The Nikon FM 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera is a manual focus film camera. If you have vision problems and/or don't want to be bothered with getting film developed, this is not the camera for you. I have bought and sold at least 20 Nikon FMs and taken at least a roll of film on each one. This is an extremely reliable camera. I have only gee across one that needed professional service for a minor electrical problem.
The FM was introduced in 1977... a year before it's younger brother, the Nikon FE. The FM is the mechanical shutter version of the more expensive FE and some feel this makes the FM even more reliable than the very reliable FE. The FM is not loaded with a lot of fancy features. But it's basic design is more than enough for even the seasoned photographer and very reliable. The fact that these cameras are still in operation today is a testament to their quality.
Exposure is controlled by manually adjusting shutter speed and aperture. Inside the viewfinder (shown above) there is an easy to read exposure meter on the right side of the display. A red LED lights next to a (plus), - (minus), or O (neutral) sign. If the LED next to the plus sign is lit, the image is over exposed. If the LED is lit next to the minus sign, the image is underexposed. The idea is to adjust your shutter speed and aperture until the LED next to the neutral sign lights. The LEDs will also light in gebination... for example... if the LEDs light next to both the neutral and plus sign it indicates the shot is slightly overexposed... but will still look fine. Likewise, if the LEDs light next to both the neutral and minus sign, the camera is telling you the shot is slightly underexposed... but again... will still look fine. There is also a little oddity about the FM... the film advance lever also serves as the on/off switch for the camera. You have to back the film advance lever off the camera 30 degrees (it will click into place) to turn the camera on. I have purchased 2 of these cameras with the seller saying they wouldn't turn on only to find they work fine. It is my theory these people just didn't know how to turn the camera on. Shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second. The camera also has the B (bulb) mode for use with a shutter release cable. In this mode you can take long exposure night time shots of stars, traffic and city skylines.
If purchasing a Nikon FM, be sure to determine the obvious questions...
Does the camera work? Do the LEDs inside the viewfinder operate correctly?
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