Nikon FM10 35mm Film Camera

Product Rating
4 of 5
73 reviews

Price Range
$250 - $250

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Product Description

Summary

I've been on the lookout for a nice manual camera to take long exposures with. I wore out my batteries in my Canon Rebel 2000 making star trails last time, and CR2's are expensive. And, more seriously, I'm getting to feel I can't trust the focusing on my lenses, especially when I want to focus on infinity. That and the basic 28-80 Canon lens is crap. It has lead me to consider manual focus cameras, which brings me to the FM-10. I haven't actually bought the camera yet, but I work at a camera store and have plenty of time to play with it. The buttons and switches may all be plastic, but the body feels like it can handle the worst of what I'd be able to throw at it. I've also looked at used cameras, some of which cost about the same, and don't include lenses. Whereas on this one there's a lens included. It's also a Nikon, so even new Nikon lenses will work with it. I'm even beginning to consider the possibility of defecting from Canon to Nikon for this very reason. That and maybe the ribbing I get at work for being the only Canon user ;-) Just kidding! Seriously, I think the strengths of the Nikon system are beginning to rub off on me, though. Accuracy of the meter, sharpness of the lens and stuff like that have not been determined. Maybe I'll run some film through the thing at work, see how it does. Otherwise, I think this one will be the winner.

Strength

-Price! -Nikon lens compatibility -Metal lens mount. Cool! My Rebel 2000's is plastic! -DOF preview -Infinite multiple exposures -Mechanical shutter -Manual operation -Metal insides -Simple, easy to use, all functions are readily accessible.

Weakness

-Piddly light meter. I wish it said how far off you are. -Kinda cheap looking plasic buttons. Can't be that bad, though. My whole Rebel 2000 is made of plastic and it's just fine. -Not as solid as FM3a. That one is my fav, but at $700 it's out of my range. -Using a flash with it would take some time to learn, but would be very rewarding, I'd bet.

Summary

The good camera for beginner and want be a profesional photograper. User can`t switch to auto mode. You can create the art original from your hand.

Strength

Metal not a plastic ! If anybody said a plastic, I am sure not a "made in japan". No batteries ...independent use.

Weakness

No flash kit.

Summary

The Nikon Fm-10 is the best kept secrect in the world of photography. Contrary to what the tyros who appear to have polycarbonate phobia have to say, this is awell made camera. When you consider the cost which includes a good 35-70 Nikkor zoom and a camera case you can not go wrong.Also, this is not an all plastic camera. The body is made of metal as are many of its internal parts,not to mention the metal lens mount. I admit it's not an FMA but it does not deserve some of the negative comments I've read here. I've used this camera for 2 yrs and have had no problems with it. It light, compact, and fun to use . the photos are sharp. I have owned many Nikons and presntly Have an F-100 and N6006.

Strength

Light Weight Metal body Compact comes with a good quality zoom depth of field preview lever

Weakness

none

Summary

having been bitten by the shutterbug a couple of years ago, and being totally illeterate about camera systems, i opted for the FM10 becoz it seemed to be the only one in my budget. well, after a year's use i am still questioning my decision. sure it tought me the basics of photography in teh way that only a manual camera can. and i would have been happy with it had not the metering been consistently overexposed. and worse, the shutter curtain broke one fine day and nikon bombay repaired it. alas, a few reels later, the problem recurred. and this time i had no warranty coverage to repair it. repair estimate was $140. half price of what i paid to buy it. so it sits gathering dust now. and i've bought the superior N80 to keep clicking. would i do it again? dunno. i should have opted for a used FM2 i guess.

Strength

Weakness

Summary

The FM-10 is simply not a terrific camera. The viewfinder is dim, the bundled lens is woefully inadequate for 8x10s, it's cheaply made, and the meter is horrible in low light. However, and this is a big however, the FM-10 gives you access to superb Nikkor optics with the modest initial price of $300 or so at your local camera store. Used manual-focus nikkor lenses are amazingly cheap on eBay, and they're some of the best lenses ever made. In short, if you're good and your lenses are good, no camera is going to stop you from taking good pictures. It isn't the best-built camera in the history of the world, but if you don't abuse it it will keep working almost indefinitely. I've used mine in rain, snow, snow and howling wind, took it kayaking, rock climbing. . . actually, I've used it in almost every possible adverse condition and it's still clicking away admirably.

Strength

Multiple-exposure lever "B" setting (buy a cable release) Lets you use Nikkor optics Isn't battery-dependent

Weakness

Poor light meter - won't meter in very low light. The bundled lens is really only sharp at f/8 or smaller, although it's fine for 4x6 prints. Plastic. Dim viewfinder. Won't support a motor drive. Won't support TTL flash.