, which is a bit annoying. Is the reflection normal or it's just caused by improper cleaing of the eyepeice? (I used Kodak cleaning solution and Pentax cloth) Thanks!
From ric (Wed Dec 1 03:31:46 1999 ):
Lars. There are other underlying reasons for wanting a FM, firstly I need a second camera as I'm fed up with having the wrong film loaded. Secondly my wife has been complaining about the size and weight of the F90x and shes terrified of dropping it, and as I bought it for both of us ;-) I feel obliged to rectify the situation.
From Lars (Tue Nov 30 21:00:00 1999 ):
ric - You can still turn off all the automation of F90X. It is a fully capable manual camera, if not mechanical though. If you do not expect extreme environments, FM2 (new or old) won't offer any advantages. With F90X however you get a brighter finder and TTL flash cababilities. Through your $$ at some nice Nikkors instead!
From ric (Tue Nov 30 07:24:41 1999 ):
Thanks for that Lars, I should open my eyes a bit more ;-). I'm on the verge of buying either of the following, a mint FM2 or new FM2n. Which would you buy? I was introducing to photography only 4 months ago and jumped straight in with an F90x, 2B28 and several AF lenses. I now feel I've lost out on the fundamentals due to the singing all dancing automation of my system. I didn't have much enthusiasm for spending more cash sooner than I expected until I arrived at this fantastice site. I'm now sold on an FM2, but the problem is the site has turned me into an FM fanatic already, and now I'm totally at a loss as to what to buy. One thing it must have is psuedo MLU. If you had $400 what would you go for, mint used FM2 or new FM2n. Other suggestions appreciated. Thanx for the help.
From Chuck Marckstadt (Tue Dec 14 07:32:06 1999 ):
Can someone sell me a new fm2t????? please!!!!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!!
From Kelvin (Mon Dec 13 19:56:30 1999 ):
I have difficulities finding the CF-27 semi-soft case for my FM2, can you help?
From Howard Passman (Mon Dec 13 19:46:33 1999 ):
Good Morning Lou, I have both the FA and the FM2-N. I purchased the FM2-N first because it is fully manual and less likely to ever let me down. My previous experiences have taught me that even if the camera is well made and generally doesn't break it will if you drop it off of a stage or into a river (had to let it completely dry out first)! Also, to be fair it wasn't a Nikon back then. The Fm2n's only electrical function is the light meter and after a bit you can get along without that if you have to in an emergency or forever if you use a flash most of the time. On the FA you are pretty much dead without batteries except for one manual speed setting of 250th I believe. Also in low light the FA display is hard to see whether you are using manual or auto modes. The Fm2n is LED so it's always easy to see what you are doing. Please don't get me wrong, I love the FA for letting me concentrate a little more on the focus and composition of the shot, but I would never leave home without my Fm2n. One other point to keep in mind is you an still buy a new Fm2n and parts should be available for a very long time. We don't know about the FA. It hasn't been made in I belive over 10 years and although parts are available now you neve rknow how long Nikon will keep producing them. This means that you must keep in mind that the camera you buy could be already well used and not as trusty as a new body. With that said, one of things I worried about when I purchased my FA was the LCD readout. They have a definative lifespan. Depending upon number of hours in use it might wear out after 10 years or so. Yes they still make the part. So there you have it. I have both. Love them both but would recommend the Fm2n first. Price? A new Fm2n would be about $100.00 higher than a used FA in excellent shape. Good luck and have fun!! Howard
From Howard Passman (Mon Dec 13 19:30:51 1999 ):
Good Morning Anne, I do a lot of shooting of my sons soccer and baseball games and my favorite lens for this type of shooting is the Nikon 100-300 4.5 zoom. It compares favorably with any of my prime (single focal length) lenses for sharpness and contrast. It is a bit long (9") but still quite handholdable (new word). It is also a bit slow but since your probably outside with 200 or 400 ASA film you can still have plenty of latitude aperture/shutter speed wise. The advantage of the zoom I find is that if you don't do your own printing it allows better framing of the shot. I can sit center field and get up tight on pretty much anybody on the field. The other advantage of this lens is the price. You should be able to pick up a mint one for about 400.00 from a dealer or 350.00 from an individual. They do not make new ones any longer but I see perfect ones all of the time. One other feature it has is a macro setting at (I believe) the 100mm focal length. Honestly I have never used that feature so I'm not even sure exactly which focal lenght it is at. I hope this helps but I realize it's pretty close to "C" day. Good luck and have a wonderful Holiday Season. Howard
From Adam (Sun Dec 12 17:24:21 1999 ):
In the picture for this message board, Why is the FM2n/T paired with the 70-300 4/5.6? That is like pairing a fine Merlot with a Big Mac. .... uh, the FM2n/T would be the Merlot.
From Anne (Sat Dec 11 12:09:54 1999 ):
Hi. I am searching for a new lens for my Husband's FM. It is to be a christmas gift for him. He loves the camera (which I just had repaired) He would like to take pictures of our son on the football field (he is the Kicker). What would you recommend? I know nothing about photography or this camera. HELP! Thanks so much.
