hello I have just a small question concerning the nikon FM2 camera. What's the longest aperture time you can set with this camera ? I read somewhere on the web that it is 1 second, but I can hardly believe it. Since I'm considering buying an FM2 and I want to have the opportunity of having the shutter opened several seconds to even minutes, I want to make sure that's possible. Thanks in advance !

-- natalie degrande (natalie@inwfsun1.rug.ac.be), September 01, 1998

Answers

The FM2 does have a Bulb setting, so if you have a locking cable release you can open the shutter, lock the cable release and expose to your hearts content. Not as convienent as the "T" setting which does not require a cable release but still very useable. The FM2 is a very nice camera. I have several of the more expensive Nikons and I still use my FM2 alot.

-- Jeff White (zonie@computer-concepts.com), September 01, 1998.

The distinction here is between the the longest shutter time (not "aperture time") that you can set as a "marked" speed, and the longest you can achieve. Many cameras only have marked settings down to 1 second, because beyond that you can use "B", and count the seconds. So you can open the shutter for 2s, 4s, 4m or 4 hours if you want.

-- Alan Gibson (gibson.al@mail.dec.com), September 03, 1998.

Another point to consider in a camera at the price of the FM2 is that it's light meter only provides a reading down to 1 second at f1.4 (with iso 100 film), which translates into a sometimes inconvenient 1/ 4 second with an iso 400 film like TriX. I found this occassionally a nuisance as I shoot indoors and in the evening a lot. Also, the eyepiece is what could be called "low eyepoint", a good 15 years out- of-date, which isn't unuseable, but other cameras are much more comfortable to use.

I suggest the Olympus OM3, which has a spot meter as well, and a MUCH better light meter for nearly the same price (in most places) as the FM2. Generally a better made camera as well, with a full-frame finder, great for someone who wants creative control. Both my FM2 bodies were defective (brand new!).

If you just need a general purpose mechanical camera, and the light meter isn't an issue, have a look at some of the newer machines like the Olympus OM2000 (which has a spot meter as well as centre-weighted meter), or Nikon FM10, which are both VERY good for the price (about 60% cheaper than an FM2 and offering all the basic features of a good camera - I know pros who have started using them since it means they can have three times the camera bodies for the same price!). They are lighter than the older mechanicals, being made from newer "polymer" materials, but in my experience are just as sturdy.

In any case, enjoy yourself! WA

-- Will Ashbless (ashbless@geocities.com), February 22, 1999.