Question:
I am an amateur photographer interested in general photography. I need your suggestions on FE2/FM2n 1. How good is the inbuilt meter on these ?
They are very well made center weighted meters. 2. How good is the viewfinder read out on these ?
I much prefer the match needle metering of the FE/FE2. 3. Can we practice to use 60/40 center weight meter so that we don’t need a spot meter ?
Yes. 4. How critical is spot meter on 35mm SLR cameras ?
Not critical. You can buy a separate spot meter when you are ready for it, or walk up close to the specific area you want to meter. Spot meters are very specialized tools and in the hands of someone that is not well skilled in their use will produce worse exposures than a center weighted meter. 5. Do you think metering with FM2n first and then adjust the aperture/ shutter will slow you down ?
A little bit, but with practice you can learn to preset the controls for the prevailing light and save some time. 6. How advantageous is FE2’s aperture priority auto ?
If 5 above is important to you, auto exposure can save you time when you are going for a fast grab shot. 7. FM2n lacks TTL flash metering. How critical is this?
I never use TTL. I learned flash metering the old fashioned way and it doesn’t bother me. Indeed, I’ve shot next to people with TTL cameras, who never bothered to learn when TTL will give an incorrect exposure, and got nicely exposed shots when they didn’t. 8. Is there a flash for these cameras other than SB26/28 to take advantage of 1/250 flash sync ?
Yes, there are aftermarket flashes available. 9. What do you recommend, a used FE2 or a new FM2n ?
I’d go with the FE2. Thanks in advance. Before you buy.
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Response:
I am an amateur photographer interested in general photography. I need your suggestions on FE2/FM2n
I’m just a casual hobbyist so I’ll defer to the real photographers on this NG but since I own both an FM2n and an FE2 I’ll respond to get the ball rolling. 1. How good is the inbuilt meter on these ?
They’re working great for me. I’m used to 60/40 center weighted meters so I know when they’re going to give me an erroneous (or at least, not the result I want) reading. After some experience you’ll know when you’re in a situation that will "fool" your meter and compensate accordingly. 2. How good is the viewfinder read out on these ?
Both aperture and shutter speed are displayed in the viewfinder of both these cameras. The FM series light meter has the +/0/- LEDs while the FE series has a match needle system. For me, I find the match needle setup more intuitive to use for a number of reasons but the +/0/- LED setup can be seen in low light; the match needle setup is harder to see in the same conditions. 3. Can we practice to use 60/40 center weight meter so that we don’t need a spot meter ?
Sure. Sometimes I wish these cameras had a spot meter but they don’t so I meter the part of the scene that’s important to me and go with it. 4. How critical is spot meter on 35mm SLR cameras ?
I’ll let someone else take this one on. 5. Do you think metering with FM2n first and then adjust the aperture/ shutter will slow you down ?
When I am "making a photograph" the full manual operation is what I prefer. For "capturing a moment" then the quick-to-use aperture priority is a convenience – but not a necessity.Most of my shooting is of the former type. You can get quite fast with a manual camera with some practice. 6. How advantageous is FE2’s aperture priority auto ?
See above. 7. FM2n lacks TTL flash metering. How critical is this?
I don’t use much flash but my non-TTL flash FM2n has worked well for me in the typical snapshot applications I’ve used flash for. I’d still rather have TTL flash though. 8. Is there a flash for these cameras other than SB26/28 to take advantage of 1/250 flash sync ?
I use a Sunpak Auto 433D (dedicated for Nikon) for both of these cameras. 9. What do you recommend, a used FE2 or a new FM2n ?
In my opinion, the match needle metering, TTL flash, and having the option of aperture priority makes the FE2 my preference assuming you can find a good one from a reputable source. In the FM2n’s favor, it’s still in production. I say find a good, clean FE2, bite the bullet on price (they’re high these days), and buy it. – Rob Malkin
Response:
<1. How good is the inbuilt meter on these ? Very <2. How good is the viewfinder read out on these ? Very <3. Can we practice to use 60/40 center weight meter so that we don’t need a spot meter ? It’s always worked that way for me. <4. How critical is spot meter on 35mm SLR cameras ? Depends on what & how you shoot, but I have been shooting professionally since the mid-1970’s and have needed a spot meter about once per year. <5. Do you think metering with FM2n first and then adjust the aperture/ shutter will slow you down ? Doesn’t, after a bit of experience. The FM2n has been my primary pro 35mm machine since I traded in my FTN bodies for them <6. How advantageous is FE2’s aperture priority auto ? Personally, I hated it and traded in an FE2 for my third (or fourth?) FM2n body. <7. FM2n lacks TTL flash metering. How critical is this? I use the Vivitar 283 with my FM2n, unless I need the greater output of a Metz 670CT1 and with neg film have never missed TTL/OTF flash. <8. Is there a flash for these cameras other than SB26/28 to take advantage of 1/250 flash sync ? Any flash. The Vivitar 283 or 285 or Sunpak 383Super would all be exc excellent. <9. What do you recommend, a used FE2 or a new FM2n ? A used FM2n would be my first choice. regards, Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video http://www.bhphotovideo.com
Response:
What is the difference between the FM2 and the FM2n? — Gerry Palo Denver, Colorado Note:
Response:
What is the difference between the FM2 and the FM2n?
