Nikon FM2 review: classic film cameras revisited

The Nikon FM2 is one of the company’s most celebrated 35mm SLRs. Why not grab yourself a piece of photographic history?

Nikon FM2
(Image: © Getty Images)

Early Verdict

The Nikon FM2 is a landmark 35mm SLR camera that delivers photography in its purest form. Loved by pros and enthusiasts alike, it's a joy to use and built like a tank. It might not be the most affordable film camera available, but would be a lovely camera to own.

Pros

  • +

    Mechanical shutter doesn't need a battery

  • +

    1/4000sec shutter speed

  • +

    Beautiful build quality

  • +

    F-mount opens up a wealth of lenses

Cons

  • -

    Basic metering information

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Nikon FM2 35mm SLR was launched back in 1982 and arrived just as cameras were making the transition from being predominantly mechanical pieces of kit to ones that sported a number of new technologies. In fact, we’d even seen the first autofocus cameras by then in the shape of the Pentax ME-F. 

Find the Nikon FM2 on eBay.com

<a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=nikon+fm2&_sop=12&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Find the Nikon FM2 on eBay.com
You can find beaten up models for as little as $150, but if you want one an FM2 a nice condition, you should expect to pay upwards of $300.

Find the Nikon FM2 on eBay.co.uk

<a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=nikon+fm2&_sop=12&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="ebay.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Find the Nikon FM2 on eBay.co.uk
You can find beaten up FM2 bodies for as little as £100, but if you want one an FM2 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens in nice condition, you should expect to pay upwards of £250.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Phil Hall

Phil is the Managing Editor of Top Ten Reviews, and is a former Editor of Techradar's camera channel. He is an accomplished photographer, and specializes in shooting cycling and fast cars.