Like many millennials I grew up in the 90’s with family point-and-shoots, quickly watching them disappear for digital compacts in the 00’s, and then those being ditched for the latest iPhone onwards. Like many of you I also preferred to be behind the camera, it gave me a sense of social purpose when I was feeling anxious to fit in at parties or events. For a while I was interested in photography along with my music obsession, but both fizzled out as I took on adult responsibilities. However, recently I’ve been more interested in connecting with hobbies again, and discovering ‘a sense of self’ that I felt I had lost.
Trial and Error
I tried rescuing the old Olympus AF Zooms, and auto Minolta Dynax from the family storage box, but they didn’t last long, with fragile plastic and electronics – so they were sold for parts. I also tried a few reusable point-and-shoots and ‘creative’ films but honestly, I was sorely disappointed by the results. Then I tried going down the digital route with a FujiFilm XF10, and although it was useful for handing to folks for my wedding, I just didn’t enjoy using it, or editing my photos afterwards. After this I decided to purchase an SLR or Rangefinder to use, but ended up getting ripped-off buying (what turned out to be) lower-than-average items over the internet.
Hollywood Rescue
Feeling disenchanted with the whole enterprise, I boxed up all my items and contacted the guys at West Yorkshire Cameras in Leeds. They were very kind and generous in taking my collection of discarded cameras, and helped me pick out a reliable, fuss-free SLR that I could connect with. I would highly recommend buying from a physical store like W.Y.C’s that has a clear condition rating, offers items that are serviced, and come with a warranty. Do not chance it over eBay, it is not worth the stress! If you’re in the U.K. I would highly recommend checking out the West Yorkshire Cameras website – they are a top bunch of lads!
Making Decisions
Despite all this trial and error, I felt like I had learnt a lot about what I didn’t want. The automatic features on other cameras weren’t teaching me anything about exposure, and I always got annoyed that I had less control with auto-focus lenses. Oh and I wasn’t a fan of the plastic feel of those old cameras I grew up with in the 90’s either! Also, in my opinion digital cameras can be anything you want if you have the time to go into the settings – but conversely this makes it feel like they have no identity of their own.
Having had many failures, I decided that what I needed to do was to go back to basics. I wanted something reliable, dependable, and simple. After my trials with other cameras, this meant choosing an SLR that was fully mechanical, with a good all-rounder lens that would be flexible enough to use in all sorts of situations. Actually what I really wanted, and still aim for, is to reconnect with my truest-self, and find joy in the process of photography again.
Nikon FM2 Camera Stats
The Nikon FM2 was released in 1982 as a semi-professional camera when other manufacturers were pushing further into automation. In fact, this camera continued to be manufactured for two decades with only minor changes – long into the proliferation of program electronic SLRs and the beginning of the digital era. Nikon added the ’N’ to serial numbers after the first production run when they made improvements to the flash sync, and later updated from titanium to aluminium shutter blades. In fact, the exact camera that I picked up is from 1991 and so is the pancake lens that came with it – not collectable or anything, but in excellent condition and sold the world over.
The FM2 only uses a tiny battery for the centre-weighted light meter, which means the rest of the camera (including its impressive 1/4000th sec shutter speed) is fully mechanical. The viewfinder is clear and bright, with the plus-zero-minus exposure indicator being the only assistance. More information can be found in the manual here, and you can watch Matt Day talk about why this camera is a perennial favourite here. The camera is known for its durability and reliability, and has ended up as the quintessential ‘backup camera’ for many famous photographers over the years.
Camera Design
When I held this camera I breathed a sigh of relief – finally! The Nikon FM2 is everything I need and nothing I don’t. I think it has such a classic look in silver, and the whole thing feels robust but not too heavy. The quality and attention to detail of this camera makes me feel reassured, and allows me to forget about the machine and just look through the lens.
Speaking of the lens, the 50mm f/1.8 AiS pancake is a no nonsense, easy-to-use fifty, with a short ‘focus throw’ and super-sharp rendering. I am loving it because it doesn’t get in the way, and allows me a great deal of flexibility in how I want to shoot.
On the camera, the dual concentric shutter/ISO ring is sturdy, and the shutter release button is responsive without being trigger happy. One handy feature is that the shutter button only works if the film advance lever is half-cocked. This means no accidental photos of my double-chin or my shoes! I simply rest my thumb between the film advance lever and camera body for a quick film advance.
I was beginning to fall in love with the process and act of using a camera again, I just needed to get out there and see how it worked in practice.
Simple and Effective – the controls are very satisfying to use, and have been really easy to learn with. Also just look at how neat that 50mm f/1.8 pancake lens is!
