In praise of Nikon FM/FE/1/2/3

[starcade design]

I have notoriously bad luck, so my 3 Nikon film cameras have each had issues at purchase. FE = rewind knob issues, FM = metering issue (which I think I've worked out without needing repair), FA = frozen DOF preview lever & horrible foam.

Likely though this is all from lack of use/maintenance.

[NedL]

I just got an FM2n and am about 7 frames away from finishing my first roll through it. If there are no light leaks or shutter issues, I have a feeling this will become my favorite 35mm camera for walking around. From "sunny 16" considerations, and using the same speed film in my F3, I have the feeling that the meter is almost 1 stop under what I would expect. However, it seems to be consistent, which is all I really need-- and some of this must be due to including more sky due to the 60% center weight. I have no doubt I'll get used to it.

[DREW WILEY]

I have both an FM3a and a FM2n, and prefer the latter. I suspect that both are very dependable.

[LyleB]

My first serious camera was a FM2n bought new in 1985. Have bought plenty more film cameras in the past few years, they are all so cheap. The original is still my favorite.

[Les Sarile]

The marriage of the FE2 and FM2 resulted in the FM3A - the aperture priority and metering of the FE2 with the FM2's full manual ability when batteries are drained. I just wish they had also kept the FE2's additional slower shutter speed range and brought back the flip tab in order to use non-AI lenses.