From Lars (Thu Dec 9 18:59:49 1999 ):
Timothy! - this is covered earlier on this very board! Browse!
From Lou Torres (Thu Dec 9 11:34:32 1999 ):
I'd appreciate some input from the group. I have an opportunity to get either a Nikon FA or FM2N. The deal is pretty much the same. I've looked at some boards and people seem to love the FM2N and I don't find the same coverage on the FA. Perhaps it's because the FM2N is still being produced. Anyway, my question is if both cameras are in "ex+" condition which would I be better off getting. I would also be getting a Nikon 35-105 f3.5-4.5 and a Nikon 70-210 f4 lens (with either body). Thanks, Lou Thanks,
From Enrico Elizan (Thu Dec 9 08:11:08 1999 ):
I have an old Nikon FM (SN 3214020) and was wondering if it has any resale value. Also, if I was to keep the camera, what accessories such as lenses, autowinders, and flashes would work with the unit today? Where can I buy these accessories? Thanks.
From Timothy (Thu Dec 9 01:34:20 1999 ):
I have a Nikon FM. I was wondering what the difference is between the FM and the FM-2n is. I know about the top shutter speed difference, and flash sync, but is there anything else?
From WHITEY (Sun Dec 19 14:16:06 1999 ):
Thanks MC Lau, I was thinking MF-12 and writing Fm-21. anyway thats what I need, hear of one cotact me. Thanks Whitey
From Bernard (Sat Dec 18 10:59:25 1999 ):
Hi, I bouught a 50mm f1.8 lens in Houston back in 1990 but I find that all the picture I took are soft (not sharp). Is is because of the lens or my camera? How do I test the sharpness of a lens? Any web reference? Can I adjust the sharpness myself DIY? and how? Appreciate if someone could help.
From chuck (Sat Dec 18 08:06:58 1999 ):
can anyone tell me about the fm2t? how rare is it can it still be perchaced. If so, how much are they selling for? what is the shutter blade material? etc. thank you for any info.
From Howard Passman (Thu Dec 16 19:30:11 1999 ):
Ah, right you are Lars. It actualy did come up legit. But remember you FMers, you are the lucky ones, LEDs are cheap!!! Merry Christmas
From Lars (Thu Dec 16 05:33:46 1999 ):
Howard - I guess we should really have kept this FA LCD business at the FA board but yoiu brought it up here!
From Howard Passman (Thu Dec 16 01:33:43 1999 ):
Hi Guys, I'm back with the info on the FA LC Display. Nikon does indeed still make it but it is on a 6-8 week backorder. Now the last time they told me something was on a 6-8 week back order it was the cap for a MD-12 which I received after about 10 days. Sometimes I just think they tell you that so you don't order it or don't bug them if you do order it. Anyway for those interested the part number is 1S268-002-1 and it is 36.95 plus their notorious shipping charge of $10.00. The phone number is 310-516-7124. Then you dial 1 and then 1 again. Don't expect a warm fuzzy feeling from these people. It won't happen. I called the camera repair people I use and they said it would be about $165.00 in labor. I don't know if that sounds right. Is anyone out there familiar with this repair? I have an FA manual and I will go look to see if it is apparent what type of work this would be. My feeling is it would be a toss up if an FA would be worth $200. in repair. I guess it would depend on the rest of its condition. The $200.00 would also include a complete cleaning and tune up. I have read that LCDs have about a 10,000 hour life which at two hours a day would be about 13 years. Ergo, pne hour a day would be 26 years. You get to do the rest of the math. Anyway, I'll look at my manual and report back. Have a great day, Howard
From Howard Passman (Wed Dec 15 19:10:12 1999 ):
Hi Lars! No, I haven't purchased a spare LCD. I'm probably procrastinating until they are hard to find as is my usual MO. But maybe I'll give Nikon a call today and see how much they are. I'll report back!! Have a great day. Howard
From MC Lau (Wed Dec 15 15:52:30 1999 ):
++++ To Whitey +++ I believe you are looking for the MF-12 databack. Check it out at http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/mf12/index.htm
From WHITEY (Wed Dec 15 11:41:13 1999 ):
Anybody have a MF-21 databack for sale ????I think this is the number of the model for the FM isn't it. the one with the external cord. nocontacts on the inside of the camera. I am a detective and need this to document my photos. The company cameras are Mamiya ( not reaally a dirty name but I don't like to use them.Help me I know there has to be one out there. Thanks you guys!!! Whitey
From Lars (Wed Dec 15 00:49:30 1999 ):
Howard - so did you buy a spare LCD for the FA? Perhpas it was an idea to stock up now!