The original replacement for the FM (1981?) was called the FM2 and had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/200 sec. The later FE2 and FA (1983) had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/250 sec with TTL auto flash. At the same time the FM2’s shutter was upgraded to a flash synch speed of 1/250 sec but without TTL auto flash and the camera renamed the NewFM2 (!) in Japan and FM2n for the rest of the world. In the last two years (I’m not sure exactly when) Nikon quietly dropped the ‘n’ suffix and went back to calling it the FM2. It’s easy to tell the difference; the flash synch speed of the "new" FM2 is 1/250 sec whereas on the "original" FM2 it is 1/200 sec. I believe that there are no differences between the FM2n and latest FM2 other than the model name. Hope this helps! — Tony Polson, North Yorkshire, UK
Response:
the flash synch speed on the FM2N is 1/250. On the FM2, I think it is slower, 1/125th. marc
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the difference between the FM2 and the FM2n? — Gerry Palo Denver, Colorado Note:
Response:
What is the difference between the FM2 and the FM2n? The original replacement for the FM (1981?)
FM: Summer of 1978. FM2: 1982 was called the FM2 and had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/200 sec. The later FE2 and FA (1983) had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/250 sec with TTL auto flash. At the same time the FM2’s shutter was upgraded to a flash synch speed of 1/250 sec but without TTL auto flash and the camera renamed the NewFM2 (!) in Japan and FM2n for the rest of the world. In the last two years (I’m not sure exactly when) Nikon quietly dropped the ‘n’ suffix and went back to calling it the FM2.
Naah. The FM2n was always labeled FM2 on the front of the body, but the serial number begins with "N" on the back of the body. It’s easy to tell the difference; the flash synch speed of the "new" FM2 is 1/250 sec whereas on the "original" FM2 it is 1/200 sec. I believe that there are no differences between the FM2n and latest FM2 other than the model name.
No differences at all. I just bought a new FM2n a couple of months ago. I just looked at my FM2n’s box, and it is labeled FM2 (the 2 is centered below the FM). Mac
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the difference between the FM2 and the FM2n? The original replacement for the FM (1981?) was called the FM2 and had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/200 sec. The later FE2 and FA (1983) had a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec and flash synch speed of 1/250 sec with TTL auto flash. At the same time the FM2’s shutter was upgraded to a flash synch speed of 1/250 sec but without TTL auto flash and the camera renamed the NewFM2 (!) in Japan and FM2n for the rest of the world. In the last two years (I’m not sure exactly when) Nikon quietly dropped the ‘n’ suffix and went back to calling it the FM2. It’s easy to tell the difference; the flash synch speed of the "new" FM2 is 1/250 sec whereas on the "original" FM2 it is 1/200 sec. I believe that there are no differences between the FM2n and latest FM2 other than the model name. Hope this helps!
It does. I have neglected Nikon lore and am stimulated to learna little more since your recommendation of the FM2n as a possible alternative to a rangefinder-type second camera. Without opening a lengthy diversion, why do you recommend it over the FE2 and FA? — Gerry Palo Denver, Colorado Note:
Response:
Hope this helps! It does. I have neglected Nikon lore and am stimulated to learn a little more …..
See http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/index.htm#cousins Mac
Response:
Without opening a lengthy diversion, why do you recommend it over the FE2 and FA?
The FM2n is still in production (or at least is still available New), and so it’s parts will likely be available for a longer period of time. I prefer the LED meter readout of the FM2n over the FE2 match-needle readout because the LED readout can be seen in any light. Mac
Response:
It does. I have neglected Nikon lore and am stimulated to learna little more since your recommendation of the FM2n as a possible alternative to a rangefinder-type second camera. Without opening a lengthy diversion, why do you recommend it over the FE2 and FA?