Nikon FM2 Photo Examples
So that you get an idea of how this camera might work for you, I decided to shoot some film in different styles. We all have our individual interests that draw us to photography, and I thought I would share my thoughts on how I personally felt using the Nikon FM2 in each situation. I’m still finding my feet and my own style at the moment, so this also provided me with an excuse to try different approaches. I’m not looking to evaluate my own pictures here, but instead reflect on how the camera felt to use in those situations.
Portraits
I’d never approached a stranger for a portrait before, have you? It can be quite daunting at first! However, the FM2 makes this easier because of two things: people know the Nikon brand as a serious camera, and the SLR looks like you’re an enthusiast and is a ‘proper bit of kit’. I used the camera’s centre-weighted light meter pointed at the ground to find a balance of light/shade, set the camera accordingly, took a deep breath and approached some folks for a picture. This camera puts people at ease for portraits, they seem to trust the SLR format, and having it around my neck is an invite for conversation.
This lady’s dog was so cute! – Kodak Portra 400 at EI200
Another cute dog! This guy was just waiting outside a shop, so I knelt down in the street, took a photo, and thanked them – Kodak Portra 400 at EI200
Street Action
This is where zone-focusing on the 50mm lens comes in handy, as it’s more about capturing the action in the scene. What I noticed with this approach is that because the Nikon FM2 has a wide shutter speed range, I was able to set it to freeze the action and just adjust the aperture if the light changed. With the camera around my neck I was not as inconspicuous as using a rangefinder with a wrist-strap. Based on the wary looks and side-eye from strangers this camera would not be my first choice if I wanted to hide in a crowd, or remain unnoticed. Although I would add that I’m a 6ft, large, well-built, gregarious white bloke who smiles at everyone, so I’ve never really been inconspicuous in my life!
Freeze! These two guys were rushing past as I was stood by a shop entrance. The fast shutter speeds really pause things nicely – Kodak Portra 400 at EI800 pushed +1 stop.
Morning coffee for the lads! – Here I can tell that because I was using a fast shutter speed, it caught the action a bit sooner than I would have liked. However, I can’t wait to use this camera more for street shots like this – Kodak Portra 400 at EI800 pushed +1 stop.
Architecture
The Nikon FM2 allows me to really spend time thinking about exactly how I want to capture and frame buildings. I don’t usually want to carry a tripod with me in the city, so I set the shutter speed low enough to handhold, and adjust the aperture to capture all that detail. In the moment it’s important for me to slow down, and let life rush past at its own pace. The FM2 encourages me to focus on the process of taking a photograph, and I find such a joy and contentment in that.
Using the bright, open field of view through the FM2’s viewfinder I was easily able to compose this picture as I wanted – Cinestill 400D at EI400.
Even when I stood in the middle of the road to take this photo of Victoria Station only a few folks turned their head. The controls on the FM2 are easy to hand and satisfying to use, so I was quickly out of the way – Cinestill 400D at EI400.
Landscapes & Nature
Finally I drove out to get some fresh air, and find some uninterrupted natural space. I feel like the Nikon FM2 was made for the outdoors. I never felt worried about it, and again I slowed down and enjoyed the feeling of connecting with that moment. Although I’m sure a medium format camera would capture more detail, the 50mm f/1.8 is extremely sharp, and the FM2 would easily take a hike in the Peak District without any trouble. In fact, if Steve McCurry can take this camera to war zones in the middle-east, then it can certainly manage anything I could ever throw at it.
A break in the rain! – Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve – using a tripod I was able to really set the pictures I wanted to create – Kodak Gold 200 at EI200.
Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve – even though it was drizzling all day, I was never worried about the FM2 and it simply shrugged off any dust and dirt! – Kodak Gold 200 at EI200.
Out in all weathers! – As you can see the FM2 is a real workhorse, and I’ve been able to go out in various weathers and situations with the camera working superbly every time.
Nikon FM2 – Conclusion
As you can tell from my big smile, I’m loving my new camera, and my whole experience with an all-manual SLR! The Nikon FM2 is readily available, easy to maintain, and simple to operate. I am enjoying the freedom that comes from its simplicity, and embracing the process of making a photo. I feel more connected with the creative and technical choices I am making, and the FM2 has the functions and reliability to support a range of styles. After much trial and error I am glad to say that I am once again connecting with the joy I found in photography as a kid! I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all soon.
Do you own a Nikon FM2, if so for how long? What do you like about it? Let me know your experiences with this camera in the comments below.
All scans were developed and processed by Come Through Lab in Ancoats, Manchester.
Find them on instagram here: @comethroughlab
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of my photos and experiences with this community soon.
You can find me on Instagram: @tedayre
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