From Fool on the Hill (Wed Dec 29 08:35:57 1999 ):
I would appreciate any rapid response I could get on this, whether in email or on the message board, as I would like to know exactly what's going on before I make any costly mistakes. My question is, are there mini-labs that will print B&W film on B&W paper? I have gone to one professional lab that says that the only way to get B&W film on B&W paper is through contact sheets and then individually processing negatives by hand. They said that processing by mini-lab can only be done on color paper, which leaves a tint on the film. Another lab told me that their mini-lab can process the whole roll by machine on B&W film. I don't know if I misunderstood this second lab or if I'm being "conned." So I would like to know if there are mini-labs that are capable of printing on B&W film. If not, does this mean that my only way of avoiding tint is by using chromogenic technology, ie, T-Max 400CN or Ilford XP-Super? Thanks for your help, I would greatly appreciate it.
From Whitey (Mon Dec 27 12:48:32 1999 ):
This MIR site is just fantastic...Hats off to the people that had to work sohard to develop and maintain the Site. If some one can help me in finding what all the prefixes mean,,,such as HN-5 for a screw in hood, or HS- for a snap in hood, etc. If there is a place on the sight, I must have over- looked it. Thanks guys - all the best, Whitey
From Chuck (Mon Dec 27 10:48:55 1999 ):
Hey there, fellow Nikon owners. My question is as follows: I got a used FM2n with serial number N 7463003. I am trying to find out what year it was made in. Does anyone know how I can do this? I wish Nikon had a search by serial number thing on their website, dont know why they don't. Is there a Nikon number to call or email to find out? A book I can reference to? If you don't know how to figure out the age, but have a FM2 with a similar serial number and know the year of your camera so I can at least approximate, that would be great. Also, I have a 50mm/1.4 AIS lens with serial number 959349, and any help on figuring its age would be great as well. Thanks.
From Alexander from Germany (Sun Dec 26 17:15:07 1999 ):
Hi, I want to use my new (secondhand) FM2 for long exposure photography. Can anyone tellme if the Cable release NIKON AR-3 will do the job for me (exposures from 2 seconds up to 1 hour) Thanks & greetings from germany Alex
From Paul (Sat Dec 25 08:25:37 1999 ):
To any/all Nikon FM owners, I am looking for a manual Nikon to supplement my N90S. and would appreciate any comments both positive and negative about the FM2N. Thank you and Happy Holidays, Paul
From Tim (Fri Dec 24 08:47:48 1999 ):
My light sensitivity indicator does not work... i put new batts in and it still is not working. also where does the light go in to be measured? can any FM techs help me out????????
From Lars (Thu Dec 23 02:34:20 1999 ):
I once speculated whether the shutter times were in fact what they said or whether they were rounded. From reading some repair manuals I can now say that they are infact rounded. The real shutter speeds are (or should be) 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256, 1/512, 1/1024 etc. The accepted error is quite high however.
From Howard Passman (Wed Dec 22 20:43:30 1999 ):
Hi again Rick, It occurred to me after looked back at the URL I gave you that it might night be that clear. The FM-10 is a manual camera. For more info you can look at the Nikon USA sight http://www.nikonusa.com/products/detail.cfm?id=166 I hope this helps. Best, Howard
From Howard Passman (Wed Dec 22 20:34:12 1999 ):
Good Morning Rick, Take a gander at http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/fm10/fm10manual/index1.htm This should answer your questions. Also if you are thinking about buying one this should fill you in on all of the features. Best of luck, Howard Passman
From Rick (Wed Dec 22 00:02:38 1999 ):
I have a question about the FM10. Does this camera have any aperture or shutter priority modes? I assume it does not , however i did see some websites claiming that it had an aperture priority. Any help is appreciated.
From Tara (Fri Jan 14 11:06:57 2000 ):
Help! I'm starting my first photography class this month and I some input on the best FM for my needs as a student who SERIOUSLY wants to pursue photography as a career. I want an SLR that I can grow with, both as a student and professionally. Suggestions? I'd love to hear them. Also, what should I expect to pay?
From Maake (Wed Jan 12 04:39:44 2000 ):
I'm borrowing a Nikon for a college photography class. I have no instructions on it, but I've been doing well until now, and I can't figure out how to get the film out of the camera.. I can't seem to remember how to open the case. I feel really stupid having to ask this question, but I can't seem to figure itout
From Tyrone T (Tue Jan 11 05:05:14 2000 ):
Does anyone know the average for an used Nikon FM camera (good shape)? I need this information asap ( before 1-15-2000).
From Jeremy (Mon Jan 10 18:24:40 2000 ):
I just upgraded my old student days practica to a Nikon FM, my first few rolls of film suffered from a heck of a lot of overexposure, can anyone tell me how to check if the light metering system is working as it should be? Thanks
From Eric Ertman (Sun Jan 9 23:13:40 2000 ):
Is the FM2n as well made and solid as the older FM and FM2 ? By the way, this site is oustanding ! Regards, Eric Ertman
From Lars (Sun Jan 9 20:10:40 2000 ):
Luis - FM will accept most Nikon F-mount lenses (excepted is a few old wides and the IX lenses due to protroding rear lens elements) due to its retractable METER COUPLING LEVER. If the lever is retracted you will have to use stop down metering.

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