Gerry, It’s like this: It’s very, very subjective. I currently own two FAs and an FM2 and from 1986 to 1991 I owned an FE2. I have taken thousands of photos with all three, so I think I’m probably qualified to make some sort of a comparison. On paper the FA is the "best" camera and it certainly has the best selection of features. The choice of four exposure modes and the amazingly accurate and reliable 5-zone matrix metering in a package not much bigger than the FM2/FE2 was a remarkable achievement for 1983. No wonder Nikon called it their "Technocamera". Yet the FA lacks something compared to the FM2/FE2. It’s difficult to say what that something is. The FA camera body is slightly larger, slightly heavier, and has a more obtrusive prism housing thanks to the shutter blind and more complex metering system compared to the FM2/FE2. The FA has a slightly more plastic ‘feel’, even though (contrary to a posting on here recently) the top plate and prism housing are all made of metal – I know because I’ve seen a spare one. It’s made of brass. Somehow the FA is less well balanced in the hand; the increase in weight above the top plate level perhaps accounts for this. The FA’s shutter speed dial is set higher than the FM2/FE2s, this probably (more than anything) makes the camera *feel* taller than it really is. Pick up an FM2/FE2 instead, and it balances beautifully in the hand. It feels very light and compact, but not to the point where, say, the Olympus OM1 feels almost *too* small and often is. All the FM2/FE2’s controls are in the right place, easy to find and use. They all work well, with smooth, precise operation. I repeat that this is all very subjective, but I have the feeling that the FM2/FE2 work for me, but that I have to work for the FA. It’s a bit like the difference between a mid-1990s Apple Mac and a PC – the Mac always felt like it worked for you, or at least with you, whereas the PC always demanded something more from the operator. I hope the above doesn’t sound silly. Finally, now I’ve dealt with the FA, I’ll go on to the choice between the FE2 and the FM2. I’ve said on here several times that I *loved* my FE2. It was sheer pleasure to use, and the only camera that has had the same effect on me was a Leica. When I owned the FE2 I had absolutely no interest in the FM2; I had exchanged my 1974 OM1 for a 1978 OM2 (actually two OM2s) and valued the aperture priority auto exposure and off-the-film TTL flash metering. I earned a lot of money from travel photography with my OM2s, so I trusted the formula. The FE2 was a logical progression from the OM2 but in a different range (Nikon). When I returned to photography after a gap of several years caused by serious illness, I wanted above all another FE2. However they were in short supply and the prices asked for a 10-18 year old camera were very high, often for well worn examples. So I decided to buy FAs instead, reasoning that they were merely FE2s with added features – namely the program and shutter priority modes and the matrix metering. Then I had the opportunity to buy an FM2 with 50/1.8 AIS lens in mint condition for a very low price – just over $300. I didn’t hesitate because I knew I could easily sell it at a profit. As with all cameras I buy I put a film through it immediately to test the metering. As soon as I started taking pictures with the FM2 I had the same warm feeling of familiarity and closeness that I had with my beloved FE2. The FM2’s handling is almost exactly the same as the FE2’s, and my example is a beauty. If I could describe it as MINT+, I would. Despite the manual metering my negatives and slides come back perfectly exposed, just as I intended. I believe my exposures are slightly more accurate with the manual metering than with the FE2’s or FA’s aperture priority modes. This is because I am more disciplined. I meter from the area I’m interested in, set the shutter speed and aperture and then recompose. With the FE2 or FA, for some shots I would be lazy and just trust the metering. So why do I recommend the FM2? Mainly because the FM2 is available new. Good used FE2s are almost as expensive as a new FM2. What the FM2 lacks compared to the FE2 are TTL flash metering (although the FM2 retains the 1/250 sec synch speed) and automatic exposure. Subjectively, and to my surprise, I find the lack of automatic exposure doesn’t bother me at all. But I would really miss the TTL flash if I didn’t also own an FA. In recommending the FM2 I am allowing the fact that it is available new to outweigh its lack of TTL flash metering. To those who find TTL flash indispensable, they should instead buy a used FE2 or consider an FA after trying one for a few days. I feel sure that those to whom fill-in flash is less important will be more than happy with the FM2. I hope that clarifies what I have said before about the FM2. I apologise for the "lengthy diversion" you didn’t want, but got! But I cannot resist making one final comment. If Nikon made the FE2 as well as, or instead of the FM2, sales of this range would at least quadruple. The only reason Nikon won’t do this is that the increased sales would be at the expense of their more profitable AF models. — Tony Polson, North Yorkshire, UK
Response:
snip What the FM2 lacks compared to the FE2 are TTL flash metering (although the FM2
n retains the 1/250 sec synch speed) and automatic exposure.
snip But I cannot resist making one final comment. If Nikon made the FE2 as well as,
OK. or instead of the FM2,
Perish the thought! Mac
Response:
<snip But I cannot resist making one final comment. If Nikon made the FE2 as well as, or instead of the FM2, sales of this range would at least quadruple. The only reason Nikon won’t do this is that the increased sales would be at the expense of their more profitable AF models.
A really great post, Tony. It should also be mentioned that the marked shutter speeds on the FE2 go down to 8 full seconds, where the slowest shutter speed on the FM2n is 1 second. However, in AE mode the shutter speeds on the FE2 can meter down to 45 seconds or longer. If one intends to do a lot of night-time photography, this could be an important consideration. Gene Windell
Response:
Excellent comments, Tony. I wish the FE2 was still in production ’cause I’d buy another. Sadly, your closing paragraph is only too true. Regards, –steve
[Big ol' snip] But I cannot resist making one final comment. If Nikon made the FE2 as well as, or instead of the FM2, sales of this range would at least quadruple. The only reason Nikon won’t do this is that the increased sales would be at the expense of their more profitable AF models. Tony Polson, North Yorkshire, UK
I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it. [Take out THETRASH before replying via e-mail]
Response:
Thanks, Tony, for an excellent and enlightening characterization of the FE2, FM2 and FA. — Gerry Palo Denver, Colorado Note:
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