Film PhotographyMorten ByskovNikon FM2, Nikon FM2n, Ilford HP5, Ilford HP5 Plus, Camera Review, Film Camera, Nikon 35mm Film Camera, Nikon SLR, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E11 Comments

Nikon FM2n - First Roll

Film PhotographyMorten ByskovNikon FM2, Nikon FM2n, Ilford HP5, Ilford HP5 Plus, Camera Review, Film Camera, Nikon 35mm Film Camera, Nikon SLR, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E11 Comments
Nikon FM2n - First Roll
 

Nikon FM2n with a 50mm f/1.8 Series E

 

The Nikon FM2n Has Arrived

I can’t say I wasn’t warned. Film photography can be a slippery slope as there are so many cameras to explore. With the arrival of a Nikon FM2n on my doorstep, I have weird off my planned path and purchased a film camera I never owned before.

Recently I have been re-purchasing old cameras I used back in the eighties such as the Canon AV-1 and Nikon EM. I have also explored a couple of cameras directly linked to my late father, a Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex and Agfa Silette Typ 2. The plan was to continue along this path as there are still several cameras on the list.

 

Pacific Central Station, Vancouver, Nikon FM2n, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E, Ilford HP5 Plus

 

The Path to the Nikon FM2

Around 1986 I had the Nikon F3 for a while and if you have read my Nikon FE2 review you would know that I had a fling with this camera also but unfortunately sold it. My plan was to try the F3 again but looking at it at a local photo dealer I found it too big and just couldn’t get too excited about it. Maybe later.

In the family of FM and FE cameras from Nikon, the FM2 is often mentioned as the one not to be missed. With its all-mechanical shutter speeds, the camera works without a battery, has a rugged durable design, and has gained a reputation as a “desert island” camera. Whether there is any truth in that, I am about to find out.

 

Cambie Street, Vancouver, Nikon FM2n, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E, Ilford HP5 Plus

 

Nikon FM2 and a Roll of Ilford HP5

Right out of the gate, the Nikon FM2n has been a joy to use. The size of the camera is perfect in my opinion and the viewfinder is nice and bright. The tactile feel is top-notch with the shutter speed/ISO dial on top of the camera and excellent film wind mechanism.

The first test roll was an Ilford HP5 plus doing street photography in Vancouver. Please see more sample images below. Again I have to praise the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E lens as I think it renders very pleasing results. I am considering a couple of Nikkor AI-S lenses for better handling and even better performance. Talk about that slippery slope.

I have now written my full review of the Nikon FM2n and you can find it here:

Nikon FM2n - Review